We were staying in Akumal, Mexico and decided to do a day trip to a couple cenotes. Cenote Wayak is in the Tulum area, and we decided to check it out.
It was easy to get there using Google Maps, and we drove our rental car that we had rented from Avant Car rental.
The signage by the road was a little confusing as it references “Rancho Santa Cruz”.
However, there were some arrows pointing down the road to Cenote Wayak.
There is a winding dirt road to get to the parking lot and cenote.
There is plenty of parking here.
We headed to the check-in area. It looked like they required life jackets, but we asked if it was required, and they said it was not necessary.
Sunscreen is also not allowed, and you are to shower before entering the cenote. We always use reef-safe sunscreen when it is allowed, and bring rash guards so that we can be as eco-friendly as possible.
This cenote almost looks like a little waterpark. There were a lot of people here and it looked a bit commercial.
The cenote goes in a loop, and it is all open. It looks like most of it was dug out, and I was disappointed that this is more of a man-made cenote.
The water is beautiful and clear, and there are lots of spots to jump in.
However, despite the warm weather, the water was fairly cold.
It looked like there was a swing being built in the water, but it was still under construction.
With so many people there, people were congregating on the stairs and scaring off the fish and turtles as we were trying to quietly observe the wildlife.
There were lots of places to sit and find shade under palapas. It was nice to have a table and chairs to set up at, since a lot of cenotes do not have anywhere to relax.
The park was not crowded, but I did read online that there are tour buses that come here, so it is possible you could come at a time that is very busy.
There are plenty of facilities here, including bathrooms and a restaurant (although the restaurant looked closed).
What to bring:
~ towels
~ snacks and drinks (the sign says no food, but it didn’t seem like they were concerned)
~ rash guard instead of sunscreen
~ you may want to wear water shoes
~ goggles or snorkel if desired
Check out our other Mexico blog posts.
About the Author: Marysa
Busy blogger and mom of two girls! We love traveling and the great outdoors, and are always looking for our next adventure!
This looks like such a cool spot to explore! I really hope we can make it to Tulum one day.
Such a cool place to swim. I love all the plants that are nearby.
These photos are so beautiful. That water looks amazing! I would definitely want to go there someday.
Wow! This looks like a really wonderful and amazing place to visit! The whole family would love this for sure!
This looks like a really neat place to explore and have fun at.
This cenote was really lovely, I enjoyed the emerald hues.
Absolutely beautiful. I’d love to visit there. The color of the water is unreal!
I have always wanted to visit the cenotes in Mexico! How stunning are these?!
You go to the best places! We’ve been to Mexico a few times, but we never went anywhere like that.
We’ve been talking about taking a trip to Mexico, and I think Cenote Wayak is going to be the center of it. It’s absolutely gorgeous!
The water is calling my name. Looks beautiful, calm and fresh.
I love that you had this one all to yourselves! It also looks bigger than the last one I read about on your site, you are so lucky to get to visit all of these spots.
This is a beautiful place to go swimming. I love how clear the water is. It would be fun to snorkel there too.
I’ve never seen a place like this before! I appreciate you sharing your photos with us. It feels like I am there too.
I have never seen such an awesome place before. I would love to know about it more.
Waa, I have a list of places that I want to go. And this is will be one of them because it looks awesome. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! That’s beautiful and the water is so clear. I would love to visit and take a dip here. It’s cool that it was not so crowded when you visited.
This reminds me of home, were clear springs are easy to go into. But I heard it changed over the years….Such a lovely and cozy place!
I love that the water is so clear. Living in Florida, I have a healthy concern with water I can’t see in clearly (we always have alligators, sharks, snakes, etc.). This looks like a fun place to visit.
What a fun place! I have been dying to visit Tulum!
I want to take my family to Mexico! Saving for future use!
I haven’t heard about this place before. But I’m saving info of different destinations in Mexico to make a trip in the country.
someone please please take me. this looks like an amazing trip
Cenote Wayak in Santa Cruz, Tulum, Mexico is truly a hidden gem! The natural beauty of this cenote is awe-inspiring, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere and refreshing swimming experience make it a must-visit destination. Thank you for sharing this enchanting spot with your readers. Exploring Cenote Wayak would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience!
I am fascinated by cenotes although I’ve never had a chance to go to one yet. I couldn’t help but envision the cenote resembling a charming little waterpark, bustling with people and exuding a slightly commercial vibe. While I do appreciate the allure of such settings, I must confess, I share your sentiment about it being more man-made than naturally formed. But fear not, my dear, for the water itself looks absolutely mesmerizing with its crystal-clear beauty and ample jumping spots.
Nnniiccceeeee….I would like to be in these waters and sands soon. Any place in Mexico is a beauty to me.
Wow, Cenote Wayak sounds like an amazing adventure! Thanks for sharing your packing tips as well, towels, snacks, and water shoes are definitely essentials for a cenote trip. I can’t wait to visit Cenote Wayak and have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful natural wonder.