Akumal, Mexico

Just 25km north of Tulum and 39km south of Playa del Carmen lies Akumal Bay. Despite its proximity to the big vacation destinations and massive resorts, Akumal remains relatively quiet. There are several ways to get there, the easiest being by rental car which are insanely cheap in Mexico. Parkin...

Charts display the numerous species of fish which may be seen in the lagoon, and the area's rocky underwater canyonlike terrain mixed with mangrove roots providing shelter for the fish offer an interesting landscape to snorkel through. There are two businesses that provide access to Yal Ku Lagoon...

The cenote lies at surface level, with cool blue waters surrounded by mangroves and jungle. There are three different jumping platforms, ranging from 2 meters to 6 in height. Otherwise, a wooden deck lets swimmers and snorkelers enter and exit the water. While the cenote is lengthy, much of the b...

The site (also spelled Xelha or Xelhá) lies 18km north of central Tulum, and sits on the opposite side of the highway from the commercial outdoor adventure park that shares its name. There are three main groupings of structures inside the site. The Palace Site contains stelae and two large buildi...

This cenote is popular with divers, owing to its access to a complex underground cave system reaching a depth of about 15 meters, entering into multiple rooms. While popular amongst divers, swimmers will likely find no one else on the water's surface, so it makes for a quiet and relaxing stop. Th...

With the shallow depth and the clarity of the water, this cenote is popular for snorkeling and is a location for easy dives, with the depth extending to about 8 meters. There is a jumping platform at the edge of the limestone shelf, along with benches and chairs set out on the terraces that surro...

The cenote is set in a limestone cave depression, with the water surrounding a central island 'eye'. The water is clear blue, and as this cenote tends not to be crowded, you'll have a chance of seeing and swimming with the freshwater turtles that make their home here. The rounded limstone cave ta...

This Cenote will be the first recommendation from a local, if you’re looking for the grandeur of the famous Grand Cenote, but minus the crowds. The name comes from the two large underground caves connected by a very large, complex cavern, complete with the deepest known cave passage in Quintana R...

The cenote is large with one main open swimming area, and several smaller more hidden areas. It is a favorite amongst local families, and tends to generally have a small crowd, although it is also spacious enough that it doesn't feel cramped. With clear emerald blue water, it's a great spot for b...

Cenote Cristalino is about 25km south of Playa Del Carmen, and is built up to handle crowds. The cenote is surface level, although a portion of it leaves the mangrove jungle and heads beneath the limestone shelf, a nice contrast between open swimming and feeling as if you are in a cave. There is ...

Cenote Car Wash, known locally as Cenote Aktun-Ha, received its name for a time when area cab drivers would park adjacent to the pool to wash their cars. Those times are past, and the cenote today remains under the ownership of a friendly family.  Cenote Car Wash is probably the most reasonably-p...

The water is cool and beautifully clear in blue tones and remains around 20˚C, and the cave system supports fish and freshwater turtles which lucky swimmers may get have the opportunity to see. This is one cenote where it is worth bringing or renting a snorkel and mask for, as the caves create an...

About a two hour drive from Cancun, these Mayan ruins are one of the most visited in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although it is accessible to the public, most people go with tour companies! Although this isn't the most adventurous way to go, tour guides can really make this experience awesome. Most gu...

While there is not much development to the cenote beyond an entrance booth and a short tiled path leading to the cenote, it's a great visit for the more adventurous crowd. Cenote Calavera consists of three holes that visitors can jump into: the large opening, and two smaller holes. About 3m below...

Located just south of Tulum, Mexico, along the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is considered a UNESCO World heritage site due to the exceptional diversity of fauna and flora it hosts. Spreading over 500 000 hectares of land and water, it is one of the larg...

Nevertheless, Harmony Glamping Tulum appeals to all, combining large furnished tent glamping options with suites for those who prefer a more comfortably luxurious lodging arrangement. The accommodations also include a restaurant and yoga classes, which are open to the public as well as hotel gues...