Best Cenotes in Tulum for Families
Tulum used to be a hidden gem of Mexico‘s Yucatan Peninsula. Today Tulum is a popular and hip destination known for its turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, luxury hotels, active social and party scene, great dining options, and the crown jewels of the Yucatan, the majestic Cenotes (natural sinkholes filled with fresh water).
Tulum is also a fantastic family destination for an authentic and memorable vacation, as the town and surroundings offer a wide variety of activities. From relaxing at a beach club to snorkeling, diving, animal encounters, and of course, exploring the cenotes.
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to literally thousands of cenotes, and the “quiet” town of Tulum is a popular destination for tourists who want to visit these amazing and mysterious natural sinkholes. If you want to find out more about what the cenotes are and how they were formed, read our detailed Cenote guide.
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We have been visiting Tulum as a family for the best 6 years, and these are the best cenotes in Tulum for families for a fun and exciting day of exploring:
Zacil-Ha Cenote is our favorite family cenote in the Yucatan. It is very conveniently located next to another amazing cenote, the breathtaking Cenote Carwash (next one on our list), so you can visit both on the same day if you wish. Zacil-Ha cenote is a beautiful open-air cenote with water so clear and transparent that it rivals any other regular swimming pool you will have ever visited.
There is literally nothing short of amazing and unique about Zacil-Ha, and even after visiting several times, we are all still in awe the whole time! You and your kids can jump off the edge into the crystal waters or …if you are feeling adventurous…even zip line across the cenote and make a big plunge in from above!
Rent a hammock at the entrance, and just spend hours relaxing and unwinding while your kids explore this fascinating cenote.
How to get to Zacil-Ha: Taxi or rental car. It’s a short trip
Entrance Fee: 200 mexican pesos ($10 USD) and 10 pesos ($0.5c USD) for the zipline
Cenote Ak Tun Ha, also known as the Carwash Cenote as…believe it or not…it once used to be an actual car wash. Fast forward to today, and this is a must-visit open-air cenote for families.
The swimming area (the pool) is large and very accessible for both adults and small children. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience, as this cenote will surely leave you and your family in awe as you get immersed in this majestic underwater world filled with stunning rock formations, fish, and turtles.
The water in the Cenote can reach up to 50 feet in depth, so make sure you bring your snorkeling or diving gear to explore the cave’s underwater section.
How to get to Cenote Carwash: With a taxi or rental car. It’s a short trip
Entrance Fee: 300 mexican pesos ($15 USD)
Cenote Azul is a sprawling open-air cenote that is very popular with families and thrill seekers. The cenote is separated into two distinct swimming areas that are divided by a wooden boardwalk. On one side, kids safely enjoy and splash n the shallow waters, while on the other side, divers begin an exploration journey of the cave system of the cenote.
Make sure you bring your snorkeling to explore what lies beneath the surface…you and your kids will love it. This is a very popular Cenote all year round as it’s close to Cancun. Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so make sure you make your way here early!
How to get to Cenote Azul: With a taxi or rental car. It’s a short trip.
Entrance Fee: 150 mexican pesos ($8 USD)
Cenote Jardin Del Eden (also known as Cenote Ponderosa) stands out in this list because of its unparalleled beauty. As you enter the Garden of Eden open-air pool area of the cenote, you will be in awe by the lush greenery and towering cliffs that frame the cenote. The water is crystal clear, and the amazing views have made Cenote Jardin Del Eden very popular on Instagram and other social media.
Take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear warm waters or embark with your snorkeling gear on an exploration of what lies under the surface.
How to get to Cenote Jardin Del Eden: With a taxi or rental car. It’s a short trip.
Entrance Fee: 200 mexican pesos ($10 USD)
Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido should be your go-to options if you are looking for a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere and cenote experience!
These two open-air cenotes are just south of Tulum town and are located on the opposite sides of the road. They are connected by an underwater tunnel and are surrounded by lush vegetation.
The good news is that with the same entrance ticker, you can see both cenotes. Our family’s favorite, though is cenote Cristal, as it has these fun and amazing wooden jumping platforms that your kids are sure to love!
How to get to Cenote Cristal and Escondido: With a taxi or rental car or a short bike ride from Tulum.
Entrance Fee: 150 mexican pesos ($8 USD)
Casa Cenote is halfway between the beautiful towns of Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.
The cenote pool is surrounded by lush vegetation and mangroves, and the turquoise and clear waters will for sure take your breath away.
You can swim or kayak in the tranquil waters of the cenote, snorkel and explore the cenote’s undersea cave system that leads directly into the ocean, or just relax in a beach bed at a nearby beach. Casa Cenote has something special for everyone in the family and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages.
How to get to Casa Cenote: Taxi or rental car. It’s a short trip.
Entrance Fee: 150 pesos ($8 USD)Other Things to Do Near Tulum
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🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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