The Yucatan Peninsula has the largest amount of underwater sinks or cenotes in the world. Once revered as sacred by the ancient Maya, they now attract travelers, explorers and adventurers alike. Formed when limestone erodes gradually over hundreds of years, cenotes are an excellent place to swim, dive or dive. Here is our guide to the most beautiful cenotes of Tulum and its surroundings.
1. Gran Cenote
Only three miles (five kilometers) from downtown Tulum, the Great Cenote is very popular with swimmers and divers of all ages. The partially submerged tunnels connect the outdoor sections of the cenote. The location is very popular among divers, as it provides access to the second largest cave system in the world. With its sandy bottom and sun terraces, the Grand Cenote is also a favorite among swimmers and those looking to relax in the sun. Watch for bats and even occasional toucans.
Gran Cenote, Tulum, Quintana Roo
2. Cenote Dos Ojos
One of the best known cenotes in Mexico, Dos Ojos is a magnet for tourists. The name translates as “two eyes” and refers to the fact that the cenote itself is divided into two: half is clear and shallow, which makes it perfect for diving, while the other half is deeper and It is better for divers.
Cenote Dos Ojos, Carretera Federal Cancún-Tulum. Km 124, Jacinto Pat, Tulum, Quintana Roo, +52 9841600906
3. Cenote Choo-Ha
A short drive from the ruins of Coba, the Choo-Ha Cenote is an impressive underground cenote. Accessed through a small opening in the ground, a narrow wooden staircase leads to a large round cavern. A great place to visit with children or young adults, the high rock roofs feature thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.
There are two other cenotes in the immediate area. Tankach-Ha is loved by dare-devil cliff divers, and Multun-Ha is best for scuba divers.
Cenote Choo-Ha, Coba, Quintana Roo
4. Cenote Ponderosa
Cenote Jardín del Eden is an impressive destination for swimmers. With fresh and crystal clear water, the vast open cenote also hosts all kinds of wildlife, including motmots, turtles and bright-colored freshwater eels. Emotion seekers will also enjoy making a daring jump from the edge of the cenote to the water.
Cenote Ponderosa, Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km.26, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, +52 9848730038
5. Cenotes Labnaha
About 15 minutes from downtown Tulum, Cenotes Labnaha is widely regarded as one of the best sinks in the Riviera Maya. Unlike most of the cenotes in the region, Labnaha maintains a strict maximum limit on the number of daily visitors, which reduces the impact on the local environment. Qualified and professionally trained guides from the local area offer excellent tours for visitors, and the organization is also committed to working and helping local Mayan communities.
Cenotes Labnaha, Carretera Cancún- KM 240, Tulum, Quintana Roo, +52 9841293040
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