Cenotes are found all over the Yucatán Peninsula. They are the result of an ancient asteroid hitting the area around Chicxulub and affecting the under-ground limestone layer. Over time, freshwater filled these ground wells that were created.

The word cenotes comes from the Mayan word - tsʼonoʼot (cavern with water). The area around Homun is especially concentrated with cenotes, but you will find them all over the peninsula. The water is clean, cool and refreshing - 75f/24c average temp. Each one is an unique experience. Visiting cenotes will be a highlight of your vacation! Images

Our GEM map - water layer (scroll towards the bottom for cenotes) has all the commercial cenotes highlighted. Icons have details, photos, hours, costs and locations. How to use the GEM map? GEM full map: Google Maps - Web-based map

I have included cenote searches in all the major city & town map icons, where there are cenotes close by. I also include Viator & Get Your Guide links so you can take a cenote tours, if you would like to go with a group. Many individual cenote icons have links for tours.

Some cenotes are part of larger cave systems and can be deep. Commercial cenote diving is available at many of these - Blue Water Dive Travel, Pro Dive International, The Cenote Guy

You will experience 4 types of cenotes:

• Cave/cavern cenotes - full enclosed and very cool in temps. Access is often via steps and ladder systems, some very narrow. No sunscreen required.

• Semi-open cenotes - cave cenotes with an opening in the roof. No suncreen required.

• Open cenotes - open ceiling cave cenotes. Some have over hang areas where you can find shade. Others have very little shade. Often no sunscreen required.

• Ancient / lagoon cenotes - a lake style cenote. Sunscreen often required.

Visiting cenotes:

• The picture above is Suytun cenote close to Valladolid. Tours available.

• Some are very remote and require a car. Others are closer to cities and towns and you can take a local taxi or collectivo or join a organized tour.

• Costs range from 50p on up to some pricey packages.

• Hours are during the day with a few offering evening hours.

• Bring your bath suit, towel and a warm top when you get out.

• Weekends can be crowded, especially Sundays. Early mid-week can be a better time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Certain popular ones near tourists areas are most always crowded with tours.

• Since the water is clean and pure it’s ideal to not use sunscreen, if possible. Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen should be used to protect the water.

• Some cenote services are very limited, with nothing more than the cenote, while others are very elaborate with restaurants and more onsite.

We love to travel the peninsula and visit as many cenotes as possible and hopefully you will quickly become a cenote-adict too!

Thanks, Bill