A cenote [suh-noh-tee] is a deep natural sinkhole created by the collapse of limestone bedrock which exposes groundwater underneath. Area Cenotes can be filled with both fresh and salt water, because when the limestone collapses and sinks, it creates a massive reservoir where the newly exposed fresh groundwater meets the salt water that's seeping in from the Caribbean Sea via an underground channel. Cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings.

 

There are over 6,000 different cenotes in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Below we've listed just a few that are popular for snorkeling and swimming plus some of these caverns are also great scuba dive destinations.

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PLEASE: Do not wear sunscreen in the water as it causes much damage.  Some cenotes have a place to wash before entering the cenote.

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Meztli staff can let you know distances and how best to get to cenotes. Be prepared for an entrance fee.

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• Gran Cenote 3 k from Tulum great for swimming, snorkeling, scuba

• Cenote Calavera Tulum, a swimming hole with crystal clear waters also known for scuba diving & underground caves.

• Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido have the same entrance and ticket booth but are on opposite sides of the 307 Highway

• Cenote Santa Cruz is a hidden gem

• Cenote Zazil-Ha with it’s own zipline

• Cenote Corazón del Paraíso is fun swimming for families

• Cenote Carwash’s official name is Aktun Ha Cenote

• Zemway cenote 12 km from Tulum

• Cenote Angelita is a great spot for experienced divers

• Casa Cenote near Tulum is a snorkeler's dream although a strong current

• Cenote Nicte-Ha a secret spot in the jungle near Tulum

• Pet Cemetery Cenote is a secret next to the popular Dos Ojos

• Cenote Dos Ojos  with a cave system known to be at least 61 km and 118 m deep

• Cenotes Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha and Multum-Ha near Coba will have you descend below ground to reach the crystal blue waters

• Cenote Sagrado near Chichen-Itzá a home to Mayan ritual offerings and sacrificial victims

• Cenote Ik-Kil near Chichen-Itzá  - one of the most beautiful cenotes

• Cenote Agua Dulce is near Valladolid and features turquoise water

• Cenote Palomitas near Valladolid has underground steps carved from the rock leading down to the water

• Cenote Dzitnup (aka Cenote Xkeken), with a lifeguard on duty, is near Valladolid

• Jardin del Eden open water cenote with cliff diving

• Sistema Sac Actun offers an amazing cave tour

• Taak Be Ha with rock formations makes this a great dive and snorkle spot.