Semi-open cenote · Valladolid
Cenote Agua Dulce
- Type
- Semi-open cenote
- Area
- Valladolid
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Agua Dulce is a semi-open cavern cenote at Yalcobá near Valladolid, reached by a spiral staircase, about 350 m from Palomitas.
Cenote Agua Dulce is one of the best cenotes in Valladolid in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
Key facts about Cenote Agua Dulce
- Large cave-style chamber with clear turquoise water, reached by a spiral staircase.
- Usually much quieter than the famous Valladolid cenotes.
- Swimming, snorkeling and kayaking are reported; parking and a picnic area are on site.
- Reported hours of about 8:00 to 16:30 daily; entry prices differ between sources, so carry cash.
- Owned by the same family as Palomitas, about 28 km from Valladolid; a combined visit is common (My Free Range Family).
Source: The Outbound, checked October 2026.
What to do at Cenote Agua Dulce
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
Highlights
- Spiral staircase
- Next to Palomitas
How to get to Cenote Agua Dulce
Location: Rancho Agua Dulce, Yalcobá, near Valladolid.
Same road as Palomitas from Valladolid.
Cenote Agua Dulce entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Agua Dulce yet. Ask at the Valladolid entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Agua Dulce is a semi-open cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is Cenote Agua Dulce?
Approximate driving times to the Valladolid cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Valladolid centre to Cenote Agua Dulce: 5–20 min
- Chichén Itzá to Cenote Agua Dulce: 45 min
- Tulum to Cenote Agua Dulce: 1 h 30 min
- Cancún to Cenote Agua Dulce: 2 h
- Mérida to Cenote Agua Dulce: 2 h
Plan your visit to Cenote Agua Dulce
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Late morning to early afternoon, when sun reaches through the roof opening; arrive early on weekends to beat tour groups.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Agua Dulce worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for snorkeling. At Cenote Agua Dulce you can do: swimming, snorkeling.
Tips and rules for visiting
- Go in the morning, when it is quietest and the light through the opening is best.
- Wear water shoes: the spiral stairs and rock edges are slippery.
- Prices differ between sources (about 100 to 220 MXN reported, sometimes combined with Palomitas); bring pesos in cash.
- Pair it with Ek Balam or Xcanahaltun on the same day.
- Visit both cenotes in one stop.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in ValladolidLearn more: Types of cenotes
Cenote Agua Dulce FAQs
How far is Agua Dulce from Valladolid?
About 28 km north-east, at Yalcobá; roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car or scooter.
Can you snorkel at Agua Dulce?
Yes, the clear water and rock formations make it good for snorkeling; bring your own mask if you can.
Is Agua Dulce crowded?
Usually not; it sees far fewer visitors than Suytun or Ik Kil.
Can you visit Agua Dulce and Palomitas together?
Yes, they are about 350 m apart and run by the same family.
Is Agua Dulce in Homún?
No, the well-known Agua Dulce is at Yalcobá near Valladolid.