The Yucatan Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes, and many of them are hidden very close to Playa del Carmen. These natural water holes are very beautiful and give a special swimming experience in clear, clean water.
This article guides you to the best Playa del Carmen cenotes in Mexico so you do not miss the top places on your next cenote tours. With this Mexico cenotes travel guide, you learn where to swim, dive, and enjoy the best Playa del Carmen cenote tours.
What Is A Cenote?
Cenotes, from the Mayan word dzonot, are natural holes in the ground that show the beautiful underground rivers under the Yucatan Peninsula. These limestone cenotes are often covered with green plants and full of colorful water life.
They were very special to the ancient Maya, who believed cenotes were doors to the underworld. Today, cenotes in Mexico are calm and beautiful natural pools where people can swim, snorkel, and explore, bringing visitors from all over the world to enjoy their peaceful beauty.
What To Expect 🤠
When thinking about cenote activities in Mexico, imagine very clear water ready to be explored. Swimming in cenotes gives a special connection to nature, with each cave showing its own amazing beauty. Whether you are moving through the cool water or floating quietly under a limestone roof, the experience is much more exciting than regular pool relaxation.
1. Cenote Azul – Best Cenote In Playa Del Carmen For First Timers
Cenote Azul, a beautiful natural wonder just a short drive from Playa del Carmen, gives an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors. Its clear blue water invites you to swim, while green plants all around make a calm escape from the busy beaches. Unlike crowded cenotes, Cenote Azul keeps a peaceful feeling, perfect for enjoying the tropical sun or having a slow, relaxing swim.
If you love clear blue water and fish, visit Cenote Azul, 🐟
Cenote Azul entrance fee 🎟️
The Cenote Azul entrance fee is a small cost to enjoy one of Mexico’s natural wonders. The fee, usually between 100-150 pesos, gives access to a refreshing swim in very clear water. The cenote’s bright blue water invites visitors for a memorable snorkeling adventure, and for those without their own equipment, Cenote Azul snorkeling rentals are available on-site.
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Cenote Azul Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Azul is open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
When planning a trip to Cenote Azul, it is important to know the Cenote Azul opening hours to enjoy your visit fully. The cenote is usually open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, offering a magical place for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Arriving early helps you avoid the midday crowd and enjoy the calm atmosphere and bright turquoise waters before more visitors come.
What To Expect 💦
Exploring Cenote Azul gives a stunning experience with nature, where the bright blue water attracts visitors to a refreshing oasis. While exploring this gem, you can see both the main cenote and its smaller, charming cenotes, each having special features for different adventurers. The main cenote’s large water area is perfect for swimming, and the smaller cenotes offer a peaceful spot to relax, surrounded by green jungle foliage.
After buying your ticket and showering, you’ll see two small cenotes,great for photos. The main cenote is next, and another small one hides in the jungle on the left path,don’t miss it.
When you stand in the water, fish gather around your feet and nibble dead skin. It feels like a free fish spa, tingly but fun.
What To Do 🐟
At Cenote Azul, the experience feels like a colorful tapestry filled with nature and beauty. Begin your adventure at the exciting jumping platform, where you can dive into the clear water, surrounded by green plants and the sounds of birds.
After the thrill, move into the calm world below by snorkeling in Cenote Azul, where each stroke shows a beautiful underwater scene with playful fish and detailed rock formations. When you stand still in the water, fish will surround your feet and nibble dead skin, it’s like a free fish spa, tingly but fun. While walking around the pools, watch for sunbathing iguanas and Mayan-style artwork.
green iguana in the trees at Cenote Azul
How To Get To Cenote Azul 🚐
When planning a trip to Cenote Azul, there are several ways to get there that make the journey better. Renting a car gives the most freedom, letting you explore the scenic roads at your own pace.
The drive from Playa del Carmen to Cenote Azul is about 23 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes, giving time to enjoy the green landscapes of the Riviera Maya.
Just follow the signs, and soon you will be surrounded by the bright blue water of the cenote. For a more local experience, you can take a taxi or use the colectivo transportation option. The colectivo station in Playa del Carmen is an affordable way to travel.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Cenote Azul is located South of Playa del Carmen
Our Cenote Azul Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Azul is one of the most popular cenotes near Playa del Carmen, attracting visitors with its clear, bright water. Unlike busier cenotes, Cenote Azul gives a calm escape for people who want to enjoy nature and the sunlit beauty of the surrounding jungle. The bright blue colors are stunning, making it perfect for photos or simply enjoying the moment under the swaying palm trees.
2. Cenote Jardin del Eden
Cenote Jardin del Eden in Playa del Carmen is more than a natural swimming spot; it is a beautiful oasis that amazes visitors with its stunning beauty. Surrounded by green plants, this cenote has clear water that shines like jewels under the Mexican sun.
Different from its popular neighbors, Cenote Azul and Cristalino, Jardin del Eden gives a calm experience, perfect for people who want a peaceful escape while enjoying adventure cenotes in Mexico. The green surroundings feel like a wild Garden of Eden, inviting guests to connect deeply with nature.
Cenote Jardin del Eden entrance fee 🎟️
Exploring Cenote Jardin del Eden is more than a regular tourist visit. With a small entrance fee. Entrance to Cenote Jardín del Eden is 200 pesos (10 USD), cash only. Parking is free. Snorkel gear and life jackets rent for 50 pesos (2.5 USD). Nearby, massages cost 600 pesos (1 hr) or 400 pesos (30 min). Bring your own snacks and drinks, there are shaded seats and tables. visitors can enjoy a green paradise full of clear water and natural beauty, perfect for a day of adventure.
Cenote Jardin del Eden Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Jardin del Eden is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Saturdays
Cenote Jardin del Eden, one of the beautiful eco-friendly cenotes near Playa del Carmen, has specific opening hours, so planning your visit is important. Usually, it is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, giving enough time to enjoy its clear water and green surroundings. However, Cenote Jardin del Eden is sometimes closed on certain days for maintenance and conservation. Checking the opening days before visiting helps make sure you do not miss swimming in this amazing natural pool.
The trees around the cenote really make it feel like a garden of eden
What To Expect 💦
Once inside, the features of this cenote are truly amazing. The sunlight reflects on the water, creating a magical feeling perfect for relaxation and exploration. Whether you are floating slowly or diving into its depths, scuba diving at Jardin del Eden shows an underwater world full of life.
Playa del Carmen cenote access tips suggest arriving early to avoid crowds, so you can enjoy the calm and magic of this natural treasure. Exploring Cenote Jardin del Eden is more than a visit; it is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mexico’s natural beauty. Cenote Jardín del Eden is one big pool with steps and platforms on many sides. Scuba divers have their own staircase. Walk around the cenote to see all its angles.
What To Do 🤿
At Cenote Jardin del Eden, adventure is waiting both under and above the water. Imagine arriving at the jumping platform, ready for an exciting dive into the clear, bright waters. Whether you choose a thrilling jump or a gentle entry, the feeling of the cool water around you is refreshing and awakens your sense of adventure.
After diving in, put on your snorkel gear and explore a colorful underwater oasis. Schools of fish swim all around, giving an amazing chance to see the local aquatic life up close, making swimming and snorkeling a must-do activity.
Near the jumping area by the picnic tables, watch the trees. We saw many bright blue birds, likely looking for food. They can appear at many cenotes, but we only saw them there.
Blue bird spotting
Top Tip For Adventurers 🤠
When starting a Cenote Jardin del Eden adventure, the most important tool is curiosity. Hidden in the green landscapes of Mexico, this secret pool gives not only stunning views but also a special ecosystem full of life.
Watch for colorful iguanas resting nearby. To fully enjoy it, swim through cenote tunnels that link different water areas, creating a magical underwater maze. This is not just a physical activity, but exploring the tunnels also gives a feeling of adventure like old-time explorers.
How To Get To Cenote Jardin Del Eden 🚐
To get to the beautiful Cenote Jardín del Eden from Playa del Carmen, there are easy and different ways to travel. Jardín del Eden is right next to Cenote Azul and easy to reach the same way, about 25 km (25 min) toward Tulum.
One popular choice is taking a colectivo, a shared minibus for local trips. You can find these blue and white vans along 5th Avenue. The ride usually costs about 30–35 pesos (2 USD) and gives a fun look at local life as you travel with other visitors.
Just tell the driver you want to go to Jardín del Eden, and they will drop you at the entrance. Colectivos depart when full, which never took more than 5 minutes for us. You can also go by car, taxi, or motorcycle.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Cenote Jardin del Eden is right next to Cenote Azul south of Playa del Carmen
Our Cenote Jardin del Eden Rating
4/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Jardin del Eden is one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen, offering a special mix of natural beauty and adventure. The large pool invites visitors to swim in clear water surrounded by green foliage. Imagine diving into the bright turquoise water or enjoying the exciting jumping and swimming cenotes in Mexico that this spot offers. The thrill of leaping from rocky ledges into calm waters adds extra excitement to every visitor’s experience.
3. Cenote Cristalino
Located just outside Playa del Carmen, Cenote Cristalino amazes visitors with its calm beauty and clear, bright waters. This hidden gem gives a peaceful escape from busy crowds, offering a refreshing spot for those who want tranquility in a lively ecosystem.
While many go to popular cenotes, Cenote Cristalino is special not only for its clear water but also for the unique experience of exploring caves with fascinating rock formations.
If you want blue water, fish, pools, caves, and a jumping ledge, visit Cenote Cristalino.
Cenote Cristalino entrance fee 🎟️
Visiting Cenote Cristalino lets you enjoy amazing natural beauty and gives great value for the experience. The entrance fee is 200 pesos (around 10 USD), a small cost for a day full of adventure and relaxation.
This fee allows access to the calm waters, known for their clear beauty, perfect for a refreshing swim or an exciting snorkeling session at Cenote Cristalino. The underwater world is full of life, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced snorkelers to explore colorful aquatic ecosystems.
Cenote Cristalino Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Cristalino is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
One of the back pools at Cenote Cristalino is full of fish and usually very quiet.
What To Expect
At Cenote Cristalino, you will find a stunning mix of natural beauty and easy adventure. Located close to Playa del Carmen, this cenote is simple to access, making it popular with both local and international visitors.
As you arrive, the calm landscape surrounds you, creating a peaceful contrast to the busy highway nearby. The main pool of Cenote Cristalino amazes with its clear water, inviting you to swim or just relax in the quiet, beautiful surroundings.
What To Do 🐟
Cenote Cristalino is a natural wonder that invites adventurers with its charm. Imagine jumping from the jumping ledge into the clear, bright water below, surrounded by green jungle. The excitement of the jump is enhanced by beautiful morning sunlight dancing on the water, lighting up the underwater cave beneath. Each ray of sun adds a magical feeling, turning the cenote into a living painting of nature.
How To Get To Cenote Cristalino 🚐
If you want to know how to get to Cenote Cristalino from Playa del Carmen, the trip is easy and fun. One great choice for travelers is taking a colectivo, a local shared van that gives a real taste of Mexican life.
To catch a colectivo, go to the station in Playa del Carmen and take any heading to Tulum. Tip for colectivos: ask the driver about the latest price and seat availability, as these can change.
The ride usually costs about 30–35 pesos (2 USD) and offers a scenic route with views of lush landscapes and everyday local life. You pay the driver when you get off at Cenote Cristalino, and colectivos leave when full, usually within 5 minutes. To return, cross the highway safely and wave down a colectivo, rides back to Playa del Carmen cost 35 pesos (2 USD) and take you to the same station.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Cristalino Rating
4/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Cristalino is a treasure among the many natural wonders in Mexico, often known as one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Its clear turquoise waters are not only beautiful to see but also invite visitors to swim and enjoy the refreshing coolness of this natural pool. While exploring Cenote Cristalino, you will see amazing rock formations that create a surreal background, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.
4. Cenote Minotauro
For those wanting a richer experience, visiting Cenote Minotauro and Playa Xpu-Ha together makes a perfect day trip full of adventure and relaxation. After exploring the cenote’s beautiful depths, you can relax on Xpu-Ha’s clean sandy beaches, where the gentle ocean waves create a calm setting.
If you like quiet pools and guided cave adventures, this one is for you! 🤠
Often missed by most tourists, this combination gives a refreshing contrast, showing the best of natural wonders in Mexico. Whether diving into Cenote Minotauro or enjoying the sun at Playa Xpu-Ha, this guide inspires a memorable journey through the hidden treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Cenote Minotauro Entrance Fee 🎟️
When planning a visit to the beautiful Cenote Minotauro, it is important to know the entrance fee, which reflects the amazing experience waiting for you. Usually, the Cenote Minotauro entrance fee is very reasonable, especially compared to other Playa del Carmen cenote prices.
This small fee gives access not only to the cenote’s natural beauty but also to a guided cave tour, adding fascinating insights about the geological formations and the cultural significance of the area. No snacks or drinks are sold, so it’s best to bring your own. For some inspiration on what to bring read here.
How to Eat Healthy and Cheap While Traveling
Cenote Minotauro Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Minotauro is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Cenote Minotauro opening hours are made for people who like to come early and for people who enjoy sunset time. The cenote usually opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM. It is a good idea to visit around midday because the sunlight shines into the water and makes bright blue and green colors.
Look up into the trees when walking to Cenote Minotauro
This beautiful feeling, along with the calm of a quiet cenote in Mexico, gives a clean and peaceful break from daily life and helps you enjoy nature fully. The next time you plan a Cenote Minotauro trip, remember that the best time to visit this water paradise is during the week.
If you walk around the top of Cenote Minotauro you can look into it from above
What To Expect 💦
When you step into Cenote Minotauro, get ready for a full sensory adventure that feels special and different. This family run cenote in Mexico is more than a place to swim, it is a magical space where every drop of water feels meaningful. As you go down into the cool, clear water, the shining cave cenote with stalactites creates a calm and exciting feeling at the same time. Light coming through the openings above adds a soft glow and invites visitors to explore every quiet corner.
What To Do 🔦
Experiencing the magic of Cenote Minotauro in Mexico feels very special and different from other trips. Surrounded by green plants, this calm place invites visitors to enjoy its cool, blue water. When you start snorkeling, you can see beautiful stalactites hanging from the cave roof, showing the beauty of nature.
As you go deeper, you discover a magical underwater world where light and shadows move together and show colorful water life. As sunlight comes through the openings, it makes a beautiful mix of light and water, perfect for an Instagram, worthy shot. Also, try the swing cenote experience, which gives an exciting and fun addition to your visit.
Top Tips For Adventurers 🤠
When you go on a guided cenote cave experience, enjoy the magical feeling around you. Imagine snorkeling with a life jacket in clear water while looking at beautiful stalactites that have formed over 100 years. These natural wonders are not only amazing to see, but they also let you spot bats and fish. In a 15 to 20 minute tour, you can enjoy the rich biodiversity that lives in these underground places.
As you move through the twists and turns, paying attention to your surroundings will make your visit better. Watching for darting fish and bats adds to the magical and mysterious feeling.
How To Get To Cenote Minotauro 🚐
Getting to Cenote Minotauro is an easy adventure that starts in Playa del Carmen. The trip is about 25 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes, making it a great start for an exciting day. Go south on the main highway toward Tulum and watch for the Pemex gas station, a well-known landmark that shows you are on the right road.
These local shared vans are a cheap and easy way to travel, with many departures so it is simple to get on. As you get near Cenote Minotauro, the green surroundings show a glimpse of the beautiful nature that is waiting.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Minotauro Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Jungles of Mexico, Cenote Minotauro gives a calm and peaceful escape that many people do not know about. This hidden cenote near Playa del Carmen is perfect for those who want an off the beaten path adventure, away from busy crowds at popular places. The quiet feeling lets visitors enjoy nature fully, listening to the soft sound of water among the thick plants while relaxing in the cool and refreshing water of this calm oasis.
5. Cenote Sac Actun – Best Cenote In Playa Del Carmen For An Adventure
Nestled in a large network of limestone caves, Cenote Sac Actun is known as one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen for adventure lovers. Its detailed underwater paths invite visitors to explore, where shiny turquoise waters meet amazing stalactite formations.
Different from busy tourist spots, the Cenote Sac Actun tour gives a quiet and personal experience, letting you enjoy the magic of Mexico’s underground world and making it a perfect place for a peaceful escape. As part of a day trip cenote Tulum itinerary, Sac Actun shows a special view of the area’s natural beauty and geological history, highlighting not only its amazing looks but also the cultural significance of these cenotes over time.
If you like exploring underground caves with cool rocks, Cenote Sac Actun is perfect for you,
Cenote Sac Actun Entrance Fee 🎟️
Exploring Cenote Sac Actun is not only about the amazing views. The entrance fee of 650 pesos (34 USD) per person gives you a chance for an unforgettable adventure. This fee lets you join both shared and private cenote tours, giving options for every traveler. Choosing an all-inclusive cenote tour lets you enjoy the magic without worrying about planning, so you can fully experience the beautiful underwater world.
Cenote Sac Actun Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Sac Actun is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
What To Expect 💦
Going on a Cenote Sac Actun tour gives a magical look into an underground world where time feels stopped and nature’s beauty grows. Imagine moving through huge cenote caverns, surrounded by amazing rock shapes made over thousands of years.
The guided cave snorkeling is not just about swimming in the clear cenote water, it is also about exploring a lively ecosystem full of life. Every turn of the tour shows something new, from detailed stalactites to shining reflections that move on the water.
For a more personalized experience, private cenote tours let you explore at your own pace, so you can enjoy every detail. There is a claustrophobic cenote warning, as some parts can feel tight, so adventurers should be ready. During the cold water cenote tours, the cool water feels refreshing and exciting, adding to the sense of adventure around every corner.
What To Do 🔦
The Cenote Sac Actun underground caves give a special experience, mixing adventure with amazing beauty. As visitors go deeper, they move through huge cenote caverns with magical rock shapes that show stories from long ago. Every twist and turn shows stunning views, so bringing a camera is a must. People who feel claustrophobic should be careful, as going too far into the narrow passages can feel uncomfortable, even for experienced explorers.
How To Get To Cenote Sac Actun 🚐+🚲
For the eco-conscious adventurer, riding a bike to the cenote can make your visit even better. Rent a bicycle in Playa del Carmen and follow beautiful paths until you arrive. The ride gives gentle exercise and lets you connect closely with the unique flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you are on a budget, public transport to cenotes is also an option, as different colectivos will take you for a low fare. Whether you go by taxi, bike, or bus, each way gives its own adventure, making getting to Sac Actun as memorable as the amazing blue waters waiting for you.
Our Cenote Sac Actun Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Sac Actun is a true gem among the best cave cenotes near Playa del Carmen, offering an amazing underground labyrinth that amazes visitors. Its beautiful stalactites and clear water create a magical feeling, making every part of the Cenote Sac Actun experience a stunning look at nature’s art. The special underwater river system adds adventure, perfect for both beginners and experienced swimmers looking for an unforgettable cenote adventure.
Now You Know All The Best Cenotes In Playa Del Carmen
When exploring the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen, each special feature shows a part of Mexico’s natural beauty. Cenote Chaak Tun amazes visitors with its beautiful underground chambers and magical light, giving a perfect background for great photos. Cenote Azul is not to be missed, with bright turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and relaxing, making it a favorite for families and adventurers.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the cenotes around Playa del Carmen is an unforgettable experience that every traveler should do. These natural wonders give a special chance to enjoy nature while seeing amazing views and calm surroundings. From the clear water of Cenote X’Canche to the beautiful area of Cenote Dos Ojos, each place has its own charm and adventure. Whether you love swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing, there is a cenote that fits your wishes.
FAQS
q: Which cenote is closest to Playa del Carmen?
A: Cenote Azul is the nearest to Playa del Carmen.
q: Is Cenote Azul worth it?
A: Yes, Cenote Azul is beautiful and worth seeing.
q: How many cenotes are there near Playa del Carmen?
A: There are more than 30 cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Each one is different and special.
q: What is the best time to visit cenotes in Playa del Carmen?
A: Morning or late afternoon is best. It is cooler and not too crowded.