The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is truly gifted. It has a unique limestone platform that came about because of year of climate changes and geological occurrences. This platform is submerged in water. As the level of the ocean drops, caves began to be formed and eventually an underground water system developed. Time and tide (and other factors) have resulted in underground passages, stalagmites and stalactites.

The cenotes (read “say-no-tay”) are the entrances into this underground river. These were once considered sacred by the Mayans. It was not just their sole source of fresh water but an important element in their mythology. Even until now, the cenotes are intrinsic to Playa del Carmen's celebrations. These geological treasures are enjoyed by divers, snorkelers and cavern explorers. Its pristine waters, stalagmites and stalactites create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere one is not likely to forget.

Indeed, it is a magical experience, to marvel at the play of light, dark and water, the feeling that you are in an entirely different world. It's not just unique but also easy to do. You just have to have entry-level diving experience to be able to go diving. This is a great place to start if you are a first-time diver.

Cenotes In & Around Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Chac Mool
This so called law of the Jaguar” has two cenotes which you can use as an entrance to a large cavern.

Address: 22 km south of Playa Del Carmen/Almost across from Puerto Aventuras.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Ponderosa
Also called El Eden, this is your gateway to paradise and astounds you with its beauty. Jump from a tree and make a big splash. This has great visibility, which makes it ideal for snorkeling. It is home to some interesting marine life. It is also near the Coral Cenote.

Address: 3 km south of Puerto Aventuras.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Chikin Ha
There is an underground air chamber which you can reach by swimming through a tunnel. Outside, there is a footpath that leads you to other nearby cenotes.

Address: 5 km south of Puerto Aventuras just before Xpu-Ha
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Kantun Chi
Aside from cenote diving you can also do some horse back riding, and biking. You can also rent diving and equipment here.

Address: Past Chikin Ha Cenote
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Cristalino
Although this is a rarely visited cenote, it is quite beautiful and if you're lucky, you might even have it all to yourself.

Address: Just past Kantun Chi Cenote
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Azul
Azul is set in a jungle and has more open air.

Address: Just past Cristalino Cenote
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is actually composed of four interconnected cenotes. This is ideal for advanced snorkelers as you will need to swim 5 meters underwater in order to reach an open cavern. A light streams from an opening on the top.

Address: 26 km south of Playa Del Carmen
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Dos Ojos
Also called the “Hidden World”, this is part of the Nohoch Nah Chich cave system and, with plenty of stalactites and stalagmites, is a favorite snorkeling site. The documentary Journey into Amazing Caves was filmed here.

Address: 48 km south of Playa Del Carmen
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Temple of Doom
Don't let the gloomy name faze you. In fact, this was also called Calavera ("skull") because there are three holes that form a skull shape. The cenote is also covered by thick jungle foliage.

Address: 2 km from Tulum
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Gran Cenote
Also called Sac Aktun, the Gran Cenote is one of the favorite as it has great speleothem decorations and transparent waters.

Address: 5 km from Tulum
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Car Wash
Also called Aktun Ha, it is named Car Wash because locals used to wash their cars here. This cenote is ideal during the winter months.

Address: 8 km from Tulum
Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected.

Cristal
Great for snorkeling and swimming.

Address: 4 km south of Tulum
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected but the fee also includes entrance to Escondido Cenote

Escondido
Romantically remote, Escondido has crisp, clear water as well as some excellent stone formations.

Address: 4 km south of Tulum
Entrance: An entrance fee is collected but the fee also includes entrance to Cristal Cenote

Cenotes in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Other Services

Hidden World Cenote Park
Get caught up in the enchantment of snorkeling in this underwater river. You will be guided by professional divers whose top priority is your safety and enjoyment.

Address: 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on the highway

Scuba Cenote
Trips to the cenotes are given by professional divers whose highest concern is safety and service.

Telephone: 984-131-2391