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Gran Cenote is a spectacular freshwater hole bordered by jungle and caves. Easily accessible from Tulum, it is a good spot to snorkel one of these extraordinary geological formations. The beds are covered with moss and aquatic plants, and inhabited by many turtles and some freshwater fish.

Snorkeling in Gran Cenote
View of Gran Cenote pool and the entrance of the cave.

How to get to Gran Cenote for snorkeling?

Gran Cenote is located 2,5mi/4km north of Tulum, on the road to Cobá. From Tulum, you can get there by car, taxi, collectivos (local taxi vans), or even by bike (20 minutes). The entrance fee is 200 pesos pp. This cenote can be very crowded, try to arrive early.

Gran Cenote snorkeling map

Water entrance for snorkeling Gran Cenote

3 wooden stairs and platforms allow easy entry into the water.

Gran Cenote snorkeling exploration

Gran Cenote is a spectacular C-shaped sinkhole, measuring approximately 150m in length. It is bordered on one side by jungle and on the other by cliffs and caves.

The snorkeling area is made of two circular sinkholes linked by a swimmable cave. On average, the depth in the cenote is 10 to 13ft/3 to 4m, but it can reach 30ft/10m in some places.

Snorkeling Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote boasts azure and crystal-clear waters.

Gran Cenote allows you to snorkel in unique aquatic landscapes, with rocks covered with moss and aquatic plants. At the foot of the cliffs, you can also discover immersed roots. Freshwater turtles are easy to spot everywhere in the cenote, but fish are rare.

Gran Cenote also boasts beautiful flooded caves that you can snorkel in. The caverns’ roofs have columns and stalactites, and rea inhabited by bats. Follow the signs in the cenote, particularly for the caves swimming limits.

Restaurants nearby

There is a small café at the entrance of the Cenote.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth30ft/10m
  • Water entranceFrom ladders and wooden platforms
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costs200 mex. pesos pp.
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersYes

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.