Open cenote · Mérida
Cenote Xbatún
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Mérida
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Xbatún (also written X'Batún) is an open cenote at San Antonio Mulix, south of Mérida, with intense blue water. A stone staircase of about 20 m leads to the water; divers explore a cavern down to about 50 m.
Cenote Xbatún is one of the best cenotes near Mérida in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Xbatún
- Open cenote with turquoise water, near the village of San Antonio Mulix.
- About 50 km southeast of Mérida (reported).
- Its twin, Cenote Dzonbakal, is in the same eco-park.
- Rich birdlife around the edge; best visited early on weekdays.
Source: Casa Loltun, checked October 2026.
What to do at Cenote Xbatún
- Swimming
- Diving (with an operator)
- Cabins
Highlights
- Stone staircase about 20 m down (reported)
- Maximum depth reported at about 50 m
- Second cenote (Dzonbakal) at the same center (reported)
How to get to Cenote Xbatún
Location: At the San Antonio Mulix eco-tourism center, south of Mérida.
Drive south from Mérida toward Abalá and San Antonio Mulix, about 1 hour. Signposted from the village.
Cenote Xbatún entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Xbatún yet. Ask at the Mérida entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Xbatún opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Xbatún?
Approximate driving times to the Mérida cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Mérida centre to Cenote Xbatún: 30–60 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Xbatún: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Xbatún: 2 h
- Tulum to Cenote Xbatún: 3 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Xbatún: 4 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Xbatún
- 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 Xbatún worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for blue water, divers, quiet swim. At Cenote Xbatún you can do: swimming, diving (with an operator), cabins.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Rent a bike at the eco-center to ride the path to the cenote.
- Wash off sunscreen before swimming; life jackets are available.
- Combine with Kankirixché or Mucuyché on the same road south of Mérida.
- Bring a mask: the water is very clear.
- Bring cash.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in MéridaLearn more: Why is cenote water so clear?, How deep are cenotes?, Types of cenotes
Cenote Xbatún FAQs
Can you get married at Cenote Xbatún?
Yes, it is a known wedding venue; contact the eco-center for details.
Is Xbatún good for non-swimmers?
Yes with a life jacket, which is available on site.
Can you bike at Xbatún?
Bike rental is reported at the San Antonio Mulix eco-center.
Is it Xbatún or X'Batún?
Both spellings refer to the same cenote at San Antonio Mulix.
How deep is Xbatún?
Dive operators report a maximum depth of about 50 m.