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Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula are large networks of caves or deep-water wells. Inside these swimming holes you are greeted by fresh, cool groundwater. These formations are called cenotes and are a must-have experience when visiting Mexico – it’s one of my favorite adventures!
I’ve spent a lot of time in Playa del Carmen and can tell you straight off the bat there aren’t cenotes in the city BUT if you’re seeking Playa del Carmen cenotes nearby, this guide will lead you to the best options.
Facts and Questions About Cenotes
There are many cenotes in Mexico and the Yucatan alone has about 6,000, so there is no shortage of what you can see there.
What is a Cenote?
A cenote is a natural pit resulting from collapsing limestone that exposes the groundwater beneath. The word cenote comes from the Mayan word “D’zonot.” For the Mayan civilization, cenotes were their source of water and a sacred space, as an entrance to their underworld.
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a shield volcano that has undergone much tectonic shifting over its lifetime. This shifting and faulting have left voids below the surface which allowed the water running through these voids to dissolve large portions of the limestone bedrock – creating cenotes!
Different Types Of Cenotes You Should Know About
Cenotes are caverns or natural pits created from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Many have underground rivers and streams flowing through them.
There are various types of cenotes near Playa del Carmen and in the Yucatan. These types are known as open, semi-open, and closed (underground/cavern). There are also dry cenotes that you can walk through – though I don’t find them to be as fun when you can to cool off in water.
Open cenotes
Some open cenotes are open to the ground, while others are deep-open with very high walls. These cenotes appear to look like lagoons and are often the oldest to exist.
Semi-open cenotes
Formed by a small opening above, this type of cenote has a pitcher shape. They are mostly underground and are beautiful when the natural light streams in from the ceiling. Some of social media’s famous cenote pictures are semi-open because of this beautiful lighting.
Closed cenotes (Underground)
These cenotes are entirely underground, usually in cave structures, and are accessible through tunnels. The video I added above, from my Instagram page, shows what an underground cenote (or, cavern cenote) may look like.
What To Expect When Visiting A Cenote
This depends on which cenote you visit and when! Playa del Carmen’s restaurant scene isn’t the only hot attraction in the area. During the tourist high season, cenotes can become VERY crowded. So, if you’re seeking relaxation and quiet, try to go during shoulder-seasons.
Also note: in some places you are required to wear life jackets as a safety measure. The costs of visiting a cenote ranges from $1 to $20.
Each location has different rules, regulations, costs and things to see and do nearby. So, make sure you do a little research and pick the cenote that’s best for you!
Are There Cenotes In Playa Del Carmen?
A lot of people come to PDC thinking there will cenotes in the city – that’s not quite accurate. Nevertheless, while there are not many cenotes directly in Playa del Carmen, you can access quite a bit of them nearby.
If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen and want to visit some cenotes, here are some notable options worth adventuring to:
Cenote Chaak Tun
This is one of the most beautiful cenote caves in Playa del Carmen. Here you can see incredible stalactites and stalagmites formations. It costs around $50 to visit though, due to its popularity.
Cenote Cristalino
This cenote isn’t as popular as some others in the area, so you may be able to swim and enjoy more peace and quiet here. The cost to visit this cenote is about $8.
Río Secreto (ecological theme park)
This is a stunning nature reserve, like a crystal museum along an underground river. For this experience, you must take an organized tour with the reserve. The cost is $79 for adults and $39.50 for children.
The 10 Best Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is a man-made cenote near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s located south in the Riviera Maya, just a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. It was created in 1994, but it has since been restored to its natural state as much as possible.
The water is extremely clear, and you can see all the way to the bottom of the cave. The water temperature is refreshing, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius).
The entrance fee for Cenote Azul is $6 USD per person (foreign visitors) or $3 per child (ages 6-12). If you want to swim in the cenote, there are small lockers where you can change clothes before entering the water. A life vest costs $3 extra per person.
It’s a large area, so you could definitely spend a whole day here. If you are looking for a bit more adventure, the main cenote area has a cliff to jump off!
Gran Cenote
Gran Canote Cenote is a classic cenote known for great swimming and snorkeling with fish. The water is crystal clear, and you can even see the bottom of the cenote when you look down from the top!
This cave was formed by ancient Mayan people who lived here thousands of years ago. The Mayans used this space as a sacred place where they would perform rituals and ceremonies.
The cave was rediscovered in the 1930s when archaeologists found it while digging near a road construction site. Today, it’s open to the public as an attraction where people can swim through or around it while visiting Playa del Carmen.
Getting to Gran Canote is pretty easy since it’s right near all of the touristy places in Playa del Carmen. You’ll find it just south of downtown Playa del Carmen, on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 20 and Avenida 30 Sur.
Cenote Chikin Ha
Cenote Chikin Ha is another popular cenote near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s an easy day trip from the city and has floating platforms and clear blue water. The main draw to this cenote is that it’s open to swimmers of all ages, but there are also areas for snorkelers and divers.
The entrance fee for Cenote Chikin Ha is about $10 or you can buy a discounted ticket that includes two other cenotes in the area for about $19.
If you love snorkeling, you have the option to bring your own equipment or rent gear when you arrive at the facility. Snorkeling costs $35 USD per person, plus $15 USD for gear rental (mask, snorkel, and fins).
Diving costs $60 USD for gear rental (mask, snorkel, and fins), then another $65 USD for one dive into the cenote’s depths (you’ll need to be certified). You can also go with a guide if you prefer.
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Carwash is a great place for snorkeling because there are fish and other marine life in the water. There’s also an underwater cave where you can swim through and see beautiful rock formations. The cost is 60 pesos per person (about $4 USD) to visit this Playa del Carmen cenote.
Cenote Dos Ojos
The Dos Ojos Cenote is easily one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico and it’s known for being one of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen. The name translates as “two eyes,” which refers to the two openings in its roof that look like eyes when viewed from above.
The whole complex consists of three connected cenotes with different depths and temperatures, making it perfect for snorkeling or diving!
Xenotes
Xenotes is located about 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen (an easy taxi ride) and offers several different tours. Tours include snorkeling in the main cenote, walking on ladders through caverns, and exploring underground tunnels that lead to smaller caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
Xenotes also has a zip line tour with two lines: one that goes over water and another that goes over land. This tour is fun for all ages!
The entry fee ($129 USD) includes everything except food and drinks at their restaurant which is reasonably priced compared to other restaurants in Playa del Carmen. It’s definitely worth it if you want an unforgettable adventure.
Cenote Jardin del Eden
Cenote Jardin del Eden is a popular swimming spot with locals and tourists alike. It is located on the road between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so it’s easy to find and easy to get there.
There are two pools at this cenote: one large and one small. Both are crystal clear and perfect for swimming (and jumping from the rocks). You’ll see people hanging out on floating rafts or snorkeling around looking for fish in this cenote — it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.
This cenote is in a large open-air cave that has been converted into an underground lagoon with a sandy beach on one side. There are many different ways to explore this cenote, including snorkeling (you can rent equipment for $10), scuba diving (beginner and advanced classes available), or kayaking through the caves ($20).
Cenote Zapote Eco Park
Cenote Zapote Eco Park is a great place to visit for those who want to get away from the beach for a day. This park is located in Playa del Carmen and has many activities available including swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and more! You can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about this unique ecosystem.
There are several different cenotes within Cenote Zapote Eco Park, including Dos Ojos and Sac Actun. These cenotes vary in depth, so make sure that you pick one that fits your comfort level while swimming. If you don’t know how to swim or snorkel yet, there are options available at Cenote Zapote Eco Park to learn these skills.
Cenote Caracol
I loved this Cenote because it was completely underground (minus the immediate opening). I did this one with a tour when I was in Tulum nearby and to this day it absolutely blew my mind. It explores underground caverns, has to be guided, and you need headlamps to explore it!
Cenotes Tankah
Cenotes Tankah is located about 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen, on the road to Tulum. You can make a stop there on your travels or as part of a day trip from Playa del Carmen.
This cenote is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There are even some areas where you can jump into the water from cliffs.
Casa Cenote
About a 40-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, Casa Cenote is another snorkeling and diving hotspot. It costs $6 to enter, and if you want to rent kayaks, that will cost an extra $5.
Something to keep in mind when visiting is that they do not allow any sunscreen, even biodegradable options. This policy helps keep the water crystal clear and beautiful.
Transportation Options For Visiting Playa Del Carmen Cenotes
There are many ways to get around Playa del Carmen and visit the neighboring cenotes.
Colectivos are shared vans that head to different destinations, where people can hop on and off along the way. They are a convenient and cheap way to get around.
I recommend using the Playa Express, which leaves from below the 307 highway just south of Juarez Avenue. They leave on a regular basis during the day and will leave even if not full. You pay when you get on the bus– make sure to keep your receipt with you.
The cost of taking a taxi to cenotes around Playa del Carmen will depend on where you are staying and how far you will be traveling. If it is close by, like a 10-20 minute drive, then a taxi would be worth it. If the drive is farther, you may be better off hopping on a colectivo or renting a car.
If you want the ease of everything being handled for you, consider taking a tour. While this option is the priciest, it can relieve a lot of the stress of planning, so you can spend more time focused on your vacation.
Getting around Playa del Carmen is really convenient on foot or by colectivos; however, if you want the freedom to go wherever and whenever you’d like, then I recommend renting a car.
If you are traveling in a group, renting a car might be the best option. It’s overall easy to drive around Mexico, as the roads are good and the signs are clear, with many in both English and Spanish. There are rental car companies all around Playa, so do some digging and price comparisons to get the best deal.
Which Cenote Will You Visit First?
There are so many beautiful options for cenote exploration in and around Playa del Carmen. From open cenotes to closed cenotes, you can find them all in this area!
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