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Epic Underground Riviera Maya Cenotes

If you're looking for an epic underground cenote experience, look no further than Cenote Ikkil, Suytun & Taak

Yucatan Peninsula Underworld: Cenotes

I can’t swim and I have a fear of water! 

Whenever I’d see cenote (suh-noh-tee) footage online, I had no desire to visit one.

As I researched Tulum, their manifold allure changed my mind

Cenotes are considered sacred in Mayan culture and were used for past human sacrifices.

They’re believed to be portals into the water world.

Cenotes can be closed or open air.

The three I visited were underground, but Cenote Ikkil had a large opening that could be viewed from above ground.

Cenote Ikkil

Mexican buffet lunch at Cenote IKKIL

The first cenote I visited was Cenote Ikkil. It is near Chichen Itza.

I loved how you could look deep into the waters below from the outside.

There were long ferns hanging like natural chandeliers from the top of the sinkhole.

Cenotes are the main source of water for the Yucatan Peninsula and the homes have rooftop filtration systems.

Preservation requires mandating showers before entering all cenotes and skipping sunscreen.

All three cenotes had long steps to reach the bottom.  

Ikkil’s entry fee is 100 MXN ($5USD). The hours are every day 8AM-5PM.

Diving is allowed and life jackets are mandatory only while swimming.

Lockers are available and enforced.

This excursion was booked on a Carnival Cruise and included lunch.

The only dislike was that the food was served outside under a tent.

The Yucatan is so humid, even more than my hometown of Miami. (I detest eating while sweating!)

On the positive, the food was flavorful and buffet-style. It included rice, chicken, pork, salads, and fruit. Drinks were extra. 

When I heard Cenote Ikkil’s depth was 157 feet, I knew “wading” was a “NO” (even with a life jacket).

It’s so picturesque! I had to go if only for pictures and videos. 

Suytun (Stone Center)

Cenote Suytun was one of my primary motivators for visiting the Mayan Riviera.

I first saw it on Instagram and instantly added it to my bucket-list.

The man-made platform makes this cenote stand out from all the others.

It resembles a runway and of course is super popular on Instagram.

Another difference is an attendant there to take your pictures (for a tip). She definitely has skills.

With all of the commotion, I missed the “money shot” taken from atop near the entrance while down below.

Cenote Suytun is open 9am-4:30pm ever day. 150 pesos online or 200 pesos at the entrance ($9/$12USD)

The depth is 3.5 to 16.5 feet. I’m 5’9″ and the area around the top of the platform is close to 6 feet.

The best time to take advantage of the platform is when the area has not gotten much rain.

I’ve seen pictures where the water is waist length and the platform is underneath it. That defeats the whole purpose.

There’s a hole in the ceiling and if you come at the right time mid-day (11am-2pm), the sun shines down like a natural spot light.

Another handy tip is that Cenote Suytun is one hour behind Tulum.

I can’t remember if they have lockers, but there is room to leave your belongings near the water.

Taak Bi ha

This cenote was near The Yellow Nest Tulum.

I had purchased a day pass for the floating breakfast and the cenote was five minutes away.

Diving is allowed and no life jacket is required. 

The cost is 350 MXN ($17.50USD) 250 MXN ($12USD). 9AM -4:30P (every day)

Taak Bi Ha reminded me of limestone caves. It was absolutely stunning! The water was a clear turquoise.

Once again, I didn’t get in. This time it was because I had just showered off from being in the pool.

There are more than six thousand cenotes in Mexico.

Have you been to any of the 3?

Epic Underground Riviera Maya Cenotes

~Poofโ€ฆBee Gone

ยฉ 2023, Poof Bee Gone LLC, All Rights Reserved

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    Maryanne
    August 27, 2023 at 8:58 am

    I remember seeing cenotes while I was in Mexico but didn’t visit any. Thanks for your informative post.

  • Reply
    Diomayra
    August 27, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    The Maya culture is so amazing and enriching! Incredible pictures ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Diomayra! Agreed. Thanks for stopping by!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Mayra
    August 28, 2023 at 3:02 pm

    The turqouise shades at Taak Bi Ha look fantastic!
    But the long vines at Ikkil also look beautiful.
    They’re my top two. I would have a hard time deciding which one to visit!
    Nice pics.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks for answering the question, looks like you leaned more to the accessories of nature!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Mayra
    August 28, 2023 at 3:02 pm

    The turqouise shades at Taak Bi Ha look fantastic!
    But the long vines at Ikkil also look beautiful.
    They’re my top two. I would have a hard time deciding which one to visit!
    Nice pics.

  • Reply
    Christine
    August 30, 2023 at 10:18 am

    I’ve always wanted to go to the cenotes! Your pictures are incredible and I appreciate all the detailed info. I’m more inspired than ever to go!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      Hi Christine! Happy to help!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Ronda
    August 30, 2023 at 10:58 am

    I will never forget my first experience visiting a cenote, it was epic. May they always be protected and available for the world to see!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Ronda! Agreed. We must protect them at all cost!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Monica
    August 30, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    Amazing!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Monica, thanks so much!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Kirsten Smith
    September 6, 2023 at 9:06 am

    Great post!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:44 pm

      Hi Kirsten, thank you so much!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Resy
    September 6, 2023 at 10:17 am

    I loved the cenotes when we were traveling through Mexico! We didn’t visit the ones you mention, but they look amazing.

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Resy! They all offer something unique, thanks! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Susan J
    September 6, 2023 at 1:49 pm

    I had never heard of a cenote before this. Very interesting! And your beautiful photos are beckoning me to see these places for myself!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:47 pm

      Hi Susan! My mission has been fulfilled! Thanks so much!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Brandi Sunrises2Sunsets
    September 6, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    Well, this place just quickly jumped to the top of my bucket list!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:48 pm

      Hi Brandi! I’m elated to hear that!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Tracy McHugh
    September 6, 2023 at 7:34 pm

    Wow, Riviera Maya looks gorgeous. I love the pictures!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:48 pm

      Hi Tracy! Thanks for stopping by!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply
    Barbara
    September 7, 2023 at 9:14 pm

    What a beautiful place to explore! Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      poofbeegone
      September 19, 2023 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Barbara!!! Thanks a bunch!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

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