I've now visited 9 cenotes, and if you could only go to one cenote on your trip, I'd likely send you to Gran Cenote. It's easy to access since it is directly off the main highway out of Tulum, there is plenty of parking and the facilities have everything you'd need -- changing rooms, restrooms, life jackets and rental gear. The grounds also have peacocks! There are also multiple entrances to the cenote itself, so if a group of divers is on one platform and a family is on another, you can find your own area to enter the water and get some privacy. Of all the cenotes we've visited, this one has the most diversity. It features impressive underwater rock formations, lush jungle and water vegetation, many different fish, fresh water turtles and overall, the space is just massive. You can swim around in rock formations and be completely enclosed in a dim cave, or you can watch as sunshine glistens and refracts underwater. It's hard to compare cenotes because they are all unique and beautiful, but you can guarantee Gran Cenote will be a hit for everyone from divers to sunbathers and kids to seniors. read more

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It's a little pricey - 180 or 200 pesos per person, but you get what you pay for. The amentities/services you get are: showers, lifeguards, sunbathing area, hammocks, pavilion, and lockers. The lockers are rented for a separate fee. The water is gorgeous and one section has turtles. Its a very short drive from Tulum center. You may be able to get cheaper and less crowded cenotes, but they will require a longer drive or you'll get less of these "amenities". read more

This is a great cenote if you're not a big swimmer / scuba diver and want to check out what cenotes are all about. It's a pretty cheap taxi ride from Tulum. And then $180 pesos to get in, and like $80 pesos for snorkel rental. There were a lot of turtles to see and some fresh water fish. But probably the coolest thing was swimming between the entry holes, which you can do through a cave with lots of bats flying around. While this is totally fun, don't think it'll be some natural undisturbed experience where you get to truly connect with nature. It's pretty habitated now with lots of staircases and platforms to stand on, and ropes to help you swim. Which I really liked because I was able to do it with my kid, but some people might find it too developed. read more

I think swimming in the Cenotes were the highlight of my Tulum/Cancun/Chichen Itza trip!!! For sure. It's so much fun to be able to swim in the underwater caves, especially here, where it's super spacious and you can see some bats, swim with the fish (though some scare me) and just tread water for an hour or two!! We came here when it started to rain, but that luckily stopped pretty quickly. Don't know if it was because of that or because this wasn't the Cenote next to Chichen Itza, but it was not crowded at all here, which I really appreciated!! Plus it was pretty huge, so well worth the higher price, compared to the Ik-Kil location! read more

Free parking. 180 pesos ($10 USD) to enter. You can rent snorkel there if interested. Busy at all times and not as big as expected. read more

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This is not what you think, after 2 pm on a Friday anyways. This is more of a public swimming pool than anything. Children screaming, people loitering, babies swimming in diapers. we didn't even want to get in the water. There was barely any room for us to swim much less snorkel. This was a total waste of money and time. This is not a relaxing Cenote in any way, shape or form. Don't waste your time here. If the parking lot appears to be crowded/filled don't even give it another thought. read more

My cousins and I caught a cab from our hotel and it was a pretty short drive. Maybe 10 minutes. The Cenote was beautiful and a lot of fun! I would definitely go back. read more

Amazing place. Two entrances to the cenote with both great views. We thought we would be there for maybe an hour and go to another but this one was super peaceful so we stayed longer. Close to downtown. Easy to taxi there as well for under $10 if you're off the main strip. read more

If you have never been in a Cenote this is a good starter. It has a good mix of open pools and caves.It is basically 2 big pools. They are mostly open at the top and connected by a large cave. They have ropes to pull you through and safe places to stand, but I recommend a life jacket. There were bats, turtles and small fish in the cenote. The grounds and facilities were clean. There is a park where you can sit, enjoy the sun, and maybe have a picnic. read more

This was this first activity we chose to do on our trip. It was beautiful, a space to lay out with a good book, and the Cenote was large to swim in. Beware this is CASH ONLY. We took a $500 peso taxi there, although the website says credit card, it is cash only (USD or Pesos accepted). We had to take a taxi back to our hotel, get cash and then go back. Overall, a good experience read more

This place is super touristy but very cool. I would totally recommend going especially because you get to swim with turtles and there's bats flying over you. Very fun over all. Also either rent or get your own snorkeling gear. We didn't think we would want it at first but exploring the water was our fav part. read more

Grand Cenote There's a sign big sign that says Grand Cenotes as you're driving down the highway so you can't miss it. It's a dirt parking lot. We arrived around 4:00 pm so it wasn't that busy. I read plenty of reviews stating that is was 15usd for two people or 300 pesos. Didn't have enough pesos so I wanted to pay in usd. Again, the lady at the ticket counter tried to scam us for an extra dollar and I didn't want to make a big deal so I gave up the extra dollar and she let us through. Lockers and life vests (total 80 pesos) are located down where the entrance of the Cenote is. It was definitely beautiful and I swam from one end to the other. Be careful of rocks in shallow water. There's a lot of sea life and turtles but be sure not to touch the turtles. We had about 30 minutes and they closed the park. I recommend coming around 3ish. That should be enough time and not so busy with all the tourists. read more

On the way from Chichen-Itza to Tulum, my boyfriend and I stopped by caves and a cenote. I don't recall the cenote but it was a beautiful experience. It was large and well maintained. The showers were nice and despite a large number of tourists being there, there were still lots of room to swim. There were three different parts of a cliff you could jump off of with staff making sure the timing of your jump was right. It was cheaper than Gran Cenote and much bigger. After my first experience with the other cenote, I was very excited to check out Gran Cenote. The reviews on Gran Cenote were good and I couldn't wait. Upon arriving at Gran Cenote, I noticed that it was on the pricier side. I ignored it and expected a beautiful water oasis. Unfortunately, after showering and walking down the steps to the cenote, I realized it was very small and crowded with tourists. My boyfriend and I swam the entire cenote in about 10 minutes and that was with us taking our time. The one super cool thing about Gran Cenote was the bats that lived in the caves. There were hundreds of them hanging upside down, swooping over swimmers. The cenote wasn't very well lit either. There were very dark caves and the water was black. No one swam in those areas. The whole experience was cramped, crowded, and touristy. Although my first experience at a cenote was also touristy, the cenote was large. This cenote was more expensive and didn't offer the same quality as the other cenote. There weren't as many lockers, life jackets and snorkel equipment were more expensive, the upper grounds of the cenote were essentially abandoned. The other cenote had a restaurant/bar, changing area, well-manicured grounds, and indoor/outdoor showers. I would not recommend going to Gran Cenote when there are cooler and less crowded cenotes to go to. Cenotes are scattered all over Mexico, I highly advise you to check out the others before going to Gran Cenote if you do consider going. read more

I don't know if the reviews on here for real because I went here and was so disappointed. No turtles and barely fish. The center was so small and I rented snorkel gear and the equipment and didn't even need it. Am I a tourist that gave into all the pictures and reviews on TripAdvisor. Because then I got fooled and would not recommend this to anyone. I don't know if they write their own reviews to get ppl to come and make money because I felt like I got jipped. I realized a lot of cenotes in Mexico are a person's backyard and they either post a ton of pictures at different angles to exaggerate the grand nature of their cenote and/or they post beautiful pictures of other cenotes to depict their own to get tourists like me to come and spend money. Once you pay the entry and equipment fee you realized you were duped. Next time I'll stick to the main parks! Tried to go off the beaten path but was fooled. And I don't want anyone to go thru what we realized. read more

This place is INCREDIBLE for taking photos. As it is a really popular cenote, we arrived about 10 minutes before 8:00am, thinking we would beat the crowd. Wrong. Although we were the first people in line, a tour bus arrived about 5 minutes later. However, all is not lost! Upon entry, you walk straight and find a set of stairs going down. If you're looking for the area where those famous Instagram shots are taken, keep walking! There is a second entry into the cenote a little further down. I mean, it wasn't THAT busy but it was definitely a lot busier than I expected for that time of day. I can only guess that it gets busier throughout the day and then dies down late afternoon. This pattern is probably also seasonal. We went at the end of October - late-ish low season - so I feel like it would be a little worse in the busy season. Keep in mind that you are required to take a shower before entering the cenote to keep the water clean (not that you're dirty, but you may be wearing lotion/sunscreen/etc. and they don't want that to contaminate the water). This only really applies if you plan on swimming/diving. We did not, so we headed straight down the first set of stairs. We quickly realized that the first entry point was not the one we were looking for and headed back up to see whether there was another. By that time, everyone who was behind us in the line was just entering the first area after their showers. So, we got to the second area - which was empty for a good 15 minutes - and started shooting. In general, there weren't many people there because all the sensible ones (unlike myself) were enjoying the cenote the regular way, starting from the first area and gradually swimming over to the second area. If you're going here primarily for photos, consider heading straight to the second entry area. But do go back to the first area and at least see it, because it's also really cool. Although we didn't swim, we did see some bats flying around and I heard people mention how they swam with fish and turtles. The second area was my favourite. There is a big wooden staircase heading down into the cenote and the water is a beautiful shade of clear blue - incredible! It's really so amazing to see these places and appreciate their beauty in person. The cenote opens at 8:00am. It is accessible by bike and taxi from Tulum. We had a taxi driver that we used for the entire week that we spent there (DM me for info - he's incredibly fair in terms of pricing, kind and reliable) and he actually spent the day with us, taking us to different cenotes (super convenient and affordable). Entry costs MXN180 per person, snorkel kit rental MXN80, locker MXN30 and life jacket MXN50. We only really went for photos, so we just had to pay entry. However, if you are planning to dive/snorkel, these are other costs you may have to account for. Definitely a must-see when in Tulum! Don't forget to take your camera and get some beautiful photos! read more

Probably one my favorite moment in Tulum . After a hot visit at the Mayan ruins, we decided to go to the Gran Cenotes and cool off. You will have to drive there or take a taxi , it's not far from the ruins about 10 minutes. The entry fees to the cenote was cheap, about 110 pesos, then we got a locker for 30 and snorkeling gear rental fir 80 . Couple tips: you can bring your own gear and make sure you have an ID if you rent some because they will keep it till you return it . The cenotes are amazing, the water is blue, clear and a little cold. We saw fishes, turtles . After you do be snorkeling, you can sunbathe on the wood deck. If you want to dive , you can , they take you inside the caves . read more

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This was the only cenote we visited in Tulum (other was in Valladolid), and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Gran Cenote is probably a "beginner" cenote as it's easily accessible (wooden staircases and platforms all around) with a shallow area on one side that you're able to stand and walk around in. That said, some parts are very deep, and the cold water was incredibly clear and refreshing to swim/snorkel in. In our case it was so nice to swim in fresh water, after a week of salt water showers! We didn't see many fish, but there were quite a number of turtles sunning themselves in a protected area with few swimming alongside us. Entrance fee is dirt cheap, and there are also life jackets and snorkels for rent, though the latter aren't the best quality. My tip-- go right when they open (9AM or so) and you'll have the place all to yourself. By the time we left, the place was packed with other tourists and beginner divers and the ambiance was completely different. Close to Tulum Pueblo and an easy taxi ride from the beach. read more

Price was up to 300 peso per person and locker rental was 80. It is pretty but you can do it in about 30 minutes not worth the money go to a larger less touristy one. Made us go back and shower to get our hair "more wet" before we were allowed in people behind us had completely dry hair and we're let in. Life jackets smelled. Crowded with a lot of screaming and splashing and other people in all of your pictures. Water is cold but you get used to it quickly. read more

This was a magical experience! As a novice swimmer I was scared of so many wrong possibilities (eg drowning, sucking in water, visibility), but this is all at your own pace. I practiced just breathing in and out of the tube and getting acclimated to that. Then just wearing the mask in the water. Then just floating. Next thing I knew I was going into the batcave without holding on to the ropes. It was just amazing!! Go at your own pace and you'll be blown away too. read more

Gran Cenote - Swimming by the sunlight at Gran Cenote - Lakes Near Me

Another well known Cenote to cross off my list! As you walk passed the entrance, you might catch glimpses of peacocks and chickens. They have snorkel rentals here but we had our own so it wasn't necessary. I appreciated this Cenote so much more than Ik-Kil because it was WAY less crowded. Just a few people relaxing under the sun and taking a dip in the water and not shouting. They have wooden staircases and decks which definitely give off a nice peaceful getaway vibe. There is this cave-like park that you can go through to get to the other side which was cool. You can see little fish and some turtles swimming around. I noticed that there were divers coming out from below the cave walls, makes me wonder what amazing finds and views you'd see down below in the dark with their flashlights under the cave. p.s. the wooden decks can get really hot so walking around in sandals and flip-flops would help read more

Gran Cenote - enjoying the Cenote like everyone else - Lakes Near Me

So glad we went here! Biking took about 30 mins but it was so worth it. Go in the morning before the crowds gets there. Loved it. read more

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It's an awesome place to visit. There are many people to prepare to have summing buddies. I recommend since you're there just take a taxi to the local public beach there. read more

Beautiful Cenote that is well organised. Entrance fee was 180 pesos per person. We spend about two hours before noon: go as early as you can, or else the many visitors there will spoil your experience. It's safe to say that you won't ever have that cliche-experience you might want (just you alone in a crystal clear lagoon) - but the early hours will probably be less noisy, with less annoying people. If you are in Tulum or Qintana Roo, you should definitely visit this place - and bring your snorkeling hear, so you can spot those turtles in the pool! read more

I went to two other cenotes before this one, which were deep in the jungle, and that's probably why I was so disappointed with Gran Cenote. It's small, shallow, and just not as interesting as some of the other cenotes in the area. Literally only good for the photo op, but good luck if you're there during peak hours (we came at 8 am). And wtf, 180 pesos? It's a ripoff. There's better in Tulum. read more

It was nice, better to go early and bring a lunch so you can get your money's worth! Definitely have to rent the snorkel mask or you won't see the cool and creepy cave view underneath. read more

Make sure your bills are nice and straight staff take your bills pull it and rip it then blame it on the consumer.They are rude and a little pricer then most cenotes. They give you a tiny ticket that they expect you to bring back even if you don't have anywhere to keep it dry. If you don't bring it back they won't return your property. read more

Beautiful spot but horrible and uneducated, rude staff. We went as a group of about 15 people we were told to bathe which we did, and then asked us to bathe again with no explanation. After this we got to the water and started taking pictures and then the staff rudely asked us to put clothes on while wet we asked why and we where escorted out. Refused to refund the money or to give us an explanation. Very disappointed on this place management and way to handle this. read more

Wasted day; company picked up at hotel at 07:00; walked into Tulum park at 10:00. Transportation consisted of a cramp 8 pax van. No leg room, mo space for gear we were told to bring, weak air con. Price to enter Tulum = MP 70. Get a taxi early and save yourself from the "professional " tour. read more

Went here yesterday while staying in Tulum. Rented some bikes and rode about 20minutes to get here. We thought it would be less crowded at 3 pm but alas, that was not the case. We paid 180 MXN which was more than I thought it would be. That price doesn't include the snorkel rental or locker rental. You have to take showers before going down to the cenote area. The bathrooms were super clean. The hammocks were fun, as was the grassy area.to just relax. There is a small restaurant/snack shop on site but we didn't try it. The lockers cost 30 MXN so we decided to skip out on that. everybody was leaving their stuff on the wooden platform anyway and it seemed pretty safe. The water was a bit chilly but super clear. Got to see a few fish and the best part were the turtles. Seeing the cave formations was cool too! Was it crowded? Most definitely!! Would we come back again? Maybe. All in all, roughly $10 USD for 2 hrs of fun isn't bad. However, Seeing as the ruins cost 70 MXN, felt like the price could have been better. read more

Very nice dive. Lots of formations to see and its almost like being inside a cave although you are only ever 30m from the open water at any given time. Lots of swimmers so expect it to be busy but once in the water you will almost be alone. read more

beautiful sinkhole. flooded with tourists. bring your own snorkel, goggles and swimming gear. get water shoes because the rocks hurt! bring your own towel. must shower before you go down to the cenote. bats flying in caves. tiny fish and turtles. wish there were more creatures to see!!! read more

This was the first in cenote I've ever visited, it was very beautiful, they have lockers to rent. My husband and I noticed that Monday was a very crowded day throughout tulum, some of the tourist spots were very uncrowded on Tuesday and Wednesday. Right before they close would probably be ideal. Spend at least an hour and a half. read more

This is a very well kept Cenote. The water is cool and clear. We went late in the afternoon and it was not over crowded. Parking is right in front and free. The cost to enter is minimal and it is worth it. read more

Although the actual cenote was worth going to, the service was not good. They took my Passport ID card and when I returned my equipment they did not return it. They made no effort when I returned their equipment to tell me they had it. It wasn't busy there. I did not realize they failed to return it until it was too late. The entrance attendant also would not accept worn US bills. Please note this if anyone is traveling with US currency. Now I am heading back without my passport ID and Im very disappointed in the lack of care. read more

This cenote was my favorite out of all 3 we visited (dos ojos and Casa cenote were the two others we went to). Although crowded, it was absolutely beautiful and the caves were filled with bats, which was an amazing site! read more

Turquoise blue water ..clear and interesting geologic features ...but can get crowded. Kind of sad the manitee that used to live here died...i think from an increase of human impact in this cenote. Beautiful fish and small deep crevices in the Earth create mysterious exploration. The tunnel cave system underneath shoots water out into the sea nearby creating a strong change of current systems where the cenote and ocean meet. Gorgeous....little corner of refreshing cool water full of life. Weekdays preferable. Gets less crowded before closing around 4 or 5 but currents a bit stronger near opening where the tides from the underground system that the cenote shares with the ocean kicks up. Tides affect the currents in the opening of the cenote so check...because if you aren't a very strong muscular swimmer you might not be able to swim against the current...or stronger swimmera stay with weaker swimmers as a precaution. read more

Oh man oh man one of the most amazing experiences. Beautiful and fun cenote. Definitely one of my favorites in Tulum. Absolutely amazing, totally worth it. read more

It was small and the bats were cool, but I have seen some amazing ones in the same area. I am sorry I can't remember what they were called.

Great price, great location and great experience. We had a great time at Gran Cenote. They provide rentals of the snorkeling kit but you want to bring your own, oh, and bring a WETSUIT if you have one, water is "refreshing" or just simply very cold. read more

Awesome, must be the best Cenote. Cost is 10usd or 180p. Only 2.5 mile out of downtown Tulum. Come early before all the tours come.