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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• Cenote Angelita is a great spot for experienced divers

• Cenote Calavera a walk through dry and surroundings

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

• Cenote Carwash’s official name is Aktun Ha Cenote

• Cenote Zacil-Ha with it’s own zipline

• Casa Cenote near Tulum is a snorkeler's dream

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

• Pet Cemetery Cenote where many animal bones were found

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

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

• 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