A Guide to Visiting Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen

Discovering Playa del Carmen Cenote Azul: A Must-Visit Natural Wonder in Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is famous for its incredible cenotes, natural sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone caves that reveal stunning underground pools. Some cenotes are open air and some are underground. Cenote Azul is open air.

If you’re visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or any other nearby towns, swimming in a cenote is an experience you won’t want to miss! Cenote Azul, located in the Riviera Maya, just 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen, is a family-friendly and beautiful cenote in the area. Its crystal-clear water, lush jungle surroundings, and refreshing swim spots make it a perfect place to escape the heat and connect with nature.

We found it a bit challenging to get reliable information on how to visit, so I put together this guide to help you plan your own trip to Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen.

When to Visit Cenote Azul

One of the best things about Cenote Azul is that you can visit any time of year! Mexico’s dry season runs from November to April, offering the sunniest and most predictable weather. However, if you’re visiting during the summer months of July and August when school holidays are on, don’t worry, the cenote is just as beautiful, and a refreshing dip in the water is a great way to cool off from the hot sun.

For the best experience, plan to arrive early in the morning when it’s quieter. By 1 or 2 p.m., more people start to arrive, and it can get crowded.

Cenote Azul is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How to Get to Cenote Azul

There are a few ways to get to Cenote Azul, depending on your budget and travel style:

• Taxi: Taking a taxi is the easiest and most convenient option, and our favorite way to get there. Especially if you’re traveling with family. From Playacar, a taxi cost us 250 pesos ($12 USD) round trip. Our driver waited for us and let us stay as long as we wanted, though 2-3 hours was recommended.
• Colectivo (Shared Minibus): If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen and looking for a budget-friendly option, you can take a colectivo, a shared minibus that runs between Cancun and Tulum. Simply tell the driver you want to go to Cenote Azul, and they’ll drop you off on the highway near the entrance. The good thing about Cenote Azul is that it is located right off the highway. The fare is around 40 pesos ($2 USD) per person. Just be sure to keep an eye on road signs or your phone map and remind the driver as you get close!
• Rental Car: If you’re renting a car, driving yourself is another great option. There is a free parking lot at Cenote Azul, but it can fill up quickly, so arriving early is best.
• Guided Tour: Many tour companies offer excursions that include Cenote Azul along with other attractions, such as the Tulum ruins or other cenotes. This is a great option if you want a hassle-free experience, but it is the most expensive choice, costing more than $100 USD per person.

Cenote Azul Price and Rental Fees

The entrance fee for Cenote Azul is 180 pesos ($12 USD) per person for ages 8 and up. Children ages 4-7 pay 120 pesos ($8 USD), while kids under 4 enter for free.

Additional rental costs:

• Life jackets: 40 pesos ($2 USD) (optional)
• Snorkel gear: 70 pesos ($4 USD)  We just brought our own goggles and that was perfect. I do recommend either bringing your own or renting though because to look under the water at the fish and rocks is amazing. 
• Lockers: Available for rent. I didn’t actually look at the price. We kept our stuff on a rock at the side of the water as did most people and felt it was perfectly safe doing so. 

What to Bring to Cenote Azul

Pack these essentials to make the most of your visit:

• Swimsuit (wear it beforehand for convenience)
• Towel
• Goggles or snorkel gear (great for spotting fish underwater)
• Underwater camera or waterproof phone case
• Snacks, lunch, and water (there is a snack shop with food and drink as well)
• Cash (for entrance fees and rentals, as cards are not accepted)
• Sun hat and rash guard (since sunscreen is not allowed to protect the cenote’s ecosystem)
• Water shoes, which we didn’t actually have and made due without but it would be comfortable, especially if walking up to the cliff.
• A sense of Adventure!!!

What NOT to Bring

To keep the cenote clean and preserve the environment, the following items are not allowed:

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Alcohol
• Flippers (fins)

What It’s Like at Cenote Azul

Before you enter, you’ll be asked to take a quick shower to remove any lotions or oils. Once inside, you’ll find a large jungle area with multiple swimming spots, some small and private, and others larger with deeper water. The paths through the jungle can be rocky and uneven, not stroller or wheelchair friendly. 

Most people gather in the main swimming area, which has both deep and shallow sections. The water is incredibly clear, revealing the rocks and fish below. If you keep still for too long, you might feel little fish nibbling at your feet. I prefer to keep moving so they don’t come near me! Others like the feel of them biting off dead skin.

For adventurous visitors, there’s a popular cliff-jumping spot where you can leap into the deep water below. My kids, ages 8 and 10, had an absolute blast jumping over and over again! My husband also took the plunge once, but it was definitely too high for this mama! If you’re comfortable with heights, it’s a fun and exhilarating experience! The cliff is 35 meters high (11.4 feet).

The cenote is surrounded by lush greenery, adding to the magical atmosphere. We even spotted a turtle sunbathing on a rock, so keep your eyes open for wildlife. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here swimming, relaxing, and enjoying nature.

Facilities at Cenote Azul

When you’re ready to leave, there are basic facilities available, including:

• Small changing rooms
• Lockers for storing valuables
• A snack shop with drinks and light snacks
• Bathrooms

Will you visit Cenote Azul on your next Mexico Vacation?

Cenote Azul Mexico is a fantastic place for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a refreshing and scenic swimming spot in the Riviera Maya. With its stunning crystal clear water, jungle surroundings, and fun activities like snorkeling and cliff jumping, it’s a must-visit destination in Playa del Carmen. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful place to cool off, Cenote Azul offers an unforgettable experience that should be on your Mexico bucket list!