Cenotes definitely need to make it onto your list if you are headed to Tulum. The natural sinkholes are not only beautiful places to discover but are also a huge part of Mexico’s history given their links to the Mayan culture. With their underwater worlds filled with fish, turtles, amazing rock formations and creepy caves to discover, cenotes make for an amazing day of adventure. Here are BackHackers’ 8 favourite cenotes in Tulum…
Calavera
Cenote Calavera (also sometimes ominously known as the Temple of Doom) is an awesome cenote that definitely needs to make it onto your list! It’s relatively small compared to others in the area, but well worth the visit. You can drop into the cool waters from smaller holes with ‘Jump Here’ signs wedged into the ground. Once in the waters, explore the depths of the pool that reach about 20 ft, teeming with fish that you can feel nipping at your feet. Chill on the rope swing that sits in the water while you watch others performing elaborate jumps into the cenote.
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is a much larger area to explore – just down the road from Calavera. Head here to laze in the hammocks perched above the cenote, or chill on the platforms while you warm up from the chilled waters. This cenote is home to a range of turtles, that will swim amongst you; as well as an array of fish life. There is an area dedicated just for the turtles that allows no entry for humans – perch on the side and dip your feet in while the turtles use you as a cushion! This cenote has much to explore – head to the depths of the caves to experience schools of fish circling you. There are a range of areas with different depths here so this cenote is a great shout for all levels of swimmers!
Escondido & Cristal
Cenotes Escondido and Cristal are separate cenotes, but are sat right next to each other. Escondido is a long stretch of water, lined with rich vegetation and a swing rope overhead. Launch yourself into the waters from the cliff side to explore the crazy rock formations beneath you. Once you’ve explored Escondido, head over to Cristal – which on first sight seems more like a lake. Only once you’re in the water do you realise its true depth and magnificently crystal waters. Dive in from the raised platforms if you’re feeling brave. You will also find the water has a rope stretching from one side to the other – in case the sheer depth of the cenote freaks you out, you always have this to pull yourself across with! There is also a neat little mini jungle walk surrounding the water, full with various places to sit and enjoy a pic nic.
Casa
Casa Cenote is a little further away but, again, well worth the visit. The layout of Casa differs from the others in that it stretches and weaves through the vegetation that lines the sides. Swim from one end to the other and explore the waters. There isn’t as much fish-life in this one, but there is a chance you will come across a crocodile. This cenote is definitely only recommended for the brave! We also recommend using the lockers at this site given that you swim quite far out from the starting point and are out of sight of your belongings for the majority of the swim.
Zacil-Ha
Zacil-Ha cenote makes for a great day out! With a zip line overhead, huts and loungers at the sides, and swimming pools to laze around in, this is probably one of the most kitted out cenotes around. The cenote itself is relatively small, lined with underwater caves to discover. There are platforms to jump from, as well as the aforementioned zip line that makes for a great show! If the waters get too chilly, warm yourself up in the neighbouring swimming pools or soak up the sun on one of the loungers surrounding the cenote.
Jardin del Eden
This cenote is definitely one of our favourites! The lush greenery of the underwater world can be seen from above – with its various rock formations providing perfect seating areas in the middle of the water. The cenote has plenty of little alley ways that cut through caves, filled with colourful fish who will happily swim alongside you. There is an abundance of platformed areas to launch yourself into the cool waters from, as well as lots of benches and areas for you to take a break. Jardin del Eden makes for a perfect day of exploring an amazing underwater world.
Cristalino
Cristalino is more like a natural pool, with the rocks used for the walkway lowered to water level – it proves the easiest to get into without having to jump. It’s not as deep as others and has rock formations relatively close to the surface which can be easily explored for those not looking to dive too deep. Although there is a section of the waters deep enough for you to jump into from the cliff side looming above. Laze around at the sides of this pool if you need warming up, before heading in for another exploration adventure!
Azul
Azul cenote has plenty of areas to explore – caves, shallow rock formations, jumping platforms, as well as lots of little underwater alley ways that lead down mystical routes. The sides are lined with lots of areas to lounge around and soak up the sun. You’ll be in and out of the water here as you explore different areas of the cenote, including some surrounding shallow pools. Jump in from the medium-height rock face to launch yourself into this gorgeous cenote.