Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula harbors one of the world’s best-kept natural secrets beneath its layer of limestone. These cenotes, formed over millions of years as underground rivers carved out channels through rock, provide some of the most beautiful aquatic experiences on earth. While some cenotes exist for exploration or diving alone, others invite swimmers onto their glassy waters.
From isolated jungle gems to easily reached tourist spots, these natural pools offer everything from shallow wading pools perfect for families to deep caverns best reserved for expert swimmers. Here’s a list of 20 Mexican cenotes where you can actually take a refreshing dip.
Gran Cenote
Located just outside Tulum, Gran Cenote combines easy access with stunning beauty. The main swimming area features incredibly clear water where you can see straight to the bottom, even at depths of 30 feet.
Small fish dart between the stalactites that hang down into the water, creating an almost aquarium-like experience for swimmers.
Dos Ojos
This cenote system derives its name from the two circular openings that resemble eyes when viewed from above. The connected caverns offer both shallow areas for casual swimming and deeper sections for those wanting to explore further.
The water temperature stays around 77 degrees year-round, making it comfortable for extended swimming sessions.
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Cenote Azul
Despite its name suggesting blue water, Cenote Azul actually displays a range of colors from emerald green to deep turquoise depending on the light. The cenote features multiple levels, with shallow areas ideal for children and deeper sections that reach up to 90 feet.
Rock formations create natural diving platforms for those brave enough to jump.
Ik Kil
Perhaps the most photographed cenote in Mexico, Ik Kil is situated near the renowned Chichen Itza ruins. Vines cascade down the circular walls into the perfectly round pool below, creating a natural cathedral effect.
The cenote reaches depths of 130 feet, but swimmers can still enjoy swimming near the safer edges.
Cenote Calavera
This trio of connected pools earned the nickname ‘Temple of Doom’ from adventurous visitors. The main cenote offers swimming access through a narrow opening that requires some careful climbing or jumping to reach the water.
Once inside, swimmers find themselves in a spacious underground chamber with remarkable acoustics.
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Suytun
Instagram made this cenote famous for its dramatic beam of light that illuminates the water during midday hours. The swimming area is situated beneath a partially collapsed roof, offering a unique blend of open-air and cave swimming experiences.
The contrast between the dark cavern walls and the bright turquoise water creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Cenote Xlacah
Located within the Dzibilchaltun archaeological site, this cenote offers a unique combination of swimming and history. Maya ruins surround the natural pool, and archaeological artifacts have been discovered in its depths.
The relatively shallow water makes it ideal for families, while the historical context adds educational value to the swimming experience.
Cenote Yokdzonot
This lesser-known gem is situated approximately 30 minutes from Chichen Itza and offers a more intimate swimming experience. The cenote features a wooden platform that extends into the water, making entry easy for swimmers of all abilities.
Tree roots create natural handholds along the walls, and the water clarity rivals any swimming pool.
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Cenote Zaci
Right in the heart of Valladolid, this urban cenote offers easy access without compromising its natural beauty. The partially open cenote creates interesting light patterns on the water surface throughout the day.
Despite being in the city center, the water remains pristine, and the swimming experience feels completely removed from urban life.
Cenote Sambula
This cenote requires a bit more effort to reach, involving a hike through the jungle that adds to the adventure. The reward is a pristine swimming area with virtually no crowds and water so clear you can count the fish swimming below.
The cenote connects to underground river systems, creating gentle currents that make swimming feel effortless.
Cenote Oxman
Located near Valladolid, this cenote features a dramatic rope that hangs from the surface opening down to the water level. Swimmers can use the rope to lower themselves into the cenote or simply enjoy the conventional stone steps.
The circular shape and high walls create excellent acoustics that amplify every splash and laugh.
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Garden of Eden
Despite its grandiose name, this cenote offers a relaxed and accessible swimming experience. The open-air design allows for plenty of natural light to illuminate the clear water, making it perfect for underwater photography.
Small caves along the edges provide shade and interesting exploration opportunities for confident swimmers.
Cenote Carwash
Originally used by taxi drivers to wash their vehicles, this cenote has transformed into a popular swimming and snorkeling destination. The water lilies floating on the surface create a unique aesthetic, while the relatively shallow depth makes it perfect for extended swimming sessions.
The name might not sound appealing, but the swimming experience certainly is.
Cenote Manatí
This cenote system features multiple connected pools, each with its character and depth. Swimmers can move between different areas, from shallow wading sections to deeper swimming areas.
The cenote gets its name from the gentle, slow-moving currents that make swimmers feel like they’re floating effortlessly through the water.
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Cenote Cristalino
True to its name, this cenote offers some of the clearest water you’ll find anywhere in Mexico. The combination of underground springs and natural filtration creates visibility that extends for dozens of feet in every direction.
The cenote features both open and covered swimming areas, providing options for different comfort levels.
Cenote Nicte-Ha
This cenote creates an enchanting swimming environment with water lilies scattered across its surface. The name means ‘water flower’ in Maya, perfectly describing the scene that greets swimmers.
The relatively shallow depth and gentle entry points make it particularly welcoming for families and less experienced swimmers.
Cenote Chaak Tun
Located underground with artificial lighting, this cenote offers a completely unique swimming experience. The dramatic lighting creates an almost theatrical atmosphere, while the protected environment ensures consistent water conditions regardless of weather above ground.
Swimming here feels like entering an underground palace.
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Cenote Aktun Chen
Part of a larger eco-park, this cenote combines swimming with opportunities to explore the surrounding jungle environment. The cenote features multiple levels and chambers, allowing swimmers to discover new areas as they become more comfortable in the water.
The park setting offers amenities such as changing rooms and equipment rental.
Cenote Tajma Ha
This cenote system offers both cavern and open-water swimming experiences within the same location. Swimmers can start in the more familiar open-air sections before venturing into the atmospheric cavern areas.
The variety means multiple visits reveal new aspects of the swimming experience.
Cenote Chikin Ha
An excellent illustration of how these natural ponds can take people by surprise can be found in the last cenote on our list. A seemingly straightforward entrance opens into a vast network of underwater caverns with numerous swimming rooms.
From surface swimming to more daring underwater exploring, the cenote has something to offer swimmers of all ability levels.
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Where Ancient Waters Meet Modern Adventure
They are more than just exotic swimming pools; they connect us to the same water that nurtured Maya life for generations. Modern-day swimmers walk in the path of an old civilization that held these natural pools sacred, and current conservation efforts ensure their descendants can enjoy similar pristine conditions.
The process of swimming in a cenote is thousands of years into human existence, and memories created are lasting long after most beach vacations. Each time one takes the plunge into these transparent waters is a glimpse into the geological past of Mexico as well as its commitment to preserving natural beauty for generations to come.
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