Open cenote · Bacalar
Cenote Negro (Bacalar)
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Bacalar
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Negro is a deep hole inside Bacalar lagoon whose dark color stands out against the turquoise water. It is often said to be 80–100 m deep, but a sonar study reported by local media measured no more than about 55 m.
Cenote Negro (Bacalar) is one of the best cenotes in Bacalar in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Why it looks black
Cenote Negro sits at the north end of the lagoon area often called the lagoon of seven colours. The bottom drops away suddenly from shallow white sand, so the water above the hole turns deep blue and then almost black. From a boat or paddleboard the change is sharp and easy to see.
How to visit
There is no ticket booth like at Cenote Azul. Most people see it from a boat tour, or rent a kayak or paddleboard from a lagoon-side spot and paddle out. The deep water starts right at the edge, so weak swimmers should wear a life jacket and stay near the boat.
Who it suits
It suits confident swimmers and photographers more than small children, as there is no shallow area by the hole and no food stand on site. Families usually prefer Cenote Azul or the shallow lagoon beaches.
What to do at Cenote Negro (Bacalar)
- Swimming (from boats or shore access)
- Boat tour
Highlights
- Dark-blue hole in the turquoise lagoon
- Popular depth claim 80–100 m; sonar measurement reported at under 55 m
- Diameter reported around 130 m
How to get to Cenote Negro (Bacalar)
Location: Inside Bacalar lagoon, near the Costera road south of town.
Usually visited on a Bacalar lagoon boat tour; there is also shore access off the Costera road.
Cenote Negro (Bacalar) entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Negro (Bacalar) yet. Ask at the Bacalar entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Negro (Bacalar) opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Negro (Bacalar)?
Approximate driving times to the Bacalar cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Bacalar town to Cenote Negro (Bacalar): 10–20 min
- Chetumal to Cenote Negro (Bacalar): 40 min
- Tulum to Cenote Negro (Bacalar): 2 h 30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Negro (Bacalar): 3 h 15 min
- Cancún to Cenote Negro (Bacalar): 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Negro (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 Negro (Bacalar) worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for boat tours, photography. At Cenote Negro (Bacalar) you can do: swimming (from boats or shore access), boat tour.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Shore access can be muddy with mosquitoes.
- Boat tours often combine it with Esmeralda.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in BacalarLearn more: How deep are cenotes?, The Yucatán aquifer, Types of cenotes
Cenote Negro (Bacalar) FAQs
How deep is Cenote Negro?
It is often called 80–100 m deep, but a sonar study reported by local media (Diario Cambio 22) measured no more than about 55 m.
Why is Cenote Negro dark?
Its depth makes the water look dark blue to black against the shallow turquoise lagoon.
Where is Cenote Negro (Bacalar)?
Cenote Negro (Bacalar) is near Bacalar. Inside Bacalar lagoon, near the Costera road south of town.
What type of cenote is Cenote Negro (Bacalar)?
Cenote Negro (Bacalar) is an open cenote. Cenote Negro is a deep hole inside Bacalar lagoon whose dark color stands out against the turquoise water.