Have you ever tried cenotes snorkeling? If you want to live your next holidays in Mexico with a sense of adventure, then this activity is just the ticket for you.
Every year, tourists from all over the globe visit the most popular beaches of the Riviera Maya hoping to spend some well-deserved days off, but also to dive into the water and explore the wonders hidden in the depths of the Caribbean Sea.
However, there are other spectacular places all over the Yucatan Peninsula where you can have a non-typical snorkeling day with a real sense of adventure. Of course, we’re talking about the cenotes snorkeling experience.
How much do you know about cenotes snorkeling?
Once considered as sanctuaries of nature by the Mayans, cenotes are practically the geological heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.
These wonderful sites are natural sinkholes which have emerged to the surface after millions of years of rainfall and limestone weathering. Cenotes are often surrounded by beautiful flora and wildlife, making them so exciting to explore.
Most of these beautiful flooded caverns are connected to underground rivers. Since the water tends to be cool but also very clear and calm, you’ll be able to stare at many fish species which live deep inside these natural pools.
These are just some of the many reasons why cenotes snorkeling in Mexico is such an attractive experience.
Cenotes snorkeling: five places you cannot miss
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to not hundreds, but thousands of cenotes. Some of them are excellent for snorkeling and diving, while others are just good for swimming.
Our passion for cenotes has led our local researchers to explore more than 300 cenotes, searching for the best cenotes for snorkeling in Mexico.
If you want to get the best cenotes snorkeling and diving experience in the Riviera Maya, check this top 5 list we have prepared for you.
1. Cenote Dos Ojos
Fifteen minutes north from Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos is supposed to have the longest cenote cave systems in the world.
This astonishing site is formed by two long sinkholes completely opened to the and connected to each other by a 400-meter passageway, giving the whole complex the appearance of a human gaze.
The beauty of this magical cenote is really breathtaking, but it’s also perfect for snorkeling in any season of the year, as its water temperature remains constant almost all the time.
Cenote Dos Ojos is also linked with underground corridors so here you can have two different cenote snorkeling experiences, exploring deep inside the underground caverns, or enjoying the open-air pools on the outside.
2. Casa Cenote
Also located pretty close to Tulum, Casa Cenote is another perfect place for snorkeling which can be visited during the whole year.
Connected to a system of underwater caves that leads to the sea, this big natural pool combines both fresh and sea water, which sometimes creates a hallucinating effect called halocline.
This open-air type cenote is naturally decorated with several mangrove roots which reach down into the water.
Additionally, because of the mixture of sea and fresh water, you’ll be able to see marine species from both aquatic ecosystems, making your cenotes snorkeling experience a unique one.
3. Gran Cenote
You’ll find this fantastic cenote in the middle of the jungle, on the road to Coba.
Gran Cenote, contrary to what its name suggests, is not a single gigantic sinkhole, but rather, a huge complex of small cave cenotes, connected to each other by wooden walkways.
Gran Cenote has such crystal-clear water that you can perfectly see fish and freshwater turtles swimming even before you dive in. Because of that, this spectacular place is very preferred to practice cenotes snorkeling.
But, if you want to explore a little further, inside the caves you’ll be able to stare at dramatic rock formations known as stalagmites and stalactites as you dive into the depths of the water.
4. Cenote El Jardin
Also known as Cenote Ponderosa, this open cenote is set amongst the jungle just over 16 miles south of Playa del Carmen.
It looks rather like a huge lagoon, although it is surrounded by a lot of vegetation. Also, the fresh, crystal-clear water that fills this natural sinkhole makes it ideal for snorkeling or just swimming.
Despite that El Jardin is quite spacious, you’d rather visit this beautiful cenote during the mornings and the afternoons, so that you’ll have some great cenotes snorkeling time with no crowds.
5. Cenote Chikin Ha
Chikin Ha is a cenote cave complex formed by three different cenotes where you can snorkel and dive, but also witness the enchantment of Mayan rituals.
The first cenote is Chikin Ha, a large semi-open underwater which is excellent for cenotes snorkeling but also diving. Here you’ll find some amazing rock formations decorated by the natural light coming through some cave’s holes.
The second cenote is called X’tabay, a beautiful open cenote surrounded by various species of animals and plants. If this is your first try doing cenotes snorkeling, this place is just perfect for you as the waters are not very deep.
Finally, we have the Ta’ak Bil-Ha Cenote, a ceremonial site where Mayan rituals are still celebrated today. Although it is forbidden to swim here, the mystic vibe of the rituals will captivate you from the very beginning.
Some final tips to live the best cenotes snorkeling time
Mexican cenotes offer you an alternative snorkeling experience, but the most famous ones tend to attract large numbers of tourists.
In order to avoid the crowd, your best choice is booking a private cenotes tour. With the help of our local experts, you’ll get to your chosen cenote before other tourists, enjoying a VIP cenote experience with no distractions.
Another advantage of picking a private cenotes tour is that you’ll be provided with all the professional equipment necessary to practice cenotes snorkeling in the safest way.
Finally, don’t forget that cenotes are an important part of the ecosystem of the Yucatan Peninsula, so you must use only biodegradable products, like sunscreen and insect repellents.
