Gran Cenote, Tulum: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

BySandra and Isabella Posted on Updated on
A person snorkels in clear turquoise waters of a rocky cenote, surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone formations.

The Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum—and for good reason. With its crystal-clear waters, cave passages, and lush surroundings, it’s one of the most accessible and scenic spots to swim and snorkel in the Riviera Maya.

But does it live up to the hype? In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about Gran Cenote, including practical tips, entrance fees, how to get there, what to expect, and yes—why we think it’s both beautiful and a bit overrated.

If you want to visit less crowded cenotes, we’ve got you covered! There are so many cenotes near tulum and we have included them in a detailed article.

Let’s break it down.

Gran cenote tulum

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Gran Cenote at a Glance

Gran Cenote is a semi-open cenote, meaning it’s partly covered by a cave and partly open to the jungle above. This creates a beautiful mix of light and shadow—perfect for underwater photography. The water is incredibly clear and usually full of turtles, small fish, and curious snorkelers.

It’s also one of the most developed cenotes in the area, with wooden walkways, bathrooms, showers, lockers, and snorkel rental available. But that also means it gets busy—very busy.

What are the cenotes?

A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole formed by the collapsing of limestone soil, the type of stone that the Yucatan Peninsula is mainly made of. The cenotes allow us access to the water table. These holes are produced naturally by the collapse of the roof.

Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Read more about the Mexico cenotes.

Where is Gran Cenote?

Gran Cenote is located just 5 km (about 3 miles) from downtown Tulum, along the road to Coba. It’s very easy to reach by car, taxi, or even by bicycle if you’re feeling adventurous.

Gran Cenote Map

How to Get to Gran Cenote

From Tulum:

  • By car or taxi: It’s a 10-minute drive. If you’re staying in Tulum, a taxi is the most convenient option. Parking is available on site.
  • By bike: It’s a straight, flat ride from town, and you’ll find bike racks at the entrance.
  • By colectivo: Not the most reliable for this route—you’d have to ask the driver to drop you off nearby and walk the rest of the way.

➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.

From Playa del Carmen or Cancun:

  • Your best bet is to rent a car or take an ADO bus to Tulum, then grab a taxi from there.

What to Do at Gran Cenote

Snorkeling and Swimming

This is what Gran Cenote is known for. The visibility is excellent, and you’ll likely see turtles swimming right beside you. There are underwater tunnels you can explore (they’re shallow, no diving experience required), and the water is cool and refreshing.

Photography

If you’re into photography, Gran Cenote is a dream—if you manage to beat the crowds. Early morning is best for soft light and fewer people. The mix of jungle, turquoise water, and limestone makes for stunning shots, especially from the bridges and wooden platforms.

The last time we checked though, they have a strict policy for professional cameras, and you are not allowed to use the tripod. You can take picture with your phone, and gopro, though.

Relaxing and Hanging Out

There’s a grassy area where you can lay out your towel and chill before or after your swim. The vibe is very relaxed if you go early—but expect more of a zoo by midday.

A person swims in a clear cenote surrounded by lush greenery and rocky formations under a sunny sky, creating a tranquil scene.

What We Like About Gran Cenote

  • The water is stunningly clear, and it’s an easy spot for first-time cenote visitors.
  • You’re likely to see turtles and small fish while snorkeling.
  • It’s super close to Tulum and very accessible.
  • Facilities are clean and well-maintained.

What We Don’t Love

  • The crowds. By 10 AM it’s usually packed, especially in high season. It’s hard to enjoy the peaceful surroundings when you’re bumping into fins.
  • The price. Entrance fees have gone up over the years, and it’s one of the more expensive cenotes in the area.
  • Strict rules. No sunscreen (even eco-friendly ones), no snacks, no jumping, and no fun if you break the rules. Understandable, but it can feel a bit overregulated.
  • Touristy feel. It’s very commercialized compared to other more natural cenotes.

Photography Tips

  • Go early—like right at opening—to avoid people in your shots.
  • Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera. The water clarity makes for great underwater footage.
  • Use natural light—there’s no need for filters here.
  • Be patient. There will always be someone floating into your frame.

Conservation and Respect

As always, let’s be mindful visitors:

  • Rinse off in the showers before entering.
  • Don’t use sunscreen or bug spray before swimming.
  • Don’t touch the turtles or try to feed them.
  • Stay on the paths and respect the signs.
  • Leave no trace—take everything with you when you leave.
A turtle swims underwater, surrounded by greenery and sunlight, creating vivid reflections on the surface, while small fish accompany it.
A turtle swimming in the Gran Cenote

Practical Info

Opening Hours:

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

Entrance Fee:

Adults: 500 MXN
Children under 12: 100 MXN
Snorkel gear and locker rentals available for an extra fee.

Facilities

  • Showers and bathrooms
  • Lockers
  • Parking
  • Snorkel and life jacket rentals

Best Time to Visit

Early morning, right when it opens. That’s when you’ll find the clearest water, the best light for photos, and fewer people. Weekdays are better than weekends.

A tranquil cenote with clear turquoise water, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, under a softly lit sky filtering through trees.

What to see nearby

Category – family

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5

Final Thoughts

Gran Cenote is absolutely beautiful, no doubt. But it’s not a secret anymore, and it’s far from the most peaceful cenote around Tulum. Still, if you’ve never visited a cenote before, it’s a great introduction—and you’ll probably walk away with some pretty epic photos.

If you’re looking for something quieter and more off-the-beaten-path, you might want to consider Cenote Calavera or Cenote Cristal instead.

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