Visiting the Gran Cenote in Tulum
About
The Gran Cenote is one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico. Although the name suggests it is only one big cenote, it really consists of several cenotes under the jungle floor and connected by wooden walkways. You can walk on the walkways from one cenote to the other or, you can swim through the cave. Just a fair warning, there are bats in the caves. They do leave humans alone as they’re probably used to tourists swimming in the cenote but I, personally, was still a little alarmed.
Cenotes are natural deep-water wells, or sinkholes, which are fed by the filtration of rain and underground rivers. The water is as clear as you see in these photos and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit it.
Our friends, Kamilah + Brad, had moved to Mexico in 2020 and we were finally able to make a trip to Tulum to meet up with them. They were kind enough to show us around and took us to see the Gran Cenote.
A few tips:
If you’re in Tulum and planning to visit Gran Cenote, make sure you bring pesos for the entry fee, snorkel rental if you’re interested in snorkeling, and locker rental for your personal belongings that you don’t want to get wet. We were able to keep an eye on our backpack so we didn’t need a locker.
It costs approximately $25 USD or around 500 pesos to enter. There is no point in wearing any makeup, hair products, sunscreen, or bug spray because they make you “shower” before you may enter. Don’t forget to bring a towel to dry off afterward.
The water is so clear that you can see the underwater life without having to snorkel. There are a lot of tiny fish + turtles in the cenote. You are welcome to swim in the cenote but they do require you to wear a life jacket at this particular cenote.
Once you’re done swimming, there is an area above the cenote you lay out and dry off. With how hot it is in Mexico, you’ll dry off in no time.
Photography Notes:
We arrived at the Gran Cenote around 1 PM or so. I would recommend going earlier if you want to avoid the lines. Taking photos can be challenging with the crowd. Cell phone photography is welcomed but “professional” camera gear may be subjected to a permit.
The lighting at this time in the Gran Cenote was amazing. There were a lot of hard shadows but the water reflected beautifully. These are some of my favorite shots I have ever photographed.
As always, when traveling, be sure you’re traveling responsibly, leaving no trace, and supporting local so people can enjoy these beautiful countries for generations to come.