My Guide to Cenote Calavera, Tulum

June 5, 2024

Of all the cenotes in Tulum, I’ve had the most fun at Cenote Calavera! Here’s my detailed guide on how to get there, when to visit, and what to do there.

At just a 15-minute drive from Tulum centro, Cenote Calavera is tucked deep in the lush jungle and feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. The cenote forms part of the massive Sac Aktun cave system. Covering over a length of 230.8 km (143.4 mi), Sac Actun is known as the longest underwater cave system in the world. Sac Actun measured.

What I love most about Cenote Calavera is how fun it is to jump into the water here! While you can climb the wooden ladder that leads into the water, it’s a lot more exciting to leap off the ledge and dive into the waters. At 50-feet (15 m) deep, this is one of the deepest cenotes in Tulum.

If you’re looking to have some fun in nature, I highly recommend including Cenote Calavera in your Tulum itinerary. Here’s more information to help you plan a trip to Cenote Calavera Tulum.

Cenote Calavera: The Temple of Doom

Cenote Calavera translates to mean “Skull Cenote” and it gets its name from how it looks like from above: a skull! The cenote has three openings: a big one where most people jump into the waters from (representing the mouth), and two smaller ones above it (representing the eyes). From above, the three openings together form the shape of a skull.

It’s said that the ancient Mayans used Cenote Calavera as a cemetery, where remains of more than 100 bodies have been found — earning it the nickname, Temple of Doom. Cenote Calavera has long shed that past identity and its water has been cleaned up thoroughly; so don’t worry, you won’t be swimming amongst human bodies!

Cenote Calavera Tulum - The Temple of Doom

Why Visit Cenote Calavera, Tulum?

Unlike other cenotes like Cenote Azul with shallow turquoise waters, this natural swimming hole has deep, dark waters that can look pretty intimidating. The water in Cenote Calavera is 50-feet (15 m) deep, making it one of the deepest cenotes in Tulum. If you aren’t a confident swimmer, you can rent life vests by the cenote entrance.

You can climb the wooden ladder to enter the cenote, but it’s a lot more fun to jump in from the openings! Since the water is deep, it’s absolutely safe to jump in. It’s only a 2-meter (8 feet) jump, even little 5-year-old kids can do it! The cenote is popular with the young backpacker crowd, with everyone cheering you on as you take your jump. My 9-year-old daughter loves this cenote; she can spend all afternoon jumping in and out.

Cenote Calavera Tulum - Reasons to visit

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.

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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.

Cenote Calavera Tulum - What is a Cenote

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.

scuba diving in the cenote tak bi ha mexico 123251586 min X3

What Type of Cenote is Cenote Calavera?

Cenote Calavera is a semi-open cenote, with the roof of the cenote partially collapsed and parts of the cave accessible from the water. Unlike other cenotes, the water here is very deep and it’s only suitable for confident swimmers.

To get in, you’ll have to jump from the cave opening from a height of 2 meters. There are two other openings from which you can jump through, but they’re really small. Once in the water, you can see the interior of the cave.

Entrance Fees for Cenote Calavera

Adults pay 300 MXN (US$17) and kids under 12 go in for free. Only cash is accepted!

Parking is free and you can rent both snorkeling gear and life jacket if you want for 50 MXN ($2.50US) each. When you rent life jackets, you’ll have to leave an ID as a deposit. If you do not have anything on you, then you’ll need to pay a refundable fee of 400 MXN (US$20).

At the entrance of the property, there’s a small toll office where you pay the entrance fees and take your bracelets. Continue driving further and you will reach the main carpark.

Cenote Calavera Opening Hours

Cenote Calavera is open from 9 AM to 5 PM everyday.

To avoid the crowd, I suggest visiting Cenote Calavera 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.

Try to visit during the week as it will be packed on a weekend. As it’s a small cenote, it can feel crowded even when there are just 30 people. Read here for the best month to visit Tulum.

Location of Cenote Calavera Tulum

At just a 10-minute drive from Tulum centro, Cenote Calavera is one of the closest cenote to Tulum. I’ts easy to get to by car or colectivo. Below are instructions on how to get there.

Cenote Calavera is surrounded by a few other cenotes, including Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha and Cenote Atik. They’re all located along the same road. You can easily visit them in one day.

Here are the driving distances and time taken:

From Tulum – 1.8 miles (2.3km); 10-minute drive
From Playa del Carmen – 40 miles (64km); 54-minute drive
From Cancun – 81 miles (92km); 1h 50m drive

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Click to see its location on Google Maps.

How to Get to Cenote Calavera 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 easily, I suggest renting a bike in Tulum. 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 Cenote Calavera is only 3km from Tulum pueblo, it’s close enough to reach by bike. The bike ride from Tulum to Cenote Calavera should take about 20-30 minutes. Just practice caution as you’ll be cycliing 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. Let the driver know you’re going to Cenote Calavera and he’ll drop you right in front. A single ride is just 30 MXN (US$1.50). Look for the large Cenote Calavera sign along the highway; you won’t miss it!

Cenote Calavera Tulum - colectivo to cenote Calavera

The Best Cenote Calavera Tour

If you don’t want to drive or take a taxi, the best way to explore Cenote Calavera is on this Tulum Monkey Sanctuary Punta Laguna Tour.

You’ll get to walk among the 500 year old trees of Punta Laguna, spot spider monkeys and go kayaking and zip Lining in the lagoon. Then you’ll spend some time rappelling into the water at Cenote Calavera before getting dropped off at your hotel. The tour includes transport from/to your hotel in Tulum. Book your tour here.

Cenote Calavera Tulum - the Best guided tours

Facilities at Cenote Calavera Tulum

Cenote Calavera has lots of benches and sunloungers for you to chill out. There’s a bar right by the cenote that offers fresh coconut, beer and all kinds of drinks. You can also order snacks and simple Mexican antojitos like quesadillas and tacos.

There are toilets, changing rooms and outdoor showers, but don’t expect hotel standards! Facilities at these natural cenotes tend to be very basic, unlike those at the Disneyfied Cenote Ik-Kil next to Chichen Itza. Cenote Calavera is definitely not suitable for those who are not mobile. The rocky trails and craggy surfaces aren’t wheelchair-friendly.

Cenote Calavera - Facilities at Cenote Calavera Tulum

Is Cenote Calavera Safe?

I can see how those who aren’t confident swimmers might be nervous getting into a cenote because of the big boulders and plant life that lie underwater. But put on a life vest, calm your nerves, and you’ll see what a gorgeous, mystical world this is. You can rent life vests at the main entrance for 50 MXN (US$2). Remember to bring some water shoes with you too.

For me, the natural setting of a cenote is what appeals to me. Here is where you can get away from the resorts and get to know the wild and natural side to the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re looking for a more developed, commercial setting, then the Cenote Calavera is not for you.

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Cenote Calavera with Kids

Because Cenote Calavera is a semi-open cenote with deep waters, it is not suitable for kids who cannot swim yet. The dark water can be intimidating for young kids. Little ones under 5 might not be able to climb up the wooden ladder.

But it can also be very fun for teenagers and the more daring and adventurous little ones! My 9-year-old absolutely loves jumping into the cenote from above – every time we visit, she’d jump in, climb up, rinse and repeat for hours!

Cenote Calavera Tulum - The Importance of the Cenotes to the Mayan

Rules at Cenote Calavera Tulum

To protect the environment, Cenote Calavera has introduced several rules:

It is NOT allowed to use sunscreen here. Sunscreen, even reef-friendly ones, can be toxic to the fish and underwater plants here.
Fins are not allowed.
It’s mandatory to take a quick shower before entering the cenote. The showers are by the entrance.
It’s not permitted to bring your own food. There’s a kiosk that sells tacos al pastor and burritos, so you can easily have lunch here. I saw people not following the rule, please don’t be a jerk like them.
Don’t litter at the cenote and be sure to take your trash with you.
No pets are allowed at the cenote.
Drones are not allowed here.

What to Pack for Cenote Calavera 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 Cenote Calavera

Is It Worth Visiting Cenote Calavera?

Cenote Calavera offers plenty of fun for those seeking something out of the ordinary! It might not have the shallow crystal-clear waters that most people look for, but it’s unique in the sense that it’s different from the other cenotes. You come here for the thrill and leave with a sense of excitement!

To summarize, here’s what I like and dislike about Cenote Calavera. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

What I Like about Cenote Calavera:

The dark, deep waters can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not confident swimmers.
Cliff-jumping is so much fun here, with everyone cheering you on!
I like the swing in the cenote, it’s so relaxing to swing on it (when it’s not crowded).
It’s the nearest cenote to Tulum.

What I Don’t Like about Cenote Calavera:

It’s not really suitable for kids (thou my kid loves it!)
The visibility of the water is poor.
There’s a carnival-like atmosphere and it caters more to young backpackers.
It has a high entrance fee.

For those who are planning to travel more of the Riviera Maya, check out other articles:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of Tulum Travel Blog. Having lived in Mexico since 2021, she has uncovered lots of secret spots and locals' favorite haunts in Tulum. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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My Guide to Cenote Calavera, Tulum