Find out why you really have to visit Gran Cenote Tulum and why it is on every list of Best Cenotes Tulum. We will tell you how to get to the Cenote and share the best time to visit the Gran Cenote Tulum.
The underground caves of Gran Cenote make for a good playground for those who like to swim and snorkel.
The great location, only five kilometers away from Tulum town, makes getting there really easy.
Read also: BEST THINGS TO DO IN TULUM MEXICO
Gran Cenote Tulum Information
Address: Quintana Roo 109, 77796 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Distance from Tulum: 3 miles or 5 kilometers
Admission fee: 180 Pesos (around 9.40 USD).
You can also PURCHASE YOUR TICKET ONLINE IN ADVANCE.
Opening Hours: From 10 AM to 5 PM every day
Parking: There is a free parking area near the cenote
Gran Cenote Tulum Fun Facts
- Gran Cenote actually consists of several cenotes that are connected by wooden walkways
- The Cenote is one of the best cenotes for snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see fishes even without snorkeling or diving.
- It is home to many turtles you can readily see just by snorkeling!
- Toucans are a regular sighting in the Cenote during the months of January and February.
How to get to Gran Cenote from Tulum
1. Take a Colectivo
Colectivos are shared vans that run around Tulum and beyond. You can easily hail one on the side of the road.
These minivans will stop for you, and you can ask whether they are en route to Gran Cenote or anywhere near it.
While it is not the primary choice of people going to Gran Cenote from Tulum, it is a useful mode of transport for those coming from Playa del Carmen to Tulum – after which, they must take another ride of their choice to Gran Cenote.
2. Ride an ADO bus
Riding an ADO bus to Gran Cenote is the way to go for many travellers.
Firstly, ADO’s buses are in great condition. Get comfortable in their air-conditioned buses, complete with reclining seats.
Secondly, if you tell the driver that you are getting off at Gran Cenote, they will gladly stop there.
This saves you from another ride or a long walk to the entrance.
Lastly, ADO buses run fairly frequently, so catching another one on your way home will not be a challenge.
3. Rent a bike
Renting a bike from Tulum town to get to the Gran Cenote is one of the easiest ways to get there.
Many bike shops will offer you a one-day bike rental for 80 pesos.
While there is no designated bike lane on the road, you can take the highway going towards the cenote.
You can park your rented bike securely at the parking lot.
4. Take a taxi to Gran Cenote Tulum
Grab a taxi in town and ask to be driven to Gran Cenote. This trip will cost around 70 to 100 pesos.
Many taxi drivers will negotiate a fixed price with you, but be clear that you would like to go by the meter.
Should they insist on a fixed price, make sure that the fare is justifiable.
It is important to note that most taxi drivers in Tulum speak Spanish; not everyone will converse in English.
Have your destination written out on a piece of paper just in case.
5. Hire a Private Driver to Gran Cenote Tulum
If you are not a good Spanish speaker and have found an English-speaking taxi driver, you may want to take this opportunity to hire him for your trip to Gran Cenote – and beyond.
Doing so will not only help you arrive there comfortably but you also have the chance to see other cenotes all in one day.
It pays that your driver knows the location very well.
An alternative option would be to ask your hotel receptionist for private drivers ready to be hired for the day.
Surely, they will know someone.
6. Rent a Car to Gran Cenote Tulum
If you desire freedom and are confident to drive in a foreign land, why not take advantage of the fact that renting a car in Mexico is cheap?
Book a rental car in Tulum so you can travel seamlessly to Gran Cenote and the other cenotes nearby.
The cost to rent a car in Tulum starts at 560 pesos.
Best time to visit the Gran Cenote, Tulum
The best time of the year to visit Gran Cenote Mexico will be anytime during the end of November until the month of April.
When it comes to weather, this part of Mexico enjoys its most comfortable climate during these times.
This time frame, though, is also the time when a lot of visitors go to Tulum to enjoy Gran Cenote.
So, be prepared to share this beautiful spot with quite a huge crowd.
The best time of the day to visit Gran Cenote is in the morning, just when it opens to visitors.
Get there at 8 AM and enjoy the cenote with less to no crowd.
Tour groups usually arrive at around 9 AM.
Join a Tour to Gran Cenote Tulum
1. Cenote Trail: Caves Visit and Bike Tour from Tulum
Take this Gran Cenote Tour if you want to explore three different cenotes all in one day.
Your day starts as soon as the entrance booth opens – a way to have the cenotes almost all to yourselves.
There is a hearty brunch by the forest waiting for tired swimmers, and then it’s time to continue experiencing what the other cenotes have to offer.
Bike your way through the history of the Yucatan Peninsula as your experienced local guide treats you with stories.
Included:
- Quality urban bikes and helmets
- Professional guide during the entire excursion
- All activities and entrance fees
- Snorkel tour of Gran Cenote
- Swim, Snorkel & jump in Cenote Escondido & Cristal
- Delicious brunch in Meli-Melo jungle lodge (including fresh fruit and a gourmet sandwich)
2. Tulum, Grand Cenote and Snorkel Tour from Playa del Carmen
If you are already thinking about going for a swim at Gran Cenote anyway, why not add some other activities to your itinerary to make it even more adventurous?
Combine a visit to the Tulum Ruins with the Grand Cenote and Snorkel Tour from Playa del Carmen.
Your experienced local guide will take you through the ancient landmarks that speak of early Mayan Civilization.
Afterward, enjoy a magical time at the Gran Cenote.
Arm yourselves with snorkel gear that will enable you to see beyond the surface of the pool’s crystal blue waters.
Included:
- Beverages
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
3. Tulum, Gran Cenote Swim and and Tankah Private Beach from Cancun
From Cancun, you are a few minutes away from a true natural wonder.
Book this Gran Cenote Tour from Cancun and you are sure to have an enjoyable day with nature.
Not only will your experienced local guide take you on an epic snorkeling adventure – he or she will also bring you back in the days of the Mayan Civilization as you go on a quick tour around the important archaeological finds in Tulum.
Before you call it a day, spend some time at Tankah Beach, have a drink, and prepare to head back to Cancun.
Included:
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Professional guide
- Hotel drop-off
- Hotel pickup
- Transport by private vehicle
Is swimming in a breathtaking Cenote on your bucket list? Then check out our ULTIMATE LIST OF BEST CENOTES TULUM AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN.
Three of the most beautiful cenotes in Tulum are CENOTE DOS OJOS TULUM, GRAN CENOTE TULUM and CENOTE AZUL TULUM.
Are you starting your trip to Cancun? Then read here HOW TO GET FROM CANCUN TO TULUM.
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