Cenotes near Riu Playacar

What a cenote is

A sinkhole in limestone that exposes the groundwater underneath. The Yucatán peninsula has almost no surface rivers — rain soaks straight through porous rock into one connected aquifer, and a cenote is a place where the roof collapsed and you can see in.

They come in four types, which are one sinkhole at four ages — open, semi-open, cavern and cave. Which one you want depends on light, temperature and whether it is raining.

What to expect at the gate

• Payment is almost always cash at the gate, and entry, a locker and a life jacket are often separate payments to different people.
• You will be asked to shower before getting in. It is not a formality — it takes off sunscreen and repellent before they reach water people drink.
• The life jacket is usually a condition of entry, however well you swim.
• Go early. Almost all of them are calm at opening and busy from eleven.

The full etiquette guide →

What to bring

• — Cash in small notes
• — A quick-dry towel
• — A long-sleeved rash guard instead of sunscreen
• — Water shoes — limestone is sharp and slick at once
• — A dry bag for your phone

Why sunscreen is banned · Build your full packing list

Common questions

Are there cenotes near Riu Playacar?

Yes. We have 28 cenotes mapped within 60 km, and the closest, Cenote Chaak Tun, is about 6 km away — roughly 15 min by road.

What is a cenote?

A sinkhole in limestone that exposes the groundwater beneath. The peninsula has almost no rivers — rain soaks through the rock into one connected aquifer, and a cenote is where the roof collapsed and you can see in.

Can I go on my own, or do I need a tour?

Almost every cenote charges at the gate and needs no booking. You can arrive by hire car, taxi or colectivo. A tour saves you the transport, not the entry fee.

What should I bring?

Cash in small notes, a towel, a long-sleeved rash guard and water shoes. No sunscreen or repellent — almost every cenote bans both, and there is a rinse shower at the gate.