Cenotes and caves in Tulum

Cenotes and Cave Adventures

The Yucatán Peninsula's limestone bedrock conceals a vast network of freshwater cenotes and flooded cave systems, including Sistema Sac Actun and Sistema Ox Bel Ha. This collection features diverse geological formations, from the deep open waters of Kaan Luum to the intricate stalactite galleries of Dos Ojos and the dry caverns of Aktun Chen. These sites offer opportunities for technical cave diving, snorkeling among tropical fish, and exploring archaeological remains linked to the ancient Maya civilization.

Cenotes and Cave Adventures — Map

Dag Lindgren / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Dos Ojos Cenote

Dos Ojos is part of a flooded cave system located north of Tulum, on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana…

Stevie Langton / CC-BY-SA

B

Aktun Chen

You can tour this dry cave with a guide and marvel at its beautiful columns, crystal clear waters and at the end, there's a nature reserve…

Ken Thomas / Public domain

C

Gran Cenote

Sistema Sac Actun is an underwater cave system situated along the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula with passages to the north and…

Angelique800326 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Xel-Ha

Xelha is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, located on the eastern coastline of the Yucatán…

E

Cenote Kaan Luum

Large open-air cenote featuring a deep central pit reaching approximately 80 meters, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and jungle.

Serge Melki / CC BY 2.0

F

Cenote Pet Cemetery

Part of the Sac Actun system, this cenote is named for the prehistoric animal fossils found on its floor. It features white stalactites and clear water.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Cenote Multun-Ha

Underground cavern cenote near Cobá accessed via a wooden spiral staircase, known for its high domed ceiling and deep blue water.

Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Cenote Choo-Ha

Shallow cavern cenote located near the Cobá ruins, characterized by its dense formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

I

Temple of Doom

Also known as Cenote Calavera, this skull-shaped sinkhole features three openings and a distinct halocline layer where salt and fresh water meet.

J

Cenote Carwash

Open-air cenote known for its underwater gardens, lily pads, and fallen trees, providing a unique habitat for fish and turtles.

K

Cenote Kalimba

Technical cave diving site within the Sac Actun system, featuring intricate limestone formations and narrow passages.

L

Cenote Xunnan Ha

Quiet, freshwater cenote near Akumal featuring clear water and natural jungle surroundings, part of an extensive underground river system.

M

Cenote Aktunak

Freshwater sinkhole located near Tulum, primarily used for cave diving training and exploration.

N

Cenote Hilario's Well

Small, lesser-known sinkhole located within the jungle near the Dos Ojos park area.

O

2nd Eye

One of the two main circular sinkholes that form the entrance to the Dos Ojos flooded cave system.

P

Bat Cave

Air-filled cavern within the Dos Ojos system, accessible via guided tours and home to a resident colony of bats.

Q

1st Eye

The primary entrance to the Dos Ojos cave system, offering exceptional underwater visibility and extensive stalactite formations.

R

Cenote Dreamgate

Advanced cave diving site renowned for its extremely dense and fragile speleothems, requiring precise buoyancy control.

S

Sistema Ox Bel Ha

One of the world's longest explored underwater cave systems, serving as a massive freshwater aquifer with numerous archaeological sites.

T

Lost Cenote

Remote jungle cenote south of Tulum, typically visited by specialized cave diving expeditions.

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