Mother Natures Pool – The 5 Best Cenotes Near Cancun, Mexico For Seasoned and First Time Visitors.

If you’re struggling to find things to do in Cancun, you have come to the right place.

There’s a whole other side to this place… one that’s raw, refreshing, and straight from Mother Nature herself.

I’m talking about cenotes: natural swimming holes that are as wild as they are unforgettable.

The first time I landed in Mexico, I asked myself “what to do in Cancun?”. After talking to one of the locals that worked at the resort I was staying in, she said without hesitation “cenotes!”.

I knew I had to find one of these legendary pools. Now? I’m hooked. Hunting down hidden gems in Mexico has basically become my thing, but if you’re new here, start with cenotes.

There’s nothing like that first step into a cenote—the shock of cool, fresh water, the feeling of being completely grounded. (Full disclosure: my wife calls it “connecting with the earth.” Me? I just brace for the cold and jump in.)

Cenotes aren’t heated, and most are tucked away under thick jungle or limestone cliffs, so expect a chill. But trust me, it’s worth it.

After exploring more than 10 cenotes over the last five years, these are the ones I’d go back to – and the ones I think you should see first.

Why Cenotes?

Don’t get me wrong—I love a good resort and all the perks that come with it. But if you’re wired for adventure like I am, you know that itch to break out and explore is impossible to ignore.

For me, cenotes are that call to adventure.

It’s like spotting the Bat-Signal or Clark Kent loosening his tie…. suddenly, I’ve got to get out there and see what’s waiting beyond the hotel gates.

There’s nothing quite like swimming in one of Mother Nature’s own pools, surrounded by caves and raw jungle.

It’s wild, it’s refreshing, and honestly, the feeling is tough to put into words. You just have to experience it for yourself… no blog post by myself can do it justice.

What is a Cenote?

Cenote Definition – A cenote is a natural sinkhole resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. These freshwater pools are found mostly in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and are often connected to underground rivers and caves.

Cenotes were considered sacred by the ancient Maya, who used them for water and rituals. Today, they’re popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving because of their clear, cool water and unique geological features.

Are Cenotes Scary?

Look… I’m a total chicken when it comes to swimming somewhere I can’t see what’s around me. I love the beach, but the thought of something lurking out there (sharks) can really mess with my head.

If you feel the same then you are not alone!

Cenotes are a whole different story.

You don’t have to worry about anything sneaking up on you here. The water’s way too cold for any big predators, and, honestly, most cenotes are busy enough that wildlife keeps its distance.

It’s just you, the water, and maybe a few other adventurers.

Nothing to spook you.

My Top 5 Cenotes

1. Cenote Azul

• Best for swimming, cliff/rock jumping and having both deep/shallow areas
• Distance from Cancun: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Located between Playa Del Carmen & Tulum (Very close to Barcelo Resort)
• Pro Tip: Get there as early as you can as it can get packed quick

2. Cenote Ik Kil

• Best for pictures and swimming. If you’re an adrenaline junky, get ready to cliff dive.
• Distance from Cancun: Roughly 2 hours
• Located west of Cancun
• Pro Tip: Also get here early as all the Instagram influencers are also trying to get here. Pair this visit with a tour to Chichen Itza and see beautiful Mayan pyramids.

3. Cenote Siete Bocas

• Best for if you are looking for “multiple” cenote experiences in one. 7 entrances and some lead you to under a cave. Also best for tours.
• Distance from Cancun: Roughly 1 hour
• Located north of Playa Del Carmen
• Pro Tip: Water shoes are very important here. Lots of wooden stair cases and walking around the area.

4. Cenote Dos Ojos

• Best for those looking for the best “cave” like experience.
• Distance from Cancun: Roughly 1 hour & 45 minutes
• Located north of Tulum
• Pro Tip: If you are in need of pictures, lighting here is not the best so bring a lamp light or a “low light” camera.

5. Cenote Jardin Del Edin

• Best for those that want to snorkel.
• Distance from Cancun: Roughly 1 hour & 15 minutes
• Located Between Playa Del Carmen & Tulum
• Pro Tip: most of this cenote is deep – make sure to wear life vests if you struggle to swim.

FAQ’s

Are Cenotes Dangerous To Swim In?

The short answer is no but like swimming at the beach, they do come with risks.

Most Cenotes and all the ones listed above are managed and regularly monitored for any type of safety risks. Bacteria is a real thing so keep in mind any cuts or open wounds you might have.

I highly recommend not swimming (or at least seeing your healthcare provider) if this is the case.

Are Cenotes Deep?

They definitely can be. Some span up to 100 feet deep. Most have shallow ends that make their way naturally to deeper ends so you can ease your way down

Also, most of the popular spots that are seen through tour guides/tours do come with safety gear including a life jacket. If you are not the best swimmer, I highly recommend keeping one on at all times.

Are Cenotes Family Friendly

Absolutely!

Most cenotes are not deep enough or have shallow areas for young ones to enjoy!

Just like the beach, keep your eyes peeled and always stay with your children in the water if they are swimming.

Does Cozumel Have Any Cenotes?

Yes – Cozumel does have some cenotes though they’re not as known as the ones on mainland Mexico. Jade Cenote in El Cedral.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cozumel, read my post here!

Slippery Rocks

Due to the nature of how cenotes are naturally built, rocks are going to be present in any cenote you visit.

I highly recommend swimming shoes as they can help with grip and potential sharp rock spots.

Take it from me – stepping on a sharper-than-normal rock while swimming in a cenote is not fun!

Are wildlife preset at cenotes?

Yes – but it is not what you think it is.

The water is too cold and fresh for any big predators to be living in the cenotes. Very small fish as well as sometimes turtles can be present in the water.

They will most likely not approach you as they are scared.

If there is any land living wildlife around the cenote, they will not come near as the amount of humans present that visit the area are often. These animals stay away from these areas for the most part.

Can I Wear Sunscreen or Bug Spray? (Cenenote Rules – Respect Them)

Cenotes have rules to protect the environment and for your safety. No sunscreen/bug spray. Even if they’re rated “reef safe”.

No jumping from certain areas. Some areas are much more shallow than they look. Workers and tour guides will usually patrol like life guards to make sure everyone is safe.

If you don’t know, ask. The locals that work at the cenote take pride in their countries geography. I found that asking questions usually lead to the guides giving me more resources to enjoy the trip.

Sunscreen has harsh chemicals in them that can damage the reefs and kill the very little wildlife that might be living in the water. The Ecosystem in cenotes can be extremely fragile compared to the open waters of the ocean.

Best Time To Visit Cenotes

I highly recommend getting to the cenotes early in the morning as some of these locations are very popular attractions for tourists.

The chances of you having more space to enjoy will be first thing in the day. If you think the water is going to be warmer later on in the day, the difference is minimal and risking being there at a “popular time” is not one I recommend.

I don’t recommend going late or being at a cenote in the evening. Yes watching the sun set is absolutely beautiful but the thought of leaving a wild area at night probably wouldn’t sit right.

How to get to cenotes from Cancun?

Most cenotes are located relatively close to the “major” towns like Playa Del Carmen, Tulum & Costa Maya.

Searching up “Cancun Excursions” can definitely lead you to some search results that will help you book a tour that will get you to a cenote.

If you have a rented car, you can drive up. A tour shuttle/bus will also take you directly there if you have booked a tour.

Can You Dive or Snorkel In Cenotes?

Absolutely! Most cenotes will have an area where you can rent snorkeling gear and life jackets if they are not already provided to you by your tour guide.

About the Author: Kam

Hey, I’m Kam—the voice behind Kam’s Travels and the face you’ll see on Kam’s Kamera (My YouTube Chanel).

My travel obsession started with a single cruise and quickly spiraled into a mission to experience every corner of the world, one honest review at a time.

I’ve sailed, explored, and dove headfirst into the best (and sometimes not-so-best) that cruising and travel have to offer.

Every tip, story, and review you find here is straight from my own adventures—no fluff, no filters.

I’m constantly chasing that next hidden gem, whether it’s a cenote in Mexico or a cultural deep dive in Cuba. If you’re after honest travel advice and first-hand stories, you’re in the right place.

Let’s adventure together.