Cenote Sac Actun: Our Guide to The Longest Underwater Cave System

Since we visited Mexico, we knew this land has so many things to offer, and we decided to explore this land of wonders as deep as we could. In our research, we realized our experience wouldn’t be complete if we wouldn’t visit a cenote: an otherworldly place. 

But wait… what is a cenote? If you haven’t heard about it, let us introduce you to one of nature’s best creations! A cenote is an underground sinkhole that forms when limestone bedrock collapses and reveals stunning crystal-clear water. Imagine swimming with tropical fish in a natural pool that looks like it could be from a fairy tale. That’s what a cenote is like! 

Located in Mexico, each cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula will make you have a lot of fun, and one of the best vacations of your life! Since we visited our first cenote in Mexico, we fell in love and we decided to visit the most cenotes we can! And if you are thinking of making a trip and include a cenote, Cenote Sac Actun is a must- visit destination! Especially if you are into snorkeling and diving… so if you are ready to have the experience of your life visiting a cenote, keep reading and discover all you need to know!

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Located in: Carretera Federal 307 (Cancun-Chetumal), 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

PERFECT FOR: Swimming, snorkeling, diving. 

CLOSEST CITIES (approximately driving time):

• Tulum: 10 minutes
• Playa del Carmen: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Cancun: 2 hours

ENTRANCE PRICE: 350 MXN pesos per person

OPEN HOURS: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

First of all, try to arrive before lunchtime to avoid any crowds. While this isn’t the most popular tourist spot, it’s always better to enjoy your tour in a smaller group.

The entrance fee includes gear and a guided tour (if you’re opting for snorkeling). The tour lasts around 40-60 minutes, and during that time, you’ll get to see some incredible sights like stalactites, crystal clear water, and even some bats. If you’re lucky, you might spot some catfish, prawns, or even a tarantula!

Parking is free of charge, and the water temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, which might be a bit chilly for some. If you’re not used to cold water, consider renting a wetsuit for an additional expense. And don’t forget to bring an underwater camera! You’ll definitely want to capture the beauty of this place.

It’s also a good idea to bring your own flashlight or rent one on-site, as it’ll allow you to see more and give you some extra comfort. And don’t forget to bring a towel with you after your swim. You can change in and out of your bathing suit in the toilets on-site, and it’s always a good idea to use those toilets before taking the plunge into the cold water!

Cenote Sac Actun is a cenote located underground under the jungle of the Riviera Maya. Sac Actun means white cave in mayan Spanish, and it is because of the color of the cave. With its impressive white color, the landscape for swimming, snorkeling or even just diving is another worldly experience! 

Swimming in these freshwater-filled sinkholes is an absolutely incredible experience. The water is unbelievably clear, making it the perfect opportunity for some stunning underwater photography.

But swimming in cenotes like Sac Actun is more than just a refreshing dip. It’s a chance to explore a whole new world – one that’s hidden underground. This cenote in particular is incredibly special because it’s part of the world’s longest underwater cave network that we know of today. Can you imagine the thrill of diving through the underground passageways and discovering all sorts of fascinating rock formations, plants, and creatures?

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like swimming or diving in a cenote. It’s a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll feel like you’re in another world altogether, and it’s truly unforgettable. So, grab your gear and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at cenote Sac Actun!

Also known as “Pet Cemetery”, Cenote Sac Actun it’s a really cool cave system located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Some people call it “Pet Cemetery” because it’s a treasure trove of fossils from animals that lived there thousands of years ago. It’s like stepping back in time!

Scientists and explorers have discovered all kinds of interesting things in the cenote, like clay pots, jewelry, and even human sacrifices from the Mayan civilization. And get this, they even found the remains of mammoths and giant sloths! Can you imagine how huge those creatures must have been?

But the most mind-blowing discovery of all was the skull of a girl who lived there over 12,000 years ago. It’s crazy to think about how different life was back then, and this discovery even changed the history of how humans colonized America. So, if you’re up for an adventure and want to explore the mysteries of the past, you should definitely check out Cenote Sac Actun!

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Did you know that in most of the cenotes it is forbidden to wear artificial sunscreen? Well, let us tell you!

Cenotes are basically giant natural swimming pools formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, and the water in them is incredibly clear and pure. In fact, some cenotes are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, which is pretty amazing.

But here’s the thing: the chemicals in sunscreen can actually damage the delicate ecosystem in the cenote. The water is home to all kinds of plants and animals, including fish and other aquatic creatures, and the chemicals in sunscreen can harm or even kill them.

That’s why many cenotes have banned the use of sunscreen altogether. Some tour operators even require you to shower off any sunscreen or other products before entering the cenote to make sure the water stays as pure as possible!