Cenotes are an underground paradise. They are a natural phenomenon that will offer you one of the most powerful experiences of your life! In essence, these are underground natural lakes, which are connected underground to other cenotes or rivers. The water is cool and clean, suitable for swimming and infinite dives, while enjoying the unparalleled natural beauty. Cenotes can be found in the Yucatan Peninsula in faraway Mexico. In ancient times, the Mayans considered them sacred springs, they believed that they were the entrance to the underworld, they used them for ceremonies, sacrifices or simply to bathe.
We found ourselves in Mexico in July 2021, as we chose to spend our honeymoon there. Specifically, we chose to limit ourselves to exploring the Yucatan peninsula, where most of the cenotes are located. We couldn’t wait to meet them up close, as it’s a natural phenomenon that you don’t find anywhere else in the world. Most cenotes are located mainly inland, in the Yucatan Peninsula, and are the only way for Mexicans to cool off from the tropical heat. Of course, there are a lot of cenotes, about 7,000-8,000. This means that you will not be able to visit them all, but you will choose the ones that suit you the most. We chose to swim in 3 of the infinity pools that exist. 2 of them excited us the most for different reasons.
Let’s talk in more detail!
Hacienda Cenote Oxman- Valladolid
One of the most famous, but also one of the most picturesque cenotes we chose to visit is the “Hacienda Cenote Oxman”. There you will need to go down several meters underground to be able to dive. The life jacket is mandatory and included in the price. The Hacienda Cenote Oxman underground lake is surrounded by lush green rocks and hanging tree roots, creating a magical setting. The people in charge have installed a hanging wooden pole, which you can use to dive more spectacularly, feeling like a small child.
When you are done with swimming and diving, you have the possibility to move in the organized space that you will find on the surface of the earth. You can enjoy coffee, original tequila and if you pay a little more, buffet food.
You will find it open between 07:00-17:00, all week around.
Cenote Xcajum-Valladolid
A large and beautiful cenote that is worth your visit. Descending 3 levels to dive, you can enjoy the view from the balconies that have been built around the perimeter and take incredible photos with the background of this wonderful cave. You will find very good facilities for eating and large shops for buying souvenirs. In this cenote we had booked a 15′ ride with ATVs in the jungle, a powerful experience! What we didn’t like about this particular cenote was that it is very touristy, so we didn’t particularly enjoy swimming in it.
You will find it open between 10:00-17:00, all week around.
Cenote Calavera- Tulum
This underground lake is located in the wonderful city of Tulum in the Yucatan Peninsula. In a quiet environment with comfortable chairs and hammocks to relax, Cenote Calavera has something different to offer. In this particular underground spring you can dive by descending smoothly from a wooden ladder placed right at the opening of the cave or you can dive directly from above. For the more daring there are two very narrow openings on the surface of the ground to dive from. Of course we dared!
You will find it open between 9:00-17:00, all week around.
As we already mentioned, the cenotes are infinite and you won’t be able to visit them all. Also, for each of them you pay an entrance ticket which is around 12 euros per person, without meal or drink.
Find information on 12 more famous cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, here.
The Cenotes will enchant you! The natural beauty of the caves that surround them are beyond your imagination!
Swimming and the endless dives you will experience there, will be an experience you will never forget!
Read also a top travel secret: Silfra Rift: Dive between 2 continents!
