Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- 400 MXN foreign visitors
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 daily
Prices and hours change often. Last checked 2026-10-03. Fee source · Hours source
Cenote Car Wash (also written Carwash), officially Aktun Ha, is a large, pond-like open cenote on the Tulum–Cobá road. The surface pool is full of water lilies, green algae, fish and turtles, and a dark cavern zone with stalactites makes it one of the most popular beginner cavern dives near Tulum. It got its nickname from local taxi drivers who once washed their cars with its water.
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Why it is called Car Wash
Before it became a tourist spot, local taxi drivers stopped at this roadside cenote to fill buckets and wash their cars. The nickname stuck, even though washing cars here is long over and the water is now protected.
What divers find below
Beyond the open pool, a cavern called the Room of Tears is known for its delicate formations. Divers enter only with a certified guide, as cave sections continue far beyond the light zone.
What to do at Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Cavern diving (certified, with a guide)
- Cave diving (cave-certified only)
- Jumping platform and rope swing
Highlights
- Name Aktun Ha is usually translated from Maya as "water cave"
- Open area reported at about 5–6 m deep; dive centers list a maximum cavern depth of about 15 m
- Underwater garden of lilies and algae; in summer an algae bloom can change the look and visibility
- Turtles, fish and occasionally a small crocodile are reported
- Easy diver entry from a platform close to the parking area; lockers, changing rooms and a small cafe reported
How to get to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
Location: About 8–9 km west of Tulum on Highway 109 toward Cobá, right beside the road and a little past Gran Cenote and Zacil-Ha.
Drive, cycle or take a taxi west from Tulum on Highway 109 (the Cobá road) for about 8–9 km; the cenote is directly beside the road. Colectivos to Cobá can drop you at the entrance if you ask. It is a good stop on the way to the Cobá ruins.
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) entrance fee and hours
Entry: 400 MXN foreign visitors (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Hours: 9:00–17:00 daily (checked 2026-10-03, source).
Prices and hours change often, so treat these as a guide.
How far is Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha): 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha)
- 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 Car Wash (Aktun Ha) worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for cavern divers, snorkelers who like plants and fish, quieter swims. At Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) you can do: swimming, snorkeling, cavern diving (certified, with a guide), cave diving (cave-certified only), jumping platform and rope swing.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Snorkelers: bring a mask, the best things here are under the surface.
- In summer the algae bloom can reduce visibility; visit in the morning for the best light.
- Bring cash, shower first and skip sunscreen and repellent.
- Only enter the cavern area with a certified dive guide.
- Pair it with Gran Cenote and Zacil-Ha on the same day.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, Wildlife in cenotes, How deep are cenotes?
Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) FAQs
Why is it called Car Wash?
Local taxi drivers used to wash their cars with its water. Its official Maya name is Aktun Ha.
How deep is Cenote Car Wash?
The open swimming area is reported at about 5–6 m. Dive centers list a maximum depth of about 15 m in the cavern zone.
Is there a crocodile in Cenote Car Wash?
Dive centers report that a small crocodile is occasionally seen, along with turtles. Keep your distance and follow staff advice.
How much is Cenote Car Wash?
One 2026 source lists 400 MXN for foreign visitors (checked 2026-10-03). Bring cash and confirm at the entrance.
Can you snorkel at Cenote Car Wash?
Yes. The open pool is good for snorkeling among lilies, fish and turtles. The cavern section is for certified divers only.
How far is Car Wash from Tulum?
About 8–9 km west on the road to Cobá, roughly 10–15 minutes by car.