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Cenotes near Akumal

Akumal sits on Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, so it is a handy base for cenotes on both sides. Nearby you'll find small community-run cenotes like Xunaan Ha in Chemuyil, the jungle pool of Cenote Santa Cruz and the Aktun Chen nature park. Dos Ojos and Casa Cenote are a short drive south.

Quick picks

  1. #1 · Open cenote

    Cenote Xunaan Ha

    Xunaan Ha is a small, community-run open cenote in the village of Chemuyil, between Akumal and Tulum. It is quiet, shady and simple, with clear water, fish and turtles often reported.

    Best for: Quiet swim, Snorkeling, Avoiding crowds

    Full guide to Cenote Xunaan Ha →

  2. #2 · Open cenote

    Cenote Santa Cruz

    Cenote Santa Cruz is a small jungle cenote just inland from Akumal, with clear water for swimming and snorkeling and a quiet, local feel.

    Best for: Short swim near Akumal, Snorkeling

    Full guide to Cenote Santa Cruz →

  3. #3 · Cave cenote

    Aktun Chen

    Aktun Chen is a nature park near Akumal with a dry cave tour, an underground cenote and ziplines. It is aimed at families and first-timers who want a guided, easy visit.

    Best for: Families, Guided cave visit

    Full guide to Aktun Chen →

  4. #4 · Cave cenote

    Dos Ojos

    A nearby option in the Tulum area, easy to combine with a Akumal trip.

    Best for: Snorkeling, Cavern diving, Photography

    Entry: 400 MXN basic entry (life jacket incl.); guided Bat Cave snorkel ~800 MXN; locker 50 MXN (checked 2026-10-03)

    Full guide to Dos Ojos →

  5. #5 · Open cenote

    Casa Cenote

    A nearby option in the Tulum area, easy to combine with a Akumal trip.

    Best for: Snorkeling, Beginner divers, Kayaking and paddleboarding

    Entry: About 650 MXN general entry (one 2026 source; prices have risen, confirm at the entrance) (checked 2026-10-03)

    Full guide to Casa Cenote →

  6. #6 · Cave cenote

    Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich

    A nearby option in the Tulum area, easy to combine with a Akumal trip.

    Best for: Guided snorkeling, Cave diving (certified)

    Full guide to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich →

Cenotes close to Akumal

Akumal sits between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Highway 307, so many cenotes are a short drive away. Yal-Kú lagoon is in Akumal itself, while Dos Ojos, Casa Cenote and the cenotes near Chemuyil and Xpu-Ha are all within easy reach.

Cenotes along the road inland from the highway are often quieter than the famous names.

Combining Akumal beach and cenotes

Akumal Bay is known for sea turtles feeding on seagrass. A common plan is to snorkel the bay early in the morning with a registered guide, then swim in a cenote around midday when the bay gets busier.

Follow local rules in the bay: keep your distance from turtles, do not touch them and use biodegradable sunscreen or cover up.

Getting around from Akumal

Colectivo vans run up and down Highway 307 and stop at the Akumal entrance, so you can reach many roadside cenotes without a car. A rental car makes it easier to visit cenotes farther inland.

How to get to the cenotes from Akumal

  • Akumal is about 25 minutes north of Tulum and 35 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307.
  • Colectivos between Playa and Tulum stop at the Akumal and Chemuyil turn-offs on request.
  • Bring cash in pesos; small cenotes rarely take cards.

FAQs about cenotes in Akumal

Are there cenotes in Akumal?

Yes. Small cenotes sit just inland of Akumal, and Xunaan Ha is a few minutes south in Chemuyil.

What is the best cenote near Akumal?

For a quiet swim, Xunaan Ha. For bigger, famous cenotes, Dos Ojos and Casa Cenote are a short drive south.

Can I visit Akumal cenotes without a car?

Yes, colectivos stop on Highway 307, but some cenotes need a walk or taxi from the highway.

More cenote areas

New to cenotes? Read what a cenote is and compare the types of cenotes.