Snorkeling the Cenotes of Tulum: Explore Three Cave Types and an Underground River
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic swimming ability and comfort in confined-water snorkeling
Overview
Swim through three types of cenotes—open, semi-open, and cave—and snorkel a passage in the Sac Actun underwater cave system. This four-hour guided expedition pairs easy snorkeling with geology, Mayan history, and conservation-minded cave protocol.
Snorkeling the Cenotes of Tulum: Explore Three Cave Types and an Underground River
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You push through a curtain of humidity and jungle leaves, and the air changes—cool, mineral-rich, and quiet enough that your breath sounds loud. The guide lowers a rubber ladder into a pool the color of polished jade and gestures: this is the open cenote. Sunlight flares across the surface in bright ribbons while the jungle leans forward, as if to see who has come to swim in an old well.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Morning light improves visibility in cave chambers and tour groups are smaller; aim for the first pickup window from Tulum.
Use reef-safe sunscreen only
Oils and chemical sunscreens harm cenote ecosystems; apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding transport and rinse zones where allowed.
Wear water shoes with good grip
Wooden platforms and limestone ledges can be slippery—closed-toe water shoes protect feet and improve footing.
Follow guide instructions for cave passages
Hands-off formations and controlled buoyancy reduce damage to fragile speleothems and keep the group safe in low-light sections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Freshwater turtles
- Cave bats
History
Cenotes formed when rain dissolved the Yucatán’s limestone, creating underground rivers; to the Maya these pools were vital water sources and sacred sites.
Conservation
Operators limit group sizes and enforce no-touch policies; use reef-safe products and avoid entering after heavy rain to reduce sediment disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tulum
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and snorkel (or bring your own)
While guides supply equipment, a well-fitting personal mask improves comfort and visibility.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin without harming fragile cenote life—apply before pickup.
summer specific
Quick-dry towel and change of clothes
You’ll get wet; a dry change makes the ride back to Tulum comfortable.
Water shoes
Protect feet on limestone ledges and slippery platforms.