Open cenote · Playa del Carmen
Cenote Azul
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Playa del Carmen
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen is an L-shaped open cenote with several pools of different depths, from shallow shaded pools to a deeper main pool with a jumping platform. Small fish nibble at your feet, and it is one of the easiest family cenotes on Highway 307.
Cenote Azul is one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Azul
- Open cenote: a wide, shallow-to-deep pool with no cave roof.
- Reported depth of about 10 m at the deepest point; much of it is shallow enough to stand.
- Small fish nibble at your feet in the shallow areas, like a natural fish spa.
- Lockers and life jackets are reported for rent; there is no restaurant on site.
- It sits next to Jardín del Edén and close to Cenote Cristalino, so you can visit all three in one trip.
Source: Tulum Travel Blog, checked October 2026.
What Cenote Azul looks like
Cenote Azul is a large open cenote on Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, made of connected pools of different depths surrounded by jungle. Shallow ledges sit next to deep blue sections, and the colour shifts with the sunlight.
Swimming and snorkeling
Shallow shelves make it one of the best cenotes for children and new swimmers, while deeper pools suit confident swimmers. Small fish gather near the edges and will nibble at your feet. Bring a mask: the water is very clear.
Cliff jumping
A rock ledge of a few meters is the popular jumping spot. Wait for the water below to be clear of swimmers and check the depth first.
Facilities
Toilets, changing areas and life jacket and snorkel rentals are reported. Food is limited, so bring snacks and drinking water.
Best time to visit
It is one of the busiest cenotes on the highway. Arrive at opening on a weekday for calm water and space; late afternoon is quieter too.
Combine with nearby cenotes
Jardín del Edén and Cenote Cristalino are on the same stretch of highway, so you can visit two or three in a morning by car or colectivo.
What to do at Cenote Azul
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Jumping platform
Highlights
- Shallow and deep areas in an L-shaped cenote
- Low jumping platform
- Small fish in the water
- Lockers, snack bar and benches
How to get to Cenote Azul
Location: On Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, near Puerto Aventuras, roughly 20–30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Drive or take a colectivo south from Playa del Carmen on Highway 307, about 20–30 minutes; the entrance is near Cristalino and Jardín del Edén.
Cenote Azul entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Azul yet. Ask at the Playa del Carmen entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Azul opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Azul?
Approximate driving times to the Playa del Carmen cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Azul: 10–30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Azul: 50 min
- Tulum to Cenote Azul: 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Azul: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Azul: 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Azul
- 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 worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for families, easy swimming, snorkeling. At Cenote Azul you can do: swimming, snorkeling, jumping platform.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Arrive at opening for calm water.
- Bring a mask for the fish.
- Not the same as Cenote Azul in Bacalar.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Playa del CarmenLearn more: Types of cenotes, Wildlife in cenotes, Why is cenote water so clear?
Cenote Azul FAQs
Is Cenote Azul good for kids?
Yes; its shallow ledges make it one of the most family-friendly cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
Is Cenote Azul Playa del Carmen the same as Cenote Azul Bacalar?
No; they are different places about 4 hours apart.
Is Cenote Azul in Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
Between the two, just off Highway 307 near Puerto Aventuras, about 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 40 minutes north of Tulum (approx.).
Where is Cenote Azul?
On Highway 307 near Puerto Aventuras, about 20–30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Is Cenote Azul good for kids?
Yes, it has shallow pools as well as a deeper area; supervise children.
Is this the same as Cenote Azul in Bacalar?
No. Bacalar's Cenote Azul is a huge, deep sinkhole about 4 hours south. Both are covered on this site.
How much is Cenote Azul?
We could not confirm the current fee from an official source; check at the entrance and bring cash.