Cenotes:

Pronounced “Say-note-tay” and from the Mayan term D’zonot, Cenotes are naturally formed sinkholes made of out of the limestone so prevalent in the Riviera Maya. These Cenotes can be opened to the surface or even completely underground, and hold a freshwater reservoir formed by the underground rivers that flow through the entire region. There are over 6,000 known Cenotes throughout Mexico and many in the Yucatan can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers alike.

Most of the Cenotes have a small entrance fee, ranging from US $5 to $10 per person per day. While some do have restaurant facilities, it’s always a good idea to pack a cooler with food and drinks when you head out for the day. Water shoes (as opposed to flip flops) are a very good idea for safety and comfort. Also, it’s best to bring your own snorkel gear so you don’t have to rent it on site.Don’t Miss Centoes in the Riviera Maya

Casa Cenote

This cenote is separated from the ocean by a small strip of land. Instead of the many circled cenotes, Casa Cenote features a long canal that winds away from the ocean. When the sun is shining, its crystal clear waters allow you to see—with impressive clarity—all the way to the bottom.

Cenote Azul

This is a small and cozy cenote that has a small cave.  Above the cave, people can dive off an approximately 12-foot ledge into the deep cenote. It’s an all-ages place where kids can dive off a mini cliff into the water, and the less physically fit can wade in smaller pools.

Gran Cenote

As the name suggests (in Spanish), this is a large and popular cenote. Google the diving pictures taken there, and be prepared to be awestruck. You can be sure, the pictures are so spectacularly majestic they’re enough motivation to visit in and of themselves. Located just outside of Tulum, it is well marked and easy to find. Head into Tulum town on the 307 highway and take a right at the second stop light (this is the main road to Coba). After about 2 miles you will see the Gran Cenote on your right. Here you will find changing facilities, bathrooms and a small restaurant on site. The water here is crystal clear and you’ll find impressive stalactites under water along with fish and sea turtles.

Rio Secreto 

Rio Secreto is actually a series of Centoes connected by an underground river. Located 5km south of Playa del Carmen, simply look for the highway signs that mark the turn off. If you are keen to learn more about the geology of Cenotes on an organized tour, you may want to consider Rio Secreto. While this option is more pricey than other “do it yourself” options, adults are US $80 and children are half price, the 3 ½ hour tour offers a bilingual guide, equipment ad they even serve you lunch after! Children must be at least 4 years old to visit Rio Secreto.

Ponderosa El Eden

This beautiful Cenote is located about 3km south of Puerto Aventuras. After arriving at the Ponderosa El Eden Cenote, you’ll walk on a short path that takes you to the Cenote Be sure to bring your own food and drink as there is no restaurant on site. Ponderosa El Eden has a large island in the center of it. Kids love climbing up the large tree in the middle of this island and jumping into the water. Enjoy unlimited visibility under the water, and a wide variety of fish, eels, turtles and plant life.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos (meaning two eyes in Spanish) is connected to one of the top 10 longest underwater cave systems in the world. It contains the deepest known cave passage in Quintana Roo with a depth of nearly 400 feet. Located across the street from the Xel-ha water park, Dos Ojos consists of two connected sinkholes with a large cavern between them (accessible only if you’re scuba diving here.) If you plan on snorkeling, enter the 2nd Cenote (the one on the right) and take an immediate left at the bottom of the stairs. Walk until you find a nice entrance point for snorkeling, one of two wooden decks with stairs. It does get crowded to try to get here early in the day if possible. After you’ve explored the Dos Ojos Cenote, relax in one of the hammocks on site and enjoy a picnic lunch.

 

For info about the Cenotes along the Riviera Maya click HERE