The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with fresh water sinkholes, called cenotes, that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Cenotes are a wonderful alternative to the sea, are wonderful adventures, and are a great place to cool off on a hot day. Popular cenotes are Dos Ojos, Cenote Manatee, and Gran Cenote. If you are seeking more private place for your midday swim, we have a list of off the beaten path cenotes.
Off the Beaten Path Cenotes in the Rivera Maya
We have highlighted this list of cenotes as we found these locations to be empty if not deserted when we visited. Each cenote is very different and worth visiting. Some are located below the earth’s surface having you walk down a few flights of stairs to access the fresh water. Others are like small lagoons or water holes that are surrounded by mangrove. Enjoy the beauty each cenote offers and enjoy the peace and quiet we found in each location.
Coba Cenotes – Close to the Coba Ruins there are three magnificent cenotes that have very few visitors. Tickets can be purchased at the parking lot kiosk in Coba or at the entrance to the first cenote. Ticket prices include all three cenotes and all three are worth visiting. Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha, and Multum Ha are the names of this cenote trifecta.
Xel Ha Ruins Cenote – In the very back of the Xel Ha Ruins is the cenote that provided freshwater and a place for spiritual rituals in this Mayan community. It is big, it is deep, and very few people visit this location. The cenote is located by the priest temples which leads one to believe that this cenote had a prominent role in the spiritual practices of this Mayan community. Your entrance fee into the ruins includes the cenote.
X’cacel Cenote – X’cacel beach has a little cenote in the jungle off to the south. This mangrove cenote is small but super cool. Find the small path that leads from the southern part of the parking lot into the jungle. This is a great place to rinse off after being in the sea all day.
These are just a few of the cenotes that are not publicized in regular tour books or maps. Our adventures brought us to these remote cenotes and continue to draw us back into these less crowded areas. Enjoy the tranquility as much as we have. These are special places.
Find out more about cenotes in the Riviera Maya; the history, geology, and importance to Maya communities.