TOP 5 Cenotes to explore with kids in the Playa Del Carmen (Mexico) Area

Playa del Carmen and its surroundings boast some of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. We stayed fo a few weeks in this magical area dn explored so many beautiful cenotes, pyramids, jungles, national parks, beaches.

Here we share the top five cenotes in the area and why they are considered the best to explore with kids:

1. Cenote Dos Ojos–

(link to the location of this attraction: DOS OJOS CENOTE LOCATION )

Why it’s the best:

• Unique Double Pools: The name “Dos Ojos” means “Two Eyes,” referring to the two interconnected cenotes that resemble eyes when seen from above.
• Diving and Snorkeling Paradise: Known for its extensive underwater cave system, it’s a favorite spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. The crystal-clear water provides excellent visibility.
• Stalactites and Stalagmites: The underwater rock formations are spectacular and add to the beauty of the cenote.

2. Cenote Azul (location: CENOTE AZUL )

Why it’s the best:

• Family-Friendly: With its shallow and deep areas, Cenote Azul is suitable for swimmers of all levels, making it a great choice for families.
• Natural Beauty: The cenote is open and sunlit, surrounded by lush jungle, providing a picturesque and serene environment.
• Snorkeling Opportunities: The clear water is ideal for snorkeling, allowing visitors to see the diverse underwater life.
• the kids and us spent hours at this location and enjoyed every minute of it-there is also a cliff to jump off of, fishies to see and area where you can have a picnic. Go early to avoid big crowds as this cenote is popular among the locals as well.

3. Cenote Jardin del Eden (Ponderosa)– (location –CENOTE JARDIN DEL EDEN )

Why it’s the best:

• Tranquil Environment: Often referred to as a natural paradise, Cenote Eden is known for its peaceful and scenic surroundings.
• Variety of Activities: Visitors can swim, snorkel, and dive in this large, open-air cenote. There are also platforms for jumping into the water.
• Rich Marine Life: The cenote is home to many fish and aquatic plants, making it an interesting spot for nature enthusiasts.
• My family’s favorite cenote we visited out of the 5 we went to. It was good for all of our 3 generations. Lots of space, lots to explore, caves, snorkeling, jump off, swimming, sunny spots, and huts to place your stuff.

4. Gran Cenote – (location – GRAN CENOTE )

Why it’s the best:

• Beautiful Setting: The cenote features both open and cave areas with clear blue water and lush greenery.
• Excellent for Snorkeling and Diving: With a large system of underwater caves and tunnels, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced divers.
• Abundant Wildlife: Turtles, fish, and birds are commonly seen in and around the cenote.
• Cool thing about this cenote is that there are turtles swimming very close to you in the water!

5. Cenote Cristalino (location –CENOTE CRISTALINO )

Why it’s the best:

• Stunning Clarity: The water in Cenote Cristalino is exceptionally clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography.
• Convenient Access: It’s easily accessible and not far from Playa del Carmen, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
• Diverse Features: The cenote has a mix of open swimming areas, underwater caves, and rock formations, offering a variety of experiences in one location.

These cenotes are highly regarded for their natural beauty, clear waters, and the variety of activities they offer, making them top choices for visitors to explore in the Playa del Carmen area. Most of the cenotes provide life jackets and snorkel equipment (some charge a small fee). The entrance is not free and while these are quite busy tourist attractions, some of them charge only a small entrance fee and moist of them accept only CASH.