Snorkeling the Cenotes in the Mayan Riviera

The Mayan Riviera has very few above ground sources of water and these cenotes join up to underground rivers that lead into the ocean.

Getting to Cancun

Upon entering the Cancun airport things are relatively easy to navigate. Customs lines are long but go quickly. Luggage is then picked up and everyone heads to immigration, which can take a bit of time as each piece of luggage is scanned upon exiting. After that there are lots of taxi people that are hanging around, so it’s a good idea for travelers to have made reservations and know where they are going before exiting.

Renting a Car in Cancun

Don’t be afraid to rent a car here. It’s easy to get around and hard to get lost as there is only one main road. Beware of insurance additions at the rental car agencies. Rental costs can easily be doubled with the addition of taxes and the insurances that are required. Also be aware of girls in the rental car area trying to sell timeshares.

Where to stay in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen?

Either is fine. Playa del Carmen is actually closer to the Cenotes. A recommendation is the Barcelo Maya Palace All Inclusive resort. It's massive, has great food and great accommodations.

Hidden Worlds

The best cenote snorkeling is at Hidden Worlds. In addition to snorkeling, they also offer zip lining and rappelling. Different package options are offered. For cenote snorkeling, The Church Cenote and Tak be Hal Cenote are both very large caverns. A guide is provided and will point out items of interest. To get back to the cenotes, travel is by “Mexican Limo” which is a 15 minute tractor/bus through the jungle. The first cenote, the Church, has some pretty steep stairs that visitors actually have to climb down backwards. The water in the cenote is very cold, 72 degrees, so be sure to rent a wet suit. There aren’t many fish in the cenotes but there are lots of stalactites and stalagmites.

Paths through the jungle will lead to the next cenote, Tak Be Hal, but don’t worry there is still a guide to get everyone there. Bring bug spray as there are tons of mosquitoes. Make sure to reapply it when getting out of the water. This cenote is even a larger cavern than The Church and patrons can actually repel or zip line into it.

Snorkeling in fresh water is definitely a different experience than snorkeling in salt water and is highly recommended.