Name: Playa Realtors
Price range: $$$

Cenotes near Playa del Carmen

Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes unique to the Yucatán Peninsula. These are the best within a short drive of Playa del Carmen. Skip sunscreen and lotions to protect the water.

Chaak Tun

About 5 km inland from downtown on Avenida Juárez. The closest major cenote to downtown: a cave system with stalactites lit by natural openings. Guided visits only; go in the morning.

Río Secreto

Off Highway 307, about 10 km south. A partly flooded underground river explored on foot and swimming in small guided groups. No personal photos inside; book ahead.

Jardín del Edén

Highway 307, about 25 km south near Puerto Aventuras. One of the largest open-air cenotes on the coast, with ledges to jump from and an on-site dive center.

Cenote Azul and Cristalino

Highway 307, about 25 km south. Two open-air cenotes minutes apart: Azul with shallow family areas, Cristalino with very clear water. Go before 11 am.

Dos Ojos

Between Akumal and Tulum, about 50 km south. A world-famous cavern system with visibility past 60 meters, for cavern divers and snorkelers in the lit areas.

Prefer a guided day? Xenotes visits four cenotes, and Xel-Há and Xplor include underground rivers.

Living near it

Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage based in Playa del Carmen, with an office in Tulum, and we have represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008. We never represent developers. If you are thinking about owning a home close to the cenotes of the Riviera Maya, we can show you the neighborhoods that fit how you want to live. Plan on closing costs of 7 to 10% of the purchase price.