More about: 12 Best Tours to Cenotes in Playa del Carmen
In Playa del Carmen, you will find a wide variety of things to see and activities to do. This city is synonymous with fun and idyllic white sand beaches on the Mexican Caribbean with deep turquoise waters. But let me tell you that it is much more than that, as it is home to a rich history, a lot of culture, and unique natural beauty such as the cenotes, which you cannot miss if you are traveling to this coastal city. Cenote tours are ideal for diving, snorkeling, hiking, or other activities such as zip-lining or kayaking.
1. Tour of the Chaak Tun cenote
Chaak Tun is the only cenote located in the middle of Playa del Carmen, just 10 minutes from downtown, and is a beautiful natural attraction to visit. It consists of two caverns, a smaller one with a stalactite ceiling that gives it a special charm and is illuminated with artificial light, and another slightly larger one that houses a tree, with rays of natural light filtering through its branches.
This cenote is part of Sac Actun, the largest complex of flooded caves in the world.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located almost 8 kilometers from Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can reach it from the center of Playa del Carmen via Avenida Juárez and Avenida Constituyentes, about a 15-minute drive.
- Price: keep in mind that guided tours are only allowed for conservation reasons and the price is around 19 euros.
- Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.
2. Tour of the Nohoch Nah Chich cenote
The Nohoch Nah Chich cenote is not one of the most famous, but it is beautiful and well worth a visit. It is huge, 10 kilometers long, with 36 entrances and 9 meters deep, and its name means "The Giant Bird" in the Mayan dialect.
It is one of the most popular choices for diving enthusiasts, so if that's your thing, I highly recommend it. But even if you're not a fan of diving, I still recommend it, as there are many other activities to do, such as snorkeling, rappelling at 12 meters, or zip-lining.
The waters are crystal clear and warm, with temperatures reaching 28 °C. You'll be able to see marine life such as fish and turtles, as well as beautiful rock formations.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 55 kilometers from Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can reach it in 50 minutes by car on the road that connects Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Opening hours: every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3. Tour of the Blue Cenote
The Cenote Azul is one of the largest cenotes and has several natural pools around it. Its waters are crystal clear and shallow, but you can still jump into the water from a height of about 4 meters.
It's a great place to go with the family, as it has a covered area where you can sit in the shade and rent tables and chairs. It also has an open area full of vegetation and places to rest, such as jetties and rocks.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 25 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, very close to Puerto Aventuras.
- How to get there: you can get there by car in about 20 minutes. Another option is to take the bus to Tulum, which leaves from the intersection of Carretera Federal and Avenida Juárez.
- Price: approximately €6.
- Opening hours: every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Tour of the Cristalino cenote
The Cristalino cenote is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya due to its unique beauty and easy access. Its name comes from the clarity of its waters, which are clear enough to see the fish swimming in the depths. It is also located in the middle of a mangrove forest, so the flora and fauna are truly amazing.
It is one of the most popular cenotes for groups of friends and families, but don't worry, there is plenty of room to spend the day in this paradise, as it covers a large area and has a small cave where you can swim and dive in peace. Another important detail is that it is one of the few places where you can bring your own food, although the prices there are quite affordable.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located near the Cenote Azul, just over 24 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there by car, taking the Carretera Federal to Tulum. The cenote is 3 km after Puerto Aventuras. By bus, take the bus that connects Playa del Carmen to Tulum at the intersection between Carretera Federal and Juárez.
- Price: approximately €7.
- Hours: every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5. Tour of the Aktun Chen cenote
The wonderful Aktun Chen cenote is an underground walkway with crystal clear waters located in an ecological park with a wide variety of sites to explore. You can admire the rock formations and stalactites on the cave ceiling along a 600-meter stretch and pass through it to reach the jungle.
If you enjoy exploring jungles like this one, here is a guide to the best jungle tours you can take from Playa del Carmen to add to your travel itinerary.
The waters of this cenote are ideal for snorkeling and diving, but you can also choose other activities such as zip-lining. It's a perfect plan for the whole family, as the kids will have a great time. And if that weren't enough, there's a restaurant where you can enjoy some typical food and have a complete experience.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is just over 40 kilometers from Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there by car on the Tulum-Cancun highway in half an hour or by bus from Avenida Juárez in just over an hour.
- Price: approximately $39.
- Opening hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. Tour of the Río Secreto cenote
Río Secreto is a must-see on your trip to Playa del Carmen, which is why it's impossible not to include it on the list of the best cenotes. It is an underground stream in the heart of the Yucatan jungle that is full of caves and cenotes.
When you embark on the Río Secreto excursion, you'll feel like a true explorer, among ancient stalactites and stalagmites formed by the incessant dripping of calcareous water. You'll walk through crystal-clear turquoise waters while an expert guide explains the geological secrets behind these stone formations and the native flora and fauna.
Over a 600-meter route, you will get to know the caves and underground rivers with transparent waters in depth, and you will be able to bathe in them and swim a little.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is just under 20 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there via the Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Federal Highway. The best way to get to know this natural wonder in depth and explore it thoroughly is to take a guided tour.
- Price: approximately $99.
- Hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7. Tour of the Garden of Eden cenote
The Garden of Eden is one of the largest open-air cenotes in the Riviera Maya and also one of the most beautiful. It is a great place to visit if you are looking to relax, as it is surrounded by lush vegetation with iguanas roaming around and trees typical of the region.
It is also a fantastic option for water activities such as swimming and watching the various fish swim by your legs, snorkeling, or diving in its crystal clear waters. And you can add a little adventure by jumping from one of the banks into the water about 4 or 5 meters high.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 25 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there in just 20 minutes by car on Highway 307 or by taking the bus at the intersection of Carretera Federal and Avenida Juárez. Keep in mind that if you choose the latter option, you will have to walk about 10 minutes after getting off to reach the cenote.
- Price: approximately 4 euros.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8. Tour of the Chac Mool cenote
The Chac Mool Cenote is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula, notable for its natural beauty and enigmatic caves. Its name in the Mayan dialect means "jaguar's claw."
There you will find caves with stalactites, stone columns, and turquoise water that reflects rays of light. This landscape could be described as a beauty rarely seen. If you are a beginner diver and have certification, this place will undoubtedly be paradise for you.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 23 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there in 25 minutes by car on Highway 307 or by bus in about an hour.
- Price: approximately $12.
- Opening hours: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9. Tour of the Gran Cenote
The Gran Cenote is one of the most popular tourist attractions because it is suitable for everyone, with activities for children, adults, and water sports enthusiasts. Families can spend a relaxing day and use the picnic area, while diving enthusiasts will love diving there, as it is part of Sac Actun, the largest underwater cave system. It is also very popular with travelers looking to make the most of their day, as it is strategically located very close to Tulum, Cobá, and many other cenotes. In addition, if you are a water sports enthusiast, here is a guide to the best places to snorkel in Playa del Carmen so you can include some in your itinerary.
Exploring this famous cenote is a unique experience, as it is divided into two parts, one outside and, if you want to go through a 20-meter tunnel, you will reach the second part covered by a rock wall. If you also want to take advantage of your visit to this cenote to visit Tulum, you can take one of these guided tours.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 67 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen in the direction of Tulum.
- How to get there: it takes about an hour by car or an hour and a half by bus.
- Price: approximately 9 euros.
- Opening hours: keep in mind that as this is a very popular cenote, it is best to arrive early so you can settle in before the rest of the visitors arrive. You can enter from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so as long as you are there before 10 a.m., you will be fine.
10. Tour of the Taak Bi Ha cenote
The Taak Bi Ha Cenote is part of the Dos Ojos Park, which also houses other cenotes such as the Dos Ojos Cenote itself. Unlike the latter, the Taak Bi Ha cenote is much less touristy and well-known, making it ideal if you want to relax and spend a pleasant day without dodging tourists.
This cenote has a special charm, as it is managed by a Mayan family, so you can take the opportunity to learn a little more about their culture, traditions, and beliefs. It is located in an underground cave that is easily accessible by stairs, and its waters are extremely clear and shallow. There you can snorkel, dive, or simply swim on your own.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located about 50 minutes from Playa del Carmen by car.
- How to get there: head towards Tulum on the 307 Chetumal-Cancún road until you reach the entrance to Dos Ojos Park, and from there it is about 3 kilometers further along a dirt road.
- Price: approximately €17.
- Opening hours: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11. Tour of the Dos Ojos cenote
The Dos Ojos cenote is truly a work of art created by nature and cannot be left off this list of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya and gets its name from its shape, which consists of a cave and two turquoise water pools shaped like eyes. The cave is dark, with no natural or artificial light, so it can only be entered with a guide.
It is ideal for lovers of all kinds of water sports, snorkeling, diving, and swimming. But keep in mind that if you want to cross from one eye to the other, that stretch can only be done by diving, and it is an amazing experience.
Useful information
- Where it is: this cenote is located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen
- How to get there: about 50 minutes by car on Highway 307 Chetumal-Cancún towards Tulum.
- Price: approximately $17.
- Opening hours: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
12. Tour of the Kantun Chi cenote
This is not just another cenote. Kantun Chi is an ecological park with cenotes and underground waters and one of the most impressive tourist attractions to visit in the Riviera Maya.
Exploring the underground river is a truly unique experience that I highly recommend. You can also swim in the underground caves. In addition, you can discover the abundant and intense vegetation and wildlife.
Useful information
- Where it is: this fantastic ecological park is located about 30 kilometers from the center of Playa del Carmen.
- How to get there: you can get there in just half an hour by car on Highway 307 towards Tulum.
- Price: approximately $50.
- Opening hours: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.