Cave cenote · Playa del Carmen
Cenote Chac Mool
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Playa del Carmen
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Chac Mool near Puerto Aventuras is one of the best-known cavern dives on the Riviera Maya. Several entrances lie within about 50 m of each other, with light beams, a halocline around 12 m and decorated cave passages.
Cenote Chac Mool is one of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
What to do at Cenote Chac Mool
- Cavern diving (with a guide)
- Snorkeling
Highlights
- Halocline at about 12 m (dive operators)
- Several entrances close together
- Light beams in the cavern
- Usually two dives on one entry
How to get to Cenote Chac Mool
Location: Near Puerto Aventuras, about 25 km south of Playa del Carmen and 40 km north of Tulum.
About 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen near Puerto Aventuras; most divers come with a dive center.
Cenote Chac Mool entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Chac Mool yet. Ask at the Playa del Carmen entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Chac Mool is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Chac Mool?
Approximate driving times to the Playa del Carmen cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Chac Mool: 10–30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Chac Mool: 50 min
- Tulum to Cenote Chac Mool: 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Chac Mool: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Chac Mool: 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Chac Mool
- Time needed: about 1–1.5 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Around midday if the roof has openings that create light beams; otherwise any time, ideally early before tour groups arrive.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Chac Mool worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for cavern diving, snorkeling. At Cenote Chac Mool you can do: cavern diving (with a guide), snorkeling.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Cavern diving needs open-water certification and a cavern guide.
- Snorkelers can visit the open areas.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in Playa del CarmenLearn more: The halocline in cenotes, Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, Sac Actun underwater cave system
Cenote Chac Mool FAQs
Can you snorkel at Chac Mool?
Yes in the open areas, but it is mainly a cavern diving site.
Where is Chac Mool cenote?
Near Puerto Aventuras, about 25 km south of Playa del Carmen.
What type of cenote is Cenote Chac Mool?
Cenote Chac Mool is a cave cenote. Cenote Chac Mool near Puerto Aventuras is one of the best-known cavern dives on the Riviera Maya.
What can you do at Cenote Chac Mool?
Popular activities at Cenote Chac Mool: cavern diving (with a guide), snorkeling.