The Best Tulum Cenotes For Everyone From Beginners to Pros

If you plan on paying a visit to the gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula, specifically to the town of Tulum that lies along Mexico’s Caribbean shore in Quintana Roo, there are certain excursions that can’t be missed. There are great ruins like the Temple of the Descending Gods and the Temple of the Frescoes, scenic natural wonders like the Parque Nacional de Tulum, and of course, the world-famous Tulum cenotes. 

Tulum is notable not only as one of the last cities built by the Mayans but also as an important hub for lovers of diving and snorkeling. That’s because Tulum and its surrounding area are home to some of the world’s deepest and most picturesque cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes that enable intrepid adventurers to explore some of the bluest waters on the planet.

If you plan on traveling to this beautiful town on Mexico's Caribbean coastline, the following five Tulum cenotes are among the best you’ll find, and we’ve organized them according to the recommended skill level for visitors.

Laguna Kaan Luum

Skill Level: Easy

Price: 50 pesos

 

Laguna Kaan Luum presents visitors with a bright green lagoon that’s perfect for anyone who loves the water. This one is located just outside of Tulum, and it’s seldom crowded. The center of the cenote is over 250 feet deep, but the surrounding lake is shallow and perfect for families who are looking to snorkel, relax, dive, and swim. The bathrooms are the only amenities available, so make sure to bring your own snacks.

Cenote Zacil-ha

Skill Level: Easy

Price: 60 pesos (plus 10 for the zipline)

 

Cenote Zacil-ha is another family destination where travelers can relax and have fun in some of Mexico’s bluest waters with virtually no element of danger. The cenote has been transformed into an entire public resort with tables, chairs, an on-site restaurant, spacious changing rooms, snacks, and other conveniences. If you’re worried about letting the kids explore on their own, the water is only about 10 feet deep and there’s a lifeguard on duty at all times. There’s also a zipline where you can soar across the water and dive in at any point. To get to Cenote Zacil-ha, just jump on the Coba highway and you’ll find it located about 5 miles outside of Tulum.

Gran Cenote

Skill Level: Moderate

Price: 120 pesos

 

Located on the Coba highway just 3 miles outside of Tulum, Gran Cenote is one of the most famous cenotes in the world. The entire body of water spans 1,500 square miles, and there’s a large system of wooden platforms for exploring. With its towering palm trees, verdant water lilies, and crystal blue waters, this cenote is as ideal for taking photographs as it is for diving. There are shallow areas for the kids and more adventurous depths for experienced divers, so it’s the perfect spot for families in need of both safe and challenging opportunities. A snack bar and toilet facilities are available on-site, and snorkel equipment is available for rental.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Skill Level: Moderately Difficult

Price: 120 pesos for snorkeling; 130 pesos for diving

 

“Dos Ojos” translates to “two eyes,” and for good reason. This cenote is divided into two sections: a diving section and a snorkeling section. It’s connected to one of the world’s longest underwater cave systems, and it spans nearly 400 feet in depth—making it the deepest cenote in Quintana Roo. The snorkeling pool is dark, making it ideal only for moderately experienced to highly experienced snorkelers. The diving pool is also a challenge on account of its somewhat claustrophobic nature and extreme depth, but experienced divers find it to be a truly exhilarating experience. This cenote was even featured in the IMAX film “Journey Into Amazing Caves.” To get there, just head toward Playa del Carmen, about 15 minutes outside of Tulum. When you arrive, you’ll find bathrooms, a small dive shop, and ample parking.

Casa Cenote

Skill Level: Difficult

Price: 40 pesos

 

Casa Cenote is the ideal spot for travelers who love a bit of danger and excitement. The cenote consists of a long canal that’s perfect for underwater exploring, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the bottom. The cenote is connected to the ocean but separated by a small parcel of land, which is why there’s often a strong current. It’s also difficult to see in the water due to the mixture of fresh- and saltwater. As you can imagine, this one is recommended only for strong swimmers and experienced divers. If you’re up for it, though, this gorgeous cenote will give you the thrill of your life along with unobstructed access to exotic fish and beautiful mangroves. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are available to rent.

Make sure to make the most of your holidays in Mexico and book one of our beautiful Tulum villas today.