Cenotes are among the most memorable experiences of a trip to the Riviera Maya. Every year, these natural freshwater pools draw thousands of visitors who come to swim, snorkel or scuba dive.
But before you jump in, one question always comes up: How much does it cost?
Between entrance fees that vary from one cenote to another, transportation and dive costs, it’s not always easy to figure it all out.
Whether you’re just there for a swim, a snorkeling fan or a certified diver, you’ll find all the information you need here to enjoy the cenotes at the best price!
The Most Affordable Cenotes near Playa del Carmen (Open Cenotes)
If you’re looking for a quick swim in a cenote without going too far, 3 cenotes just 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen are a must.
All three are in the same place, at kilometer 266 of the Cancún–Tulum highway, across from the Barceló hotel. You can easily combine two, or even all three, in the same half day.
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is a very well-known open cenote in the Riviera Maya, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s one of the most popular spots for snorkeling, swimming and an easy family visit, thanks to its turquoise water and shallow areas.
Cenote Azul is the “easy to love” cenote: beautiful, accessible, very touristy and perfect for a first taste of the cenotes of the Riviera Maya.
- Entrance fee: about 120 to 150 MXN (about US$6 to 8) per adult
- Children (ages 4 to 8): about 80 MXN (about US$4)
- Life jacket rental: 40 MXN (about US$2)
- Snorkel set rental: 70 MXN (about US$4)
- Hours: daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Parking: free
Tip: arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Weekends are especially busy with locals.
Cenote Cristalino
Located about 330 ft (100 m) from Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino is just as beautiful, with its clear water and its fish. It has a main pool and several smaller pools, which are often much quieter.
It’s also a good choice for families and visitors who want to combine relaxation and a little adventure.
- Entrance fee: 200 MXN (about US$11) per adult
- Children (under 11): 150 MXN (about US$8)
- Hours: daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The bonus: you can even jump from a small platform about 11 ft (3.5 m) high, following the site’s rules.
Cenote Jardín del Edén (Ponderosa)
It’s the largest of the three and the one with the most space. Surrounded by beautiful vegetation, it lives up to its name, “Garden of Eden.” You can swim through rocky passages and explore hidden areas between the walls.
This cenote is great for a refresher: first some skills practice in the open area, then a second dive in the cave/cavern zone.
- Entrance fee: 200 to 300 MXN (about US$11 to 16) per adult
- Hours: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Saturday (closed to protect the ecosystem)
To learn more about this cenote, check out our full guide: Diving at Cenote Jardín del Edén: Everything You Need to Know.
Important: Cenote Jardín del Edén is about a 10-minute walk from the main road, unlike Cenote Azul and Cristalino, which are right by the highway.
Popular Cenotes between Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Heading toward Tulum, you’ll pass several remarkable cenotes. They’re a little farther away, but easy to reach by car or by colectivo.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most famous cenotes in the Riviera Maya, located near Tulum, and it’s best known for its huge system of underwater caverns.
Its name means “Two Eyes”, because it has two circular openings connected by a natural passage.
- Entrance fee: 350 MXN (about US$19)
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Payment: cash only
- Parking: free
- Distance from Playa del Carmen: about 40 minutes
Diving there is open to certified divers, usually with at least an Open Water level depending on the offer, and it’s above all a favorite site for cenote diving.
To learn more about this cenote, check out our full guide: Diving in Cenote Dos Ojos: Everything You Need to Know.
Gran Cenote (near Tulum)
Gran Cenote is a great choice if you want an accessible, beautiful and versatile cenote, where you can snorkel or do some easy diving in a spectacular setting.
It’s less “wild” than a cenote with few tourists, but that’s exactly what makes it easy to recommend for a first visit!
It’s often described as very photogenic and pleasant for a short visit or a half day.
- Entrance fee: 500 MXN (about US$27)
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (last entry at 4:15 p.m.)
Cenote Diving Prices
This is where the experience goes to a whole new level. Cenote diving is an activity unlike anything else in the world, letting you explore underwater caverns with spectacular rock formations, with visibility of up to about 165 ft (50 m)!
To find out if this experience is worth it, check this out: Is Cenote Diving Worth It?
Cavern Diving: Prices by Cenote
Cenote diving is done as half-day guided tours (about 6 hours), usually including 2 dives of 40 to 50 minutes each.
Groups are small, with a maximum of 4 divers per cavern-certified guide.
Here are the prices you’ll find at dive centers in Playa del Carmen:
| Cenote | Price |
|---|---|
| Cenote Dos Ojos | 3,700 MXN (about US$200) |
| Cenote Chac Mool | 3,400 MXN (about US$185) |
| Angelita and Car Wash | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
| Angelita and Casa Cenote | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
| The Pit and Dos Ojos | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
| The Pit and Nicte-Ha | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
| Zapote and Kin Ha | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
| Zapote and Maravilla | 4,000 MXN (about US$215) |
Some cenotes have wide caverns, shallow profiles and spectacular plays of light, while others require excellent buoyancy control and finning technique to move between fragile formations.
Discover cenote divingWhat’s Usually Included in the Price
Most dive centers include in their prices: round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen, a cavern-certified guide, tanks, weights, a light, snacks and drinks between dives, and the cenote entrance fees.
Some dive centers also offer photos and videos taken with a GoPro.
How to Get to the Cenotes (the Cheapest Way)
Your choice of transportation has a direct impact on your overall budget.
Colectivos are shared minibuses that run continuously between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. They’re the cheapest option and the one most used by locals.
Just tell the driver the name of the cenote where you want to get off. To come back, cross the road and wave down a colectivo going the other way.
- Price: about 35 to 40 MXN (about US$2) per person
- Where to catch them: on Calle 2, between Avenida 20 and Avenida 25, or in front of the Chedraui supermarket
- Frequency: a departure every 2 to 5 minutes at rush hour
- Hours: from about 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Hidden Costs to Plan For
Beyond the entrance fee, here are some extra costs to plan for to avoid surprises:
Gear rental: life jacket (40 to 50 MXN, about US$2 to 3), snorkel set (50 to 70 MXN, about US$3 to 4), locker (50 to 100 MXN, about US$3 to 5). Not all cenotes offer these services.
Camera fee: some cenotes charge a fee to use a camera. The amount varies, but it can go up to about 200 MXN (about US$11).
Tips: if you join a guided tour or a dive, a 10 to 15% tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Food and drinks: the most touristy cenotes have a small snack bar, but prices there are higher than in town. Remember to bring your own snacks and water.
Biodegradable sunscreen: most cenotes ban regular chemical sunscreens to protect the ecosystem. Buy some before you arrive; it’s often cheaper at a pharmacy or supermarket.
Summary
The cenotes around Playa del Carmen offer experiences for every budget, from a 120 MXN (about US$6) swim in Cenote Azul to a 3,400 MXN (about US$185) dive in Cenote Chac Mool.
Whether you’re with family, as a couple or with dive buddies, the Riviera Maya is full of extraordinary cenotes that are worth every peso. The key is to plan your budget, carry some cash and arrive early to enjoy these natural wonders in the best conditions.
And if you’re a diver, or dream of becoming one, cenote diving is without a doubt one of the most spectacular experiences you’ll ever have. The plays of light, the ancient rock formations, the crystal-clear water and the silence of the caverns create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
To discover all our cenote dives: Guide to the Cenotes of Yucatán, Mexico.