The Most Beautiful Cenotes in Riviera Maya

The Yucatán peninsula sits on the world's largest underwater cave system, and cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with freshwater — are the way to enter it. Some are cathedral-like underground caverns, some are open pools ringed by jungle.

Our shortlist: Gran Cenote (near Tulum, ideal for first-timers), Cenote Dos Ojos (world-class snorkelling), Cenote Suytun (the famous photo cenote near Valladolid), Cenote Zací (in Valladolid town) and Cenote Azul (family-friendly, open air).

Cenotes have fragile ecosystems — please use only biodegradable sunscreen. To visit several in one day with transport and expert guides, we recommend the cenote adventures route operated by our local partner.