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If you’re a fan of snorkeling, cave diving, or simply want to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush jungle, visiting the cenotes in Tulum is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have on your next trip to the Riviera Maya.
What is a Cenote?
Cenotes are natural freshwater wells formed when limestone bedrock collapses, revealing the underground rivers beneath. For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sacred - considered portals to Xibalbá, the spiritual underworld.
Today, that same sense of wonder remains. Each cenote offers a serene connection to nature, filled with shimmering turquoise water, tropical vegetation, and the sounds of birds echoing through the caverns. Swimming, snorkeling, or diving in these formations lets visitors experience the calm and mystery of the Yucatán’s natural landscape.
What makes the cenotes in Tulum particularly special is their accessibility: most are located just a few kilometers from town and are suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Whether you live in Tulum or are just visiting, exploring them is a must.
1. Cenote Calavera
Also known as the Skull Cenote or Temple of Doom, Cenote Calavera is one of the most iconic cenotes in Tulum for diving. Its name comes from the way sunlight passes through three circular openings in the rock, forming the image of a human skull.
The cenote’s depth of around 19 meters and its mix of fresh and saltwater layers make it a fascinating dive site. Visitors can jump from the platform above or descend via wooden stairs to discover impressive underwater formations illuminated by beams of light.
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is located just 5 kilometers away from Tulum on the same highway, as the cenote Calavera. It is one of the most popular and famous cenotes in Tulum. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its lush Mayan jungle, which brings you to the state of immediate relaxation.
Furthermore, the water temperature is very comfortable throughout the whole year, since it does not drop lower than 24º, so you should not worry about waiting for the best season to visit it.
In Gran Cenote it is allowed to practice cave diving, which gives you a chance to dive in its underwater caverns and witness their aquatic landscape. It is also quite common to see people swimming and snorkeling in this cenote as it reaches the maximum depth of 10 meters; but if you don’t know how to swim, don’t worry, as you will be able to rent a life vest.
Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Cristalino is one of the most family-friendly cenotes in Tulum, known for its shallow areas (around 3 meters) and deeper zones reaching up to 6 meters.
The waters are bright turquoise, framed by jungle greenery, and the site has on-site lifeguards for safety. Don’t forget to bring biodegradable sunscreen as regular products are prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Visitors love the mix of sun and shade here, and it’s common to see locals and tourists relaxing side by side. Cenote Cristalino is ideal for a peaceful swim surrounded by nature.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Meaning “Two Eyes” in Spanish, Cenote Dos Ojos is world-renowned among divers. Its name refers to the twin sinkholes connected by an extensive underwater cave system that spans over 80 kilometers, making it one of the longest and most spectacular in the world.
Located 20 kilometers north of Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos reaches a depth of 118 meters in certain areas. Snorkelers can explore illuminated caverns filled with stalactites, while divers venture deeper to witness fossilized coral and rock formations from millions of years ago.
It’s one of the most visually stunning cenotes in Tulum, combining mystery, adventure, and incredible visibility.
Cenote Kaan Luum
Kaan Luum Lagoon hides a secret - in its center lies an 82-meter-deep cenote that forms a dark blue circle contrasting beautifully with the shallow turquoise waters around it.
It’s an excellent destination for families or anyone looking to relax in a calm, natural environment. Visitors can swim, paddle, or simply float in the warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying panoramic jungle views.
For photographers, Kaan Luum is one of the most picturesque cenotes in Tulum - a true natural masterpiece.
Cenote Chikin Ha
In the ecological park of Chikin Ha, located on the highway Cancun – Tulum, you will find an incredible semi-open crystalline cenote, with the optimal depth for snorkeling, rappelling or diving. The interesting fact is that different Mayan ceremonies are organized in this cenote, so that visitors can learn a little more about Mayan culture.
Cenote Escondido
Arriving to Cenote Escondido (English: Hidden Cenote) is quite an adventure, since you must first cross a stretch of dense jungle. As its name indicates, this cenote is surrounded by or hidden among such a thick jungle, that discovering its whereabouts becomes an adventure.
Cenote Escondido is located 3 kilometers south of Tulum and is an ideal place for those who prefer to swim and to enjoy the views and the landscapes of cenote’s surroundings.
Nevertheless, for those who prefer to dive, this cenote offers a depth of 17 meters - ideal to enjoy its aquatic flora and fauna.
Cenote Escondido is home to our condos for sale in Tulum at Mayab Tulum, which are seamlessly integrated into area's lush surroundings.
For those who dream of spending more time here and embracing Tulum’s relaxed rhythm, explore our full guide on retirement in Tulum Mexico: it details how to turn this tropical escape into a permanent paradise.
Final Thoughts
The cenotes in Tulum are more than swimming holes: they are living links between history, nature, and community. Whether you come to dive into their depths, float beneath the jungle canopy, or simply relax in their clear waters, each cenote tells a story millions of years in the making.
Exploring these natural wonders will give you a deeper appreciation of why Tulum remains one of Mexico’s most captivating destinations.
