Cenote adventures: a backpacker’s guide to Tulum’s famous cenotes

Published on 30 July 2025 by CabanasTulum On blog

Hidden beneath the jungle canopy or sparkling in the open sun, Tulum’s cenotes are nature’s secret playgrounds: raw, refreshing and irresistibly wild. For backpackers and independent travelers, these freshwater sinkholes offer a gateway to underwater caves, limestone cathedrals and spontaneous encounters with fellow adventurers. From snorkeling through turquoise tunnels to cliff-jumping into cool, crystal pools or just floating in silence beneath a shaft of sunlight, each cenote tells a different story.

This guide will take you on a curated journey through the best cenotes around Tulum, revealing their vibes, costs and activities. Are you ready to dive into Tulum’s most iconic natural wonders?

What makes Tulum’s cenotes perfect for adventurers

Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing groundwater pools of stunning clarity. Scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula and deeply rooted in Mayan history, they’re both geological wonders and immersive playgrounds for the curious, the bold and the free-spirited.

For travelers, cenotes offer the ultimate trifecta: adventure, affordability and a raw, unfiltered connection to nature. Entry fees usually range between 250 and 500 MXN, making them budget-friendly stops for daily excursions. Many are close enough to Tulum pueblo to be reached by bike, scooter or colectivo, giving travelers complete freedom to design their own route without needing a tour.

All you really need is swimwear, a towel, a dry bag, water and cash in pesos. Snorkeling gear is often available for rent, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Above all, respect the environment. Shower before entering, avoid using sunscreen and treat each cenote as the sacred space it is.

Top 7 cenotes to explore around Tulum

Are you planning a cenote-hopping adventure? These seven famous spots offer everything a backpacker could hope for: epic scenery, thrilling swims and that perfect mix of freedom and spontaneity that defines life on the road. Here’s what you need to know about each one: how to get there, how much it costs and what kind of vibe to expect.

Before we begin, please note that our Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa’s exceptional concierge service is available to assist you in planning an unforgettable tour of these spectacular natural wonders. Feel free to ask at any time!

Gran Cenote

Location: about 5 km northwest of Tulum town. Reachable by bike (20 minutes), scooter, taxi or colectivo.
Entrance fee: around 500 MXN.
Best for: snorkeling, swimming, beginner cave exploration, photography.
Vibe: it’s one of the most popular cenotes, so expect crowds, especially after 10 a.m. We recommend arriving early for a peaceful swim and crystal-clear visibility. Easy to access and well-maintained, it’s a classic first stop for any cenote itinerary.

Just five kilometers from downtown Tulum, Gran Cenote is the gateway for many travelers into the magical world of cenotes. It offers a stunning mix of open-air swimming and partially covered cave sections, where light filters in and dances on the water. The water is crystal clear and shallow in many areas, making it ideal for a gentle swim or your first snorkeling session. Popular with families and beginners, Gran Cenote can get busy as the day progresses, so early morning visits are the best to enjoy the area’s most peaceful side. It’s easily accessible by bike, taxi or colectivo and well-equipped with showers and lockers, making it a great first stop on any cenote tour.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Location: about 22 km north of Tulum along Highway 307. Best reached by scooter, taxi or colectivo.
Entrance fee: around 350 MXN (extra for guided snorkeling or diving).
Best for: snorkeling, cave diving, exploring limestone formations.
Vibe: legendary for a reason. A bit off the beaten path, but well worth the effort. Some areas require a guide, especially for diving, but even the open zones offer surreal beauty and a true sense of exploration.

For something truly awe-inspiring Cenote Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) offers a more immersive experience. Located 22 kilometers north of Tulum, this cenote is part of a vast underwater cave system and features two deep sinkholes connected by hidden passages. The light here shifts and refracts beneath limestone arches, creating surreal blues and shadows that seem pulled from a dream. It’s a paradise for snorkelers and an icon among cave divers. While parts of the system are accessible independently, deeper explorations require a certified guide. This is a place for the bold, the curious and those ready to dive into mystery… quite literally.

Cenote Calavera

Location: roughly 3 km northwest of Tulum town. Easy to reach by bike or scooter.
Entrance fee: around 250 MXN.
Best for: cliff-jumping, quick dips, photos.
Vibe: smaller and less polished than Gran Cenote, Calavera (“The Skull”) gets its name from the trio of holes in its roof. Chill and creative crowd, great for a midday stop between other cenotes.

A short ride from Tulum town brings you to one of the quirkiest and most photogenic cenotes around. Cenote Calavera, named for its skull-like shape with three circular openings, feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret portal to another world. Here, brave visitors leap into the shadowy depths through perfectly round holes in the rock ceiling, while others use the wooden ladder for a more composed entrance. The vibe is young and creative, with a steady flow of fellow travelers stopping by for a quick swim, a photo or a bold cliff jump. It’s small, raw and full of character, making it ideal for an energetic pit stop on your journey.

Cenote Aktun Ha (“Carwash”)

Location: about 8.5 km northwest of Tulum on the road to Cobá. Reachable by bike, taxi or scooter.
Entrance fee: around 200 MXN.
Best for: snorkeling, swimming, diving.
Vibe: underrated and peaceful. Surrounded by greenery and with fewer visitors than other spots, it’s perfect for a calm afternoon float or relaxed snorkeling session without the tourist buzz.

Tucked along the road to Cobá, Cenote Aktun Ha (also known as “Carwash”) feels like the opposite of a tourist hotspot, which is precisely why it’s so beloved by those who find it. Its name might raise eyebrows (once used to rinse taxis, so the story goes), but the setting is pure jungle tranquility. The surface is open and calm, surrounded by overhanging trees and lush vegetation. Beneath the water, snorkelers will find submerged tree trunks and occasional glimpses of fish or turtles. It’s less crowded than many others and carries a serene, contemplative mood. Akun HA is ideal for a lazy afternoon float or a quiet moment with your travel journal by the shore.

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Location: about 8 km from Tulum, also on the Cobá road. Easy by bike or scooter.
Entrance fee: around 300 MXN.
Best for: ziplining, jumping, casual swimming.
Vibe: open-air and sunny with a lively, social energy. There’s even a small zipline for fun dives into the water. Great for groups or solo travelers looking to connect and cool off between rides.

If Aktun Ha is for peace seekers, Zacil-Ha is for the playful ones. Just a few minutes farther along the same road, this cenote offers a more structured setup: still authentic, but with added touches of fun, such as a zipline that lets you plunge straight into the water. It’s open-air and sunlit, with turquoise water that invites splashy dives and spontaneous laughter. Families, couples and solo backpackers mingle easily here, sharing tips, stories and snacks. The mood is friendly and lighthearted and the entrance fee remains affordable, perfect for a midday swim on a warm Tulum day.

Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí)

Location: about 10 km northeast of Tulum, close to the coast. Best reached by scooter or taxi.
Entrance fee: 150–200 MXN.
Best for: snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife spotting.
Vibe: a one-of-a-kind cenote surrounded by mangroves and partly connected to the sea. Quiet and ideal for nature lovers or anyone seeking a less commercial, more organic experience. Look out for the resident crocodile and don’t worry, he’s pretty much harmless – and famous. Just remember to be respectful and observe him from a distance, without disturbing his peace.

Unlike the deep caverns or shaded pools inland, Casa Cenote sits closer to the Caribbean coast, surrounded by thick mangroves and filled with brackish water where fresh and saltwater mix. The experience here is slower and quieter, an atmosphere that is less about action and more about immersion. You can drift through narrow water channels with a snorkel, watching schools of fish flit between roots and rocks or rent a kayak for a tranquil paddle through the winding lagoon. Some call it meditative. Others come for the chance to spot Pancho, the local crocodile (inoffensive and, apparently, super photogenic). Either way, Casa Cenote offers something rare: a feeling of being completely enveloped by nature.

Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Location: inside Dos Ojos Park, about 22 km north of Tulum. Accessible by taxi or as part of a guided tour.
Entrance fee: around 350–400 MXN.
Best for: underground exploration, photography, a mystical vibe.
Vibe: hidden and fascinating. Less crowded than neighboring Dos Ojos, this cenote offers dramatic cave formations and dreamy light beams. Ideal for travelers seeking a more secluded and ethereal experience.

Hidden inside Dos Ojos Park, this cenote remains one of the most magical in the region. Unlike open pools, Taak Bi Ha is a true underground cave: dimly lit, silent and dripping with stalactites and natural columns formed over thousands of years. A wooden staircase takes you below ground, where the air cools and the only sounds are echoes and the gentle ripple of water. It’s not a place for noisy groups or rushed visits. Instead, it invites you to slow down, float under ancient rock ceilings and let the beams of light filtering through a small opening create a moment of quiet awe. For backpackers in search of the mystical side of Tulum, this is your portal.

Best backpacker tips for visiting cenotes in Tulum

A day of cenote-hopping might feel spontaneous, but a little preparation can make quite the difference, especially when you’re on a backpacker’s budget and moving independently. These quick tips will help you make the most of your experience while respecting nature, local customs and your fellow travelers.

Carry cash in pesos. Most cenotes don’t accept cards, and entrance fees vary from 250 to 500 MXN. Having small bills ready saves time and avoids awkward detours at the ATM.
Pack light but smart. Bring only the essentials: swimwear, a towel, water, a change of clothes and a few snacks (such as fruit, trail mix or a sandwich). A dry bag is handy for keeping your phone and gear safe near the water.
Avoid using sunscreen if possible or opt for reef-safe options only. Don’t forget that even biodegradable sunscreen can harm the delicate ecosystems inside cenotes.
Respect the timing. The best times to visit are early morning (8–10 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 3:30 p.m.). The light is softer, the water clearer and the crowds thinner. Midday is often the busiest time, especially during the high season.
Shower before you swim. Many cenotes provide outdoor showers and ask that you rinse off before entering. It’s a way to help preserve the water quality for everyone, resident animals included.
Leave no trace. Avoid bringing plastic or disposable items and be cautious of where you step, as limestone edges and jungle paths can be pretty fragile. What makes cenotes magical is their natural state: with your responsible behavior, you can help keep it that way.
Be friendly, but mindful. Cenotes can be social spaces where travelers meet, swap tips and share the moment. However, they’re also sacred to many locals and Mayan communities. Our suggestion is to keep the energy light and respectful, and to remember that sometimes silence speaks louder than stories.

In Tulum, a cenote is an experience that blends nature, culture and connection. Treat it with the care it deserves and it will reward you with memories that last long after your towel is dry.

Staying in Tulum: your perfect base for cenote adventures

After a full day of biking jungle roads, diving into blue caverns and floating through sun-dappled water, there’s nothing like coming home to a place that knows how to restore your energy. Nestled right between the beach and the action, Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa is your personal basecamp for cenote-hopping and beyond.

Here, the vibe is calm, stylish and easygoing: exactly what you need after a day of dusty trails and underwater exploration. Guests looking to explore Tulum’s surroundings independently will find everything they need: bike and scooter rentals, a helpful concierge team ready to suggest routes or organize transfers and early & healthy breakfasts at Fresco’s to fuel your adventure before the crowds arrive at the cenotes.

And when you return, the hotel welcomes you back with soft white sheets, ocean breezes and just the right amount of exclusivity to remind you that yes, you’re on an adventure – but only by choice. Whether you prefer a post-swim nap on your private terrace or a delicious dinner at Ziggy’s to feel comforted and replenished after your day out, Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to balance discovery and downtime.

Tulum’s cenotes are waiting, each one a new chapter in your adventure: their heart-pounding cliff jumps and slow, silent swims under ancient stone will provide a journey that unfolds in your memory long after your vacation has ended.

Make Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa your home base and start exploring with intention, freedom and style. Book your stay today and dive into a different kind of story.