Tulum is famous for its beaches, pyramids and cenotes. There are over 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. The Ancient Mayans considered cenotes an entrance to the underworld. They would often be used for rituals and ceremonies where they performed sacrifices and threw jewels, pots, clothes, and sculptures into the water. Many cenotes have world-class diving that many cave divers go cave diving in. Here are 5 of the best cenotes you should see on your trip to Tulum.
Cenote Suytu
Cenote Suytun is one the most photo worthy cenotes in Tulum. The light passes through a hole in the cave giving you that light beam effect. The best time of day to see this and get a photo is in the afternoon when the sun’s over the hole in the top of the cave and shines into the cenote. You can also get see the light beam earlier in the day on very sunny days. You can also swim at this Suytun and it can be very busy so you will want to get there early if you want fewer crowds.
Cenote Ik Kil
The cenote at Ik Kil has a nice jungle vibe to it and is surrounded by high cliffs with tree vines coming down the sides. There are also small catfish that you can see when snorkeling and swimming. This cenote is very deep at around 157ft.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha is an amazing cenote with limestone formations in an underground cave. It is a 30-minute drive from Tulum and is definitely worth seeing. It is also near Cenote Dos Ojos which is also very popular so you can see both on the same trip.
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is probably the most popular cenote due to its proximity to Tulum. It is under a 10-minute car drive away or just a short bike ride away where you can go swimming in the clear blue water that this cenote is known for. It can be very busy so it is recommended to get there early.
San Lorenzo Oxman
San Lorenzo Oxman has a rope swing and there are tree roots that go into the water down the sides of the cliff. It is also a short drive away from Chichen Itza which was at one time one of the 7 wonders of the world.
