Cenotes in the Riviera Maya: Mexico’s Natural Swimming Pools

Looking for some of the best swimming spots in the Riviera Maya? Have you heard about the Mexican Cenotes?

Nature has provided us with an abundance of water opportunities. We have gorgeous Caribbean oceans, tranquil rivers, serene lakes, and more. But what about natural swimming pools where you can dive, swim, relax, and enjoy?

In the Yucatan Peninsula alone, there are estimated to be over 6,000 natural swimming pools known as Cenotes. Come and discover Mexico through its cenotes in the Riviera Maya and see why you should come and experience these authentic natural marvels for yourself. 

What are cenotes, and why are they in the Riviera Maya?

Put simply, cenotes are underground caves that hold a permanent body of water. However, many of these, over time, have their ceiling collapse, resulting in a cavelike hole in the ground with water at the bottom and sunlight streaming through the top. 

When you go to find cenotes in or around Cancun, you will encounter some that you would likely describe as caves with water in them, which make for really cool swimming spots, and then there are others that appear more like a giant hole in the ground, sometimes with cliff drops going down a long way before reaching the water.

Whilst a cenote could appear anywhere in the world, the Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya are the real home of these wonderful natural swimming pools, and you will not find them in such quantity anywhere else in the world. 

The history behind Mexican cenotes

Often, these cenotes made for great sources of water, and villages or cities were built in close proximity to them. However, they also held great significance to the Mayan people and would often be regarded as sacred locations that would become part of their ancient pilgrimages. 

Multiple cenotes have had archaeological items discovered within them from the Mayan people; however, there are some varying theories as to the true intent or purpose behind the use of these cenotes in Mesoamerican times. 

Scientists have, however, discovered the history behind why there are so many cenotes in the Yucatan area. They discovered that a long time ago, an asteroid hit the limestone-based area, altering the sediments and making it much more susceptible to erosion. Over time, this effect continued to be a source of many underwater caves and tunnels, as well as a multitude of gorgeous cenotes. 

What to bring and cenote rules

Whilst every cenote comes with its own signboards and rules, there are some general things to keep in mind when visiting. First off, since these are natural locations, no chemicals, sunscreens, bugsrpay or artificial contaminants are allowed in the water. Guests should shower before entering the waters since these are often also habitats for fish and other wildlife. Bugspray or sunscreen may be used only if they are biodegradable, but you should still rinse off before entering the water. 

Next off, remember to bring your swimming costume, sun protection, towels, and a set of comfortable clothes and shoes so you can arrive at the cenote area, which is sometimes a short walk away. You should also bring some cash so that you can pay the entry fee or use other services like the restaurant, equipment, or lockers, depending on each cenote. If going snorkeling, you may also want to bring your own snorkel to avoid buying one when you arrive. 

For the conservation of these natural areas, guests should be mindful of their trash and be careful not to touch stalagmites or stalagtites in the caves. 

Last of all, have fun!

Best cenotes in the Riviera Maya to visit

With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you may be wondering how you could possibly choose which one to go to. Not to worry, we are going to give you a quick list of some of the most gorgeous cenotes for you to try out. 

You can copy the names below and search for images online to get a good idea as to what sort of experience you will enjoy, or alternatively, you can contact Season Tours and ask them about their cenote experiences and which cenotes make for the best vacation adventure. They already have some curated tours that include cenote experiences, such as their Chichen Itza tours, Xenotes Oasis Maya tour, Xplor tour, Jungle Maya tour, and some others. 

• Cenote Elvira
  Renowned for its tranquility, this cenote is located in a secluded section of jungle near Puerto Morelos and is a great option for private events. 

• Cenote Yokdzonot
  A popular ecotourism destination with deep turquoise waters perfect for swimming and diving. Enjoy 40-meter-wide walls, a zipline, and a nearby restaurant. 

• Cenote Dos Ojos
  World-famous caverns near Tulum allow diving into an underground river system that spans a 400-meter passageway that links 2 sinkholes.  

• Cenote El Pit
  Part of the Sac Actum system, with a depth of over 100 meters and crystal clear waters, this cenote is great for scuba diving. 

• Cenote Azul
  This open-air area is great for lazy days, shallow waters for snorkeling, and days of sunshine. It also has a 15ft jump, great for adventure seekers. 

• Cenote Samulá
  Explore an enclosed underground cavern near Valladolid with dramatic overhead lighting that seeps through, creating some stunning Instagram shots. 

• Cenote Yaxmuul
  15 minutes north of Tulum lies this impressive water-filled cave full of stalagmites and stalactites, often used for cultural ceremonies due to its impressive setting.  

• Cenote Ponderosa
  Just 25 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen is this outdoor oasis of jungle charm, moss-covered rocks, and a natural setting that is truly perfect for wildlife sightings. 

• Cenote Chaak Tun
  This stunning cave system gives a Mayan Underground feel that is perfect for dramatic sights and cenote snorkeling experiences. 
  

• Cenote Ik Kil
  Located about 85ft below ground level near Chichen Itza, this open-top cenote has a stone stairway access, hanging vines, and beautiful waterfalls. It also has a great platform for diving into the water and swimming. 

• Cenote Suytun
  The most photoworthy spot of all cenotes. This cavernous opening has a stone walkway into the center of the cenote, specifically designed for photography. Tip: Try to get the sunbeam effect at around 1 pm. 

• Cenote Cristalino
  Near Playa Del Carmen, these airtop shallow waters are great for snorkeling, swimming, cliff jumps, and relaxing experiences that are similar to a fish spa. 

All of these make for great places to swim and explore, so make sure that you bring your swimming suit. However, we also know that you will not be able to visit all the incredible cenote spots in a single visit. This just means that each time you come to enjoy a Majestic Cenote in the Riviera Maya, you will still have plenty to explore and experience. 

Where to stay to visit the cenotes

Considering that some of the best natural pools are around the Riviera Maya, our recommendation is to stay in the area. Choose an All Inclusive resort where you know that you will get luxury relaxation and pampering after a day out in the surrounding cenotes. 

Our top pick is Excellence Riviera Cancun, which is only thirteen minutes away from its closest cenote. Here you can enjoy the top location of an adults only retreat with a wide range of nearby cenote options to choose from for your perfect day out. Even if you choose to visit one of the cenotes that are further inland, away from the incredible beaches and infinite oceans, you can still get there quite easily from your All Inclusive haven. 

So go ahead and check out your ideal cenote swimming spot today and then book your break in the Riviera Maya so that after you have spent the day out adventuring, you can return to your suite, where you can sit back, relax, and let the staff take care of you. 

Plan out your next cenote experience from the comfort of Excellence Riviera Cancun. 

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