While staying in Valladolid, Mexico, we decided to go on road trips every day. We found Cenote Samula was just over a 10 minute drive from our hotel in central Valladolid.
We drove our rental car (from Avant car rental in Cancun) and used Google Maps to find the cenote without a problem. Keep in mind this is part of the Dznitup group of cenotes.
There are several cenotes in this area that are part of the Cenote Dznitnup system, so we followed the signs carefully. The road seemed well maintained here, and there was a large parking lot as well.

We paid for our tickets at a front counter, and proceeded to the the cenote. Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken shared a ticket office, and we paid for both cenotes.

We were given mandatory life jackets, and as with most cenotes, you have to take a shower first to rinse off any bug spray, sunscreen, etc.
It is a short walk to the cenote.

There were lots of great carvings in the walkways.

The entrance to Cenote Saamul is a flight of stairs.

This is a fairly closed cenote, with a ray of light entering through a spot in the roof of the cave. If you are hoping to swim in a beam of light, you’ll want to time your visit accordingly.

There are walkways when you get down to the cenote, which is nice, as there isn’t always a spot to hang out if you aren’t swimming.

There are several ways to get into the cenote. You can wade in on the stairs, or jump in.

This is a very scenic and enjoyable cenote.

Cenote Saamul did get more busy the longer we stayed. We usually try to visit cenotes in the morning, before tour buses or lots of other visitors arrive.

Pros: very scenic, plenty of parking, easy to find, options to wade or jump in, beam of sun on the water
Cons: No zipline or rope swing, does get crowded, mandatory life jackets
Check out our Tips for Visiting Cenotes!
What an amazing place to go swimming. I need to take a trip there soon.
Wow such a beautiful place and I love the nature view hopefully to go there someday awesome place.
Wow, this cenote is so beautiful. The water is so clear and cave’s entrance looks so great.
The amenities and the cenote itself is so beautiful. Your photos makes me want to go there right now
I love how clear the water looks. I haven’t been to a cenote but I’m curious how it’s like to swim in none.
Oh wow, what an amazing experience. It looks so beautiful it must have been amazing to swim there.
Awesome places to visit. The cavings look so cool and like to take pictures of them haha. I hope you enjoyed it!
Nnnniiiiccceeeee….this must be a great place to “discover” and hang-out. I love how the sun shines unto that blue water! So beautiful.
I’ve never been to a cenote before. What an amazing looking place. And very scenic indeed.
I have never been to such a place. It is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking really.
Wow! I want to see Cenote. It looks so nice. Can’t wait after the pandemic!
The water in cenote must very cold. I wonder if there are lifeguards in the area. It must be dangerous swimming in the deep water as there might be some unknown creatures below the water.
There is something about Mexico that has always intrigued me. I hope we can visit again next year.
Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I’ve never heard of a cenote before, but now I really want to go to one. My family loves to try new things and this would be great.
What a beautiful place to relax and have a swim. I had no idea they were called cenote so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading x
For all of my life in travel, I’ve resisted visiting Mexico. I always joke that the closest I’ve ever been is San Diego. However, off the beaten path places like Cenote Samula may have me changing my stance.
What an incredible place to visit. I’ve never been but there is so much to explore in Mexico!
This place looks incredible. Would love to take my two kids when they’re abit older!
Sounds like a lot of fun. You said, “There are several cenotes in this area that are part of the …” and I know want to do some research.
Another fun place that I’ll have to visit!
Wow this place looks like quite the adventure! I would love to explore around.
I have been to a few cenotes. They are magical to me!
Feels like i’ve been to the places you’re posting!! thank you for sharing!!
I haven’t been here since I was a little girl! Brings back memories! Would LOVE to get back there when my girls can swim and let them swim in it!