Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul
4.5
About
Cenote Azul (meaning blue cenote in Spanish) is an open-air cenote with several gorgeous pools of varying depths. The waters never get above 75°F, making it a great place to cool off and enjoy a refreshing swim. It's also popular among families for its shallow waters and easy access. The clear waters are abundant with marine life and are great for snorkeling; we hear that the fishes will give your feet a good exfoliation and spa, too. If you're feeling daring, there are also cliffs that you can jump from. There are two other well-known cenotes nearby: Cenote Eden and Cenote Cristalino. Join a full-day cenote excursion to experience them all. – Tripadvisor
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- María Eugenia SBuenos Aires, Argentina68 contributionsWow!!!! Blue cenote and beautiful cenotitosBEAUTIFUL !!!! We visited many cenotes and this was one of my favorites. It has different water areas in the same park, all of them open (none are grottoes). The main one is beautiful and has a place to jump from, which is absolutely safe and measures less than 4 meters. Then there are 2 mini cenotes that are like a movie. What do I mean by this term? Because everything is arranged in an aesthetic but natural way, you can't believe it. The cenotes really met all my expectations on this trip, but the beaches did not.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten March 15, 2024
- mtnclimber3Colorado11 contributionsNice cenote just across from our hotelBeautiful. Shallow throughout most with a ton of tetras, cichlids, and sail fin molly's. 1-2 deeper parts safe to cliff jump which was really fun. Be aware they have changed their prices. It is no longer as cheep as other reviews said. Still not bad, but they did want $12 a person. Bring more if you want to rent a mask, locker, etc.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 17, 2024
- GinuwineAmsterdam, The Netherlands117 contributionsVisit Cenote Azul for a Great Day in NatureCenote Azul is a beautiful place to visit, with an entry fee of $180 MXN per person. The clear blue water is perfect for swimming, and you'll see lots of Mexican wildlife like iguanas, geckos, and coatis. It's a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy nature. Highly recommend checking it out!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- Avi P44 contributionsBig, scenic, crystal clear and most of all : relaxing.This place is extremely special! It's a very big cenote (with a collection of smaller cenotes within) and will definitely take some time to explore and correctly appreciate them all. The water is crystal clear and there are lots of tiny fish swimming amongst you (including some that take a very ticklish nibble every now and then!). The scenery is extremely picturesque and overall, a visit you won't regret.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 9, 2024
- juliev26Lille, France311 contributionsVery nice cenoteVery nice open cenote. Do not hesitate to go around, there are different viewpoints with benches. Possibility to leave your belongings on the rocks next to the basin. There's a platform for jumping. Possibility of renting lifejackets to feel safer (you must leave either your ID or a 400 pesos deposit returned when you return the equipment). It does not seem necessary to rent mask and snorkel, there are fish but little varied and you can see them well. If you have water shoes it is a good idea to put them on. We arrived around 9:30 am, there were few people, the place is peaceful and pleasant. Arriving even earlier I think you'll get the cenote almost just for yourself. From 10:00, it fills up. Many people stay at the level of the main basin, but the cenote is vast and one can go a little further to be quiet. I do not understand people who say it is dirty, I found the place very clean (at the beginning of the day anyway) and the water is crystal clear. There are probably more beautiful cenotes to see, but this one is pretty, inexpensive, and easy to reach near playa del carmen.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2024
- sablemorgans49 contributionsCenote Azul near Playa del CarmenThis is a beautiful cenote very quiet and peaceful trails to walk on. It's a good idea to have water shoes as the rocks are slippery and the trails are a bit rough. Very clear water not too busy and I had fun snorkeling and looking at the little fish and all the beautiful underwater rocks formations. If you sit still the little fish will actually nibble on your feet which is quite surprising at first but after a while it's just such a fun experience. I visited on Saturday and it wasn't too busy and the staff are very pleasant. Highly recommend a trip to this place I spent about 2 hoursVisited November 2024Travelled soloWritten December 2, 2024
- ken sCleveland, Ohio168 contributionsCenote Azul , Q. RooCenote Azul is approximately a 30 minute drive from Playa del Carmen , going towards Tulum , on the Federal Highway. Crystal clear refreshing water , with tiny fish that pick at your skin ( doesn’t hurt , in fact they sell this service in the Mall with aquarium fish). It is on the “ Ruta Cenote” , with Casa Tortugas & Cenote Crystalina close by. This is a smaller Cenote, but worth the visit. Parking is right in front of the entrance. Reasonable priced. No life guards on duty. Wear water shoes.Visited December 2024Travelled with friendsWritten December 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lucy
Sao Paulo, SP199 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The place is beautiful! Monster crystal water of turquoise blue and emerald green, with sun throughout the day. Shallower parts and deeper parts (up to 6m).
They sell water, soda, empanadas and other things.
They charge a fee of $150 pesos, if you want to rent a life jacket + $40 pesos. It is the lowest price in the region and includes parking.
They sell water, soda, empanadas and other things.
They charge a fee of $150 pesos, if you want to rent a life jacket + $40 pesos. It is the lowest price in the region and includes parking.

Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabine W.
1 contribution
Aug 2022
The cenote is as beautiful as they all say, clear water and lots of fish.
We went there on a Tuesday afternoon, and it was jam packed with people. You need to know and expect that, and if you do, you will have a great time anyway. Just find your niche. Snorkel, jump of a cliff, have fish nibble your feet, play with small and not so small children.
The amenities are somewhat rustic, but this is something we rather enjoyed, better than the overdevelopment everywhere else. You pay your 150 Pesos (15 August 22), get a stamp and off you go, no questions asked, just a reminder that no sun block is allowed. No vendors of souvenirs, just a little kiosk for your basic needs. f you need a life jacket, you can rent it, or a locker, but we did not need either.
The fun wears off after a while, and then you can head home, cooled down from the heat.
It is a beautiful spot, and gives you just a little peace for mind and soul. Enjoy it!
We went there on a Tuesday afternoon, and it was jam packed with people. You need to know and expect that, and if you do, you will have a great time anyway. Just find your niche. Snorkel, jump of a cliff, have fish nibble your feet, play with small and not so small children.
The amenities are somewhat rustic, but this is something we rather enjoyed, better than the overdevelopment everywhere else. You pay your 150 Pesos (15 August 22), get a stamp and off you go, no questions asked, just a reminder that no sun block is allowed. No vendors of souvenirs, just a little kiosk for your basic needs. f you need a life jacket, you can rent it, or a locker, but we did not need either.
The fun wears off after a while, and then you can head home, cooled down from the heat.
It is a beautiful spot, and gives you just a little peace for mind and soul. Enjoy it!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisaj
11 contributions
May 2022
What a wonderful morning! We were staying at the Bahia Principe Grand Coba and could have booked this trip but decided to go solo and use the Collectivo, these are the local buses and are very inexpensive. We caught the collectivo at the highway just outside the Hasienda cost about 45 peso £1.50 each way and travel time was about twenty minutes, you can pay in USD but will pay slightly more., you pay when you get off. The entrance fee to the was 150 pesos which is about £6.00 again you will pay more if you use USD. The Cenote is stunning!, amazing colours, cool and set within the jungle, remember your snorkel or hire one when you get there if you want to see the fish but I would suggest you just chill out. You can get drinks and snacks at good prices and changing rooms are available, you are required to shower before jumping in as insect repellents and sun screen are not permitted to ensure the water remains crystal clear and the the wildlife are not harmed. When you want to return to the hotel stand on the highway outside and a Collectivo will pull in and pick you up, you will not have to wait long they are very frequent.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia L
Washington DC, DC558 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The cenote here is indeed shallow and appropriate for little kids, but my kids (age 2, 5, and 8) did not enjoy the little fishes swimming and nibbling on toes and legs. Def recommend water shoes or crocs for little ones to wear because the seaweed rocks are slippery in certain areas.
You are told not to put on any sunscreen/bug spray/chemicals in order to preserve the cenotes, but because of this, it was perhaps the groups least favorite excursion of the trip because we were being bitten alive by mosquitos the entire time. Possibly because it had rained, we even saw staff burning things to try and stave some of the mosquitoes off, but they had a party that day for sure.
We saw some locals here and the kids enjoyed seeing all the iguanas just walking around the trails; those things were very fast.
Water was cool and this was decent cenote, but I have no comparison to the deep blue pretty ones that most people want to visit.
*Fee to enter
*Fee for life vests, if you need
*Food available for purchase
*Restrooms available
You are told not to put on any sunscreen/bug spray/chemicals in order to preserve the cenotes, but because of this, it was perhaps the groups least favorite excursion of the trip because we were being bitten alive by mosquitos the entire time. Possibly because it had rained, we even saw staff burning things to try and stave some of the mosquitoes off, but they had a party that day for sure.
We saw some locals here and the kids enjoyed seeing all the iguanas just walking around the trails; those things were very fast.
Water was cool and this was decent cenote, but I have no comparison to the deep blue pretty ones that most people want to visit.
*Fee to enter
*Fee for life vests, if you need
*Food available for purchase
*Restrooms available
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob
Chardon, OH1,901 contributions
Mar 2023
We stopped at Cenote Azul to cool off on a hot afternoon as part of a birdwatching trip with EcoColors. The place was beautiful, there were multiple pools to swim in. I highly recommend snorkeling...there are more fish at this one than the others I have visited. I even saw one of my fish tank Chiclids (5-stripe). There is a "cliff" to jump off and some cave-like structures to explore.
The issue is the place is absolutely packed...hard to move around on land without tripping over someone and the water is crowded too. We did not stay long...would be great if it were more off the beaten path.
I do not have any phots because they charge you if you take pictures.
The issue is the place is absolutely packed...hard to move around on land without tripping over someone and the water is crowded too. We did not stay long...would be great if it were more off the beaten path.
I do not have any phots because they charge you if you take pictures.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
majeo
Miami, FL3,303 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Located near the playa del carmen in the middle between cancun and TaTulum, 1 hour drive from each.
There are many spring lakes a long the way, I choose this one because the parking lot is 50 ft away.
It has small entrance fees, although there are many other free cenotas.
Pay outside and drive 500 meters to the parking lot inside, Don't park on the main road.
There are showers toilets and changing rooms on site.
It was good experience in Mexico for my 13&15 years old.
The best was the jumping pad, and the view underneath is fantastic if you can bring warmest camera,
Don't forget the beach shots
C U AROUND
There are many spring lakes a long the way, I choose this one because the parking lot is 50 ft away.
It has small entrance fees, although there are many other free cenotas.
Pay outside and drive 500 meters to the parking lot inside, Don't park on the main road.
There are showers toilets and changing rooms on site.
It was good experience in Mexico for my 13&15 years old.
The best was the jumping pad, and the view underneath is fantastic if you can bring warmest camera,
Don't forget the beach shots
C U AROUND
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Miller
Oslo, Norway81 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Very honest staff specially the guy who sells ticket at the entrance. You don’t feel like you are being overcharged because you don’t speak Spanish. Simple rules to remember. No sunblock and no off spray for mosquitos(to help keep the good living conditions for the fishes. We have been around snorkeling island to island and none tops this Cenote !! They didn’t have any restaurant just a small kiosk but they made cheese Panadas and nothing was overpriced (coming from Tulum I kind of have this appreciation when some one charge you with a real cost 😅 ) best thing to do is to go with your own car or just go with a taxi by closing time there were a few cabs waiting and we grabbed one. The enterance for the kids are free (mine where 6 ang 4). The cenote is bigger than you think many mini cenotes around we didn’t even get a chance to see them all. It was not over crowded despite we visited on a Saturday . If you have west bring one for f you need it cause the fee doesn’t cover that. We had two for our little ones and we dive so we didn’t use one. The use of west wasn’t mandatory but you need to know how to swim cause the depth wasn’t predictable. Another thing is that of-course the cenotes were so slippery and rocky as well so I really suggest a good rubber beach shoes.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie
San Pedro Cholula, Mexico22 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful place to swim and enjoy with the family. You must shower before entering and do not use sunscreen, creams, perfumes, etc., because they harm the fish. You literally swim and live with small fish in their natural habitat. They also do not allow access with food or drinks.

Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin575
Kula, HI38 contributions
Mar 2023
Cenote Azul is fairly close to Playa del Carmen, in the direction of Tulum. It is an open-air cenote, meaning that it resembles a small lake (no caves or deep dives). There were a few smaller areas with water to explore along the jungle paths next to the main area. The water is a gorgeous aquamarine color and it is a super pretty spot! This is a popular place with both locals and tourists. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was quite full; I hear mornings are more quiet.
Written March 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danhutt
Dartmouth, Canada13 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Ultra shabby, commercialized site. We were just passing through and had to pay with US dollars at a rip off exchange rate, then you have to pay again to get the mandatory life jackets. The place where you get in the water is slippery and dangerous. There are lots of cenotes in the area. Take a boat tour out of Bacalar and enjoy them.
Written November 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ci sono armadietti con lucchetto per riporre effetti personali? Grazie
Written October 22, 2024
Hi, can someone comment on whether there is a locker available at Cenote Azul? Reading from the reviews seems to say both yes and no.
Thanks,
Written May 29, 2023
I'm not aware of it. We normally leave things of value inside the car out of side
Written May 30, 2023
Recommendations of transfer from zona hotelera to the Cenote Azul?
Written August 26, 2021
How are they dealing with COVID? Open? Limiting capacity?
Written October 22, 2020
Is it kid friendly? What should we consider going there with elementary age kids? Thank you for your time
Written September 1, 2020
Hi Edyta, the venue is very kid/family friendly. In fact, half of the people were families the day we were there. There are some areas where the water is more than five feet deep so depending on a person’s swimming ability you might want to bring some sort of floatation. Water shoes are also very useful as the rocks are a bit slippery.
Written September 3, 2020
we will be visiting as a group but some are non swimmers...……..are there benches or places to sit where they can watch but not get into the water? any paths to take a walk?
Written October 27, 2019
Island distilling
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Yes their is it’s a beautiful place
Written November 7, 2019
Y como puedo llegar al cenote azul desde Cancún somos 3 adultos y 4 niños
Written July 11, 2019
averdugoh
Tijuana, Mexico
Qué tan accesible es Cenote Azul para discapacitado? Gracias
Written June 15, 2019
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