Cenotes Near Cancun: Swimming in Natural Sinkholes & Water Holes
What Is a Cenote? (Natural Swimming Holes Near Cancun)
This page is dedicated to visiting the cenotes near Cancun, Mexico. There are many cenotes in the region, and the Yucatán Peninsula contains thousands of these natural formations. In this section, I highlight my visit to three different cenotes.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes that form when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing groundwater and creating deep freshwater pools. Cenotes are most closely associated with Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, though similar limestone sinkholes exist in other parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Because many cenotes connect to underground water systems, the water is often refreshed rather than stagnant.
Cenotes were especially important to the Maya civilization. The Maya relied on cenotes as a primary source of freshwater, and many were also used for religious and ceremonial purposes. At Chichen Itza, nearby cenotes held major spiritual significance, and the site is closely connected to underground water systems.
Some cenotes are extremely deep and require scuba diving equipment to reach the bottom, while others are shallow enough to stand in or are designed specifically for swimming and snorkeling.
Are Cenotes the Same as Sinkholes?
Yes. A cenote is a type of sinkhole formed when limestone collapses and exposes groundwater. In the Cancun and Yucatán region, these sinkholes fill with freshwater and become popular natural swimming holes.
Can You Visit Cenotes from Cancun on a Day Trip?
Yes. Many travelers visit cenotes from Cancun as part of half-day or full-day tours, and cenote stops are commonly included with trips to places like Tulum or Chichen Itza.
Visiting the Cenotes Near Cancun - Table of Contents
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Visiting Cenotes Near Cancun at Canamayte Eco Park
The first two cenotes I visited were part of Canamayte Eco Park, which I visited on the return trip from my tour of the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. In addition to swimming in two cenotes, Canamayte Eco Park has hiking trails, a restaurant, a gift shop, and the opportunity to speak with local Maya people.
If you choose to speak with a Maya guide, you may hear greetings such as “Ma’alob k’iin,” a Yucatec Maya phrase often used like “good morning,” literally connected to the words for sun and day.
When I visited, admission to Canamayte Eco Park cost MX$300 (USD $15). The admission fee was separate from the cost of my tour and had to be paid to the guide upon boarding the bus.
With admission, guests received access to a locker and changing room. The lockers were large enough for a small backpack, shoes, camera, and clothes, and were located next to the restaurant. I left my computer and camera in the locker without concern.
Before entering the cenote, visitors were expected to take a shower to wash off sunscreen or other substances. The showers were located near the changing room and can best be described as refreshing.
Before entering the cenote, all visitors were required to wear a life jacket. Once in the water, it became clear why. At 6 foot 5, there were very few places where I could stand without the water being over my head.
If you plan to eat at the restaurant, it was best to place your order before entering the cenote, as the food would be ready when you finish swimming.
After swimming, I highly recommend walking the paths through the subtropical forest. The paths are well marked and fairly flat. Near the main path was a gift shop run by local Maya artisans. I suggest purchasing something made from obsidian, a volcanic glass that was widely used by the Maya and historically traded into the region. Obsidian often appears golden-green in sunlight and returns to black when back in the shade.
Cenote Mariposa (Open-Air Swimming Cenote)
Cenote Mariposa is the larger of the two cenotes at Canamayte Eco Park and is located within sight of the changing rooms and lockers.
When entering the cenote, be careful, as the rocks are slippery and sharp. I recommend stepping into the water and beginning to swim immediately. The water is deep enough that you will not hurt your feet. If you try to walk, you will likely slip. Water shoes are highly recommended.
Once in the water, swim to the back and sit on one of the partially submerged swings. Getting onto them can be challenging, but it is well worth the effort.
There is also a small cave that you can swim into. While swimming inside, a bat flew out, nearly hitting my head, so be aware of your surroundings. The water was cool but refreshing, and after a full day visiting the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, swimming in the cenote was exactly what I needed.
I brought a waterproof camera into the cenote. I do not recommend bringing any camera that is not waterproof, as even with care, it will likely get wet.
Cenote Chen Há (Covered Cave Cenote)
When I exited Cenote Mariposa, I realized that I had injured my toe, and it was bleeding. Since I did not want to swim with a bandaged foot, I did not enter Cenote Chen Há.
Cenote Chen Há is about a ten-minute walk from the changing room and locker area. This cenote is covered by rock formations and requires the use of overhead and underwater lighting. Near the steps, there was a battery setup and a switch used to turn on the lights.
Members of my tour group explained that Cenote Chen Há was much deeper than Cenote Mariposa. They also mentioned that it was interesting to look up at the stalactites and stalagmites that were still actively forming.
Although I did not swim in Cenote Chen Há, I walked down to the entrance to take pictures. As I approached the cenote, I could feel a plume of warm air rising from below. On a colder day, Cenote Chen Há would likely feel warmer than Cenote Mariposa.
After taking photos, I returned to the locker area, changed clothes, and ate chicken enchiladas at the restaurant. Throughout our visit, we were the only tour group at the eco park, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Cenote Saamal Near Chichen Itza
The third cenote I visited was Cenote Saamal, which was the final stop of my Chichen Itza tour before returning to Cancun.
Cenote Saamal was a much larger and more commercial operation than the other cenotes I visited. When I was there, multiple tour groups were swimming at the same time, and there was a wait to use the changing rooms and lockers.
When I visited, there were a few additional costs:
MX$20 (USD $1) to rent a locker
MX$20 (USD $1) to rent a life jacket
Life jackets were required to enter the cenote unless you brought your own.
Be careful walking down the steps, as they are steep and slippery. Hold onto the handrail and yield to people at the turns.
At the entrance, the cenote drops off quickly and is very deep. You can either use the steps or jump directly into the water. While the water feels cold at first, you warm up quickly.
Once in the cenote, visit the waterfall for unique photo opportunities. A waterproof camera is essential, as there is no way to keep a standard camera dry.
I also tried the underwater photo option, capturing images of a rock ledge and a school of catfish. Cenotes are fed by underground rivers, and many contain fish.
Cenote Saamal offered a very different experience than Cenote Mariposa and Cenote Chen Há. Each cenote felt unique, and I look forward to visiting more during future trips to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Cenote Tours from Cancun (Tulum, Coba & Chichen Itza)
One of the easiest ways to visit a cenote is by booking a guided tour from Cancun. Cenote visits are often included in tours to Coba, Tulum, or Chichen Itza, as well as in adventure tours that include snorkeling or ziplining.
All of the cenotes I visited were accessible on half-day or full-day tours departing directly from Cancun.
As an affiliate of Viator, I receive a small commission if you book using one of my links, at no additional cost to you.
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