Question 1

What is the best Cenote near Tulum?

Accepted Answer

If you do not have a lot of time in Tulum, the nearest Tulum cenote is Cenote Calavera which is only a 4-minute drive to Tulum. It is also one of the most popular with diverse activities (swimming, pro diving, and snorkeling).

Question 2

Are the cenotes in Tulum safe to swim?

Accepted Answer

All cenotes in Tulum provide life jackets and safety gear. The tour operators and park managers will also inform you if it’s not swimmable but through the years, many of the Tulum cenotes are safe to swim in.

Question 3

Do cenotes cost money?

Accepted Answer

Good question! I thought about this while living in Mexico. Aren’t natural wonders supposed to be free of charge? But this isn’t the case with Tulum cenotes since it has become more popular and is only getting bigger. Cenotes in Tulum start at US$5 – US$35 and each of the cenotes raises its prices every year.

Question 4

Can you visit Tulum cenotes without a tour?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY! Visiting Tulum cenotes without a tour is commonly done by those who are backpacking in Mexico. There are many colectivos (from US$1-US$4) that you can take but you still have to pay the entrance fees (from US$5-US$35). Though we don’t want to keep your hopes up as most of these cenotes in Tulum are best visited with a rental car.

Question 5

What should I bring when visiting Tulum cenotes?

Accepted Answer

Think everything necessary for swimming like swimsuits, a GoPro camera (or any camera that is waterproof up to 5 meters), a waterproof phone case, sunblock, dry bag, and a foldable (and light) travel towel.

Also, make sure to bring enough Mexican pesos in cash as credit cards are not accepted for the entrance fees.

Mexico Cenotes

17 best cenotes near Tulum within 10-minute driving distance