Did you know that there are different types of cenotes? 

Let us share with you a list of every kind so you can visit them on your next vacation.

First things first. What are cenotes? If you live in or have visited Riviera Maya, you surely know what they are and have seen some of them, but if that’s not the case, let me explain.

Cenotes are natural freshwater wells or ponds supplied by underground rivers. In this blog post, I invite you to discover the different types of cenotes found in the Yucatán Peninsula and immerse yourself in the natural beauty they offer.

The different types of cenotes in this region offer a wide range of experiences to explore and enjoy. From swimming in crystal clear waters to venturing into underground caves. No matter which one you choose to visit, you’ll experience unforgettable moments and discover a fascinating underground world.

Closed cenotes

These cenotes are completely underground and do not have big openings to the surface, one of the reasons they are also known as “cavern cenotes”. Another way to call them is “young cenotes”, because being underground means that the passage of time hasn’t affected its structure yet.

Their access is usually through narrow passages that lead to their crystal-clear waters. Closed cenotes offer an intimate and mysterious experience, with dim lighting that enhances their beauty. An outstanding example is Cenote Calavera, known for its three small openings that look like the orifices of a skull.

Discover other closed cenotes:

1. Dos Ojos cenote.

One of the most visited cenotes in Quintana Roo due to its more than 80 kilometers in length, interconnected with other cenotes.

2. Suytun cenote:

Suytun is named after this famous path, which in Mayan means "stone center". This cenote is up to 5 meters deep at its deepest point.

3. Kankirixché cenote:

Its crystal-clear waters with turquoise tones will undoubtedly leave you impressed.

4. Chaak Tun cenote:

It has two caverns where water flows and one dry cave. It also offers a guided snorkeling tour to explore.

5. Lu'um cenote:

The youngest of all cenotes at Xenotes tour is only eight million years old. It’s a cavern cenote with an upper vault that functions as an entrance by assisted rappel.

Semi-open cenotes.

They combine both open and closed parts, hence their name. They have a wide opening at the top that allows the entrance of more light and vegetation but are also partially covered by rocks. You can also call them “mid-aged cenotes” because their top vault isn’t completely collapsed by time and erosion.

Semi-open cenotes have a magical atmosphere with rays of light filtering through the gaps, creating beautiful visual effects both inside and out of the water.

Ik-Kil cenote is an impressive example of this type of cenote and is one of the most visited in the region.

Discover more examples of semi-open cenotes:

1. X’Kekén cenote:

It was discovered by a farmer looking for his piglet, which fell into the cenote. From there, it took its name since x'kekén means "pig" in Mayan.

2. Zací cenote:

It’s one of the biggest in Yucatán. It is said that visiting Valladolid and not seeing Zací cenote is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower.

3. Ha’ cenote:

It has a wide opening the surrounds the cenote, allowing the entrance of light and the formation of beautiful underwater vegetation.

4. Gran Cenote:

Located in Tulum, it’s one of the most famous cenotes in Riviera Maya. It deserves its popularity due to its crystal-clear water ideal for scuba diving through its cave and its underwater corridor connecting its two parts.

Open cenotes.

They are the most common along the Riviera Maya touristic corridor. They are known for having a completely collapse vault, offering a total opening to the surface. They are usually the oldest type of cenote because, in most cases, they are exposed due to the passage of time and erosion.

These cenotes can have different shapes and sizes, from small pools to something similar to a large lagoon. Despite this, they naturally present a limited water flow due to the collapsed roof that blocks its connection to underground rivers.

Discover some famous open cenotes:

1. Xbatún cenote:

This cenote is filled with water that comes from a natural slope of approximately 20 meters. It is suitable for swimming and cave scube diving.

2. K’áak’ cenote:

It is surrounded by large limestone walls covered with the vast vegetation of the jungle.

3. Cenote Aventura:

A fantastic place to get in touch with nature and breathe fresh air. Because it is a protected area, it’s not possible to swim here, and this way contribute to preserving the ecosystem.

4. Jardín del Edén cenote:

Sometimes called Cenote Edén or even Cenote Ponderosa, it is one of the most beautiful cenotes near Playa del Carmen.

5. Iik’ cenote:

This cenote is completely surrounded by vegetation, giving it its particular natural beauty. Besides, thanks to its wide opening, it’s possible to enjoy here some fun zip-lines.

6. Cenote Azul:

One of the most beautiful places in the state's south, specifically in Bacalar, Magic Town. Its magnitude surprises every visitor, as well as its dark blue color.

7. Kambulnah cenote:

Here you’ll be able to see different plant species, as well as varied fauna consisting of insects, birds, and reptiles. It forms a pond suitable for swimming.

8. Elepetén cenote: 

It has a maximum depth of 3 meters in its central part. In the site's surroundings, you can admire flora and fauna representative of the wetlands.

9. Cenote Encantado:

This cenote is in Tulum’s "Hotel Zone", meaning the road that borders the beach, that on its other side hides beautiful natural gems such as this one.

If you still don’t know these cenotes, come visit them on your next vacation in the Yucatán Peninsula!