Cenote Azul in Bacalar is one of the deepest natural pools in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. With an impressive depth of almost 300 feet and a width of 650 feet, it appears more like a lake than a sinkhole.
It’s an open cenote, meaning it’s completely uncovered by any limestone formations.
The bright blue color is mesmerizing, and many come to relax the day away here. A cord runs right through the middle for taking a rest in the water when swimming. There is a wide variety of fish living beneath the shimmering surface, too.
When traveling to Bacalar, it is a must to check out Cenote Azul. Make sure to read our Bacalar guide for more suggestions on things to do in Bacalar and the best restaurants in Bacalar.
Azul Cenote Restaurant
Visitors commonly flock to enjoy the fresh fares at the full-service restaurant right on-site. It’s set under a large palapa offering sweeping vistas overlooking the scenery and serving up delicious local dishes.
The restaurant is nothing fancy. Check out our complete list of the best restaurants in Bacalar for other great spots.
The cenote is located at the very end of town and is easily accessible by coastal road or main road. Public transportation via collectivos or taxis is a simple way to get here if you don’t have your own vehicle in Bacalar.
Cenote Azul is part of an extensive system of caverns. All sorts of water activities are available, from paddling to scuba diving, though most people come to enjoy a leisurely swim in the surrounding wild splendor.
You can kayak around the massive surface, a great way to stay dry and take in the lush landscape. You can also rent a stand-up paddleboard for a more active and engaging pastime.
It’s separated from the lovely neighboring lagoon by a stretch of land only a few miles long. It also has a fallen tree you can climb onto and jump off into the calm waters.
There’s not an abundance of spots to sit around the cenote, but it’s easy enough to grab a beer and chill in the shallow ends.
Cenote Azul Bacalar Hours and Admission
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Admission: 25 pesos
- Map
Recommended Tour: Magical Bacalar Tour with Boat Tour, Cenote Azul, Lumch, and transport from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum
Snorkeling in Cenote Azul Bacalar
The waters here are warm and clean, and it’s recommended to bring along your snorkel gear to have a peek at all the marine life that calls this cenote home. It’s mostly small fish that will come quite close and a few that are a bit bigger of all different colors and species.
The visibility here is not as clear as the usual cenote in Quintana Roo, so most skip the snorkeling and opt only to swim and hang out for the day. However, it’s worth a try, as the intricate network of roots and trunks intertwining underneath the surface can be quite spectacular to see.
Also, it’s great to go in the morning to avoid some of the bigger crowds. It’s also easy to book a tour package with any one of the numerous companies that plan and organize outdoor adventures in Bacalar. Many offer snorkel-focused excursions and will surely include Cenote Azul on their expert itinerary.
Diving in Cenote Azul Bacalar
Scuba diving in the vast depths of Cenote Azul is a challenge that experienced underwater explorers often really recommend as it offers special features and unique characteristics. You’ll have to plan ahead if this is the activity you wish to partake in here.
All the dive centers are located in Mahahual, and contacting them is the only way to be able to scuba dive at Cenote Azul. Beneath the shimmering surface, there are holes of different sizes, rugged rock formations, and overlapping roots and tree trunks of the majestic mangrove. Expert guides are available to take you on a tour of all the best subterranean sights of the cenote.
They’ve determined the maximum depth for divers here is roughly 230 feet below the surface. Due to its immense size, it’s possible to even spend days exploring all the underwater treasures of this cenote and still find new and interesting facets of its terrain.
Equipment Rental at Cenote Azul Bacalar
You can easily rent life jackets for 40 pesos per person here to enjoy a safe and easy swim. It’s not required, but unless you’re a very strong swimmer, it’s highly recommended since it’s such a deep and vast Bacalar cenote.
There aren’t any lockers to rent, so be sure to keep your belongings with you or at least in your line of sight. There’s free parking available out front, and it’s pretty simple to find despite the seemingly remote location. There are restroom facilities on-site as well.
It’s a super family-friendly atmosphere at Cenote Azul. There’s a cabana that offers massages, which is such a relaxing way to release any stress in the serene surroundings. Avoid using oils or sunscreens if taking a dip here, as they can be very harmful to the fragile cenote ecosystem. Bring cash as well since they don’t take cards, and there’s no ATM around.
Other Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen/Tulum)
This article is for the Cenote Azul in Bacalar, Mexico, near the lagoon. For information on the popular Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen & Tulum, click here.
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