Cenote Nicte Ha Tulum
Cenote Nicte-Ha is an unforgettable experience in the Mayan Riviera and is one of our favorite cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. Immerse yourself in a beautiful world full of water lilies while swimming!
Have you heard of cenotes before? If not, now’s the time to get in on this incredible natural phenomenon. Though they’ve gained immense popularity over social media platforms such as Instagram these past few years, many people still don’t know what a cenote is or why it’s so significant to the Mayans. Fundamentally, a cenote – essentially meaning “sacred well” – is an ancient sinkhole that generally forms when limestone caves collapse and rainwater fills up natural pools connected by underground rivers. Now that you have all the facts about this remarkable geological feature at your fingertips; let any adventure begin!
We set out to visit both Cenote Dos Ojos and Nicte-Ha on the same day. We arrived early at the complex, ensuring we were ahead of any groups wanting photos or videos in Cenote Dos Ojos – which worked! Then it was onto Nicte-Ha an hour later, a lesser known cenote that is usually free from crowds.
The waters of Nicte-Ha were fresh and invigorating, ideal for a midday respite from the sweltering heat of Tulum. The lush vegetation that lined the cenote gave off an air of mystery, as if you’d stumbled into some hidden oasis in nature.
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For those who tire easily during swims, there was a rope to hold onto for support or rest periods. If you want to dive at this picturesque site you need to make prior arrangements made through dive centers. We had our snorkeling gear with us and it was more than enough for us to explore what lies under the water surface.
Nicte-Ha Cenote is a marvel to behold; strikingly distinct from the other cenotes we have visited. The turquoise, crystal-clear water more closely resembles a tranquil lake than an underground cave! What makes it even more remarkable are the hundreds of vibrant lilies that scatter around its surface – creating something straight out of a fairytale.
If you’re looking for a location to explore multiple cenotes, Cenote Nicte-Ha is the place for you! Nearby are the attractions of The Pit and Cenote Dos Ojos – all inside one park. There are plenty of ways to get here; take your pick from driving, walking or biking.
A 20-minute trip from the heart of Tulum to Dos Ojos park shouldn’t set you back more than 200 MXN. Have no fear if they try to charge you an extra amount, simply haggle your way down! Have your taxi driver drop you off directly at the entrance of the park where you will purchase your ticket purchases.
Unfortunately, no. Even though the app is functional there has been a lot of push-back from the local taxi-mafia and some violence so for your safety, we would suggest against using it.
Exploring the Riviera Maya and Tulum is a lot easier with a rental car! You have extra freedom to take a Yucatan road trip. Parking is convenient as well. Plus with plenty of spots in the cenote. Renting a car in Mexico is generally inexpensive; we found one for 550 MXN (35 USD) per day with full insurance included.
Exploring the Riviera Maya by Colectivo (shared taxi) is one of the most efficient, immersive and inexpensive ways to travel. All you need to do is stand on any roadside, wave your hand at an approaching shuttle, and once it stops let them know where you want to go! Chances are they’ll drop off right at your destination’s doorstep with a minimal fare.
Expert Tip: Keep in mind that it’s a 20-minute walk on an unpaved road from where the collectivo drops you off so wear comfortable shoes and avoid going when temperatures are too high. Alternatively, try one of the other options available if you’d rather skip this budget option altogether!
Unlike its bigger cousins of Cenote Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote, you won’t find any luxurious amenities here. The restroom is the only place to change if need be and there are no lockers for your valuables; however, since this cenote isn’t extensive in size, one can safely leave their items on the wooden boardwalk leading up to it while keeping a watchful eye.
For the small sum of 250 MXN (approximately 13 USD), you can gain access to Cenote Nicte-Ha.
Located just twenty minutes away from the vibrant city of Tulum, Cenote Nicte-Ha awaits you! You’ll find it at Carretera Federal 307, km 244.5 – a mere 22 kilometers north of its urban counterpart.
Read Next our favorite cenotes in Mexico:
And of course if you are up for a road trip make your way to Chichen Itza and the magical cenotes of the Chichen Itza park. We have also put together guides for the best cenotes for families in Tulum.
And don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest safety updates on Mexico.
Cenote Nicte-Ha is open daily between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM.
If you’re looking for an adventure, Cenote Nicte-Ha is it! This hidden gem in the Yucatan peninsula was one of my highlights while visiting and I highly recommend that everyone take some time to explore its stunning beauty. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
After you’ve explored this majestic cenote, why not take part in some thrilling activities?
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 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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