10 Best Cenotes near Cancún

Cenotes Kin Ha is a cave cenote, underground and enclosed, with deep waters, accessible by wooden steps or by jumping in from a wooden platform. This deep, cool pool is part of the Ruta de Los Cenotes, a 12-mile stretch of road about 30 minutes south of Cancun with several cenotes along the route.

Diving into the deep waters of this cenote from the platform above is a popular thrill and don't worry, you can climb back out when you're done. The water is deep, clear, and cool, and it's a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Cenote Siete Borcas offers a deep, calm pool of water fed by an underground river in a cave system along the Ruta De Los Centoes. Its name means "Cenote of the 7 mouths," in reference to the 7 different entrances it offers to the underground river that feeds the Cenote. This particular system is like a maze of cenotes that wind through and between tunnels, with cliffs to jump off of and tons of beautiful rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.

Above the cenotes you can climb a watchtower to get a panoramic view of the jungle. You can also walk the calm, dark passageways between pools and relax in the silence. It's just about a half hour north of Cancún.

Cenote La Noria is renowned for the beauty of its crystal clear water full of fish and its amazing stalactites that tower overhead while you explore the cave system. Facilities on site include parking and restrooms. You can enjoy a restaurant just a few steps away, and rent mountain bikes or take a zip line ride. Technically, Cenote La Noria is two separate cenotes and you can explore both.

This attraction is about an hour's drive south of Cancún, so it may be best for a day trip. Still, you'll find plenty to occupy you here for the entire day.

Cenote Choj Ha is an exciting cenote because it's one of the most newly discovered and is surrounded by Maya architectural sites and indigenous experiences. While you swim here you can enjoy a traditional lunch made by the Naranjal people from organically produced food. Head to the arches and tunnels of the ancient Maya or visit that Naranjal indigenous archaeological site.

Of course, swimming in the cenote is a prime attraction, and this cave cenote offers stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations with deep blue waters. It's about an hour and a half from Cancún, so plan a day trip.

Cenote Hubiku is an underground semi-open cenote that's among the largest around with occasional waterfalls, a family-friendly atmosphere, and nearby attractions. Besides swimming, you can visit a tequila museum, get souvenirs at a huge gift shop, or even grab a great meal at the on-site restaurant. You'll access the cenote from a large parking lot, through the gift shop and local arts and crafts stalls.

This one is 2 hours from downtown Cancún, so it's definitely a day trip. The good news is that there's plenty to do here, from museums to shopping, dining and of course swimming, to keep you and the family occupied all day.

Xcajum Cenote offers deep, clear, and clean waters, 4 different viewpoints for photo opportunities, and easy access to one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. You can swim in waters that extend to nearly 130 feet deep. The ruins of Chichen Itza are just minutes away, allowing you to explore an archaeological wonder. An on-site restaurant allows for meals while you're here, and all the green space you could want.

Amenities include life vests, bathrooms, dressing areas, locker rentals, even a rest area where you can rent hammocks for a siesta. It's about 2.5 hours away from Cancún but makes for an outstanding day trip.