Open cenote · Bacalar
Cenote Azul (Bacalar)
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Bacalar
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Azul in Bacalar is a huge, very deep open sinkhole right next to the Bacalar lagoon, with dark blue water and a restaurant on its shore. It is separate from the lagoon and from Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Azul (Bacalar) is one of the best cenotes in Bacalar in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Azul (Bacalar)
- About 10 minutes south of downtown Bacalar; reachable by car (free parking), taxi or a 15-minute bike ride.
- Reported depth of nearly 300 feet (about 90 m), one of the deepest open cenotes in Mexico.
- Basic facilities: a restaurant, bathrooms and life jacket rental; no ATM nearby, so bring cash.
- Swimming and kayaking are possible; bring your own snorkel gear, and diving needs a tour.
- It looks like a small round lake with dark blue water, so it is more a swim spot than a snorkel spot.
Source: Uprooted Traveler, checked October 2026.
What to do at Cenote Azul (Bacalar)
- Swimming
- Restaurant
Highlights
- Reported to be about 90 m deep
- Very large, round open sinkhole
- Low entry fee (reported)
- Restaurant on the edge
How to get to Cenote Azul (Bacalar)
Location: On the Costera road just south of Bacalar town, next to the lagoon.
About 5 minutes by car from Bacalar town on the Costera road; about 4–5 hours from Cancun.
Cenote Azul (Bacalar) entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Azul (Bacalar) yet. Ask at the Bacalar entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Azul (Bacalar) opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Azul (Bacalar)?
Approximate driving times to the Bacalar cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Bacalar town to Cenote Azul (Bacalar): 10–20 min
- Chetumal to Cenote Azul (Bacalar): 40 min
- Tulum to Cenote Azul (Bacalar): 2 h 30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Azul (Bacalar): 3 h 15 min
- Cancún to Cenote Azul (Bacalar): 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Azul (Bacalar)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Early morning (before about 10 am) for calm water and fewer people; weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Azul (Bacalar) worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for strong swimmers, lunch with a view. At Cenote Azul (Bacalar) you can do: swimming, restaurant.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Bring your own mask; snorkel rentals are limited.
- Expect darker water than Caribbean cenotes; it is a swim, not a snorkel, spot.
- Combine with a Bacalar lagoon boat or kayak trip the same day.
- Deep everywhere: stay near the edge or wear a life jacket.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in BacalarLearn more: How deep are cenotes?, How are cenotes formed?, Types of cenotes
Cenote Azul (Bacalar) FAQs
Can you snorkel at Cenote Azul Bacalar?
You can, but there is little to see in the deep blue water; bring your own gear.
How far is Cenote Azul from Bacalar town?
About 5 to 10 minutes by car or taxi south of downtown.
Can you kayak in Cenote Azul?
Kayak rentals are reported on site.
Is there a Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen too?
Yes, it is a different, shallow cenote on Highway 307.
How deep is Cenote Azul in Bacalar?
Reported at about 90 m.
Is Cenote Azul part of Bacalar lagoon?
No, it is a separate sinkhole right next to the lagoon.