Cenote Negro Bacalar
Discover the mysterious Cenote Negro in Bacalar, a deep, dark cenote contrasting with the vibrant Lagoon of Seven Colors. Accessible only by water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Cenote Negro Bacalar
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the mysterious Cenote Negro in Bacalar, a deep, dark cenote contrasting with the vibrant Lagoon of Seven Colors. Accessible only by water.
"Hauntingly beautiful, dark pool that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding turquoise waters."
🛶 Access by Water Only
You need a boat or kayak to reach Cenote Negro. No car access or entrance fee.
🚫 No Sunscreen Allowed
To protect the delicate ecosystem, sunscreen is prohibited. Consider reef-safe options if absolutely necessary.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dark Depths
Lagoon of Seven Colors
Experience the stark contrast of this deep, dark cenote against the vibrant turquoise lagoon. Its mysterious allure is captivating.
Sunrise Kayak Adventure
Lagoon of Seven Colors
Paddleboard or kayak at sunrise for a serene and less crowded experience. Witness the lagoon awaken in breathtaking colors.
+1
Legend of the Witch
Lagoon of Seven Colors
Known locally as Cenote de la Bruja, this cenote is steeped in local legend, adding a layer of mystique to its beauty.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Cenote Negro
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Access by Water Only
You need a boat or kayak to reach Cenote Negro. No car access or entrance fee. +1
🚫 No Sunscreen Allowed
To protect the delicate ecosystem, sunscreen is prohibited. Consider reef-safe options if absolutely necessary.
⚠️ Swimming Caution
While beautiful, swimming can be dangerous due to extreme depth. Always prioritize safety.
🗓️ Lake Closed Wednesdays
Plan your visit accordingly, as the lagoon is closed every Wednesday.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Access by Water Only
You need a boat or kayak to reach Cenote Negro. No car access or entrance fee. +1
🚫 No Sunscreen Allowed
To protect the delicate ecosystem, sunscreen is prohibited. Consider reef-safe options if absolutely necessary.
⚠️ Swimming Caution
While beautiful, swimming can be dangerous due to extreme depth. Always prioritize safety.
🗓️ Lake Closed Wednesdays
Plan your visit accordingly, as the lagoon is closed every Wednesday.
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the cenote and lagoon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the haunting beauty of Cenote Negro, its dark, deep waters creating a striking contrast with the vibrant turquoise lagoon. While swimming can be dangerous due to its extreme depth, the visual spectacle from boat tours or kayaks is highly praised. The legend of the witch adds to its mysterious allure, making it a unique stop on the Lagoon of Seven Colors.
"A beautiful and very calm lake, there are no waves and the water is relatively warm compared to other water sources. You can do a sunrise kayak or take a motorized boat for a ride in the different colors of the lake. On Wednesdays the lake is closed."
Aviah Shochetman
"Hauntingly beautiful, dark pool that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding turquoise waters. The edge of the cenote vanishes abruptly down to over 100 m and diving around the edge is magical. It can only be accessed from the lake however, so renting a kayak or boat is recommended!"
Martin D
"It's a beautiful place even though we couldn't be able to swim in there because it was too dangerous."
Leyla Jezabel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Negro is exclusively accessible by water. You'll need to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or join a boat tour from Bacalar. There is no direct land access or entrance fee. +1
No, Cenote Negro cannot be reached by car. It is situated within the Laguna de Bacalar and requires water transportation.
Many boat tours on the Lagoon of Seven Colors include a stop at Cenote Negro. Look for tours that specifically mention visiting this cenote.
Yes, paddleboarding is a popular way to explore the lagoon and reach Cenote Negro, especially during sunrise tours.
There is no specific entrance fee for Cenote Negro itself, as it's part of the natural lagoon. However, you will incur costs for boat rentals, tours, or kayak/paddleboard rentals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Cenote Negro as it's a natural part of the lagoon. Your cost will be for the boat or kayak rental to get there.
Cenote Negro is part of the Laguna de Bacalar, which has general operating hours. However, it's important to note that the lake is closed every Wednesday.
While it's a beautiful spot, swimming in Cenote Negro can be dangerous due to its extreme depth (over 100 meters). Some tours may offer opportunities, but safety is paramount.
Diving in Cenote Negro is possible but requires a professional guide due to its significant depth and potential hazards.
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. Remember that sunscreen is prohibited to protect the environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The stark contrast between the dark cenote and the turquoise lagoon is a prime photo opportunity. Sunrise and sunset also offer stunning light.
Yes, drone photography is popular here and can capture incredible aerial views of the cenote and the surrounding lagoon.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Sunrise offers soft, beautiful light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the contrast is still striking.
Using a wide-angle lens and shooting from a boat or kayak can help convey the vastness and depth of the cenote.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a calm boat ride or a gentle paddleboard excursion if your children are comfortable on the water. The sheer visual spectacle of the dark cenote against the turquoise lagoon is captivating for all ages. Remember to check with tour operators about age restrictions and safety measures for younger participants.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Drone photography is highly recommended here to capture the scale and unique geological formation of the cenote from above. Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the stark difference in water color and depth. Remember to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while capturing your shots.
🛶 Adventure Seekers
+1While swimming in the cenote's depths is not advised for most, the thrill of navigating the lagoon and reaching this mysterious spot is an adventure in itself. Consider combining your visit with other water activities on the Lagoon of Seven Colors for a full day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Dark Waters
+2The geological formation of cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cenote Negro, is linked to the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing underground water systems. These ancient sinkholes hold significant ecological and historical importance. The dark hue is a natural phenomenon, a testament to the cenote's profound depth and the way light interacts with the water at such levels.
While the visual appeal is undeniable, the extreme depth also makes swimming and diving here a serious consideration. Many visitors admire its beauty from the water's surface, opting for boat tours or kayaking to get close without venturing into the potentially dangerous depths.
Experiencing Cenote Negro: Tours and Activities
For a more intimate and active experience, consider a kayak or paddleboard tour, especially at sunrise. This allows you to paddle directly to the cenote, explore at your own pace, and witness the lagoon come alive with the morning light. Sunrise tours are particularly recommended for avoiding crowds and capturing stunning photographs.
+1While diving is possible, it requires a certified guide and proper equipment due to the cenote's extreme depth. For most visitors, appreciating the cenote from the water's surface via boat or paddlecraft is the primary and safest way to enjoy its mysterious beauty.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit