My Guide to Gran Cenote, Tulum
Surrounded by lush jungle and intricate cave formations, Gran Cenote is one of the must-visits in Tulum. Here’s my detailed guide on how to get there, when to visit etc.
Gran Cenote is one of the most famous cenotes in Tulum — and rightfully so. As part of the Sac Actun cave system, Gran Cenote features open-air swimming areas and a beautiful bat-filled cavernous tunnel to swim through.
When the sunlight filters through the water, the cave gets illuminated with an ethereal glow. As you glide through the underwater cavern with your snorkeling mask, you’ll technicolored fish and even terrapins (freshwater turtles) that live this spearmint water.
But as you can imagine, Gran Cenote can get crowded with tourists. In this guide, I will share my tips on visiting the cenote, including the best time to visit and other privy information.
Table of Contents
- Gran Cenote: Ethereal Underwater Adventure
- Why Visit Gran Cenote, Tulum?
- What is a Cenote?
- The Importance of the Cenotes to the Mayan
- What Type of Cenote is Gran Cenote?
- Entrance Fees for Gran Cenote
- Gran Cenote Opening Hours
- Location of Gran Cenote Tulum
- How to Get to Gran Cenote Tulum
- The Best Gran Cenote Tour
- Facilities at Gran Cenote Tulum
- Is Gran Cenote Safe?
- Gran Cenote with Kids
- Rules at Gran Cenote Tulum
- What to Pack for Gran Cenote Tulum
- Is It Worth Visiting Gran Cenote?
Gran Cenote: Ethereal Underwater Adventure
As part of the Sac Actun cave system, Gran Cenote is composed of two large sinkholes connected by an intricate underwater cave system. The main cenote is 140 square meters and is partially exposed to the sky. This allows sunlight to filter through the foliage, casting a dreamlike glow on the crystal-clear waters below.
Gran Cenote is one of the best places in Tulum for underwater adventures like snorkeling and swimming. Thanks to its exceptional clear waters, you’ll be able to see marine life clear as day on these adventures. There’s also a closed-off section specially for preserving turtles and other marine life. You don’t need a tour to visit the cenote.
Why Visit Gran Cenote, Tulum?
Living in the Riviera Maya, we’ve visited over 50 cenotes; and Gran Cenote is truly one of the most beautiful cenotes we’ve seen.
There are two staircases to Gran Cenote but the two sinkholes are inter-connected by underground caves. The main sinkhole features a small cavern, larger staircase, translucent waters, and a sitting area perfect for relaxing in between dips. You can also leave your belongings here, though there are lockers for that too.
If you want to be surrounded by less people, head to the second sinkhole further in the cave system. It’s far less crowded and makes for a spectacular backdrop for pictures. While tripods and SLRs are not allowed here, phone photography is still allowed, so you can snap a quick memory of this breathtaking spot.
What is a Cenote?
Let’s back it up a bit and dive into what a cenote really is. A cenote (pronounced as “seh-no-tay”) is a natural freshwater sinkhole formed when limestone caves collapse. The natural sinkhole is fed by the filtration of rain and by the currents of underground rivers. That is why when swimming in a cenote you feel so much freshness. The water never gets above 75°F (23°C)!
The Yucatan Peninsula is scattered with over 7,000 cenotes and caves. This vast network of fractures drains the rainwater from the surface into many vast underground river systems. You can find cenotes all over the world, but only in the Yucatan Peninsula can you find concentration of cenotes in one area.
There are 3 types of cenotes:
- Open Cenotes – Open cenotes are natural swimming holes, where the roof have collapsed to create an exposed pool. Some of these cenotes are also connected through underwater tunnels.
- Semi-open Cenotes – This type of cenote has some parts that are exposed and some parts in a cave, covered by stalagtites and stalacmites.
- Cave Cenotes – This type of cenote can be accessed via a ground-level entrance. Once you make your way in, it opens up to an underground pool. The water in this type of cenote tends to be colder.
The Importance of the Cenotes to the Mayan
The word cenote comes from the Maya word “D’zonot” or “Ts’onot”, which means “well”. The ancient Mayans believed that the cenotes were a portal through which they could communicate with the gods. They performed rituals in the cenotes which were considered sacred to them.
These days, cenotes are popular attractions in the Riviera Maya that appeal to outdoorsy travelers and adventurous families. If you’re looking to steer off the beaten path, a visit to the cenotes will definitely help you get acquainted with the raw, natural side of the Riviera Maya.
What Type of Cenote is Gran Cenote?
Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote, with the roof of the cenote partially collapsed and parts of the cave accessible from the water. It is made up of two inter-connected sinkholes, linked by natural waterways that weave through the site.
To get in, you’ll have to jump from the cave opening from a height of around 2 meters. Inside, you can explore both sunlit, shallow pools and shadowy cavernous spaces teeming with marine life.
Entrance Fees for Gran Cenote
Adults pay 500 MXN (US$25) and kids under 12 go in for free. Only cash is accepted!
After paying the entrance fee, you’ll be provided life jackets and goggles as a complentary. However, make sure to rent out a locker where you’ll store valuables like your car keys, wallets, and others.
These lockers go for around 30 MXN (US$1.5) but you’ll leave your ID as a deposit. At the entrance of the property, there’s a small toll office where you pay the entrance fees and rent the lockers.
Gran Cenote Opening Hours
Gran Cenote is open from 8 AM to 4:45 PM everyday.
To avoid the crowd, I suggest visiting Gran Cenote in the morning. It tends to get busy around noon. And if you come too late in the afternoon, you might not be allowed to enter as they’ve reached their maximum capacity.
Also, try to visit during the week as it will be packed on a weekend. While it is one of the biggest in Tulum, it can get pretty crowded, especially in the high season. So, if you want an exclusive experience, plan your trip in shoulder months. Read here for the best month to visit Tulum.
Location of Gran Cenote Tulum
At just a 7-minute drive from downtown, Gran Cenote is one of the closest sinkholes from Tulum. It’s easy to get to by car or colectivo. Below are instructions on how to get there.
Gran Cenote is surrounded by a few other cenotes, including Cenote Calavera, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Cenote Atik. They’re all located along the same road and can easily be visited in one day.
Here are the driving distances and time taken:
- From Tulum – 2.6 miles (4.3km); 7-minute drive
- From Playa del Carmen – 41.27 miles (66.4km); 54-minute drive
- From Cancun – 82 miles (133km); 1h 52m drive
Click to see its location on Google Maps.
How to Get to Gran Cenote Tulum
By Car Rental
It’s cheap and easy to rent a car in Tulum, with pickup/dropoff at the airport. An economy rental car in Tulum averages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon). We always use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve consistently given us the best prices and customer service.
To get here, you need to drive north via the 109 highway from Tulum centro. There is free parking on-site.
Search for car rentals in Tulum!
By Bicycle Rental
If you’re on a budget but would still like the freedom to get around Tulum easily, I suggest renting a bike. Tulum is big on bikes, and they’re cheap to hire in town or from your resort. You can rent one of the ubiquitous turquoise bikes for just 150 MXN (US$7) per days from Ola Bike on Avenida Coba.
Since Gran Cenote is only 4km from Tulum pueblo, it’s close enough to reach by bike. The bike ride from Tulum to Gran Cenote should take about 20-35 minutes. Just practice caution as you’ll be cycling on a highway (thou it’s just a small two-lane road towards the jungle).
By Taxi
Sadly Uber doesn’t work in the Riviera Maya, but taxis are readily available. That said, it can be difficult to find a cab driver that’ll give you a reasonable price. From Tulum, a taxi ride to the cenote will cost about 100 MXN (US$6) each way.
By Colectivo
From Tulum, take a colectivo anywhere along the highway, bound for Coba. Colectivos usually leave only when they’re full. A single ride is just 30 MXN (US$1.50). Let the driver know you’re going to Gran Cenote and he’ll drop you right in front. You’ll see a huge car park with a big fence, you can’t miss it!
The Best Gran Cenote Tour
If you don’t want to drive or take a taxi, the best way to explore Gran Cenote is on this Cenote Triple Adventure Tour. This half-day excursion takes you to three stunning cenotes; Gran Cenote, Cenote Zemway, and Casa Cenote. Led by a professional guide, this adventure includes a safety briefing, snorkel gear, bottled water, light snacks, and transportation. Book your tour here.
Facilities at Gran Cenote Tulum
Before changing into your swimwear, you’re required to take a quick rinse before heading to the cenote. This is meant to wash off any cosmetics or sunscreen to preserve the water’s natural clarity. There are lockers, toilets, and outdoor showers, but don’t expect hotel standards! Facilities at these cenotes tend to be very basic.
There are no changing rooms as such but you can use the toilets. The lockers cost a small fee (30 MXN) but are highly recommended if you have any valuables. Gran Cenote is not really wheelchair-friendly, as are most cenotes in Tulum. The trails are uneven throughout the site.
Gran Cenote also allows guests to bring their snacks and drinks if they want. If you’d rather buy, there are several food stalls outside the entrance that sell simple Mexican antojitos like quesadillas and tacos. There’s plenty of space for picnics and I was able to enjoy a meal with my daughter after our swim.
Is Gran Cenote Safe?
Gran Cenote is safe, even for those who may feel uneasy about swimming in these natural waters. The underwater terrain, with its large boulders and plant life, can seem intimidating at first, but wearing a life vest will help you feel safe. Life jackets are provided for free at the entrance.
Also, make sure to bring water shoes for better grip on the slippery rocks. What makes Gran Cenote special is its raw, unspoiled environment. It’s perfect for those who want to step away from the resort scene and immerse themselves in the wilder side of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Gran Cenote with Kids
Because Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote with deep waters, it is not suitable for kids who cannot swim yet. The bat cave that connects the two sinkholes can be intimidating for young kids. My 10-year-old was afraid of swimming through that channel but she did like the part around the main sinkhole entrance.
Little ones under 5 will need help climbing up and down the wooden staircases. However, it can also be very fun for teenagers and the more daring and adventurous little ones!
Rules at Gran Cenote Tulum
To protect the environment, Gran Cenote has a few rules:
- It is NOT allowed to use sunscreen here. Sunscreen, even reef-friendly ones, can be toxic to the fish and underwater plants here.
- It’s mandatory to take a quick shower before entering the cenote. The showers are by the entrance.
- Don’t litter at the cenote and be sure to take your trash with you.
- No pets are allowed at the cenote.
- Cameras and tripods are prohibited on the site.
- Drones are not allowed here.
What to Pack for Gran Cenote Tulum
Pack all your essentials for a day at the pool such as towel, bathing suit, sunglasses, and dry clothes to change into. Sunscreen isn’t allowed in most cenotes as it can pollute the water.
For those who burn easily, I recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards that can protect their skin. Wearing waterproof sandals or water shoes will also be useful, especially in the water (the stairways can be slippery). Don’t forget your GoPro for waterproof photos/videos!
Packing List for Gran Cenote
- Bathing suit
- Microfiber quick-dry towel
- Water shoes
- Waterproof sun hat
- Breathable, quick dry t-shirts
- Waterproof dry bag
- Waterproof phone holder
- GoPro & charger
- Power bank
- Book or Kindle
Is It Worth Visiting Gran Cenote?
Gran Cenote is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for a unique and refreshing experience. While the entrance fee is a bit higher than some other cenotes in the region but it’s located near Tulum, making it easy to visit. To summarize, here’s what I like and dislike about Gran Cenote. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.
What I Like about Gran Cenote:
- The water is crystal clear and you get to swim from one cave entrance to another.
- You get to see terrapins here!
- Life jackets, googles, and parking are free.
- It’s very close to Tulum.
- Even in the high season, there’s still room for swimming, picnics, or taking snaps.
What I Don’t Like about Gran Cenote:
- It’s not really suitable for kids (thou my kid loves it!)
- It’s pricier than other cenotes in Tulum (500 MXN / $25 USD per person).
- It can get pretty busy, especially in the afternoon in high season.
- There are lots of people taking snaps which sort of kills the experience.
For those who are planning to travel more of the Riviera Maya, check out other articles:
- Tulum Itinerary Ideas
- Tulum Packing List
- My Guide to Cenote Calavera
- My Guide to Cenote Eden
- My Guide to Cenote Azul
- My Guide to Kaan Luum Lagoon
- How to Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- My Guide to Punta Allen
- How to Visit Tulum Mayan Ruins
- Best Time to Visit Tulum
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- 30 Cool Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
- 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
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