Best Cenotes Playa Del Carmen
(All You Need To Know)
The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico has a lot to offer. There are beaches, ruins, coral reefs, and amazing food but one of the coolest and most unique things is exploring cenotes! There are hundreds of them and it’s worth visiting as many as you can as they all hold different experiences for you. So keep reading to find out about all the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen to get the most out of your trip.
What Is A Cenote?
A cenote is a natural hole, pool or cave caused by the collapse of limestone that is then filled with groundwater. Cenotes were used by the Mayans as a natural water supply that’s why you will often find cenotes in or around Mayan ruins.
You can combine exploring ancient ruins with visiting cenotes on a day trip from Playa del Carmen in Coba for example. Read more about that here.
Besides Mexico, you can also find cenotes in Australia, the Caribbean, Canada, the U.S. and Zimbabwe but they are mostly associated with the Yucatan Peninsula as the word cenote derives from the Mayan word ts’onot and there are thousands of them in the Yucatan.
This is because the entire Yucatan Peninsula is almost entirely made of limestone. Because of this, there are almost no rivers because all rainwater flows underground in cenotes. So don’t miss out on exploring them while being in Mexico.
What To Expect 🤠
Cenotes can come in various shapes. You can enjoy them by swimming in an open natural pool, jumping into them from platforms or exploring their caves by scuba diving or snorkeling. No matter what you choose, I am sure you will have a lot of fun and feel like Indiana Jones on an expedition.
Read all about cenotes, such as how deep they are, what wildlife to expect, how they were used in Mayan culture, and how many there are in Mexico in my Ultimate Guide To Visting Cenotes. Also, have a look if you want to get the best out of your trip with my top tips for visiting cenotes.
1. Cenote Azul – Best Cenote In Playa Del Carmen For First Timers
Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote) is only 23 kilometers and a 25-minute ride from Playa del Carmen and easy to reach by colectivo or car. It is located next to Cenote Cristalino and Jardin del Eden which are the next cenotes on this list of best cenotes Playa del Carmen. This group of cenotes are the closest to cenotes to Playa Del Carmen and all are must visits.
If you love crystal-clear blue water and fish Cenote Azul is for you! 🐟
Cenote Azul entrance fee 🎟️
The entrance fee to Cenote Azul is 150 pesos (7.5 USD) per person. The ticket booth is right next to the highway where you get off the colectivo. You can park for free if you come by car.
You can rent a lifejacket for 40 pesos (2 USD) and a snorkel set for 70 pesos (4 USD).
It is possible to buy snacks and drinks there as well as souvenirs and waterproof phone cases. There is a designated area for eating with tables and seats in the shade.
Cenote Azul Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Azul is open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
This cenote is one of the most visited cenotes around Playa del Carmen and can get very crowded, especially on weekends and around noon. But if you come as early as possible, between 8:30 am and 10 am, you will be able to enjoy the place with only a small amount of people.
What To Expect 💦
Cenote Azul is actually not only one cenote but one big cenote with three smaller ones around. It is super cool to check out all of them as they all have a different twist to them. All of them are surrounded by the jungle, full of fish and have blue water, hence the name Cenote Azul (blue).
After you bought your ticket and had your shower you will first see two of the smaller cenotes which are the perfect photo spot if you come early. The main cenote is right after the first two.
But there is also another small cenote hidden in the jungle if you follow the paths on your left-hand side which you should not miss out on.
As soon as you stand still in the water fish will surround your feet and start nibbling dead skin away. It’s like a fish spa you sometimes see advertised on streets or at spas but for free! It’s a weird tingling sensation but fun to experience.
What To Do 🐟
You can jump into the main cenote which is an open pool from a 4-meter high platform. It is a lot of fun and we had people cheering when people jumped which was a cool atmosphere. If you want it a bit quieter you can go to the smaller cenote pools around.
In all of the pools, you will see a lot of fish, and many catfish as well. From all of the cenotes on this list, we saw the most fish and most varieties at Cenote Azul. It’s definitely worth it to bring goggles or a snorkel and check them out.
When walking around the different pools keep an eye open for iguanas who love to sunbathe and for some Mayan-inspired artwork.
How To Get To Cenote Azul 🚐
Cenote Azul is only 23 kilometers and a 25-minute drive from Playa del Carmen driving towards Tulum. You can get there by renting a car, taxi, motorcycle or colectivo.
To catch a colectivo you have to go to the colectivo station in Playa del Carmen. You can take any colectivo departing to Tulum. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) one-way and you pay it to the driver when exiting at Cenote Azul. Colectivos depart when full which never took more than 5 minutes for us.
To come back you have to cross the highway and wave down a colectivo on the other side of the road. There are plenty and we never waited longer than 2 minutes. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) and you will get out at the same colectivo station in Playa del Carmen where you got in.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Azul Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
Due to all the fish you see, its natural jungle setting, the different pools and the amazing crystal clear water it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Avoid the crowds and you will have an amazing trip!
2. Cenote Jardin del Eden
Cenote Jardin del Eden (Garden of Eden) is right between Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino and is a mix between green and blue colored water. It’s only 23 kilometers and a 25-minute ride from Playa del Carmen and covers the biggest area of all of them.
If you are into enjoying an open space and a little adventure Cenote Jardin del Eden is for you! 🤠
Cenote Jardin del Eden entrance fee 🎟️
Entrance fee to Cenote Jardin del Eden is 200 pesos (10 USD) per person. You can only pay in cash at the ticket booth that is right next to the highway where you get off the colectivo. Parking is for free and there is plenty of space to park if you come by car.
You can rent snorkeling gear and a life jacket for 50 pesos (2.5 USD) each.
Right next to the cenote is a massage table offering a 1-hour massage for 600 pesos (30 USD) or half an hour for 400 pesos (20 USD).
We didn’t see any snacks or drinks being sold so better to bring your own. There are plenty of seats and tables in the shade.
Cenote Jardin del Eden Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Jardin del Eden is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Saturdays!
It’s the only cenote on this list that is closed one day a week so make sure you don’t come on a Saturday. The manager of Jardin del Eden told us that he is really into preserving the ecosystem of the cenote. So it’s great that they would rather miss out on one day of revenue than harm the ecosystem.
What To Expect 💦
While Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino are right next to the highway, Cenote Jardin del Eden is actually a 10-minute walk from the highway inland. You will first see the ticket booth next to a big gate. After buying your ticket you can either drive or walk through the gate. Taxis are allowed to drive you in.
We enjoyed the walk as the path is surrounded by trees and we saw iguanas on the way. It also gets your excitement going as you don’t see the cenote right away.
After the walk, the manager of the cenote was waiting for us to explain the rules and more about the cenote. It felt very welcoming and we were able to ask him questions. He is fluent in Spanish and English.
Cenote Jardin del Eden is one big pool that you can enter from multiple sides via steps or platforms. There is a staircase designated only for scuba divers. Make sure you walk around the whole cenote to see every part of it and all the different angles.
What To Do 🤿
There is plenty to do and see at Cenote Jardin del Eden. At its deepest point, you are allowed to jump from a 5-meter platform into the cenote. It’s where an underwater cave is, but you would need to go with a scuba diving guide to explore it.
It’s really cool to swim in the big open pool which has some fish and is shallow in some parts. You can stand on some rocks in the water and look around. Quickly fish will come nibbling on your feet and give you a fish spa for free.
Close to the jumping area above the picnic tables keep an eye on the trees. We saw tons of really cool-looking blue birds there, probably waiting for some leftovers to pick up. Apparently, you can see them at almost all cenotes but we only saw them there.
Top Tip For Adventurers 🤠
Make sure to walk all the way to the back of the cenote where it looks like there is a small separate pool. But it’s actually connected to the main pool through a small open tunnel which you can swim through. It’s an awesome experience and almost no one goes there so make sure you do!
That’s where we also saw two really big iguanas walking around and sunbathing. This adventurous swim will make your day! Just keep an eye on the rocks which can be a bit sharp and stick up in all directions. It’s definitely safer and better to have goggles or snorkels there with you.
How To Get To Cenote Jardin Del Eden 🚐
Jardin del Eden is right next to Cenote Azul and therefore to reach in the same way. Both cenotes are only 25 kilometers and a 25-minute drive from Playa del Carmen driving towards Tulum. You can get there by renting a car, taxi, motorcycle or colectivo.
To catch a colectivo you have to go to the colectivo station in Playa del Carmen. You can take any departing to Tulum. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) one-way and you pay it to the driver when exiting at Cenote Jardin del Eden. Colectivos depart when full which never took more than 5 minutes for us.
To come back you have to cross the highway by waiting for a gap between the cars and wave down a colectivo on the side of the road. There are plenty and we never waited longer than 2 minutes. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) and you will get out at the same colectivo station in Playa del Carmen where you got in.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Jardin del Eden Rating
4/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Being able to swim through the narrow tunnel at the back of the cenote was a lot of fun and felt adventurous. We loved spotting the iguanas and blue birds, jumping into the big pool, and enjoying all the space Cenote Jardin del Eden has to offer. For sure one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
3. Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Cristalino (Crystalline) is next to Jardin del Eden and only 23 kilometers and a 25-minute ride from Playa del Carmen. It is also a super well-known cenote but not as popular as Cenote Azul so you will have fewer crowds here.
The water here does not have the spectacular blue of Cenote Azul but is still very beautiful. The water is crystal clear and there are lots of areas and caves to explore. There is also a 4-meter ledge to jump off so it has a bit of something for everyone.
If you want a bit of everything such as blue water, fish, multiple pools, caves and a jump-off ledge Cenote Cristalino is for you! 💦
Cenote Cristalino entrance fee 🎟️
The Entrance fee to Cenote Cristalino is 200 pesos (10 USD) per person which includes lifejacket rental. You can only pay in cash at the ticket booth that is right next to the highway where you get off the colectivo. Parking is for free and there is plenty of space to park if you come by car.
Lockers for 100 pesos (5 USD) and snorkels for 70 pesos (3.5 USD) are also available for rental on-site.
Cenote Cristalino Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Cristalino is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm.
What To Expect 💦
Cenote Cristalino is located right next to the highway so once you arrive you will only have to walk a short distance to the cenote. Although it is close to the highway it is still nice and peaceful as all the surrounding trees block the noise from the cars.
As you first arrive you will see the first pools of the cenote which have super clear blue water. This is the main pool and covers a really big area. There is a large concrete area next to the main pool with seats where you can put your belongings.
What To Do 🐟
Cenote Cristalino also has a ledge to jump off just like Cenote Azul and Jardin Del Eden. The ledge is only about 4 meters high but is good fun to jump off. The pools at Cenote Cristalino are also full of lots of fish so it is a good idea to bring a snorkel to check them out.
There is also a cave down the far end of the main pool that is cool to explore. If you are there in the morning and look underwater the light beams from the sun make beautiful patterns underwater that you have to see.
You should also make sure you head to the pool that is in the trees to the left of the main pool. This pool was super peaceful because there were not many people there and it is full of fish.
How To Get To Cenote Cristalino 🚐
Cenote Cristalino is right next to Cenote Jardin del Eden and therefore to reach in the same way. Both cenotes are only 25 kilometers and a 25-minute drive from Playa del Carmen driving towards Tulum. You can get there by renting a car, taxi, motorcycle or colectivo.
To catch a colectivo you have to go to the colectivo station in Playa del Carmen. You can take any departing to Tulum. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) one-way and you pay it to the driver when exiting at Cenote Cristalino. Colectivos depart when full which never took more than 5 minutes for us.
To come back you have to cross the highway by waiting for a gap between the cars and wave down a colectivo on the side of the road. There are plenty and we never waited longer than 2 minutes. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) and you will get out at the same colectivo station in Playa del Carmen where you got in.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Cristalino Rating
4/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Cristilano is like a combination of Cenote Azul and Cenote Jardin Del Eden. It doesn’t have as spectacular blue water as Cenote Azul but it is really big and has lots of corners to explore such as Cenote Jardin del Eden. It is beautiful and well worth visiting especially if you can only choose one of the cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
4. Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Minotauro (Minotaur) is located 2 kilometers after Cenote Azul in the direction of Tulum. It is only 25 kilometers and a 25-minute ride from Playa del Carmen.
If you are into combining an uncrowded open-air pool and a guided cave experience off the beaten tracks this one is for you! 🤠
In comparison to Cenote Azul, Cenote Jardin del Eden and Cenote Cristalino which are all featured on this list of best cenotes Playa del Carmen and are having thousands of reviews, Cenote Minotauro only has about 100 reviews on google maps.
We found it by randomly clicking on google maps and since it is on the opposite side of Playa Xpu-Ha we thought we will check it out and combine those two attractions with each other.
If you are thinking of doing the same – which I highly recommend – make sure you read the section about Playa Xpu-Ha in my article on the best beaches Playa del Carmen here.
Cenote Minotauro Entrance Fee 🎟️
The entrance fee of Cenote Minotauro is 250 pesos (12.5 USD) per person. It’s a bit pricier than the other cenotes on this list but it’s totally worth it and justified. Included in the price is a drive to and from the cenote starting at the entrance, a guided cave tour and life jackets.
The ticket booth is right next to the highway behind a big black metal gate they will open for you when you arrive.
We didn’t see any snacks or drinks being sold so better and healthier to bring your own. There are plenty of picnic tables in the shade as you are not allowed to eat at the pool directly. For some inspiration on what to bring read here how to eat healthy while travelling.
Cenote Minotauro Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Minotauro is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Since it is not well known it is by far the least crowded on this list. When we arrived at 11 am on a Tuesday there were only 3 other people there. Around noon, which is always the peak of cenote visits, there were still not more than 20 people. So if you come at 9 am and during the week you most likely have the place to yourself!
What To Expect 💦
After buying your ticket you will get a ride for free to the cenote which is 3 kilometers inland from the entrance. The ride to the cenote was in a car and the ride back on the back of a pick-up truck was a lot of fun.
Cenote Minotauro is run by a family and you can see and feel that when being there. There are no employees which makes it feel homey and you will see houses, dogs, chicken, and kids waving at you on the way. Everyone is super friendly and relaxed.
After arriving at the cenote and your shower a staircase leads you down to the cenote which goes around a platform in a circle. You can already see some cave formations and stalactites. Watch out for the scuba divers that are exploring the caves underwater.
What To Do 🔦
You can walk around the whole cenote and have a look from above which I recommend. It’s always cool to see a cenote from different angles. There is no jumping platform but a swing and a few ropes at the deepest part of the cenote. What is great for taking pictures and hanging out.
Swim around the cenote and check out the stalactites. There are also some fish that will make you feel like being in a fish spa by nibbling away the dead skin on your feet when standing still.
If you brought your own goggles or snorkel make sure to dive where the swing is and look around seeing tons of cool light rays in the water.
Top Tips For Adventurers 🤠
After checking out the cenote I recommend asking one of the guides to take you into the cave. The guides are sitting close to the showers where the life jackets are and a tour is included in the entrance fee. It’s a must-do when you are there!
They will give you a lifejacket for free and swim with you into the cave from the cenote. They turn on lights and also have a good torch so you will see plenty. We brought in our phone in a waterproof case. If you have a GoPro that would be even better.
The guide spoke good English and gave us interesting facts about the cave. The stalactites are more than 100 years old so you should avoid touching them. He led us through 3 different cave chambers, one cooler than the other. We also saw bats and a big catfish.
At the end of the 15 to 20-minute tour, you will climb up a wooden staircase so you don’t go back where you went in. It’s great to have the life jackets on as you can float through the cave and don’t need to worry about hitting rocks.
How To Get To Cenote Minotauro 🚐
Cenote Minotauro is only 25 kilometers and a 25-minute drive from Playa del Carmen driving towards Tulum. You can get there by renting a car, taxi, motorcycle or colectivo.
To catch a colectivo you have to go to the colectivo station in Playa del Carmen. You can take any departing to Tulum. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) one-way and you pay it to the driver when exiting at Cenote Minotauro.
As Cenote Minotauro is not so well-known it’s best to ask the driver to stop at Playa Xpu-Ha. He will stop at the Pemex gas station which is on the opposite side of Playa Xpu-Ha.
Walk past Pemex along the highway for about 50 meters until you see a gate with the sign Minotauro on it. It’s right next to the highway and easy to spot.
To come back walk back to the Pemex gas station and cross the highway by waiting for a gap between the cars. In front of Playa Xpu-Ha it’s easy to wave down a colectivo on the side of the road. There are plenty and we never waited longer than 2 minutes. The ride is 35 pesos (2 USD) and you will get out at the same colectivo station in Playa del Carmen where you got in.
📍 See the location and route description on google maps here.
Our Cenote Minotauro Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Minotauro is one of the most underrated and unknown cenotes near Playa del Carmen. It’s fun to go off the beaten tracks and enjoy a cenote without crowds. Exploring the cave is super cool and the cherry on top!
5. Cenote Sac Actun – Best Cenote In Playa Del Carmen For An Adventure
Cenote Sac Actun is about 50 kilometers and a 40-minutes ride away from Playa Del Carmen and therefore a bit further out. It is actually closer to Tulum but it is such an amazing cenote and still easily doable as a day trip that it had to be included on this list.
You have to go on a tour to visit the cenote as you will be guided through some very narrow caves that are filled with water. But it is absolutely amazing and totally worth the money. It is much different from the other cenotes on this list as it is underground but it is truly amazing.
If you are into exploring an underground cenote with tons of cool rock formations Cenote Sac Actun is for you! 🤠
Cenote Sac Actun Entrance Fee 🎟️
To go on a shared tour of Sac Atun costs 650 pesos (34 USD) per person and there also offer private tours. The price includes a snorkel, wetsuit, life jacket and waterproof phone case. The tour lasts about 45-60 minutes with a maximum of 10 people per group.
It may sound annoying having to wear a life jacket all the time but it actually makes it much easier to move through the caves when the roof is very low. I also highly recommend wearing the wetsuit as your body will cool down after about 15 minutes.
The entrance is quite isolated so there is nowhere to buy food nearby.
Cenote Sac Actun Opening Hours 🕗
Cenote Sac Actun is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
What To Expect 💦
When you arrive you will have to wait to see if other people show up to go on a shared tour with you. There is no fixed schedule but groups depart every 20 minutes which is the maximum time you will have to wait.
The maximum size of the groups is 10 people so there will never be too many people on one tour. If no one else shows up they will just leave with whoever is there so you could end up with a private tour for the price of a shared tour.
The guide will take you deep into the cave systems that have lights throughout. Looking underwater is truly amazing because the water is crystal clear and you can see all kinds of rock formations.
The roof can be quite low in sections so just be warned that if you are claustrophobic it might be a bit scary. However, once you get through the tight sections you will arrive at massive underground caverns that are spectacular. So it is well worth it to go through the tight spaces.
The tour will last for about 50 minutes so you will definitely need the wetsuits as the water is fairly cold and you will be freezing without them. It really is a magical experience seeing all the rock formations deep underground while you are floating in crystal-clear water.
What To Do 🔦
Sit back and enjoy the tour, the guides are usually really good, and as long as you are ok with tight spaces you will have an amazing time. It is also possible to go for a swim at the entrance to the caves afterward if you like.
How To Get To Cenote Sac Actun 🚐+🚲
Cenote Sac Actun is 50 kilometers and a 40-minute drive from Playa del Carmen driving towards Tulum. You can get there by renting a car, taxi, motorcycle or collective. Having a rental car is very convenient for this cenote as it is a little tricky to reach by public transport.
To catch a colectivo you have to go to the colectivo station in Playa del Carmen. You can take any departing to Tulum. The ride costs 50 pesos (2.5 USD) one-way and you pay it to the driver when exiting at Cenote Sac Actun. As Cenote Sac Actun is not so well-known it’s best to ask the driver to stop at Cenote Dos Ojos.
However, once you arrive at the entrance of Cenote Dos Ojos by the highway it is still 4 kilometers to get to Cenote Sac Actun. You can either pay for an over-priced taxi shuttle which is 200 pesos (10 USD) per person one-way or rent a bike.
There is a bike rental where you can hire a mountain bike in really good condition for 200 pesos (10 USD) per person to ride to the cenote and back. It will be a nice and flat but also hot and bumpy ride so only take this option if you feel like some exercise and adventure.
Our Cenote Sac Actun Rating
5/5 🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠
Cenote Sac Actun has to be one of the best cave cenotes experiences there is near Playa del Carmen. Even though it is quite expensive and hard to get there it is well worth it and will give you a whole day of an unforgettable adventure.
Now You Know All The Best Cenotes In Playa Del Carmen
This brings us to the end of my list of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen. I hope it has helped you decide which one to go to. Otherwise, do it like us and explore all of them! 😉 Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Continue reading
- 15 Tips for visiting cenotes for an unforgettable trip
- How to visit the Coba Ruins and nearby cenotes
- Best beaches in Playa del Carmen
- Top things to do in Playa del Carmen
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Hi, I am Katharina, super passionate about travel, sustainability and minimalism from Austria. I love sunshine, beaches, coffee and light travel gear. For the last 4+ years I'm traveling the world as a digital nomad and hope my tips inspire you to chase your dreams and get out of your comfort zone.
