Cave cenote · Dzitnup
Cenote Samula
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Dzitnup
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Samula is a cave cenote in Dzitnup near Valladolid, next to Xkeken. A round hole in the roof lets in a sunbeam, and the long roots of a tree above hang all the way down to the water.
Cenote Samula is one of the Dzitnup cenotes in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Samula
- Cave cenote where tree roots drop through a roof opening into the water.
- Reported depth of about 10 m.
- Small fish swim around you; toilets, lockers and life jackets are reported.
- Busiest on weekends; arrive early for the best light and fewer groups.
Source: My Free Range Family, checked October 2026.
What Cenote Samula looks like
Samula is a closed cave cenote with one round opening in the roof. Tree roots from above hang down to the water, and at midday a beam of sunlight drops straight onto the turquoise pool. A short stairway leads down to a viewing platform at water level.
Samula vs Xkeken
The two cenotes share one Dzitnup entrance and stand a short walk apart. Samula is brighter and more open to the sky, with the famous root curtain; Xkeken is darker, with a big stalactite ceiling. Most visitors buy the combined ticket and see both.
Swimming at Samula
Swimming is allowed, and life jackets are compulsory. The water is cool and fairly deep in the centre. Shower before entering and do not wear sunscreen or repellent.
Best time for the light beam
Go between about 11:00 and 14:00 on a sunny day for the vertical sunbeam. Early morning is quieter but darker; tour groups usually arrive late morning.
Getting there from Valladolid
Dzitnup is about 3 km west of Valladolid. A taxi takes 10 to 15 minutes, and a bike ride along the old Mérida road takes about half an hour. Changing rooms, lockers and showers are reported at the entrance.
What to do at Cenote Samula
- Swimming
- Photography
Highlights
- Tree roots hanging to the water
- Midday sunbeam through the roof
- Water surface reported at about 35 × 30 m
- Depth reported from about 1 m near the edge to over 10 m
How to get to Cenote Samula
Location: In Dzitnup, about 3 km west of Valladolid, in the same park as Cenote Xkeken.
Same access as Xkeken: turn off the old Mérida–Valladolid road to Dzitnup about 3 km before Valladolid. About 10–15 minutes from Valladolid.
Cenote Samula entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Samula yet. Ask at the Dzitnup entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Samula is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Samula?
Approximate driving times to the Dzitnup cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Samula: 10–15 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Samula: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Samula: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Samula: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Samula: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Samula
- 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 Samula worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for sun beam and roots, photography. At Cenote Samula you can do: swimming, photography.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Midday has the best light beam.
- Buy the combined ticket with Xkeken.
- Life jackets available.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in DzitnupLearn more: Stalactites and stalagmites in cenotes, Why is cenote water so clear?, Types of cenotes, Why cenotes have light beams
Cenote Samula FAQs
Are life jackets required at Samula?
Yes, they are compulsory and provided at the site.
Is Samula better than Xkeken?
Samula is brighter with hanging roots; Xkeken is a darker classic cave. Most people see both.
Can you visit Samula and Xkeken on one ticket?
They sit side by side at Dzitnup and a combined ticket is commonly reported; check current options at the entrance.
Where is Cenote Samula?
In Dzitnup, about 3 km west of Valladolid, next to Xkeken.
How deep is Samula?
Depth reports vary, from about 13 m to 35 m; the edges are shallow.
Is Samula worth visiting with Xkeken?
Yes. They share a ticket office and are very different: Samula is brighter with roots, Xkeken darker with stalactites.