Cenote Xunaan-Ha

This is a small cenote in the town of Chemuyil between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. It is not very well known and can make for a quiet dip in a beautiful cenote. There is a small trail from the parking lot to the cenote and a small gravel path around one side.

Most of this cenote is about 8-9 meters deep (24-36 feet). The water is very clear here and a good place to bring snorkels. Large ferns grow on one side of it and you often will see some exotic birds flying by.

The size of this cenote is small on the surface but it is actually connected to some very large caves. Divers use these caves to explore and can go for two hours exploring. When you dive deep enough in this cenote you get to the layer of mixed water, the mix of fresh water and salt water.

There is a platform to jump off which is about 8 feet off the water. There is a zip line but this is only used when Aventuras Maya Tours come to this cenote. Speaking of the tours, this is the only time when you might not want to comet since there will be a group of 12-18 people there for 25 minutes. Usually from 10:00am-12:30pm is the time when the tour groups come. The rest of the time there might be some divers or no one at all.

Since this cenote is surrounded by forest it should be noted that in the afternoon it starts to get shaded. This can be nice for swimming but not nice if you want some warm sun on you.

Hours

9:00am-6:00pm

Cost of entry

100 pesos per person. There will be a man by the entrance in the parking area that you pay.

Our recommendations

For the first time cenote goer we recommend Cenote Eden, Cenote Azul or Cristolino because they are right off the 307 Highway just south of Playa Del Carmen and easier to get to. For those seeking a small cenote to take a dip and you have a car then this is a nice off the beaten path one to go to that is not that far from Playa Del Carmen. If you are in Tulum and looking for a more remote cenote there are so many close to Tulum that might be better.

Where is Cenote Xunaan-Ha?

This cenote is in the back of Chemuyil town. Below are directions coming from the South and then North.

• Coming from the south like Tulum you will go north on the 307 Highway and exit where is says Chemuyil. Follow this road straight along the town until it turns to a dirt road. You will pass over several topes (speed bumps). Shortly after the road turns into a dirt road it will spit. Follow it toward the right and drive for about 4 minutes. You will see this sign on the left side of the road (see below). There is a narrow dirt drive into the cenote. There is parking at the end of this drive. One option is to park along the main road and walk in. The drive is bumpy but passable to cars. It is about a 4 minute walk from the road to the cenote.

• Coming from the north and Playa Del Carmen you will take the 307 Highway south and exit where is says Chemuyil. Follow this road straight along the town until it turns to a dirt road. You will pass over several tope (speed bumps). Shortly after the road turns into a dirt road it will spit. Follow it toward the right and drive for about 4 minutes. You will see this sign on the left side of the road (see below). There is a narrow dirt drive into the cenote. There is parking at the end of this drive. One option is to park along the main road and walk in. The drive is bumpy but passable to cars. It is about a 4 minute walk from the road to the cenote.

Have you been to this cenote? What did you think? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.

About The Author

Mr.Yucatan

See author's posts