Coba Cenotes Guide

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Coba Cenotes Ultimate Guide - 2023 Everything you need to know

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This is your complete Coba Cenotes Guide!

Exploring the ancient Coba Ruins was an exhilarating experience during our Yucatan Peninsula expedition. It’s no mystery why this is one of Tulum’s best Mayan sites most popular attractions! With temperatures and humidity soaring in Quintana Roo, we found it incredibly refreshing to tour the pyramids and other Mayan relics before taking a dip at nearby Coba cenotes to cool off. Truly, visiting these sacred sinkholes made for a perfect ending after hours spent admiring nature’s wonderment! 

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Coba Cenotes: Coba Ruins
Coba Ruins

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🇲🇽 Mexico Travel Resources We Use:

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Although the Coba Ruins in Mexico are renowned, let us not forget about its remarkable cenotes. Here’s a guide to access Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha and Multum-Ha on your own from Tulum within just one day – no tour required!

How to Get to Coba Ruins

Rent a Car

Exploring Mexico in a rental car is the best way to discover all this beautiful country has to offer. From Tulum, Cancun or its capital city, it’s easy and convenient to rent a car for your journey. Are you looking forward to visiting Coba from Tulum? Then simply take road 109 – an effortless drive!

Taxi or Private Transfer

If your travel budget permits, taxis may be an advantageous option for reaching Coba. A typical one-way fare is 400 MXN; however, with a bit of negotiation you can likely obtain a more attractive rate! This transportation mode is especially ideal if you are traveling in groups of four or more. Taxis constantly roam the streets around Tulum ADO bus terminal and converge there regularly – so keep your eyes peeled!

Bus

If you’re seeking an economical and straightforward journey from Tulum to Coba, we highly advise taking the Mayab bus. This second-class service departs precisely at 7:20 AM from ADO terminal for only Mx 50 – it’s a mere one hour ride! To avoid sweltering heat and considerable crowding in Coba Ruins, arrive as early as possible – thus this specific morning schedule is perfect for those looking to do so! But if mornings aren’t your favorite time of day then don’t worry–first class buses scheduled later on during the afternoon will cost Mx 98 per ticket instead.

Colectivo

Exploring South America often requires making use of colectivos, however, if you’re traveling from Tulum to Coba, there is a bus route available for your convenience. If the bus isn’t what you had in mind and opting instead for a colectivo is more suitable to your needs, know that they can be found at the intersection of Tulum Avenue and Calle Osiris – with tickets only costing Mx 70.

Though this may seem like an attractive option due to its relatively low cost, bear in mind that since it has no timetable associated with it; you’ll have to wait until all seats are filled before the ride begins. For those seeking speedier transport back home or elsewhere would be best suited catching a direct bus on this route!

Tours

Planning your own journey can be arduous and time-consuming; so why not join our Tulum Tour? This incredible one-day excursion combines three unique sites: Tulum, Coba, and a mesmerizing cenote. With rave reviews from past travelers, this enchanting trip gives you the chance to explore stunning ruins of Tulum with its captivating cenotes – don’t wait any longer! Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Coba Cenotes

Whether you’re in Mexico for business or pleasure, Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha and Multum-ha cenote can only be accessed by bike unless you have a rental car. Fortunately, there are numerous rentable bikes close to the entrance of Coba Ruins – no reservations necessary!

Our good fortune enabled us to rent a bicycle for only Mx 50, far below the regular rental fee of Mx 70. From Coba, simply follow the signs and enjoy a safe ride on flat roads with minimal traffic congestion – you’ll arrive at two beautiful cenotes Choo-Ha and Tamcach-Ha in no more than 30 minutes (7 km away from Coba).

If you wish to discover all three cenotes, Tamcach-Ha and Multum-Ha are only 3 kilometers away from each other. The latter is situated 8 kilometers away on the opposite side of the street from Coba.

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How much does it Cost to visit Coba Cenotes?

If you’re planning a visit to Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha and/or Multum-Ha cenotes, know that the entrance fees have recently increased – each ticket now costs Mx 100. You can purchase one or two tickets at the gate depending on your time constraints and mood. In case you still feel energetic after visiting the first two cenotes, you may buy an additional ticket when cycling back around to get back onto the main road towards Multum-Ha. All three of these amazing cenotes are open every day from 8 AM until 5 PM!

Cenote Choo-Ha

The initial cenote on our journey is Choo-Ha, boasting crystal clear waters that beckon us to dive in. Not particularly deep, this cenote features numerous stalagmites hanging from the walls and ceiling which make it a unique experience. In parts of the water where it is shallow enough for standing, children especially enjoy visiting this site – making it a popular choice for families with young kids!

As you enter, it’s essential to tread cautiously down the compact winding wooden staircase, which can be slippery. Be mindful of your steps!

Cenote Tamchach-Ha

Our favorite cenote was only a short three-minute bike ride from Choo-Ha. This underground oasis had two incredible jumping platforms at 15 and 30 feet (5 and 10 meters), respectively! The water was crystal clear and the atmosphere near surreal as we swam around this perfectly round shaped space – perfect for both swimming and snorkeling alike. Don’t miss out on exploring every corner of this subterranean wonderland!

Cenote Multum-Ha

Of the three cenotes, the deepest one boasts some of the best snorkeling – but it isn’t easy to get there. You’ll need to head back down the main road and then cycle a further three kilometers on a pot-hole ridden path. What this translates to is something special: an exclusive experience with minimal crowds accompanied by unparalleled beauty as sparkling sunlight filters through its small openings creating deep blueness in its waters below.

Can you Visit Coba Cenotes without a tour?

Absolutely. We choose to visit on our own. Rented a car from Tulum and drove to the Cenotes. It is one of the best day trips you can do in Mexico

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Cenote Rules

Before plunging into a cenote, make sure to take advantage of the changing rooms and showers located at its entrance; this will enable you to rinse away any traces of sunscreen or bug spray that might otherwise damage the fragile ecosystem. Plus, if required, lifejackets can be rented from here as well! Ultimately though, remember to always keep all your belongings with you while inside the cenote – there’s usually an accessible dry rock where they’ll remain safe and sound.

Where to Stay

Take some extra time in Coba and avoid the crowds of Tulum by spending the night! This provides you with a wonderful opportunity to explore ancient ruins or take a dip in one of its various cenotes either before dawn or after sunset.

What to Pack for the Cenotes

For a remarkable and contented time at the gorgeous Cenotes, be sure to have these indispensable items on hand!

  • Swimwear: Without a doubt, this is an essential item for anyone wishing to explore the cenotes!
  • Snorkel Mask or Goggles: Allow the crystalline depths of cenotes to draw you in and uncover its secrets – but don’t forget your snorkeling gear! To make sure you fully experience this remarkable opportunity, it is crucial that you have the essential supplies.
  • Water Shoes: Before exploring Mexico’s cenotes, I always recommend travelers invest in a quality pair of water shoes. This is because the natural grottos are often full of sharp rocks that could cause injury or discomfort without proper footwear. On top of being safer, having waterproof shoes will make your exploration even more enjoyable! Plus, these same shoes can then be used for snorkeling along the coral reef – making them well worth their price tag!
  • Water Bottle: If you’re planning a Mexican vacation, be prepared for its humid and steamy environment. To ensure your journey is eco-friendly, remember to bring along a reusable water bottle! However, keep in mind that the tap water there isn’t fit for drinking – find clean sources of H2O when refilling or purchase a LifeStraw filter bottle so each sip is purified before it touches your lips.
  • Camera: If you desire to capture the captivating natural beauty of these cenotes, why not take your photography up a notch and bring it beneath the water’s surface with a waterproof camera or GoPro? You will be rewarded with some truly extraordinary shots.

Traveling to 🇲🇽 Mexico soon?

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.