READ MORE:Cenote Carwash: Swim with a Baby Crocodile & More. This tour from Tulum will give you the opportunity to visit in one day one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico and get to know the city of Valladolid. From the surface, it appears to be two separate sinkholes, each filled with crystal-clear blue water that makes it look as though the Earth itself is peering up at you through two enormous eyes. It is all worth it because you can see remains of animal skeletons (if you are into that sort of thing)! If you do swim in a cenote and wind up with a stomachache in the following days, it might be due to the ice in your drink rather than the cenote you visited! They can be more or less deep, depending on which cenote you go to. It will be a hot ride though take lots of water! You like all the cenotes in Tulum and dont know which one to choose? There are no undercurrents nor dangerous rock formations, however, you should only venture into activities you feel confident about! There are no cenotes in Playa del Carmen city center, so these are the best (and closest) cenotes if you are coming from Playa del Carmen. Well, you have multiple options. Looking up at the sunlight streaming into the cenote through the openings is definitely a sight you wont forget for a long, long time. With rates starting at $55 for a tent and $65 for a junior suite during the high-season, Harmony Glamping is a great mi-range alternative, especially considering that boutique hotels on the beach go for several hundreds dollars a night! The cenotes of Casa Tortuga are perfect for newbies who want an in-depth introduction into the cenotes on a tour. The cave then drops even further but cant be reached by untrained divers. There are platforms to jump off from and hammocks and lounge areas for hanging out. Cenotes in Tulum are not free, although you can find some which charge very little fees, like Cenote Xunaan-Ha or Cenote Carwash. This dive light starts at only $25 USD and is so bright youll be sure to easily take gorgeous underwater video, especially in the cenotes! The Cob cenotes are unique because theyre all 100% underground. Because the water from the cenotes comes from an underground water system, the temperature stays constant at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 C), regardless of which season you decide to visit. If you didnt know better, youd think that it was a man-made outdoor swimming pool carved into the rock, but the underwater cave system extending from one end connects Zacil Ha cenote with many other cenotes in the area. Next to the ruins there will be a place for you to rent bikes they charged us 85 pesos per bike the bikes are old and my friend got a rather busted one, you can alternatively take a cab there (but unless you pay for them to wait for you theres no way to get back) so the best way is to bike it. Because of its crystal clear waters (thus, the name), you will be able to swim with tons of small fish. BOOK IT HERE, The Cenote Triple Adventure takes you to Casa Cenote, Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera to explore the caverns, cliff-jump, snorkel and free-dive in the crystal-clear waters. Cenotes are not only safe for swimming but theyre naturesperfectswimming spots free from the dangers of the beach. I chose to do it this way and I was able to visit 6 cenotes in one day. This is a list of the essential items you need to bring with you when you visit a cenote in Tulum. Casa Tortuga might just be one of the best off-the-path cenotes in Tulum. I have no idea what this Cenote was like because I didnt get to see it! A tour guide leads you to visit two cave cenotes and an open cenote. A sturdy waterproof torch with a lifetime warranty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll start the day with a visit to the Tulum ruins, where youll learn about the history of the Mayan civilization, and then head to the cenotes at Casa Tortuga for a swim. That is why some cenotes are perfect for diving and snorkeling, but some are just good for swimming. You could always rent a car and drive yourself, or hire a driver for the day: Cob is 45 minutes from Tulum, 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Cancun. Read More Top 10 Things to Do in OaxacaContinue. Theres no set address for Cenote Aldea Zama but its located near Kokoro Tulum: Av Balam Dzakab Copal, Aldea Zama, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. The color of the water is simply amazing, and you could spend hours snorkeling through the cenote caves. Adorned with colorful rock decorations, stalactites, and the giant fallen trees, this cenote has an eerie, otherworldly vibe! Exploring cenotes seriously quickly became one of my favorite activities in the Rivera Maya, and I am confident they will become one of your favorites too. Sac Actun is only 4 km from Tulum but is also easily accessed from Playa Del Carmen as well. It shines where you look, leaving your hands free to play with cameras or do other more important things. Cenote Angelita Entrance Fee: 150 MXN.Cenote Angelita Opening Times: 8 AM to 5 PM daily.Best for: Diving. From the ADO Bus Terminal in Tulum Town, drive for 5 minutes and youll find it on your right. Cenote Angelita resembles an underground river, but its due to the effect of the halocline. Follow the directions for Cenote Dos Ojos. Read More How to Call a 1-800 Number from Mexico for FREE! Sometimes the contaminated tap water is used to make ice in drinks and to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, and then tourists get sick from consuming things like fresh salads and smoothies. Option 1 - $70 pesos. Casa Cenote is an open type cenote, and its family friendly because the open space makes it ideal for kids to swim in. Cenotes are a natural geological marvel that are only found in the Yucatn Peninsula, and a must-see if youre planning a trip to Quintana Roo. Re: Cenote Sac Actun for Non-Swimmer 5 years ago Save If you don't swim I would suggest Riu Secreto . Tulum Cenote Tours - Visit The Best Cenotes In TulumALL IN ONE TOUR! Best Snorkeling Cenotes Best Scuba Diving Cenotes Best Cave Cenotes Best Free Cenotes Playa del Carmen Cenotes, Tulum Cenotes Map Getting to Cenotes in Tulum Cenote Packing List Where to Stay in Tulum. You can find me doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, chasing down baby goats or perched in anuncomfortableposition trying to get thebest photo. Youve probably seen gorgeous pictures like the one above. For something a bit more popular, we recommend Gran Cenote, which is located only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the town of Tulum. Cenote Calavera: Best Cenote for Cliff Jumping 4. Sometimes Cenotes are 100% underground, sometimes theyre half in a cave, and sometimes theyre entirely above ground. Partially submerged tunnels connect the cenote's open-air sections. Cenote Yax Kin: Best Cenote for Kids 7. Tulum Cenotes | Turquoise Tulum Hotel No restaurant or life jackets, South of Tulum 16.5 km (10 miles) down the highway to Chetumal (Carretera 307) and turning left, Free, just buy something from the bar/restaurant, There are toilets but no showers. Because the cenote contains both fresh and seawater, both ocean and freshwater fish live here. BOOK IT HERE, Casa Cenote Entrance Fee: 150 MXN.Casa Cenote Opening Times: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. In Tulum, Idived with Jean-Claude atZen Diving. Look out for the orange sign, Every day 24 hours (but dont swim at night; theres a resident cayman), Free (unless it is being manned, then you may have to pay a small entry fee), Being completely off the normal tourist trail, this cenote can be difficult to find. They were taken at 8 am, right after opening time, and by 8.15 there were already quite a few people, so make sure you get here early: theres nothing better than floating in this turquoise water immersed in the silence. If youre doing your own trip to the cenotes you will definitely want to bring your own snorkeling gear. is a beautiful cenote that looks like a pristine lake. Guide To Visiting Alas Harum Agrotourism In BaliTransportation Guide To Morocco BEST Day Clubs In Ubud, Bali. However, all across the region, there are hidden treasures that predate even the Mayans by thousands and thousands of years: the cenotes. Cenote Angelita is located on the 307 Highway, approximately 12 minutes drive going south from Tulum. I mentioned this particular cenote in the snorkeling section above, too. READ: The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. BOOK IT HERE, Gran Cenote Entrance Fee: 500 MXN.Gran Cenote Opening Times: 8 AM to 4.45 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. They are done with this awesome contraption called a dome. If you are looking for famous cenotes in Tulum, the Dos Ojos system has featured in an IMAX Film Journey Into Amazing Caves, the 2006 BBC/Discovery Channel series Planet Earth and parts of the Hollywood movie The Cave were filmed in Dos Ojos. The visibility is incredible at this cenote, you can see about deep into the crystal clear water, even from the surface! Heading to Mexico Soon? It is also believed that some Gods resided in these underwater caves. BEST CENOTES FOR NON SWIMMERS? : r/tulum - reddit.com Cenote Escondido and Cenote Cristal just south of Tulum pueblo on the highway toward Carrillo Puerto (again, just outside the pueblo, very close to Tulum). Coming from Tulum on Carretera 109 towards Coba, youll find Cenote Carwash on your left after a 10-minutes drive. If you feel confident driving in a foreign country, renting a car is probably the easiest way to get around and go visiting Tulum cenotes. Its a bit pricey at 300 pesos just for entrance and then more to rent towels, snorkel, flippers, etc, but completely worth it. Other cenotes like Laguna Kaan Luum are only a few feet deep and perfect for non-swimmers. Colectivos (shared vans in Spanish) are often the best way to move the Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula. We booked an Oriente bus (in person because Oriente isnt listed online) for 55 pesos each way. Under the gas, it is completely dark and feels as if you are floating through a haunted forest. Coming from Cancun or Playa via public transit youll have to transfer in Tulum. Underwater, there are a large variety of plants and fish which make it the best cenote for snorkeling. Cenote Siete Bocas is one of the most famous on the route but theres also: Due to their proximity to Cancun, the entrance fees for these cenotes have skyrocketed recently, with each cenote charging 300-500 pesos each to enter. For more information on how to download maps for offline use,click here. Tulum Cenotes | Turquoise Tulum Hotel Just 3mi (5km) from central Tulum, the Gran Cenote has partially submerged tunnels connecting open-air sections. Because of this formation, Cenote Calavera is known as a jug-type formation. There are over 2,000 Cenotes in the Mayan Riviera, and more are being discovered every day. It comes with five output modes, up to 170 hours of burn time and you can even buy a rechargeable version of this torch! Cenote Oxman is 1.5 hours from Tulum, 2 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Cancun. Keep reading for a complete guide on how to call a United States 1-800 toll-free phone number from Mexico for free! Some other awesome options [], 30 Fun Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico in 2023 - Every Steph, [] and avocado toast. The cenotes at Casa Tortuga are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and admiring the stalactites and stalagmites in the caverns. Shabby but cute, Mamas Home has the best backpacker vibes! On your way back youll notice the mesmerizing light beams that dance around in the depths on a sunny day. Like most of the cenotes in Mexico, its well-known for its crystal clear waters that make it suitable for snorkeling and diving. La Noria was my favorite of these cenotes. Visiting Casa Tortuga is sort like a cenote tour of a series of three cenotes in a park. If youre coming from Tulum have the Colectivo drop you off at Xel Ha waterpark, and from there youll need to cross highway 307 and walk inland maybe about 40 minutes to the Cenote. Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum, Mexico. Snorkel Mask or Goggles: The crystal clear waters of the cenote will make you want to take a closer look at what lurks beneath the surface of the water. Overall, I recommend glamping in Tulum to those who dont mind sharing a bathroom and want to try a stay that is truly green all without having to give up the comfort of a hotel. YES!!! You can pay per cenote entrance (200-300 pesos per cenote), or book a guided tour of the park for 600-700 pesos on their website linked here. Gran Cenote dipping the phone under. Coming from Cancun or Playa via public transit youll have to transfer in Tulum. The entrance fee is $120 pesos. Take the 307 Highway toward Playa del Carmen and turn right on Reforma Agraria. Cenote Calavera might be my favorite cenote in Tulum! Gran Cenote is only 5 kilometres away from Tulum town centre, on the Carretera 109 towards Coba. I also spent one night in the Grand Suite, and this is a great alternative if you want the privacy of your own bathroom or prefer a more traditional stay. I was first quoted high prices such as $150 for the day, and then found a friend of a friend that asked for $100. What is a cenote, and why is everyone obsessed with them? Get in, tell the driver your destination, and pay when you get off. Cenote Calavera translates to skull cenote in English, and the reason it is called this is that the sunlight that pours in through the holes of the cenote looks exactly like a skull at certain angles of the dive. Im happy to report that not only is this 100% false, but cenotes are all freshwater! Officially, this outdoor swimming hole is called Aktun Ha Cenote, but most locals know it as the Cenote Carwash. I read recently that sometimes this cenote is blocked off from the public due to an ongoing ownership dispute. cenotes in Tulum, and you cant really go wrong with any. It boasts such crystal clear blue water, that fish and turtles can be seen swimming around without the need of a snorkel! Pick up is included from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, the resorts along the Riviera Maya, and Tulum, so its pretty much a great option for anyone whos looking for an introduction to Tulum! Tulum is home to the largest underwater cave system in the world. Tulum Ruins and Grand Cenote Tour from Playa del Carmen Cenote Trail Bicycle Tour (including Grand Cenote) from Tulum. Sure, what youre seeing isnt as clear and you cant breathe underwater, but Once youre in Valladolid you can walk to Cenote Zaci, its in the town center. All of the Cob Cenotes are entirely underground and make you shower off sunscreen before entering. The glamping spot also features a pool (soooo nice to have one when its Tulum-hot, trust me!) Cenote Manati is an open cenote that connects a long underwater cave system (Nohoch Na Chich) to the sea. Even though Casa Tortuga means Turtle House in Spanish, dont go looking for turtles because its unlikely youll see one; the name is a bit deceiving on that end! BOOK IT HERE, Dos Ojos & Casa Cenote Adventure from Tulum All Inclusive No matter if you are a snorkeler or scuba diver, you can join this tour that caters to both. Your Guide to Tulum's Best Cenotes - Be My Travel Muse Cenotes For Non-Divers - Tulum Forum - Tripadvisor The best way to see all the cenotes you want is to rent a car and do your own Tulum cenotes tour. This cenote would be at the top of the best diving cenotes Tulum recommendation list. Thank you! The crystal clear waters here make it a picturesque spot and a perfect place to spend your afternoon. Easily head to Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino or Cenotes Casa Tortuga using the colectivos. The materials used to build the hotel are sustainable, as well as some of the furniture that comes from recycled materials. RELATED ARTICLE Ultimate Guide To Biking In Tulum. The most popular route is The Barbie Line which leads divers around the light-filled cavern of the second eye, where divers encounter incredible rock formations, huge columns, and stalactites. Its all walking in a dark cave in waist deep water and there is only one section of the tour you will have to swim maybe 20 feet or so but they do supply life jackets and the guide will help you if you are nervous. In the other, you are taught about the rock formations and interesting cave geology facts while experiencing slight vertigo caused by the crystal-clear water and the sheer depth of the cave. Getting sick from cenote water is considered a bit of an urban legend, but every time you swim in fresh untreated (meaning unchlorinated) water you do run the very real risk of contracting Norovirus. Theres a complex with hammocks outside the cenote and the water is very clean. READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Cenote Calavera, Tulum : Swimming in the Temple of Doom. This is a seriously sturdy headlamp that can be used for literally everything. As the divers wind their way through the cave system, they can occasionally get a glimpse of the snorkelers and free divers alongside them. Although I have not personally been, I know that there is a magical gas layer 30 meters deep called halocline. Paddleboard & Snorkel at Casa Cenote + Photos + Tacos! Located just a short drive away from Tulum (and right next to the Car Wash Cenote), Cenote Zacil Ha is one of the most convenient cenotes to visit while youre staying in town. BOOK IT HERE, Cenote Triple Adventure Tour This Tulum cenote tour will bring you to three different cenotes in half a day, where youll get to snorkel, free-dive and cliff-jump, as well as marvel at the surroundings of each. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Home North America Mexico The Best Cenotes in Tulum (2022 Mexico Expert Guide). $50 MXN pesos for a locker and $150 for a kayak. Water cuts out light, meaning by about 10 meters deep your GoPro footage will be all blue. Cenote Zacil Ha Entrance Fee: 200 MXN.Cenote Zacil Ha Opening Times: 10 AM to 6 PM daily.Best For: Swimming. Its quite a bit deeper than the other cenotes listed above, which makes it the perfect place to try the legendary Yucatan sport of cenote diving (as in jumping) if youre feeling brave enough. The Best Cenotes in Tulum You Need to Visit - Insider's Tulum For example, foreigners usually cant drink tap water in Mexico. Copyright 2023 Every Steph | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Escondido), 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Cristal), Casa Cenote is an open type cenote, and its family friendly because the open space makes it ideal for kids to swim in. I went to about five different ones at that time. This cenote is Amazing! This is the number one list of best cenotes in Tulum, Mexico youll find on the web. It is only waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes though, so this is NOT a diving lamp. Caleta Tankah is about 10 minutes outside of Tulum on Highways 307, you can bike there (like I did, wouldnt recommend) from Tulum or take a taxi and arrange a pickup time via Whatsapp for about $7 each way. Follow me foradventures, tips and a travel show! Wondering if Be Our Guest is worth it? Some of the less popular cenotes are set amongst the jungle with more rustic facilities. Cenote Pet Cemetery is part of the same group of cenotes. The Batcave Line is a lot darker and feels more like a cave dive. Though you cannot enter the passage, the eyes are a beautiful place to go snorkeling. Take a Colectivo to Akumal from Tulum or Playa del Carmen for 35-50 pesos, and then from Akumal bus stop its about a 30-40 min walk or you can hail a taxi from Akumal Beach (less than 10 min walk from the bus stop) for around 150 pesos. So what are Cenotes exactly? It got its name because its only a minute or so off the road, so many taxi drivers would stop by to clean their cars in hot, dusty weather. Cenote Carwash. Have you seen those amazing half-underwater and half-above-water photos? Cenote Escondido is across the road from Cenote Cristal. Both are open-air cenotes; one is inland in the jungle and is very clean (as of 2021) by cenotes near Tulum standards; the water is crystal clear and very shallow. You can see stalagmites and stalactites, and even swim with small turtles. (With precaution of the tides, though), Yal Ku Cenote Entrance Fee: 300 MXNYal Ku Cenote Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. Cenote Zacil Ha is right next to Car Wash Cenote, so follow the directions above. Absolutely visit the cenotes. It essentially makes it much easier to get those awesome shots. Life jacket and snorkel gear for rent. Hell, you may even discover your own favorite cenote Mexico has to offer in this very guide! The soft sand at the bottom is known to be a great skin exfoliator, but it smells like rotting eggs! READ: How to Choose the Best Snorkel Mask to Fit You! Others like the Coba Cenotes, are almost 100% underground and get no sunlight heating up the water. MORE:See more travel gear I love and use! There is a bar and restaurant on site. If you plan to see a few cenotes in one day and you dont mind driving, this is probably the smartest option. Nothing super special if youve been to other cenotes in the area, but it makes sense to visit if youre already visiting the more popular Cenote Cristal. 18 BEST Cenotes in Tulum + How to Visit - Destinationless Travel Roundtrip transportation from Tulum is included, as well as snacks and water. Opening times: 8 AM to 5 PM daily at time of writing. You can book a bus online at Busbud.com. This is a newly discovered Cenote near Kaan Luum. Packing your own bottled water will enable you to re-hydrate often. The dark underground cenotes, such as El Pit, Dos Ojos, and Pet Cemetery Cenotes, are much better explored with a head torch. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Best Cenotes in Tulum: Cenote Carwash. And although I wanted to visit, I simply couldnt afford to. Its a large, open cenote so it is never crowded. Cenote Dos Ojos is a good example of this and is the perfect cenote to do your first cavern dive. You can find me doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, chasing down baby goats or perched in a weird position trying to get thebest photo. Your email address will not be published. Cenote Xunaan-Ha . Definitely to include in your Tulum Itinerary! READ:How to Choose the Best Snorkel Gear on the Market! Cenote Dos Ojos is another one of the most popular Tulum Cenotes and a remarkable vista, to say the least. If youre lucky youll spot a resident turtle swimming alongside you. Cenote Trail: Caves Visit and Bike Tour Discover some of the best cenotes near Tulum (Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal) all in one day. Are Cenotes Safe For Non-Swimmers? Cenote Zacil Ha is relatively small its like a pit with very blue water. Youll get to visit this and other two cenotes, where youll be able to snorkel, free-dive and cliff-jump into the fresh waters. But the outside area is shallow and most people could stand up. BOOK IT HERE, Cenote Dos Ojos Entrance Fee: 350 MXN. Bike rental places are common around Tulum town center and main beach road. This explains why they are the least researched (and visited), because only experienced divers can access these hidden cenotes. (Restaurant Review)Continue. This place has a sister bar owned by the same guys, which is on the beach and has some of the best tacos in Tulum, called Taqueria La Eufemia. You can easily visit cenotes on your own, or you can check out this list of the best cenote tours in Tulum. Gran Cenote. Budget Tip: Just renting a towel, snorkel, flippers, and life vest at this cenote will cost over 500 pesos ($25), if you want to save money bring your own snorkel and beach gear! Its very easy and quite cheap to rent a car in Mexico. Snorkeling gear or mask is what you need to make this possible. Good for non swimmers!!! - Review of Gran Cenote, Tulum, Mexico Packing light and dont want to bring too much baggage? All of these Playa del Carmen cenotes are of a moderate price range from $100 MXN pesos to $350 MXN pesos. Cenote Xcanche is located right next to the famous Ek Balam Ruins, which is an archeological site that is commonly visited on a day trip from Tulum or Playa del Carmen. There are multiple cenotes tours where you can visit more than one in a day, but these three in my opinion offer the best value for your money. Protect your feet around and inside the cenotes by wearing these super stylish booties. Calle Acceso Etapa H Lote 5 Akumal Norte, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico. In English, the name of this cave cenote translates to two eyes- and the reason for that becomes clear as soon as you set eyes on Cenote Dos Ojos, one of the best cenotes in Tulum.
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