21 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Cenote Suytun in Mexico
Planning to visit the most Instagram worthy Mexico cenote?
You’re in the right place, as I’ve visited Cenote Suytun several times since moving to Mexico in 2018 — and I’m going to help you have an amazing trip.
From getting the best Cenote Suytun photos and avoiding the crowds, to how much the Cenote Suytun entrance fee is and how to get to Cenote Suytun — all the info you need about the Suytun Cenote is right here.
Without further ado, let’s get to the 21 most important things you need to know about visiting Cenote Suytun Mexico, the most Instagrammable cenote.
1. Is Cenote Suytun worth visiting?
Yes — It is definitely a beautiful cenote and worth checking out, even if it’s a bit crowded these days because it got so Instafamous.
At about $15 USD to visit, you can check it out for a bit, snap some photos, take a quick swim and then head somewhere else if you like — all without feeling like you broke the bank.
2. What are the Cenote Suytun hours of operation?
Cenote Suytun is open daily, from 9am-5pm — with the last ticket sold at 4:30pm. Head here to find out the best time to visit Cenote Suytun.
🗣️ Wondering, How do you pronounce cenote? Cenote pronunciation is sen-no-tay, and sen-no-tays in plural.
3. Where is Cenote Suytun located?
Cenote Suytun is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico. It is in a rural area about 45 minutes from Downtown Valladolid by car.
Cenote Suytun Address
- 📍 Carretera Ticuch Km 8 S/N, 97780 Valladolid, Yucatán, México
- View it on Google Maps
It is not far from the popular Yucatan travel destinations of Tulum, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa de Carmen and Mérida — and only about 20 minutes from Valladolid pueblo magico (magic town).
- Looking for more cenotes near Tulum, Mexico? Check out 35 Best Tulum Cenotes + Free Cenotes in Tulum Map
- Looking for more cenotes near Merida, Mexico? Check out 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit
Cenote Suytun Map
I recommend anyone visiting to get a Mexico SIM Card, as your signal can go in and out in the more rural parts of the Yucatan, where the Suytun Cenote is.
You can also download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me before you drive to Cenote Suytun.
What’s the Cenote Suytun phone number?
The official Cenote Suytun website lists their phone number as +52-999-227-5696.
However, after living in Mexico since 2018, I’ve found Facebook Messenger and/or Whatsapp work better than a phone call.
4. Here are the Best Cenote Suytun Tours
Want to take one of the tours to Cenote Suytun instead of trying to figure it all out on your own? Smart choice!
- Best Cenote Suytun group tour: Discovering the Best Instagram Cenotes in Yucatan Tour
- Best Cenote Suytun private tour: Cenote Suytun & Cenote Oxman with a Local Expert
- Best Cenote Suytun night tours: The cenote offers this package to visit cenote after it’s closes to the public, plus a Mayan ceremony, and dinner.
Suytun Cenote tours are great because someone else handles the transportation, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Tours to Cenote Suytun are also great because this is a small cenote, so you’ll always visit at least one other Yucatan cenote and maybe even some Mayan ruins in Mexico like Chichen Itza Ruins, Coba Mayan Ruins and Ek-Balam Ruins.
5. How can I rent Cenote Suytun Cabins and stay the night?
One of the best-kept Cenote Suytun secrets is that you can stay onsite at one of the colorful cabañas at Cenote Suytun.
Sadly, you can’t book a Cenote Suytun cabin online, but you can do so at the admission both with you arrive.
Staying at one of these cabins is a great options because you’ll be one of the first people to visit the cenote that day, since you’re already on the property.
I haven’t stayed in the cabins myself, but from the outside, they look quite nice — and according to the website, they have Wi-Fi, a Smart TV and mini fridge.
📲 However, if you want the best possible cell signal for yourself? Get a Mexico SIM Card.
6. Here’s What to Bring to Cenote Suytun
1. Waterproof Camera
- 5.3K 60 Ultra HD Video
- 27 Megapixel Photos
- Award-Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Image Stabilization
- Webcam with Live Streaming
- 1/1.9 Image Sensor
- Whats Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
If you’ve been considering getting this GoPro Hero, the photogenic Suytun Cenote is the perfect place to put it to good use!
You can get amazing shots of the sunbeam hitting the Cenote Suytun platform, and yourself swimming underwater, at this Mexico bucket list site.
2. Water Shoes
One of the best Cenote Suytun travel tips is to wear water shoes, as cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc.
Water shoes also help you not slip in general, especially when walking down any staircase entryways.
3. Waterproof Phone Holder
If you’re planning to take Instagrammable cenote photos, this inexpensive waterproof phone holder that goes around your neck really comes in handy.
With these, you can take them in water and capture the cenotes from all angels.
4. Waterproof Fanny Pack
This waterproof fanny pack is another great option. Not only are they cute, but it will also hold all your valuables, not just your phone.
Save your money on a Cenote Suytun locker rental, and keep all your belongings on you in this waterproof waist bag.
5. Quick Dry Towel (Microfiber Towel)
A quick dry towel is one of the best things to throw in your suitcase when packing for Mexico, and will definitely come in handy when you visit the cenotes and Yucatan beaches.
Cenote Suytun Yucatan does rent towels, though you’ll probably want to bring your own.
6. Waterproof Flashlight
As Cenote Suytun is located inside a cave, the interior is dark, even on sunny days.
The staircase entrance to the cenote is also unlit, so some visitors will feel more secure with this rechargeable, waterproof flashlight to enter the cenote and also swim around inside of it.
7. Mask & Snorkel
- 180° Panoramic View
- Anti-Fog and Anti-Leak Dry Snorkel Technology
- Made of High Quality PC and Medical Grade Silicone
- Detachable Camera Mount (Fits GoPro, Akaso, and most models)
- Adjustable straps designed for comfort in the water
You can snorkel in Cenote Suytun to see the rocks underneath and all the little fish.
For those who want to conserve luggage space, these small goggles and this roll up snorkel are a great option.
However, this combo mask and snorkel is the best option for snorkeling in Cenote Suytun.
🤿 Cenote Suytun Tips: If you don’t want to bring a snorkel and mask, you can also rent them at the cenote — though it’s always more sanitary to have your own.
7. How to Get to Cenote Suytun on Your Own from Various Places in Yucatan
You can certainly do a DIY Cenote Suytun trip if you don’t want to go to Cenote Suytun with a tour.
As you’ll see below, the best way to visit is with a rental car, as Cenote Suytun is located in a more remote part of the Yucatan Peninsula.
As someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, and booked many rental cars, I always recommend you book your Mexico rental car with Discover Cars.
What’s the closest city to Cenote Suytun?
Valladolid, Mexico is the closest city to Suytun Cenote, and there are plenty of beautiful Valladolid hotels for you to stay in (my favorite is Zentik Project).
This up-and-coming Yucatan Peninsula travel destination is a charming colonial town with historic churches, colorful streets, great restaurants.
Valladolid is absolutely worth a visit, though it doesn’t have the name recognition of a place like Tulum.
For those with an open schedule, check out this detailed Valladolid Travel Guide, with everything you need to know about visiting Valladolid.
Valladolid to Cenote Suytun: Quick Guide
- Valladolid to Cenote Suytun Distance: 5 miles (8.5 km)
- Valladolid to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 10-15 minutes
- View route on Google Maps
Those coming from Valladolid, Mexico have the most travel options for how to get to Suytun Cenote Mexico (listed below).
The one thing you won’t want to do is walk, as it’s very hot for most of the year and the roads going to the cenote aren’t very walkable.
5 Ways to Get to Cenote Suytun from Valladolid
1. Rental Car: The best way to get to Cenote Suytun is via rental car, which also gives you freedom to travel the whole Yucatan Peninsula!
For more info on Mexico car rentals, head to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know.
As someone who lives in Mexico and travels often by rental car, I recommended and always use Discover Cars for all my rentals.
This company’s search feature will check prices at both local Mexico companies and large international companies so you get the best rates.
2. Taxi Cab: From Downtown Valladolid, you can just grab a taxi — there are plenty, and you can hail one on the street.
What you should consider is negotiating a rate where the driver will take you to the cenote, wait for you to swim, and then drive you back to Valladolid.
3. Uber: There is Uber in Valladolid, however, there’s no guarantee you’ll have a cell signal to call one to get back to Valladolid.
This is just one reason why you’ll want a Mexico SIM Card, but this is also why I’d recommend paying a taxi who will wait at the cenote for you.
4. Scooter Rental: Located in Downtown Valladolid, head to Scooter Rent Valladolid for a scooter rental.
This is a fun, inexpensive way to get to the cenote with rentals at $100 MXN pesos (about $5 USD) per hour or $500 pesos (about $25 USD) for the day.
• 5. Colectivo: The cheapest way to get around, Mexico colectivos are small shared vans.
You can catch the colectivo in downtown Valladolid next to the bus station; just ask a friendly local which colectivo is heading to Cenote Suytun.
It will drop you off right in front of the cenote for less than $1 USD per ride.
⚠️ Cenote Suytun Tips: There is no bus from Valladolid to Cenote Suytun. The best form of public transpiration is the colectivo.
Here’s How to Get From Chichen Itza to Cenote Suytun
You’ll really only want to attempt this day trip in your rental car, as public transportation in the more rural parts of the Yucatan is sparse and doesn’t run on any real schedule.
- Chichen Itza to Cenote Suytun Distance: 36 miles (58 km)
- Chichen Itza to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 50-60 minutes
- View route on Google Maps
Cenote Suytun & Chichen Itza Tours
If you plan to take a Chichen Itza tour to see this Wonder of the World, you can combine it with a refreshing swim in Cenote Suytun to cool down after visiting the ruins.
Check out this amazing Suytun Cenote to Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Tour which departs from Cancun.
Here’s How to Get From Cancun to Cenote Suytun
This will be easiest in your rental car, of course, but you can also take the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid.
From there, use any of these Valladolid to Cenote Suytun transportation options to the cenote.
- Cancun to Cenote Suytun Distance: 100 miles (162 km)
- Cancun to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- View route on Google Maps
Here’s How to Get From Playa del Carmen to Cenote Suytun
From Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya, the easiest way is in your rental car, but can also take the ADO bus from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen to Valladolid.
From there, use any of these Valladolid to Cenote Suytun transportation options to the cenote.
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Suytun Distance: 91 miles (147 km)
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 2 hours
- View route on Google Maps
Here’s How to Get From Tulum to Cenote Suytun
From Tulum, there’s this top-rated Discovering Best Insta Cenotes Yucatan Tour, which goes to Cenote Suytun, Cenote Oxman and other Instagrammable cenotes near Valladolid.
If you want to go on your own, the way is driving your rental car, though you can also take the ADO bus from Downtown Tulum to Valladolid.
From there, use any of these Valladolid to Cenote Suytun transportation options to the cenote.
- Tulum to Cenote Suytun Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
- Tulum to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- View route on Google Maps
Here’s How to Get From Merida to Cenote Suytun
This will be easiest in your rental car, but you can also take the ADO bus from the CAME Station in Downtown Merida to Valladolid.
From there, use any of these Valladolid to Cenote Suytun transportation options to the cenote.
- Merida to Cenote Suytun Distance: 103 miles (165 km)
- Merida to Cenote Suytun Travel Time: 2 hours
- View route on Google Maps
- 💧 Looking for more cenotes near Merida, Mexico? Check out 30 Best Merida Cenotes You Must Visit
7. What’s the Cenote Suytun admission cost?
The Cenote Suytun admission fee is $280 pesos for adults (about $15 USD), and $230 pesos for kids (about $12 USD) aged 5-11. Children under 4 are free.
For those driving a rental car to the cenote, parking is FREE.
8. Is Cenote Suytun cash only?
Cenote Suytun is NOT cash only, and you can pay with card in some instances — like for your admission fee. They accept Visa and Mastercard.
You can also pay with card for food at the restaurant and for anything in the gift shop, but the locker rentals are cash only.
Now, the WiFi at Cenote Suytun aren’t great, so staff can’t always run credit cards which is why you should have cash on you.
9. Are there facilities at Cenote Suytun?
Cenote Suytun Showers, Changing Rooms & Restrooms
There are basic bathrooms, changing rooms and shower facilities at Cenote Suytun — and in fact, you must rinse off in the shower before entering the cenote.
The facilities definitely err on the side of rustic, but the changing rooms provide privacy and the showers are nice to rinse off in so you feel a bit more fresh before you leave the cenote.
Cenote Suytun Gift Shop
If you forget anything, like water shoes or a waterproof phone holder, you can buy them onsite at the gift shop (though expect inflated prices 🤑).
They also sell bathing suits, hats and cover-ups, which seemed to be pretty good quality, as well as handmade crafts that made great Mexico souvenirs.
When I was last there, they offered me a free taste of xtabentún, a Mayan honey liquor and one of the most unique Mexican drinks I’ve ever had.
Cenote Suytun Lockers
There are Cenote Suytun locker rentals available for $35 pesos (about $2 USD) to store your valuables.
You can also just bring your stuff with you down into the cenote — but know that it can get hectic down there and things can easily get lost or sadly, stolen.
Cenote Suytun Life Jackets
Life jackets are mandatory at Cenote Suytun if you want to swim, and they are very strict about this.
You’ll pick up your life jacket at the same place where you can rent a locker; just look the building with the sign that says “Chalecos,” (Spanish for life vests/jackets).
There are usually 1-2 lifeguards on duty at Cenote Suytun, but life preservers are still mandatory if you want to swim in the cenote.
10. Is there a Cenote Suytun restaurant I can eat at?
There is an on-site restaurant at Cenote Suytun, with food served buffet style.
They cost is $399 pesos for adults (about $20 USD), and $350 pesos for kids (about $18 USD) aged 5-11. Children under 4 eat free.
It includes traditional Yucatan food like cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork), poc chuc (grilled pork), sopa de lima (lime soup) and papadzules (egg enchiladas).
🍽 Cenote Suytun Tips: The food here is good enough — but if you want a really nice meal, head to one of these best restaurants in Valladolid instead.
These restaurants aren’t far from the cenote, and have much better options.
11. Is there parking at Cenote Suytun?
There is an on-site parking lot just in front of Cenote Suytun, which is FREE to park in.
If you’re hoping to have the place all to yourself, you’ll get a good idea of how many people are in Cenote Suytun by the number of cars and tour buses in the parking lot.
12. What’s the Cenote Suytun layout and structure like?
Cenote Suytun Tickets Counter
You’ll pay for your entrance to the cenote just beyond the parking lot (carpark).
💸 In case you missed it, the Cenote Suytun price for admission is is $280 pesos for adults (about $15 USD), and $230 pesos for kids (about $12 USD) aged 5-11.
From there, it’s about a three minute walk to the entrance of Cenote Suytun.
Cenote Suytun Staircase to Enter
The cenote has a paved staircase of about 30 steps, with rope handles to hold on to as you walk down the stairs.
The entrance is not lit, so this waterproof flashlight comes in handy, and the steps are usually wet, so you’ll want to wear your water shoes.
Cenote Suytun Pier (Platform)
The Instagrammable Cenote Suytun platform is a manmade structure which has made this cenote so popular for photos.
You can use this platform to enter into the cenote, but there is usually a long line to take photos here, so you might want to jump in at another place.
⛈️ Update: After two hurricanes passed through the Yucatan Peninsula in 2020, the Cenote Suytun water levels increased and the platform was underwater.
It seems the water levels have receded quite a bit these days, but you never know with Mother Nature.
To check on the current water level, I recommend you go to Instagram, search #CenoteSuytun, and look at the most recent photos.
13. What’s the best time to visit Cenote Suytun?
If you want to avoid the crowds, head there right when they open at 9am, or an hour before they close at 4pm.
A few other tips to avoid the crowds are: 1) visit on a weekday instead of a weekend, and 2) avoid holidays and holiday weekends at all costs.
If you want to get a Cenote Suytun sunbeam photo, it’s the strongest in the afternoon.
14. How to Get the Best Cenote Suytun Photos
Cenote Suytun’s money shot will include the large stalactite rock that hangs down from the ceiling.
The best place to capture this angle is from the staircase which you’ll walk down to enter the cenote.
You can also get the yoga pose shot straight on from the platform, like I did (see above).
As I’m not a professional photographer, I’m sure there are plenty of other great angles for photography in Cenote Suytun that I didn’t capture.
However, you will definitely want a camera suited for low light conditions, for whatever angle you choose.
📸 Cenote Suytun Tips: Since becoming the YouTube and Instagram famous cenote, you can now book Cenote Suytun for one hour private sessions, weddings, events, etc.
15. When to Get Cenote Suytun Sunbeam Photos
Everyone wants that “stop the scroll” photo of the Instagram worthy Cenote Suytun sunbeam.
The best time of day to get these shots is in the afternoon when the sun’s directly over the hole in the top of the cenote, and can shine straight down in.
You can also get your photos with the light beam earlier in the day on very sunny days.
16. Can you go swimming at Cenote Suytun?
Yes — Besides the photos, you’ll also want to take a refreshing swim in Cenote Suytun.
The water in this, and all cenotes, is about 75°F (24°C) year-round, though it might feel cooler because you’re out of the sun and underground in a cave.
The cenote itself isn’t very big, so you can swim all the way from one side to the other in minutes.
Besides swimming, you can float around and admire the cool rock formations above you in the cave.
🛟 Cenote Suytun Tips: Lifejackets are mandatory in Cenote Suytun, and you can’t enter the water without one.
The lifeguards were VERY strict about this the last time I visited, and wouldn’t let anyone take theirs off, not even for photos.
17. How deep is Cenote Suytun?
Cenote Suytun is one of the most shallow cenotes in Yucatan, ranging from 3.5-feet to 16.5-feet-deep (1-5m) in different parts of the cenote.
Though it’s not deep in all parts, life jackets are still mandatory to swim in Cenote Suytun.
Can you dive at Cenote Suytun?
No — The water isn’t deep and there are no caves in this cenote to explore.
For a list of the best dive cenotes in the Yucatan, head here.
Can you go snorkeling at Cenote Suytun?
Yes — You can snorkel in Cenote Suytun to see all the little fish swimming around and the rocks beneath you.
The water isn’t very deep in this cenote, so you can see all the way to the bottom in many places.
18. How much time do I need at Cenote Suytun?
Cenote Suytun is best for a quick swim and capturing stunning photos of the beautiful rock formations inside the cave.
It is a smaller-sized cenote, so you won’t need more than 1-2 hours for a nice visit — even if you’re also planning to check out the secret cenote at Cenote Suytun (info below).
19. There’s a Second Cenote Here: The Secret Cenote Suytun
That’s right — there are two cenotes at Cenote Suytun, and the other cenote is called Cenote Kaapeh.
While it definitely doesn’t pack the same visual punch as Cenote Suytun, it is worth checking out when you visit.
As so few know Cenote Kaapeh is even there, it will have (much) fewer people than Cenote Suytun.
The water in Cenote Kaapeh isn’t super clear, but you can still swim in it, and with very few people around, it’s a nice place to get away from the crowds and snap some photos.
20. What are the best cenotes near Cenote Suytun Valladolid?
If you want to check out more Yucatan Peninsula cenotes, some of the best cenotes in Mexico are located within one hour’s drive from Cenote Suytun.
There are also many amazing Mayan Ruins in Yucatan nearby, so it’s best to have a rental car to explore as much as possible.
1. Cenote Zaci
Located in Downtown Valladolid, Zaci Cenote is a deep-water cenote with plenty of ledges where you can jump into the cenote.
There’s also an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Yucatan foods, like cochinita pibil tacos, and traditional Mexican drinks like horchata.
🤑 Pro Tip: If you’re eating at the restaurant, you get free admission to the cenote.
2. Cenote Ik Kil
Considered among the best cenotes in Yucatan, the Ik Kil Cenote is a bucket list Mexico destination for many visitors.
It is only about 10 minutes from Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, and very popular with tour groups which make stops at both.
🤿 Best Cenote Ik-Kil Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Private Tour
3. Cenote Oxman (San Lorenzo Oxman)
Oxman Cenote is located on the grounds of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman — and you can also tour the hacienda.
This cenote is very popular for photos, as the rope swing plus the cenote’s tropical jungle background make for stunning cenote photos.
🤿 Best Cenote Oxman Tour: Go Maya by Bike in Valladolid (Local Market-Cenotes-Mayan Family)
4. Cenote Ditznup (Cenote Samula & Cenote Xkeken)
What’s known as Dzitnup Cenote is really two cenotes next to one another: Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.
If you can, visit them both — though if you have to pick just one, here’s some info on each of these cenotes.
Xkeken Cenote is located underground in a cave, lit up by colored lights for a funky and cool vibe.
Samula Cenote is also a cave cenote which looks similar to Cenote Suytun, with a single ray of light that shines in through a smaller hole at the top of the cenote.
Having visited both, I’d say Xkeken was my favorite because it was so unique.
🤿 Best Cenote Dzitnup Tour: Go Maya by Bike in Valladolid (Local Market-Cenotes-Mayan Family)
5. Cenote Xcanche (Ek Balam Cenote)
Besides just swimming, there’s also some fun things to do here for more adventurous travelers — like the cenote zipline and rappelling.
This is definitely a hidden gem cenote that so few visit, so there’s a good chance you’ll have the whole place to yourself at one of the best cenotes near Valladolid!
🤿 Best Cenote Xcanche Tour: Half-Day Tour Ek Balam and Cenote from Valladolid
BONUS: Here’s What NOT to Do at Cenote Suytun
1. DON’T Wear Sunscreen or Lotion
🚫🧴 The oils and chemicals in lotion and sunscreen (even eco-friendly sunscreens) will harm the cenotes.
Please do your part to practice sustainable tourism in Mexico by not applying lotion and sunscreen on the day you’re planning to visit Cenote Suytun.
As Cenote Suytun is located underground in a cave, there’s no worry of getting a sunburn.
When you get out of the cenote, you’re free to apply sunscreen, and this Bullfrog SPF 50 Anti-Bug Sunscreen is great for both sun and mosquito protection.
2. DON’T Visit Cenote Suytun on Weekends (If you can help it)
There has been quite a few mentions throughout this article about this being one of the most Instagram worthy cenotes in Mexico.
On that note, remember the Instagram vs Reality factor when you’re planning to visit.
Those people-less Instagram photos were likely taken on a Tuesday morning at 9am when there was no one else there.
Besides just photos, this is a smaller cenote, and an overall much more pleasant experience without 100+ other people in there with you.
Mexico Cenotes FAQ
What is a cenote?
There are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, the largest concentration of cenotes found anywhere on Earth — but exactly what are cenotes?
The ceonte definition is this — cenote: (noun) a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom that is found especially in Yucatan.
This word “sinkhole” describes the process of how the cenotes (natural freshwater pools located in the Yucatan jungle) came to be.
At one time, all cenotes were encased in the Yucatan Peninsula’s native limestone rock.
Over time, some rock has eroded, collapsed and “sunk in” to reveal the water beneath — which is the cenote water we can now swim in.
The cenotes aren’t individual pools, but rather, the same water from massive freshwater rivers that flow beneath the entire Yucatan Peninsula.
In fact, some cenote water comes from the largest underground river on Earth.
A Brief Cenote Suytun History
Cenotes are very sacred for the Mayan people, who used them as a freshwater source, places of worship for religious rituals, and more.
The Maya even used some cenotes for sacrificial offerings, like Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote) at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins.
Suytun Cenote history is significant in that it’s part of the two longest underwater cave systems in the world — Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha.
This freshwater source is what sustained the populations of ancient, prehispanic peoples who have lived in the Yucatan Peninsula for more than 13,000 years!
There are 4 Types of Cenotes
Of the (approx.) 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan, there are four distinct types of cenotes: open, semi-open, cave and diving cenotes.
Each type is unique and beautiful in its own way, so make sure to visit as many types of Mexican cenotes as you can.
1. Open Cenotes
You may see these called swimming pool cenotes, as they are completely open and look like a natural swimming pool — like Cenote Azul (pictured above).
2. Semi-Open Cenotes
These cenotes are semi-encased in their native limestone rock.
Semi-open cenotes have large walls surrounding the pool itself, and a large hole in the top of it so some sunlight gets in — like Cenote Ik-Kil.
3. Closed Cenotes in Caves
This one is easy because cave cenotes are exactly as the name says 😁
These are located underground in a cave, and you’ll have to access them by going down some stairs — like Cenote Suytun.
4. Dive Cenotes for Diving Only
The final type is also located inside a cave, but the water in these cenotes is much deeper so they are sought out for diving — like Cenote Dos Ojos.
🤿 Pro Tip: You don’t need to be certified for cenotes diving specifically, but at minimum, you should have your Open Water Diver certification for your own safety.
My Final Thoughts on What to Expect at Cenote Suytun
The first time I visited Cenote Suytun was in 2018, which was a few years before all the Instagram hype.
Nowadays, it’s a much different experience, and you have to be a bit more strategic about when you visit if you’re looking for a relaxing experience.
If you’re seeking some off the beaten path cenotes that won’t be as crowded, check out the Best Cenotes Near Cenote Suytun mentioned above.