Cenote Azul is one of the most accessible and popular cenotes in the Riviera Maya.
Completely open to the sky, it offers a natural setting where freshwater pools blend with the tropical vegetation surrounding the site.
The cenote is made up of several natural pools connected to each other, with shallow areas and deeper ones. From the open sections, you can enjoy the clear water and the surrounding greenery before exploring the different parts of the cenote.
It’s a particularly pleasant place to take your time and enjoy the water and nature. The rocks around the pools, the dense vegetation and the many shades of blue in the water give the site a natural, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing in the heart of the jungle.
Why visit Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen and Tulum?
One of the highlights of Cenote Azul is, without a doubt, its exceptionally clear turquoise water. Since the cenote is completely open, you can fully enjoy the natural light reflecting off its different pools.
The site is made up of several natural pools of varying depths. Some areas are shallow and easy to get into, while others let you swim in deeper water.
The clear water also makes the cenote a great place for snorkeling. From the surface, you can see the rock formations, the aquatic plants and the small fish swimming in the different pools.
Cenote Azul is also known for its jumping spots, where the more adventurous can jump into the water from different heights. Some platforms are about 5 m (16 feet) high, while lower spots make it easier to get into the water.
Cenote Azul is above all a place to enjoy the water and the natural setting. Between the different pools, the shallow areas and the jumping spots, everyone can enjoy the cenote at their own pace.
Whether you come to swim, snorkel or simply spend some time in the water, Cenote Azul is an open-air cenote surrounded by jungle and easy to reach from Playa del Carmen or Tulum!
Where is Cenote Azul and how do you get there?
Cenote Azul is in the Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, right along Federal Highway 307, which connects Cancún and Tulum. It’s at kilometer 266, across from the Barceló Maya resort, near Jardín del Edén.
To get to Cenote Azul, you have several options from Playa del Carmen or Tulum. By car, simply take Highway 307 south from Playa del Carmen, or north from Tulum, to the Barceló Maya area, where you’ll find the cenote entrance.
From Playa del Carmen, plan on about 20 to 25 minutes by car, or 30 to 35 minutes from Tulum, depending on traffic. Parking is available on site.
If you don’t have a car, you can also get to Cenote Azul by colectivo. From Playa del Carmen, take a colectivo heading to Tulum and ask the driver to drop you off at Cenote Azul, across from the Barceló Maya.
The ride usually takes about 20 minutes and costs around 45 MXN (about US$2). From Tulum, take a colectivo heading to Playa del Carmen and ask for the same stop. Plan on about 30 to 40 minutes, for around 40 MXN (about US$2).
How much does Cenote Azul cost?
Cenote Azul is more affordable than some of the most touristy cenotes in the Riviera Maya. It’s a great option if you want to enjoy a cenote without spending too much on admission.
Plan on about 150 to 180 MXN per adult (about US$8 to US$10). Prices can change, so it’s best to check when you visit.
Also bring cash in Mexican pesos, especially if you’re coming by colectivo or want to use the services available on site.
Since Cenote Azul is mainly set up for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the site, remember to bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore the different areas of the cenote in the water.
Are there changing rooms and lockers at Cenote Azul?
Yes. Cenote Azul has restrooms and areas where you can get changed before or after your swim.
You’ll also find lockers on site to keep your belongings safe while you enjoy the cenote. It’s especially handy if you’ve brought personal items and want to swim or snorkel without keeping them with you.
What are Cenote Azul’s opening hours?
Cenote Azul is open every day of the week, usually from 8:30 a.m. to 5 or 5:30 p.m. Hours may vary slightly depending on the season or public holidays.
To enjoy the cenote in the best conditions, we recommend arriving right when it opens.
For a quieter atmosphere, try to arrive around 8:30 a.m. You’ll also get to enjoy the site before the bigger groups arrive, often around 11 a.m.
What to do at Cenote Azul
Plan about 2 hours on site to explore the different parts of Cenote Azul at a relaxed pace and enjoy its crystal-clear water.
1. Swim in Cenote Azul’s waters
Swimming is without a doubt one of the best ways to discover Cenote Azul. Several access points make it easy to get into the water and enjoy the site’s different pools.
The cenote has shallow areas, perfect for relaxing in the water, as well as deeper sections where you can swim freely. The exceptionally clear water also lets you easily see what’s below the surface.
As in most cenotes in the region, the water is naturally cool. You’ll mostly feel the difference when you first get in, but it quickly becomes pleasant, especially on hot Riviera Maya days.
2. Watch Cenote Azul’s wildlife
Cenote Azul is also a great place to watch local wildlife. Between the pools, the rocks and the vegetation around the site, you can spot several species during your visit.
In the water, many freshwater fish swim around the swimmers. Some even gently nibble your feet when you stay still. You may also spot freshwater turtles in the deeper parts of the cenote.
Around the pools, keep an eye out for green iguanas, often sunbathing on the rocks or in the trees. Several kinds of birds also visit the site, including herons, egrets and kingfishers.
With a little luck, you may also come across a few coatis around the cenote, as well as squirrels, lizards and other small animals living in the surrounding vegetation.
3. Go snorkeling
Cenote Azul is an ideal spot for snorkeling and discovering what lies beneath the surface. With just a mask and snorkel, you can watch the fish swimming in the cenote’s clear water, along with the different rock formations.
The crystal-clear water offers excellent visibility, so you can easily watch the aquatic life without diving deep.
With a little luck, you may also come across freshwater turtles while you explore.
If you have your own equipment, bring it along. You’ll be able to make the most of the different areas you can swim to and take your time looking at the bottom of the cenote.
4. Jump in from Cenote Azul’s high spots
If you like a bit more adrenaline, Cenote Azul has several spots where you can jump into the water. It’s a favorite with visitors who want to add a little thrill to their swim.
The site has jumping spots up to about 5 m (16 feet) high, as well as lower ones for those who prefer to start slowly.
Before you jump, take the time to check the water depth and stick to the authorized areas. Also avoid jumping if other swimmers are in the way.
5. Explore the different parts of Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul isn’t just one pool. Once you’ve enjoyed the main area, take the time to walk around the site and discover the different spaces open to visitors.
As you move away from the main pool, you’ll find quieter areas, surrounded by vegetation and rock formations.
With so many pools and ways into the water, the experience changes throughout your visit. So take the time to walk around the whole site rather than staying only in the first area you reach.
6. Go scuba diving
If you’re a diver, keep in mind that Cenote Azul isn’t the only place to explore the underwater world of the region. The Riviera Maya is home to dozens of cenotes, each with its own atmosphere and formations.
Some are famous for their huge stalactites, their light effects or their underground passages. Others reveal amazing natural phenomena, like the famous hydrogen sulfide clouds you can see in some deeper cenotes.
Discover more cenotes in the Riviera Maya!
Which cenote to choose depends on your certification level, your experience and what you want to see underwater.
Among the best-known sites are Dos Ojos, The Pit, Angelita, Casa Cenote and Chac Mool.
If you want to discover the cenotes of the Riviera Maya on a scuba dive, it’s best to choose your site based on the experience you’re looking for, rather than limiting yourself to Cenote Azul.
Learn more about cenote diving!What are the rules at Cenote Azul?
Before swimming in Cenote Azul, there are a few precautions to take to protect the water quality and the site’s natural environment.
As in most cenotes in the region, it’s important to shower before getting in the water. It removes residue from your skin, such as sunscreen, oils, makeup or insect repellent.
So it’s best not to apply sunscreen or repellent before swimming. Even products labeled biodegradable can affect the cenote’s ecosystem. To protect yourself from the sun, wear a rash guard while you swim instead.
Once in the water, also remember to respect Cenote Azul’s wildlife and plants. Fish, turtles and other animals should be watched without being touched or fed.
Can you visit Cenote Azul with kids?
If you’re traveling in Mexico as a family, Cenote Azul can be a really fun outing with kids. The different swimming areas, the clear water and the vegetation around the site make it a perfect place to spend a few hours in nature.
Kids can enjoy the shallow areas to swim and discover the cenote at their own pace.
They can also watch the fish in the water and, with a little luck, spot some turtles.
Life jackets are available on site, which is especially handy for younger kids. As always, keep a close eye on them, especially in the deeper parts of the cenote.
Is Cenote Azul safe?
Cenote Azul is a busy tourist site, but as with any swim in nature, a few simple precautions will help you enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
Avoid bringing valuables you don’t need, and keep an eye on your belongings while you’re in the water.
If you want to keep your personal items safe, you can use the lockers available on site, when they’re open.
Also be careful when walking around the different pools. The rocks and water access points can be slippery, especially when they’re wet from all the visitors.
What to do near Cenote Azul
There are plenty of other activities near Cenote Azul.
Try scuba diving!
If you’d like to discover another side of the region’s cenotes, why not try scuba diving in a cenote?
Unlike a simple swim or a snorkeling session, scuba diving lets you venture deeper into the caverns and see impressive rock formations.
You’ll discover huge stalactites, underground passages, light effects and landscapes that change completely from one site to another.
If you’d like to give it a try, Triton Diving takes you from Playa del Carmen to cenotes suited to your level and what you’d like to see.
Learn more about try dives in cenotes!