Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is a stunning natural swimming hole where families can swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This open-air cenote offers shallow areas perfect for younger children, deeper sections for confident swimmers, and optional cliff jumping for adventurous teens, plus shaded picnic areas for breaks between swims.

• ✓Swimming in impossibly clear turquoise water where you can see straight to the bottom
• ✓Multiple cliff jumping platforms at different heights (ranging from beginner-friendly to 15+ feet)
• ✓Shallow wading areas perfect for young children to splash and explore safely
• ✓Spotting small fish and turtles swimming in the cenote
• ✓Shaded palapa areas and picnic tables for breaks and lunch

1. 1.Arrive right when it opens at 8:30 AM to beat the tour bus crowds and enjoy the most peaceful swimming experience.
2. 2.Bring water shoes as the rocky bottom and limestone edges can be sharp, especially important for kids getting in and out of the water.
3. 3.Pack your own snacks and drinks in a cooler since on-site food options are limited and pricey. There are shaded picnic tables available.
4. 4.Bring biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen only as regular sunscreen is prohibited to protect the delicate cenote ecosystem.
5. 5.Rent life jackets on-site (around 50 pesos) if your kids are not strong swimmers, as depths vary significantly throughout the cenote.

Visit on weekday mornings, especially Monday through Wednesday, between 8:30-10:30 AM before tour groups arrive. The cenote is less crowded during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when weather is still beautiful but tourist numbers are lower.

Entry costs approximately 150-200 pesos per person (around $8-10 USD, kids often discounted). Cash in pesos is preferred. There are changing rooms, restrooms, and lockers available on-site, plus a small restaurant area, though bringing your own food is allowed at the picnic tables.

Open year-round, but best visited during dry season (November-April) when weather is most predictable. The cenote can get busier during Mexican school holidays (Christmas, Easter, summer break in July-August). Water temperature remains a comfortable 75-78°F year-round.

Head to La Cueva del Chango in Playa del Carmen (15 minutes north) for fresh Mexican food in a jungle garden setting that kids love, or stop at Loncheria El Pocito, a local taco stand just a few minutes away on the highway that offers authentic, inexpensive meals.