Cenotes near Tulum
Taak Bi Ha sits in one of the richest cenote areas on Earth. Here are the best cenotes nearby.
Why start with Taak Bi Ha?
Among all the cenotes in Tulum and the Riviera Maya, Taak Bi Ha stands out as a true cave cenote: an enclosed underground chamber full of formations, with some of the clearest water in the region and fewer crowds than its famous neighbours.
It's right next to Dos Ojos, so you can easily visit two or three cenotes in one morning. Entrance fees change often, so check locally.
More cenotes near Tulum & Akumal
Cenote Dos Ojos
The famous "two eyes": two open-air cavern pools linked by an underwater passage, world-renowned among divers. Easy to combine on the same morning.
The Pit (El Pit)
A deep vertical shaft over 100 m deep, known for its sunbeams and a hydrogen sulphide cloud. Mostly for experienced divers.
Cenote Nicte Ha
A small, quiet open cenote surrounded by jungle and water lilies.
Cenote Casa Tortuga
A park with several open and cave cenotes, popular for tours.
Gran Cenote
One of Tulum's most popular cenotes, with crystal water, wooden walkways and turtles.
Cenote Calavera
Three holes in the ground that look like a skull, with a ladder and a rope swing.
Cenote Azul, Cristalino & Jardín del Edén
A cluster of open-air cenotes off Highway 307, great for swimming and cliff jumping.
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
A calm open cenote by the road to Cobá, popular for diving.
Cave, semi-open or open: which cenote is for you?
- Cave cenotes (Taak Bi Ha, Dos Ojos): enclosed caverns with formations and lighting. Best for snorkeling and atmosphere.
- Semi-open cenotes (Gran Cenote): partly covered, with sunlight and caves to explore.
- Open cenotes (Cenote Azul, Cristalino, Calavera): open to the sky, good for swimming and jumping.
Tips for cenote hopping
- Two or three cenotes a day is plenty, since you'll shower and change at each one.
- Never wear sunscreen or repellent in the water.
- Carry cash: most cenotes, including Taak Bi Ha, don't take cards.
- Go early to beat the tour buses.
Cenotes near Tulum compared
Entrance fees for adults as listed by the sources named, on 9 October 2026. They change often; verify before visiting.
| Cenote | Type | Price as listed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taak Bi Ha | Cave | 350 MXN at the cenote (Daypass.mx) | Snorkel, guided cave swim, advanced cavern diving |
| Dos Ojos | Cavern | from 400 MXN adult (Parque Dos Ojos) | Snorkel, cavern diving |
| Gran Cenote | Semi-open | 500 MXN adult (TT & More, 2026) | Snorkel, turtles, walkways |
| Calavera | Open, three holes | 250 MXN (Nguide) | Jumping, swimming |
| El Pit | Deep shaft | see Dos Ojos park | Advanced diving only |
Read our guides to Taak Bi Ha, Dos Ojos and snorkeling and diving.
Two routes for a cenote day from Tulum
North along Highway 307 (caves)
Start at Taak Bi Ha when it opens, continue to Dos Ojos on the same access road, then have lunch in Akumal. This is the route for snorkelers and divers who want caverns and formations.
West on the Tulum–Cobá road (open cenotes)
Gran Cenote first thing (it fills up fast), then Calavera for a jump into the "skull", and Car Wash (Aktun Ha) further along the same road. Continue to the Cobá ruins if you have the afternoon.
How to choose
- First cenote, non-confident swimmer: Gran Cenote's walkways and shallow areas, or Taak Bi Ha with a life jacket and a guide.
- Best formations: Taak Bi Ha and Dos Ojos.
- Adrenaline: Calavera's jump holes.
- Certified divers: Dos Ojos for classic cavern lines; El Pit and Taak Bi Ha for experienced divers, with a dive centre.
Good to know
- Most cenotes around Tulum open around 8:00–9:00 and close between 16:00 and 17:00.
- Tulum is in Quintana Roo, one hour ahead of Yucatán.
- Carry cash. Some parks take cards but many smaller cenotes don't.
- Biodegradable sunscreen still isn't allowed in most cenotes: shower and go without.
The six cenotes of Parque Dos Ojos
According to the park's own descriptions:
- Dos Ojos: illuminated caverns, ideal for snorkeling and cavern diving.
- Jaguar: an open cenote with a zip line and jumping platforms.
- Nicte-Ha: calm swimming and photography, surrounded by jungle.
- Misterio Maya: noted for its geological formations.
- Monos: a walk among thousands of stalactites in semi-darkness.
- El Pit: which the park calls the deepest cenote in Yucatán, with a halocline and light beams, for certified divers.
When to visit
Cenotes can be visited all year, and the water temperature hardly changes. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings cooler, sunnier days and more visitors, especially around Christmas, Easter (Semana Santa) and Mexican school holidays. The rainy season (roughly June to October) is hotter and more humid with afternoon storms; the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, and cenotes can close temporarily after severe weather. Whatever the month, arrive at opening time for the calmest visit.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes.
- Cash in pesos, in small notes.
- Water shoes or sandals with grip.
- A waterproof phone case or action camera.
- A dry bag for valuables, or coins for a locker.
- Drinking water and a hat for the walk or ride.
- No sunscreen or repellent on your skin when you swim: apply it after.
Cenote rules worth knowing
- Shower before you enter the water, every time.
- No sunscreen, insect repellent, lotions or make-up in the water.
- Life jackets are mandatory for swimmers in most cenotes.
- Don't touch, climb on or break formations.
- No food, drinks or glass near the water.
- Follow staff and guide instructions, especially in caverns.
What is the best cenote near Tulum?
It depends on what you want: Taak Bi Ha and Dos Ojos for cave formations and clear water, Gran Cenote for easy snorkeling, Calavera for jumping.
Which cenotes near Tulum are cave cenotes?
Taak Bi Ha is a true enclosed cave; Dos Ojos is a cavern system with two open pools. Gran Cenote is semi-open.
How many cenotes can I do in a day from Tulum?
Two or three, especially if you group them by route: Highway 307 north, or the Tulum–Cobá road west.
Are cenotes near Tulum open every day?
Most are, but hours vary. Check each one before going, and arrive early in high season.
Sources
Prices and hours below were taken from these pages on 9 October 2026. They are as listed there, not verified by us: confirm before visiting.