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If you are looking for an original snorkeling experience, then the Casa Cenote is for you. You can explore a series of outstandingly beautiful natural caves hidden in the jungle. With its extraordinarily clear emerald green waters, the play of light and its root forest, this magical place will leave you with unique memories.

Snorkeling Casa Cenote, Mexico
Casa Cenote boasts crystal-clear, emerald waters.

How to go snorkeling in Casa Cenote?

Casa Cenote is on the south part of the Mayan Riviera, 10 km north of Tulum. From Playa del Carmen there is a 40-minute drive along the federal route 307 (35mi/60km) and 30 minutes from Puerto Aventuras (25mi/40km).

All the collective taxis (known locally as “vans” or “collectivos“) that continually travel along the federal route 307 stop at the crossroads with the little dirt road leading to the sea and Casa Cenote. It can be complicated to travel the last 1.5 miles by collective transport, but there are generally taxis parked nearby.

You will see the first Casa Cenote pool from the road on your left. Admission to Casa Cenote costs 150 pesos per person, and you will be free to explore it independently at your own pace.

Casa Cenote snorkeling map, Mexico

Water entrance for snorkeling Casa Cenote

You will enter the water at the first pool, across from the reception and next to the road. The simplest way is to sit down on the large rocks next to the cenote to get into the water.

Casa Cenote snorkeling exploration

Casa Cenote extends for about 250 meters into the jungle, leading to a dead end. The water level in the pools varies, but is never more than 25ft/8m in the deepest part.

As soon as you’ll be in the water, you will be enthralled by the clarity, light, and color of the water. It has no equivalent in snorkeling spots in the sea. Go deeper into the jungle along the natural “route” formed by the cenote.

Snorkeler in the Casa Cenote, Mexico
Snorkeling in Casa Cenote.

You will go past the mangrove, with the root forest filtering the light. The mangrove roots are real underwater nurseries and the home of thousands of newly hatched fish.

You will see many fresh-water species in the cenote, such as platys, guppies, and mollies – all well known to aquarium owners. You will definitely never tire of exploring these unusual natural pools. The incredibly clear and pure water, as well as the play of light, are a delight for photographers.

Platys and guppies in Casa Cenote, Mexico
A nice variety of freshwater fish can be seen in the cenote, including platys and mollys.

Many divers come to the spot, sometimes in large numbers. Be careful if you skindive.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Several restaurants and accommodation can be found all along the road, near the cenote.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth25ft/8m
  • Water entranceEasy, from rocks
  • Potential DangersUsual precautions
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costs150 mexican pesos pp. entrance fee
  • Restaurants nearbyNo
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.