Cenotes within 40 minutes of Playacar
Six cenotes are within a 40-minute drive of Playacar. The closest cave, Chaak Tun, is 15–25 minutes away.
Within 40 minutes
25–35 min
Jardín del Edén
Open-air, snorkeling · Also called Ponderosa
The one to choose if you only swim once. A large open pool in the jungle, and the snorkeling is the point.
25–35 min
Cenote Azul
Open-air, easy swim · South of town
Turquoise water and shallow edges. An easy swim. Go early, before the day fills it.
25–35 min
Cenote Cristalino
Clear water and a small cave · Next to Azul
Clear water, a rocky rim, and a short cave. Easy to pair with Azul on the same drive.
15–25 min
Chaak Tun
Guided cave swim · The closest cave
The cave to choose when you do not want a long drive. A guide takes you through the underground rooms.
25–35 min
Kantun Chi
Several cenotes and a river · A park
More than one swim. Several cenotes on the same grounds, and an underground river if you want the longer stay.
30–40 min
Chikin Ha
Snorkeling, several cenotes · A park
Clear water for a snorkel, and more than one cenote if the group wants to stay.
Farther, about an hour
40–55 min
Aktun Chen
Guided cave · Near Akumal
An underground cenote near Akumal. The rock is lit, and the snorkel is guided.
50–65 min
Dos Ojos
Cavern snorkeling · Toward Tulum
The cavern swim. Clear blue water and the formations under the surface. This is the one for a mask, not a quick dip.
50–65 min
Nicte-Ha
Open-air, water lilies · Toward Tulum
An open cenote with water lilies. Go for the quiet and the light, not a cave.
55–70 min
Taak Bi Ha
Guided cave snorkeling · Toward Tulum
The farthest of the ten. An underground cenote with clear water, and a guide if you want the snorkel.