Epic Underground Riviera Maya Cenotes

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

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?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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