Imagine diving into an underground cave, with nothing but a helmet and a flashlight.
You have to swim through a narrow passage, which seems like it will never end, until you get to an opening full of light.
You reach the surface. Then find yourself in an amazing environment. A cave filled with water and stalagmites, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Get ready to discover some of the most incredible cenotes in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
You can’t come to the Riviera Maya and not visit one of its beautiful cenotes.
The Riviera Maya is one of the best places to go on a Caribbean adventure.
It has beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and rich cultural history.
One of those historical sites are cenotes. Sinkholes are created by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath.
The Maya believed them to be portals to the underworld. They used some of them for sacrificial offerings.
The Riviera Maya is home to some of the best cenotes in the world, and you have to check them out if you’re traveling here.
Here are our favorite 5 cenotes you should visit when you are visiting or living in Riviera Maya Mexico.
1. Chac Mool Cenote
The Cenote Chac Mool is 28 km south of Playa del Carmen. A cenote system that has 3 different entrances or cenotes, on one side is (Kukulcán and Little brother). It is a perfect Cenote for beginners to discover diving in cenotes.
This cenote stands out with its rock formations, great visibility, the light that penetrates through the ceiling. There are a variety of fish and turtles that live in this cenote.
This is one of the most picturesque cenotes in the Riviera Maya. Due to its rectangular shape and pendulum-like stalactites suspended from above. The water is deep enough to jump into, but not too deep to swim around without breathing apparatus.
For those who want to explore the depths of the cenote, they can rent snorkeling gear on-site. Diving into parts where small fish gather.
This cenote is still considered sacred to many locals in Mexico. It is well preserved.
2. Cenote Ik Kil
Ever wanted to swim in a cenote below a Mayan temple? Surrounded by epic stalactite roots growing above you?
Well, Ik Kil cenote is a natural wonder that will leave you speechless.
Located in Yucatán, Mexico, the Cenote Ik Kil is an open-air cenote.
Cenote Ik Kil was once used for sacrificial offerings by the Mayans.
Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, and for good reason!
The first thing you’ll notice is the lush, delicate ecosystem of the jungle surrounding.
It’s a gorgeous contrast of greens and blues. All around, there are trees with roots that dangle down into the water. This creates a magical view when reflected on its surface.
You might also see Mayan sculptures carved into the walls. Or even bats hanging upside down from the ceiling.
This ancient cenote has been used for years by Mayans as a ritual site—and it’s not hard to see why.
This is an astonishing place. No matter how many times you’ve seen it before, it’ll still take your breath away each time you visit.
This cenote you can visit all year round. But during summer it is best to visit early in the morning. Or late in the afternoon because direct sunlight heats up its waters.
3. Sacred Cenote
Are you looking for a cenote that’s off the beaten path? A cenote that offers a bit of history? Look no further than Sacred Cenote in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Sure, you can find cenotes all over the place. But this one is different.
If you are planning a dive into the past, this is the place for you.
This was once used for human sacrifice by the Maya in ancient times! You can still see some bones at the bottom of this cenote. It isn’t every day you get to swim with a bunch of human skulls and skeletons, but here, you’ll be able to do that!
It has crystal clear water and surrounded by lush vegetation. The atmosphere that makes you feel like a time-traveler.
You can dive into this cenote to explore its surroundings. But it’s not recommended for beginners. As it’s very deep with many hidden passages and underwater caves.
When you arrive at Sacred Cenote there will be someone waiting outside to collects your entrance fee and gives you a life vest.
Once inside, there will be a person who will ask if you want snorkeling gear that you can rent.
If you do not have any experience snorkeling, I would rent equipment. Because even though this cenote has shallow parts, there are many areas where it gets deep too.
After climbing down into the cenote itself, you can swim around the crystal clear water. You can take in the gorgeous rock formations all around you.
And if you’re brave enough to brave a jump off a 20-foot ledge into the water below, take our word for it: its fun!
4. The Gran Cenote
The Gran Cenote is a short drive from Tulum and is perfect for snorkeling or diving.
This cenote system made of limestone rock that has eroded over time to form caves with stalactites and water-filled sinkholes.
The Gran Cenote is home to many species of fish and turtles. Offering a beautiful view of the jungle, with an plenty of trees, plants, and flowers.
You will find many different entrances to the cenotes within this area. Each entrance leads to a different path that you can take to explore the caves, rivers, and lagoons.
You’ll find many stairs leading down into the caves.
It has stalactites and stalagmites in the cave system that are amazing to see up close.
The cenote water is usually a cool, refreshing 24 degrees Celsius.
The Gran Cenote has easy access for all levels of swimmers and divers.
Also, the water is calm and clear, making it great for snorkeling and swimming.
There are wooden platforms where you can swim out to the center of the cenote to enjoy the crystal clear waters.
5. Cenote Suytun
Are you ready for your jaw to hit the floor?
Cenote Suytun is the most Insta-famous cenote in the world—and it’s one of the most special you will ever see.
If you’ve ever seen a photo of someone standing on a little wooden platform over a massive pool of water with sunlight streaming down through a hole in the rock, chances are, it was Cenote Suytun.
This cenote is unique because it has one spark of light coming down the middle. This creates a very dramatic effect.
Light floods into the cave through a tiny hole near the top of its high ceiling. Illuminating the crystal clear water below (which is around 37 feet deep).
This creates an almost magical glow that features in many movies and TV shows.
Cenote Suytun is the perfect destination for visitors to Riviera Maya Mexico who are looking for an experience that’s both breathtaking and photogenic.
Explore the cenotes of Riviera Maya Mexico
If you’re looking for a cool place to swim with some friends: The Gran Cenote is exactly what it sounds like. It offers plenty of space for swimming and relaxation.
If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, check out Chac Mool Cenote.
Are you looking for a romantic spot? Then Suytun Cenote is perfect for an intimate swim with your significant other. The lighting is dim, the water is crystal clear, and everything around you glows like the walls of a cave.
Are you looking to learn about the history of Mayan Mexico? Sacred Cenote is the oldest cenote in Riviera Maya and sacred to the ancient Mayans.
Do you want a more commercialized experience? Ik Kil Cenote boasts restaurants and shops nearby, as well as platforms that allow visitors to jump into the water from above.
Do you want to explore some of the best real estate in Mexico?
If you are into Real Estate you may want to consider visiting some beautiful real estate developments in Tulum and Riviera Maya Mexico.
