Rose's Picks
Rose's favorite cenotes near Playa del Carmen
Picked by Rose Medina, House Manager, Mayan Mansion
The short answer
Rose's favorite cenotes near Playa del Carmen are Jardín del Edén and Cenote Azul for an easy open-air swim, Dos Ojos for snorkeling through a cave, Casa Tortuga for a group day with several cenotes in one park, and Río Secreto for a guided walk through an underground river. All are an easy drive south of Mayan Mansion in Playacar.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes of clear fresh water, sacred to the ancient Maya, and they are the one thing every group asks me about. Our co-master suite is even named for one: Cenote Azul. These are the ones I send groups to, depending on who is in the group.
1. Jardín del Edén
An open-air cenote surrounded by jungle, with deep clear water and rock ledges to jump from.
Why Rose picks it: My pick for a first cenote: big, bright and easy, with something for swimmers and jumpers.
2. Cenote Azul
An open-air cenote with shallow areas and deeper blue pools, right next to Jardín del Edén.
Why Rose picks it: The best choice when the group includes children or less confident swimmers. Do both in one morning.
3. Dos Ojos
Two connected cenotes, "two eyes", famous for snorkeling and diving through caverns of crystal-clear water.
Why Rose picks it: For the adventurous. Go with a guide, who brings the gear and knows the cave.
4. Casa Tortuga
A cenote park with several cenotes in one place, from open-air to cave, near Tulum.
Why Rose picks it: Great for a big group with mixed tastes: everyone finds their favorite in one stop.
5. Río Secreto
A guided walk and swim through an underground river cave full of stalactites, close to Playa del Carmen.
Why Rose picks it: Unforgettable, and perfect on a rainy day, because the weather outside doesn't matter underground.
6. Cenote Saamal
An open cenote at Hacienda Selva Maya, near Valladolid, with hanging vines down to the water.
Why Rose picks it: Stop here on your Chichén Itzá day. A swim after the ruins is the best part of the trip.
Places change. Before your trip, Rose confirms what's open and what she'd recommend for your group that week.
More of Rose's picks
- Where Rose sends groups for dinner in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's rainy-day plan in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's guide to golf near Playacar and Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite beaches and beach clubs near Playa del Carmen
- Rose's picks for families in the Riviera Maya, from toddlers to teens
- Rose's picks for couples, inside a group trip
- Rose's night out in Playa del Carmen, starting at home
- Rose's four perfect days at Mayan Mansion
Have another question? Ask Rose.
Rose Medina answers every question personally, usually the same day. If it's a question other guests will have too, her answer may end up on this page.