Open cenote · Tulum

Cenote Cristal

Type: Open cenote
Area: Tulum
Entry fee: Reported at 150 MXN per cenote or 300 MXN for Cristal + Escondido together, cash (source updated January 2025; one site lists a lower combo price, so confirm at the ticket office)
Hours: Daytime, check locally

Prices and hours change often. Last checked 2026-10-03. Fee source

Cenote Cristal, also called Cenote Naharon or "Crystal Cenote", is a large open cenote in the jungle about 6 km south of Tulum on Highway 307. It has clear water, wooden platforms around the edges and a jumping ledge, and it is usually quieter than the famous Cobá-road cenotes. The ticket office also sells a combo ticket for Cenote Escondido, directly across the highway.

Cenote Cristal is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.

Key facts about Cenote Cristal

Also known as Cenote Naharon.
Large open cenote with very clear water and easy, family-friendly entry.
Reported depth of about 9 m; ropes in the water give you places to rest.
Diving here is cave diving and needs proper certification and a guide.

Source: Mexico Cenotes and Ruins, checked October 2026.

Part of a huge cave system

Cenote Cristal opens into the Ox Bel Ha system, one of the longest underwater cave systems ever mapped, with hundreds of kilometres of passages. Cave divers use it as an entry point, while swimmers stay in the sunny open pool.

Cristal or Escondido?

Cristal is wider and more open, with platforms and space to swim; Escondido across the road is long and narrow, with a rope swing. On one combo ticket, many people swim in both within two to three hours.

What to do at Cenote Cristal

Swimming
Jumping platform
Snorkeling
Diving (extra fee reported)

Highlights

Open-air jungle pool with very clear water, fish and the occasional turtle
Reported maximum depth of about 15 m (49 ft)
Jumping platform plus easy wooden platforms to get into the water
One ticket office for both Cristal and Escondido
Basic facilities: rustic toilets, showers, picnic tables, free parking; no snorkel rentals reported

How to get to Cenote Cristal

Location: About 3.5–6 km south of Tulum town on Highway 307 (sources differ on the exact distance), on the east side of the road; Cenote Escondido is directly opposite.

Drive, scooter or cycle south from Tulum on Highway 307: about 10 minutes by car or 15–20 minutes by bike. Southbound colectivos can drop you at the entrance; a taxi was reported at about 100–200 MXN. Walking from town is not recommended because of the highway.

Cenote Cristal entrance fee and hours

Entry: Reported at 150 MXN per cenote or 300 MXN for Cristal + Escondido together, cash (source updated January 2025; one site lists a lower combo price, so confirm at the ticket office) (checked 2026-10-03, source).

Hours: Cenote Cristal opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.

Prices and hours change often, so treat these as a guide.

How far is Cenote Cristal?

Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):

Tulum town to Cenote Cristal: 10–30 min
Playa del Carmen to Cenote Cristal: 45 min
Cancún to Cenote Cristal: 1 h 45 min
Valladolid to Cenote Cristal: 1 h 30 min
Mérida to Cenote Cristal: 3 h 30 min

Plan your visit to Cenote Cristal

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 Cristal worth visiting?

Yes, if you are looking for relaxed swimming, jumping, budget trips, families (easy water access). At Cenote Cristal you can do: swimming, jumping platform, snorkeling, diving (extra fee reported).

Tips and rules for visiting

Bring your own snorkel gear, rentals are not reported here.
Bring snacks, water and cash; facilities are basic.
Buy the combo ticket and also swim at Cenote Escondido across the road.
Shower first and skip sunscreen and insect repellent.

Nearby cenotes

Open cenote

Casa Cenote

Semi-open cenote

Gran Cenote

Semi-open cenote

Cenote Calavera

See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Why is cenote water so clear?, Types of cenotes, Wildlife in cenotes, How much do cenotes cost?

Cenote Cristal FAQs

Is Cenote Cristal on the same ticket as Escondido?

They are on opposite sides of Highway 307 south of Tulum, and one ticket for both is commonly reported.

Is Cenote Cristal near Cenote Escondido?

Yes, they are directly across Highway 307 from each other and share one ticket office, so most people visit both.

How much is Cenote Cristal?

A source updated in January 2025 reports 150 MXN per cenote or 300 MXN for both Cristal and Escondido (checked 2026-10-03). Prices vary between sources, so confirm at the ticket office and bring cash.

How deep is Cenote Cristal?

It is reported to reach a maximum depth of about 15 m (49 ft).

Is Cenote Cristal the same as Cenote Naharon?

Yes. Naharon is another name for Cenote Cristal, and some English sites call it Crystal Cenote.

How far is Cenote Cristal from Tulum?

A few kilometres south of Tulum on Highway 307, about 10 minutes by car or 15–20 minutes by bike.

Is Cenote Cristal good for kids?

It is considered family-friendly thanks to its easy platforms into the water, but it is deep, so children and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket.