Since the sargassum seaweed has been a problem for the beaches of the Mayan Riviera, we decided to check out a cenote instead (water-filled sinkholes that make for wonderful swimming!).
Keep in mind that if you visit the Cancun and Mayan Riviera area when the sargassum is bad, things like cenotes become much more crowded. I highly suggest visiting in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
We rented a car in Cancun from Avante for our trip, and we used Google Maps to find the cenote. It is right on the main highway and easy to get to.
There are several cenotes right near each other in this area, so we slowed down and pulled off the shoulder as we got closer.
The cenote does have a large sign, but it is still possible to miss it as the sign is at the end of the parking lot.
There was plenty of parking when we arrived. I would also describe the cenote as packed by the time we left around 1pm, but the parking lot didn’t seem particularly crowded.
We were even able to find a shaded parking spot.
We paid at a ticket counter near the parking lot.
The entry fee was 150 pesos per person (about $7.50 USD). The price seems reasonable compared to others.
On the way to the cenote, you need to shower so that you don’t introduce things like sunscreen, bug spray, or other contaminants into the cenote (standard for cenotes).
There are bathrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and other facilities.
It is nice to have the option for these amenities. We have been to a few cenotes that had very few amenities or ones in more dilapidated conditions.
After swimming for a couple hours and it got close to lunch, we grabbed a quick snack and drink for the kids so we could extend our time there.
The water in Cenote Cristalino is chilly. We spent our prior week visiting several cenotes a few hours inland (as day trips from Valladolid), and this was probably the coldest. That being said, it was very refreshing on a hot day.
Cenote Cristalino consists of several connected cenotes.
As far as features, there was a spot to jump in from above. However there are no rope swings or zip lines.
This is a long cenote, with different areas to explore. Some areas are more open air, and then there are mangroves and parts where there is a cave roof over part of it.
At the far end of the cenote, there is a swing.
There is also a platform where you can jump off into the cenote.
It is fun to sit and watch the fish, which like to nibble on your feet.
When we arrived at the cenote around 9:30 am, we had the place pretty much to ourselves.
During our time there, there was a steady stream of people arriving. By the time we left (around noon-1pm), it was like a wall of people. We are not a fan of crowds, and I would recommend getting there early morning if you want a quieter experience.
Pros: Good price, jumping platform and swing, lots of fish to see, different parts to the cenote (open air, partial cave), lots of amenities (showers, bathrooms, food, rentals), adequate parking, life jackets are not mandatory
Cons: Gets crowded quickly
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About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls. Our family loves traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
Oh that looks like a fun place to go. It looks a lot like a lot of the springs here in Florida.
This looks like a beautiful spot. I have never been to Mexico before. I hope I can visit one day.
The water looks so pretty. I would love to visit this place
We were just planning out a trip to mexico. Haven’t picked the place yet, but this one looks good!
Oh what a lovely place! I would enjoy swimming there and even just sitting and watching the fish is so relaxing!
Though I’m not into swimming so much I love the view or place. Looks so relaxing.
The water looks so fantastic, my friends would surely love it here.
The water looks so beautiful
It looks so lovely there. I’d take your advice and visit early if we get to go. We don’t like crowds either.
Wow what an absolutely stunning place to go and visit, I would absolutely love to go snorkelling in that water – gorgeous.
wow! What a magical place! Thanks for sharing it! Hope to visit it one day!
Oh my goodness. I need to go here!
Thanks for this swimming tip for the Cancun area!
I need to add this to our travel list for next year when we visit the area, looks super fun
Wow this looks like an incredible place to explore. The water looks so beautiful there.
That looks like a beautiful area. I’ve always wanted to go to Mexico. If I ever get there, this is my first stop!
We’ve been to Mexico several times, but we always go to the same place. I think the next time we go, we’ll have to visit Cenote Cristalino.
What a gorgeous place! I absolutely love all the jungle and water there. It’s beautiful.
This post and these photos have me itching for some quality time on the beach! I would love to visit Cenote Cristalion.
This is nice! I love how this entire place was crafted to look exactly like the ocean. It looks so beautiful from here.
Wow, this place is so beautiful. I love how clear the water is in that natural pool. And the plants everywhere make it look like an oasis.
wow! looks like a fun filled trip you got there.. the water is so inviting@@
Crystal clear water looks so inviting. What an oasis!
Looks like fun! Better than swimming in the ocean- more scenic
So beautiful there. I would love to visit!
That must be refreshing to swim on the water and natural spring water at that. Cenotes are natural water formation and I would love to have this in the Philippines, too.
Wow, Cenote Cristalino, Puerto adventures is breathtaking. The swimming and nature is so inviting. I don’t think I’d ever get out of the water!
I would LOVE to visit! What a beautiful place. Seriously looks insane!
Nice! Smart tip to get there early. I like avoiding the crowds too.
Looks like a fun day! The place looks so raw and beautiful. It reminds me of EL Nido in the philippines
Wow! Looks like a paradise for me. I hope I can visit soon. Maybe after the pandemic?
Heard so many good stuff about Cancun! I really love your photos! And I wish I can visit Mexico soon!
What a gorgeous place! I have never been to a cenote before, but it’s definitely at the top of my bucket list now! I would definitely get there early like you did. Thank you so much for sharing!
This is a dream for me. I have always wanted to visit one of the cenotes in Mexico. Maybe one day!
Cancun is a great place to visit. There are many things to do, nice places to stay and the price is reasonable.