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Cenote · Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo
Cristalino Cenote
Open-air cenote beside highway 307, near Puerto Aventuras, surrounded by mangrove and forest, with transparent water, a section under the rock and a jumping platform.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cristalino Cenote
Cenote Cristalino is beside highway 307, around kilometer 266, a few minutes from Puerto Aventuras, on the same stretch as the Jardín del Edén and Azul cenotes. It is an open-air cenote, long and U-shaped, surrounded by mangroves and low scrub, with water so clear that the rocky bottom is visible even in the deeper parts.
Depth ranges from just over 1 meter to about 6 meters in the bathing area. On one side the water enters beneath a limestone slab, forming a small grotto that can be crossed by swimming. There is a stone platform for those who want to jump and semi-submerged benches along the edges for those who prefer shallow water.
Cristalino is part of the region's cave system, and the grotto continues into the rock: that section is only for cave-certified divers with a guide. For snorkelers, the appeal is the little fish and the light that passes through the water in the morning.
It is a good choice for families because it has shallow edges and a spacious bathing area. Like other cenotes in the Riviera Maya, it requires care with the water: no common sunscreen or repellent when entering.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 3 hours. You can combine it with Jardín del Edén or Azul, neighboring cenotes, on the same day.
Best time
Early in the morning, right when it opens, when there are usually fewer people and the light looks nicer in the water. Weekends and Mexican holidays tend to be busier. In the dry season, from December to April, the water is generally clearer.
How to get there
It is next to highway 307, around kilometer 266, south of the Puerto Aventuras entrance. By car it is a few minutes; there is parking. The shared vans that connect Playa del Carmen to Tulum stop near the entrance: ask to get off at the Cristalino and Jardín del Edén cenotes.
Tip
Bring a snorkel mask and water shoes, because the edge rocks are slippery. Rinse off in the entrance shower before swimming and leave common sunscreen out. Entrance is paid separately: check the current rate.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cristalino Cenote
Is Cenote Cristalino deep?
In the bathing area the depth ranges from just over 1 meter to about 6 meters, with shallow edges for those who are not strong swimmers. The section that continues into the cave is only for cave-certified divers.
Can you jump at Cenote Cristalino?
Yes, there is a stone platform used for jumping into the deep section. Follow the cenote staff’s instructions and check the depth before you jump.
Can you get to Cenote Cristalino by public transport?
Yes. The shared vans between Playa del Carmen and Tulum travel along highway 307 and stop near the entrance, around kilometer 266.