Best cenotes near Playa del Carmen
The best-known open cenotes near Playa del Carmen are about 25 km (15 miles) south of town, right off Federal Highway 307, a 20 to 30 minute drive. Cristalino, Jardín del Edén, Cenote Azul and Chikin Ha are all there, close to each other. A bit farther on the way to Tulum are Dos Ojos, Casa Cenote and the cenotes on the road to Cobá.
Here are the ones worth your time and what each is good for. We dive several of them from our scuba diving center in Playa del Carmen.
What is a cenote?
A cenote is a natural freshwater sinkhole that forms when the limestone roof collapses and exposes the groundwater below. For the Maya they were sacred, the entrance to the underworld, and they held rituals there, like those for Chaac, the rain god.
There are three types. Open cenotes have lost their roof and look like pools or ponds under the sky. Semi-open ones keep part of their roof and let light in. Closed cenotes are still inside a cave.
The closest cenotes, 15 miles from Playa del Carmen
Between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras there's a group of cenotes a few minutes apart. It's the easiest option if you have half a day.
Cenote Cristalino
Open, with steps down to crystal-clear water. It's 3 to 20 ft (1 to 6 m) deep, with small fish and lots of birds. Good for swimming, snorkeling and diving without entering caverns. More on our Cenote Cristalino page.
Cenote Jardín del Edén
One of the largest open-air cenotes in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by jungle. You can jump in from a 13 to 16 ft ledge, there are lifeguards and palapas to rest under. It's great for snorkeling and, if you have some experience, for diving near its cave entrances. More on our Cenote Jardín del Edén page.
Cenote Azul and Chikin Ha
Right next to the two above, easy to combine in the same morning.
Chac Mool
About 24 km (15 miles) away, a cavern diving cenote with a halocline, the layer where fresh water meets salt water.
Cenotes between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Heading toward Tulum, there are several well-known cenotes, especially for diving.
Taj Ma Ha
About 29 km (18 miles) away. A dive cenote with delicate formations and a halocline too.
Dos Ojos
About 50 km (31 miles) away. A park with several cenotes and one of the best-known caverns to dive in the area.
Casa Cenote, also called Cenote Manatí
About 58 km (36 miles) away, next to Tankah, between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum. It's open, surrounded by mangroves, with crystal-clear water. It's no deeper than about 26 ft (8 m) and has no current, so the whole family can enjoy it. One of its caverns leads out to the sea. More on our Cenote Manatí page.
Angelita
About 80 km (50 miles) away. Diving only, for divers with deep diving experience. At about 100 ft (30 m) there's a cloud that looks like an underwater river.
Driving distances from Playa del Carmen
Cenote | Distance from downtown | Approximate drive | Good for |
Cristalino | 15 mi (24 km) | 20 min | Swimming, snorkeling, diving without caverns |
Jardín del Edén | 16 mi (25 km) | 25 min | Swimming, jumping, snorkeling, diving |
Chac Mool | 15 mi (24 km) | 30 min | Cavern diving |
Taj Ma Ha | 18 mi (29 km) | 30 min | Cavern diving |
Dos Ojos | 31 mi (50 km) | 45 min | Cavern diving |
Casa Cenote (Manatí) | 36 mi (58 km) | 50 min | Snorkeling and diving, all levels |
Angelita | 50 mi (80 km) | 1 h 5 min | Advanced diving |
Road distances from downtown Playa del Carmen, calculated with OpenStreetMap, without traffic.
Tips for visiting a cenote
You pay the entrance fee at each cenote. Some charge extra for cameras.
Skip sunscreen and bug spray before you get in. Cenotes are part of the aquifer the whole peninsula drinks from.
Wear comfortable shoes, since many entrances have steps and rocks.
To dive inside the caverns you need a guide with cave training.
Dive the cenotes with us
If you're certified, the best way to see a cenote is from the inside. We dive Chac Mool, Taj Ma Ha, Jardín del Edén, Dos Ojos, Casa Cenote and Angelita, and we'll suggest the one that fits your level. Our article on the best cenotes to dive in Playa del Carmen explains what each one is like underwater.
Want to dive a cenote? Message us on WhatsApp with your certification and dates.
Frequently asked questions
Are there cenotes in Playa del Carmen?
The best-known open cenotes near Playa del Carmen are about 25 km (15 miles) south, off Highway 307. From downtown it's a 20 to 30 minute drive.
What's the closest cenote to Playa del Carmen?
Of the ones in this guide, Cristalino, Jardín del Edén, Azul, Chikin Ha and Chac Mool, all about 24 to 25 km (15 miles) away.
Can I visit a cenote without a guide?
For swimming or snorkeling, you just pay the entrance fee. To dive inside the caverns, you need a guide with cave training.
