Cenotes are sinkholes or large cave systems formed when the ceiling or floor of a cavern collapses in on itself and fills the underground hole with fresh water. There are numerous sorts of cenotes, but the most popular are open-air cenotes and cave cenotes, both of which will leave you amazed by what you will see when exploring these cenotes near Cancun.
Cancun is a beautiful place with exciting activities like zip-lining, many wonderful places to visit like the Mayan ruins, and experiences to savor like its excellent food. Cancun is famous for many things, including its beautiful blue ocean beaches and breathtaking natural terrain, which astonishes everyone who sees it. Exploring the best cenotes near Cancun is a must-do for everyone who enjoys exploring nature, swimming in natural pools, and finding new places. So if you’re looking for adventure and connection with nature, get ready to dive into the greatest cenotes near Cancun!
You Will Fall in Love With These Cenotes Near Cancun
Kin Ha
Cenote Kin Ha is a majestic pool of pristine blue water surrounded by limestone and jungle. This cenote was historically used as a major water source by the ancient Mayan peoples, as well as for cultural offerings. Cenotes were thought to be portals or entrance doors to the Mayan underworld, known as Xibalba and today are portals to guests from all over the world to enjoy the various activities this lace offers, ATV trips, swimming, and zipline courses.
Cenote Cristalino
As a starter on this list, located on the south part of Playa del Carmen near the coast road, only 1 and a half hours away, you’ll find one of the most astonishing roofless cenote caverns in the world. During the day it is illuminated, yes, but when the sun is at its highest, the brightness with which the colors shine is unbelievable. The combination of these attractive shallow waters makes it ideal for both children and non-swimmers. You can also enjoy diving and jumping into the waters and refresh afterward and feast on some nearby restaurants or make your own picnic on some sites around Cenote Azul, truly this is a great place to visit with the family.
Jardín del Edén
In English, the Cenote Garden of Eden is a name that refers to the mythical and ethereal biblical place in relation to this beautiful Cenote. This cenote is only 1 hour and a half from Cancun, hidden between bushes you’ll discover a wonderful open cenote full of colors, with a huge diversity of vegetation and animals. It’s a lovely location to just swim and chill in the warm sun surrounded by lush greenery.
Siete Bocas
Only about a half-hour drive north of Cancun, this cenote’s name translates as “Cenote of the Seven Mouths,” referring to the seven distinct access it provides to the underground river that feeds the Cenote. These waters are supplied by an underground river in the Ruta De Los Centers cave system. This maze of cenotes winds through and between tunnels, with cliffs to jump off and a plethora of stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
La Noria
Cenote La Noria, about an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is famous for the beauty of its crystal blue waters, the crazy species variety, and the spectacular stalactites overhead you’ll find as you explore the cave system. Also, weird but true, cenote La Noria is technically a consolidation of two independent cenotes, and you can explore both.