Cave cenote · Tulum
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Nohoch Nah Chich is a cave cenote north of Tulum and one of the historic entrances to the Sac Actun system, famous among cave divers for its decorated passages. Visitors can snorkel in the cavern area with a guide.
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
- The Maya name is usually translated as "giant bird cage".
- Its cave system was once considered the longest explored underwater cave in the world, before Sistema Ox Bel Ha took the title in the 1990s.
- It was later connected into the Sac Actun system, one of the longest flooded caves on Earth.
- Famous for heavily decorated passages full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Source: Wikipedia, checked October 2026.
What to do at Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
- Cavern snorkeling
- Cave diving
Highlights
- Historic entrance to the Sac Actun system
- Stalactites and clear water
- Popular with cave divers
How to get to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
Location: Inland from Highway 307 between Tulum and Akumal, on a jungle ranch road (reported).
Usually visited on a guided snorkel or dive tour from Tulum or Akumal; access is via a dirt road off Highway 307.
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
- 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 Nohoch Nah Chich worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for guided snorkeling, cave diving (certified). At Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich you can do: cavern snorkeling, cave diving.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Book with a licensed operator; access is via a ranch road, not a public park entrance.
- Bring a wetsuit or rash guard: cave water feels cool after a while.
- Go with a guide; cave areas are dark.
- Use biodegradable sunscreen only, or none.
- Cave diving needs full cave certification.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: Sac Actun underwater cave system, Types of cenotes
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich FAQs
What does Nohoch Nah Chich mean?
It is usually translated from Maya as "giant bird cage".
Can beginners dive Nohoch Nah Chich?
The cave sections need full cave certification; cavern tours and guided snorkels suit non-divers.
Is Nohoch Nah Chich near Dos Ojos?
Yes, both are north of Tulum off Highway 307 and part of the same wider Sac Actun cave network.
Is Nohoch Nah Chich part of Sac Actun?
Yes, it is one of the known entrances to the Sac Actun underwater cave system.
Can you snorkel at Nohoch Nah Chich?
Yes, guided snorkel tours visit the cavern area.