When you go anywhere in Yucatan, Mexico, there is one attraction you simply cannot miss – a beautiful natural phenomena of cenotes. You absolutely must visit at least one or two.
What Is a Cenote?
A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, which is formed by dissolution of limestone rock and the resulting underground void. The limestone subsequently falls apart and caves in, and underground waters finalize the creation of a cenote, forming a natural pool.
A lot of researches say that we can thank the massive asteroid that fell on Yucatan 66 million years ago, for creating these beautiful pools. At that time most of the Yucatan Peninsula was covered with ocean water. The impact was so catastrophic that it changed the climate on Earth (and even killed the dinosaurs!), and Yucatan slowly started to rise above water. Since most of the Yucatan ground consists of limestone, the moving seawater and acidic rains boosted its corrosion, causing it to deteriorate.
Cenotes may be fully collapsed (an open water pool), or partially collapsed with some portion of a rock overhanging above the water. Some are completely on the surface, like lakes, some are deep down the circular hole or even a system of caves.
But the most amazing thing about these natural wonders is their crystal clear water. Without any other means to get fresh water, ancient Maya worshiped the cenotes (even the name means “water deposit”), and we, as tourists, have the privilege to enjoy this miracle of nature today.
There are literally hundreds of cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula and a lot of them are open for tourists. They are not the same, so if you can’t visit them all, you may choose exactly the type you want – open, semi open, deep underground, the ones you have to dive to get to….
We had only one day, and to be honest, we were looking for something inexpensive, because we have been traveling non-stop for a while by then!
This is why we created a perfect easy-to-accomplish one day itinerary, where you can mostly use public transportation and visit two open cenotes: Cenote Azul and Jardin del Eden, and finish your experience in the cool village of Puerto Aventuras.
How to Get to the Cenotes:
The best and cheapest way is public transportation: minibuses, called “colectivo”. In Playa del Carmen they run from the intersection of 2nd Street and a stretch between 15th and 20th Avenue.
You will see the whole line of minibuses that say Playa – Tulum on them, loading people. Hop in and tell the driver that you are going to Cenote Azul. The trip should cost you around 30 pesos per person and take about 30 minutes.
Cenote Azul:
Price: 100 pesos per person (note: the prices are from 2018, so please check on any changes online)
This open cenote is a great place to familiarize yourself with this natural wonder. You don’t need any particular swimming skills, since there are a lot of shallow spots. The water is unbelievably clean and transparent and you can do some easy snorkeling and splashing and playing.
There is a wooden platform you can jump from, and a higher cliff. It is a little scary at first to jump, because you can see the bottom! But don’t worry – the water near the cliff is really deep. Just make sure you look before you jump, so you don’t land on somebody’s head! 🤪 All in all, it is an easy “beginner” type fun experience and yours truly jumped twice!
Take a seat on a rock with your feet in the water and wait a bit. The fish will come and try to nibble on your dry skin. A free exfoliation in the natural environment is guaranteed!
Jardin del Eden:
Price: 200 pesos per person
You can go here from Cenote Azul by foot. Eden is located deeper in the woods, so be prepared to walk a trail for about 20 minutes. You will not see so many families with small kids here, mainly because of the price, but also because it is deeper and more dangerous for non-swimmers.
The jumping spots are higher and even more fun! You will not be able to touch the bottom. To help you if you get tired, there is a rope, stretched between two opposite banks. You can grab it or even try to walk on it and balance. It is pretty easy and fun to do when you are weightless in the water! If you feel bubbles on your skin, do not be afraid, simply look down: there might be a diver under you! The safety of the cenote and its deep and clear water create the perfect environment for diving students. A lot of classes are held here.
At one of the spots there are several huge stone plates in the water. You can sit on them and rest up, or simply hang out, chatting with others and pretending to be a mermaid! 🧜♀️
There is also a small stand with hot-dogs and tacos and several lockers for rent (25 pesos)
IMPORTANT: Sunblock is not allowed for use in the cenotes – it hurts the fish. It’s ok though – there are enough shady spots in the trees. It is also an alcohol-free zone.
Puerto Aventuras
After hours of playing in the water like children (we spend possibly about 2.5 hours in each place), we were pleasantly tired and ready to eat! So for our next stop we chose Puerto Aventuras – a small expat beach community. It is possible to wait for a colectivo, but for this leg we opted for a taxi. It was a short and inexpensive trip and the taxi driver made it a lot easier to go through the security – the neighborhood is guarded, although there is never a problem for a tourist to pass.
The highlight of the neighborhood is a Dolphin Discovery Center (Dreams Puerto Aventuras), which you can visit and even swim with dolphins or sea lions, or feed a manatee.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars. You can have a cocktail, watching dolphins jump and play in large natural pools right before your eyes.
Our plan was not only to walk around this luxury community, but also to find out about their marina.
Puerto Aventuras Marina
Puerto Aventuras Marina claims to be the last harbor, where you can process your Mexico check-out, if you are on a sailboat and leaving for Belize. After talking to the nice lady in the office, we found out that a day in the beautifully landscaped marina only costs 19.55 plus tax for sailboats. Water and electric included. You can find more info and detail on the Puerto Aventuras Marina Website.
On the way out we took a walk in another (private) marina, built for the residents of the community. Full of beautiful white yachts and sport fishing boats, it was the perfect scenery for yet another amazing sunset.
Getting back to Playa del Carmen
You can get back the same way – by colectivo. It is about a 10-15 minute walk out of Puerto Aventuras, and about a 5 minute walk that you take along the road in the direction towards Playa del Carmen.
You will find the colectivo stop under a pedestrian bridge that serves the residents of the other, non-ocean side of the town. Hop in and enjoy the 30 peso ride back to Playa. You will probably arrive just in time for dinner! 😎
