22 Best Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico

April 22, 2026

While Tulum is largely known for its beaches and bohemian charm, its real magic lies underground in the cenotes. Beneath Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, linking many of the region’s cenotes through hidden passages. Visiting these natural sinkholes were the highlight of both of my trips to Tulum in 2018 and 2024. If you’re looking for something more adventurous than the beach clubs, keep reading.

The best Tulum cenotes are scattered throughout the Yucatán Penisula and Quintana Roo. These natural sinkholes almost feel like hidden portals into another world — places where sunlight filters through underground cave openings, turquoise water glows beneath limestone walls, and ancient Maya history lingers in the air.

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If you’re wondering which cenotes in Tulum are actually worth visiting, below I’ve compiled a list of the best cenotes Tulum has to offer.

Best Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico

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But First: What is a Cenote?

Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh, turquoise water, formed millions of years ago when limestone bedrock collapsed. Mexico is famous for its cenotes and is home to over 6,000 cenotes across the country. With hundreds of cenotes scattered around Tulum, each one offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems and fascinating history of the region. Many of Mexico’s cenotes are connected by an ancient underground system of rivers, creating one of the most extraordinary freshwater networks in the world.

What to Bring with you to a Cenote?

MXN pesos in cash
towels
bathing suit
change of dry clothes
water bottle
waterproof phone case
GoPro
snorkelling gear
snacks

What about Camera Gear?

It’s important to note that a lot of the best cenotes in Tulum do not allow for DSLR cameras or drones usage. Some cenotes do allow for professional photography gear to be used, but may include an additional fee (such as at Cenote Calavera, one of the more popular spots). I’ve included the photography fees I could find for each location below.

Most cenotes in Tulum allow for GoPros and photos to be taken with your phone.

If you plan on bringing any camera gear with you, it’s best to look up the photography rules of each specific Cenote before you go.

22 Best Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico:

Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera is one of Tulum’s best cenotes and is one of the more popular ones to visit. Aptly named for its resemblance to a skull, this Cenote is just a short drive from Tulum’s city center and is worth the hype.

This semi-open cenote features a large rope swing hanging from the opening, and a wooden staircase to climb in and out of the cavern.

Location: 10 minutes from Tulum’s city center

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 250 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: 200 MXN (cash only), including for GoPros

Gran Cenote

Location: 3 miles from Tulum’s city center

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 8am-4:45pm

Entrance Fee: 500 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: cameras not allowed

Cenote Zacil-Ha

Location: ~5 miles from Tulum’s city center

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 10am-6pm

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN (there’s also a zipline jump once inside, which costs 10 MXN)

Photography Fee: none

22 Best Cenotes in Tulum, Mexico - Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha)

Cenote Carwash (Aktun-Ha)

Cenote Carwash is located directly next to Cenote Zacil-Ha, so you could easily spend a full day hopping between these two alone. This Cenote has food and beverages available here for purchase, which makes it a good option for a longer stay. Cenote Carwash was my all-time favorite cenote, and has a diving platform you can jump from.

Location: ~5 miles from Tulum’s city center (right next to Cenote Zacil-Ha)

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN

Photography Fee: 150 MXN

Cenote Casa

Location: 7 miles north of Tulum’s city center

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: yes

Cenote Angelita

Location: 12 minutes South of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 8am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: yes

Cenote Dos Ojos

Location: 13 miles North of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 350 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: 300 MXN

Cenote Cristal & Cenote Escondido

Location: less than 2 miles from Tulum’s Southern exit

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 120 MXN for both cenotes (cash only)

Photography Fee: none | drones are permitted

Cenote Vesica

Location: less than 2 miles from Tulum’s Southern exit (right near Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido)

Open Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays | 11am-7pm

Entrance Fee: 300 MXN (card accepted)

Photography Fee: none

Cenote Corazon

Location: 4 miles from downtown Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-4:30pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none | drones are permitted

Casa Tortugas Cenotes

Location: 20 minutes Northeast of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: starting at 650 MXN (offered in tour packages, which includes 4 cenotes)

Photography Fee: cameras and personal belongings are not allowed and must stay in a locker | GoPros are permitted

Cenote Nicte-Ha

Location: 20 minutes North of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 250 MXN

Photography Fee: none

Best Cenotes Near Tulum, Mexico:

These cenotes near Tulum are further outside of the city center, but are worth the visit during your time in Mexico.

Cenote Suytun

Location: 1.5 hours Northeast of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-4:30pm

Entrance Fee: 200 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none | no drones allowed

Cenote Ik Kil

Cenote Ik Kil is the closest Cenote to one of the 7 wonders of the world: Chichen Itza. If you take a day trip from Tulum to visit these ancient Mayan ruins, a stop at this cenote is worth the visit.

Location: 2 hours Northwest of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: no camera fee | 50 MXN for videography | no drones allowed

Cenote Azul

Location: 30 minutes Northeast of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week, 8:30am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 120 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none | no drones allowed

Cenote Cristalino

Location: 30 minutes Northeast of Tulum (about a 10 minute walk from Cenote Azul)

Open Hours: 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none

Cenote Jardín Del Eden

Location: 30 minutes Northeast of Tulum (right in between Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino)

Open Hours: 7 days a week, 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 200 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none

Cenote Maravilla

Location: 1.5 hours from Tulum

Open Hours: (can only be visited with a local instructor)

Entrance Fee: included in tour

Photography Fee: yes

Cenote Oxman

Location: 1.5 hours Northwest of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 7am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (cash only)

Photography Fee: none for cameras | 150 MXN for drones

Cenote X’ux Ha

Location: 1 hour Northwest of Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 8am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 150 MXN for adults | 80 MXN for children 12 and under

Photography Fee: none

Cenote Kin-Ha

Location: 1 hour 40 minutes from Tulum

Open Hours: 7 days a week | 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: 200 MXN

Photography Fee: none

While these are some of the best cenotes in Tulum, Mexico has many more to explore. Which cenotes are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!