Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Cenote · Tulum, Quintana Roo
Gran Cenote
Semi-open cenote on the Tulum–Coba road, with crystal-clear fresh water, stalactite caves and turtles, used for swimming, snorkeling and cave diving.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is about 4 km from the Pueblo of Tulum, on the road to Cobá. It is one of the most visited cenotes on the Riviera Maya, formed by an open sinkhole and partially flooded caves, connected to the Sac Actun underground river system.
The water is fresh, cold and very clear. Wooden stairs lead down to platforms from which you swim among the rocks and cave entrances, full of stalactites and stalagmites. Small turtles often swim in the open area, and bats live on the cave ceilings.
The cenote is a departure point for cave dives with specialized guides who follow the flooded galleries. For those who only swim, snorkeling in the lit area already shows the water's depth and color.
The site is privately managed, with an entrance fee, lockers and equipment rental. To protect the water, showering before entering is mandatory and common sunscreen and repellents are not allowed.
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
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
At opening, in the morning, when there are fewer people and light comes through the sinkhole. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is about 4 km from the Pueblo of Tulum, on the road to Cobá. You can get there by bike, taxi or car.
Tip
Bring swimwear under your clothes and a towel. A life jacket is mandatory for those who are not strong swimmers.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Gran Cenote
What is a cenote?
A natural freshwater sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock over the underground rivers of the Yucatán peninsula.
Can you swim in Gran Cenote without knowing how to dive?
Yes. The open area has platforms for swimming and snorkeling; cave diving is done only with a specialized guide.
Can you use sunscreen in Gran Cenote?
No. To protect the water, you must shower before entering and common sunscreen or repellents are not allowed.