Top 8 Cenotes in Mexico for Swimming and Diving

A cenote is a natural flooded cavity with an opening to the surface. Today, they are one of Mexico’s main natural attractions, both for those seeking to swim in calm waters and for those practicing snorkeling or diving in underground systems.

Thousands are concentrated on the Yucatán Peninsula, but only some possess characteristics that make them especially popular. Discover eight standout cenotes worth visiting.

Cenotes for Swimming and Enjoying in the Open Air in Mexico

• Cenote Azul (Riviera Maya): It is completely open and receives abundant natural light. It is surrounded by vegetation, and it is common to see fish and iguanas. It is located 25 km south of Playa del Carmen and 3 km from Puerto Aventuras, on the Cancún–Tulum highway. Being close to other cenotes, several can be visited in the same day.
• Jardín del Edén (Riviera Maya): It stands out for the crystal-clear green color of its waters and its large size. It has a depth of up to 15 meters and good visibility for snorkeling and diving. It is located 120 km from Cancún and 40 km from Tulum, with access via Highway 307.
• Cenote Calavera (Tulum area): It is a semi-open cenote, known for the three holes through which light enters, which from the outside form the figure of a skull. Its waters are clear and slightly cooler than in other cenotes in the area.

Cenotes with Caves and Underground Systems

• Dos Ojos (north of Tulum): It is one of the most extensive cave systems in the country, with 82 kilometers explored and depths reaching 118 meters. It has two distinct areas: a brighter one for snorkeling and a dark one for diving. It is located within the Dos Ojos park, about 15 minutes from Tulum.
• Sac Actun (near Dos Ojos): Connected to Dos Ojos, it forms part of one of the world’s largest underground cave systems. It is not deep, but its appeal lies in the cavern and the visual experience. It is located 120 km from Cancún and 25 km from Tulum, on Highway 307.
• Chac Mool (south of Playa del Carmen): Chosen by divers for its depth of 14 meters, its caverns, and the presence of a halocline, a visual phenomenon that occurs when fresh and saltwater mix. It is located 22 km south of Playa del Carmen, with access via Highway 307.

Cenotes Near Archaeological Sites and Urban Areas

• Ik Kil (Chichén Itzá area): Surrounded by vines and vegetation, it is one of the most visited cenotes. It has a depth of up to 40 meters and is located just 4 km from the Sacred Cenote of Chichén Itzá, 123 km from Mérida, and 201 km from Cancún via Route 180.
• Gran Cenote (Tulum): Its shallow waters make it accessible for all types of visitors. It allows snorkeling in caves and diving up to 10 meters with high visibility. It is located almost 4 km from Tulum, on the Tulum–Cobá highway, and 133 km from Cancún via Route 307.