The Riviera Maya sits on top of one of the largest underground river systems in the world, and cenotes (natural sinkholes filled with crystalline groundwater) are everywhere along the coast. Most visitors don’t realize how many are within a 30-minute drive of Playa del Secreto.
Here are our favorites, ordered by distance.
Cenote Mojarras (10 min)
A wide, open-air cenote with wooden platforms for jumping. Great for first-timers; the water is cool but not cold, and the limestone shelf around the edge is perfect for sunbathing. Crowded on weekends; weekdays are much better.
Cenote Verde Lucero (15 min)
Deeper and more dramatic, with a partially enclosed cavern. Snorkelers love the visibility; the stalactites just below the surface are surreal.
Cenote Siete Bocas (25 min)
A series of seven connected cenotes; you can swim through tunnels between them with a guide. More adventurous; not for very young kids.
Cenote Chac Mool (30 min)
A bit farther but worth it. Open sinkhole with deep, dark water and a platform 6 meters up for the brave. Famous for cave divers.
A few tips: bring water shoes (the limestone is sharp), avoid sunscreen right before swimming (most cenotes ask you to shower first), and arrive before 11 AM for the best light and the fewest crowds.