Top best cenotes to visit near Cancun

Cenotes are water-filled sinkholes naturally formed and, nowadays, one of the most popular attractions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Around the Yucatan peninsula, you can find a thousand cenotes to explore, each one of them with a unique characteristic, either open, semi-open or underground. 

Cenotes were important for Mayas since they used them as a spiritual place for sacrifices and other rituals. Today they are excellent for a quick swim, even though the water tends to be freezing. Here are five of the most popular and attractive ones near Cancun. 

Cenote Azul

One of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and different depths. Ideal to swim or snorkeling and enjoy the view full of colorful fish. It also offers a free spa to leave the dead skin on your feet behind. 

Cenote Azul is located 1 hour and 15 minutes far from Cancun, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, and the cost for entry is $120 pesos per adult and $80 pesos per children.

Gran Cenote

This renowned cenote is one of the most visited ones with crystal turquoise water perfect for snorkeling that also offer different caves and caverns to explore. Some turtles and fish can be spotted and also has a green area to relax and take the sun. Gran Cenote is located 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cancun and the entry costs $180 pesos per person. 

Cenote Siete Bocas

This cenote is part of the famous route of cenotes in Quintana Roo full of fish, roots of trees to admire and tunnels that offer an incredible experience and allow you to get in contact with nature. Siete Bocas is also famous because of the colorful view provided by the stalactites and the light produced by the minerals of the rock formation.

This beautiful cenote is located about 20 minutes far from Cancun and the cost of entry is $250 pesos per person. 

Cenote Zacil Ha

This open-air cenote is a natural swimming pool famous for its crystal waters, perfect for a relaxing escape. Besides the open cenote as the main attraction, it has two regular swimming pools perfect for children and a small restaurant. You can go diving in Zacil Ha but must be certified to explore the other cenotes connected. 

Zacil Ha is located 1 hour 45 minutes from Cancun, near Cenote Car wash, and the cost for entry is $100 pesos per person.

Cenote Ik Kil 

Also known as the sacred blue cenote, this is one of the most beautiful in the Yucatán peninsula. It is a must during your visit to Chichen Itza after a long expedition through the Mayan ruins as a good option for a refresh. Take a dip in the crystal waters and enjoy the view of tree roots that come in the waters. 

This is the farthest cenote, located 2 hours and 45-minute from Cancun, and the entry costs $80 pesos per person.