15 Best Cenotes Near Cancun, Sorted by Distance

By the Mayan Jungle Rush team · Updated October 2026 · 4 min read

There are thousands of cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula, but you don't need to drive across it to find a great one. We've grouped 15 popular cenotes by distance from Cancun, so you can match them to the time you actually have.

Within about an hour: Ruta de los Cenotes (Puerto Morelos)

The Ruta de los Cenotes is a road that runs inland from Puerto Morelos toward Leona Vicario, with dozens of cenotes along it. It's the closest cenote area to the Cancun Hotel Zone. Our full Ruta de los Cenotes guide covers how to get there.

1. Cenote Las Mojarras

One of the largest open cenotes on the route, near km 12.5. Known for its wide, deep pool and adventure extras like ziplines and jumping platforms. Good if you want open sky and space.

2. Cenote Siete Bocas

Named for its seven openings, around km 17. It's mostly underground, so you climb down into a shaded cave pool with light coming through the holes. Atmospheric and cooler than open cenotes.

3. Cenote Verde Lucero

Also around km 17. An open cenote surrounded by jungle, popular for jumps and with a more natural, low-key feel.

4. Cenote La Noria

A mostly underground cenote reached by a wooden staircase, with blue water, stalactites and a floating platform. Feels like stepping into a cave.

5. Cenote Boca del Puma

An eco-park around km 16 with a cenote, ziplines and jungle activities. Good for combining a swim with something more active.

6. Cenote Kin Ha

A large adventure park around km 20, with cenote swimming and other activities. A practical option for groups who want everything in one place.

1.5 to 2 hours: Riviera Maya

Further south, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, are some of the most photographed cenotes. Pair them with a beach day or ruins.

7. Dos Ojos

Two connected cenotes ("two eyes") north of Tulum, part of a huge underwater cave system. Famous for snorkeling in very clear water and for cavern diving with certified guides.

8. Gran Cenote

Just outside Tulum on the road to Cobá. Semi-open with wooden walkways, caverns to snorkel through and, often, small turtles. Gets busy, so arrive early.

9. Cenote Azul

Near Puerto Aventuras, south of Playa del Carmen. A wide, shallow-to-deep open cenote that's great for families and has a popular jumping spot.

10. Jardín del Edén

Close to Cenote Azul. A large open cenote with clear water, fish, and ledges for jumping. Popular with snorkelers.

11. Casa Cenote

In Tankah, north of Tulum. A long, mangrove-lined cenote that connects underground to the sea, with a mix of fresh and salt water. Great for relaxed snorkeling.

12. Cenote Calavera

Near Tulum. A small cenote with three holes in the ground, one large and two small, which make it look like a skull. You enter by ladder or by jumping through the openings.

2 hours or more: Valladolid and Chichén Itzá

These are best combined with a full-day trip inland. See our day trips from Cancun.

13. Ik Kil

A short drive from Chichén Itzá. A deep, round open cenote with hanging vines and a long staircase carved into the rock. Very busy around midday because of tour buses.

14. Suytun

Near Valladolid. A cave cenote famous for its stone platform in the middle of the water, which is sometimes lit by a beam of sunlight through the roof opening.

15. Zací

Right in the centre of Valladolid. A large semi-open cenote with a walkway, easy to visit while exploring the town.

Quick comparison

How to visit cenotes responsibly

• Shower before entering the water (most cenotes require it)
• No chemical sunscreen, repellent or lotions before swimming
• Don't touch stalactites or rock formations
• Wear a life jacket when it's required, and accept it when it's offered
• Take all your rubbish with you

Frequently asked questions