Cenote Calavera
Dive into the 'Skull Cenote' near Tulum, featuring unique openings, crystal-clear waters, and thrilling jump platforms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Cenote Calavera
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the 'Skull Cenote' near Tulum, featuring unique openings, crystal-clear waters, and thrilling jump platforms.
"Such a fun cenote, you don’t need a life jacket which is great if you want to jump through the holes."
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
To enjoy a more peaceful visit, aim for opening time or late afternoon.
💰 Cash is King
Many cenotes, including Calavera, prefer cash payments for entry fees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Skull Entrance
Top of the cenote
Three distinct holes in the ground resemble a skull from above, offering a unique photo op and thrilling jump points.
Jumping Platforms
Various heights
Leap into the crystal-clear waters from different elevated rock formations for an exhilarating adventure.
Crystal Clear Waters
Main cenote pool
Immerse yourself in refreshing, pristine waters perfect for swimming and observing the underwater world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Fewer Crowds
Cash & Camera Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
To enjoy a more peaceful visit, aim for opening time or late afternoon.
💰 Cash is King
Many cenotes, including Calavera, prefer cash payments for entry fees.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Check if there's an extra charge for professional cameras or GoPros. Phones are usually fine.
🤿 Life Jackets Optional
If you're a confident swimmer, you might not need a life jacket to jump.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early or Late
To enjoy a more peaceful visit, aim for opening time or late afternoon.
💰 Cash is King
Many cenotes, including Calavera, prefer cash payments for entry fees.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Check if there's an extra charge for professional cameras or GoPros. Phones are usually fine.
🤿 Life Jackets Optional
If you're a confident swimmer, you might not need a life jacket to jump.
☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the delicate ecosystem by using only reef-safe sunscreen.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cenote Calavera is praised for its unique 'skull' entrance, clear waters, and exhilarating jumping platforms. Visitors appreciate its proximity to Tulum and the well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and food options. While some find the food and drink prices a bit high, the overall experience is considered fun and picturesque, especially when visited during less crowded times.
"The cenote is located close to the town and is easy to reach — we walked there.
There is an entrance fee, and there’s an extra charge if you want to use a camera. Life jackets are also available for an additional fee.
The cenote isn’t very big, but the area is well-maintained, clean, and beautiful. You can swim, watch the fish, or observe the bats. There’s also a platform for jumping into the water.
We arrived about two hours after opening and stayed until closing. It wasn’t too crowded. There are hammocks and loungers where you can relax, as well as a bar and food available for order.
There are also showers and restrooms on-site.
Make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen — think about nature! 🌿"
valeriia u.
"Such a fun cenote, you don’t need a life jacket which is great if you want to jump through the holes. We went at 4pm on a Monday. I believe it was $300 pesos cash only at the entrance. They charge extra if you bring a professional camera but phone is okay. Since it was end of day, there was barely any people there so we got to enjoy the place and take photos as we wanted. We tried their margaritas which were very nice and the ceviche was so tasteful. A bit on the expensive side compared to the center of Tulum but not crazy expensive. Overall it’s a pretty nice cenote to go visit"
Nathalia Barbillo
"My favorite cenote experience. It was more low key then others and actually had some time there all to myself.
Beautiful clear water and was great temp for swimming in. The adventure of jumping was exhilarating."
Steve Hopkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Calavera is conveniently located just a short drive or walk from Tulum town. Many visitors report walking there, which takes about 20 minutes from Tulum Centro. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, it's quite accessible and close to Tulum, making it a popular choice for day-trippers.
Renting a car is a great option for exploring multiple cenotes in the Yucatan. Platforms like Skyscanner can help find deals on car rentals.
While taxis are available, renting a car or using a scooter offers more flexibility for visiting several cenotes in one day.
Public transport directly to smaller cenotes can be limited. It's often easier to arrange a taxi or join a tour if you don't have your own vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 250-300 pesos per person, though prices can vary. It's often cash-only, so be prepared.
Generally, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. Booking in advance isn't usually necessary unless you're part of a specific tour group.
Yes, there's often an additional fee for using professional cameras or GoPros. Phone cameras are usually permitted without extra charge.
Life jackets are typically available for rent at an additional fee, but many visitors find them optional if they are comfortable swimmers.
Cenote Calavera is usually open from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check current hours before your visit.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, jump from the various platforms, observe fish and bats, and relax on hammocks or loungers.
Absolutely! The cenote offers clear, refreshing waters perfect for swimming. While not a primary diving spot, its caves offer some exploration potential.
Yes, the cenote is well-maintained and offers clean restrooms and showers for visitors.
Visitors have reported seeing birds and bats around the cenote, adding to the natural ambiance.
While children can enjoy swimming, adult supervision is crucial, especially around the jumping platforms. Life jackets are recommended for younger or less confident swimmers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar and food available for order, including items like ceviche and margaritas.
Food and drinks can be a bit on the expensive side compared to town, but many find them enjoyable and worth the price.
You can find options like ceviche and refreshing margaritas, perfect for a post-swim treat.
It's generally best to check the cenote's policy on outside food and drinks, as some may have restrictions.
Specific dietary options are not widely mentioned, so it's advisable to inquire directly or bring your own snacks if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'skull' entrance, the jumping platforms, and the clear water itself offer fantastic photo opportunities. The well-maintained area is very picturesque.
Absolutely! Your phone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the beauty of Cenote Calavera, and it typically avoids extra camera fees.
The unique skull-like openings and the thrill of jumping into the water provide dynamic and memorable photo moments.
Drone usage policies can vary greatly. It's best to inquire directly with the cenote management before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer people, making for more serene and less crowded shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people. Be mindful of potential extra fees for professional camera equipment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Skull Cenote
The cenote itself is a semi-open type, meaning it has a partial roof, allowing sunlight to filter through and illuminate the crystal-clear waters below. This interplay of light and shadow creates a magical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both swimming and photography. Beyond its striking appearance, Cenote Calavera is steeped in local lore and mystery. Some TikTok videos hint at theories and legends surrounding cenotes, with one creator even mentioning the possibility of seeing faces in the water when it's still.
For those seeking a bit more thrill, the cenote offers various jumping points. Visitors can choose to descend via a ladder or take the plunge from the elevated rock formations. The water depth varies, with some areas around the jumping points being around 3 meters deep.
It's important to note that while the cenote is generally safe, especially for confident swimmers, always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Navigating Cenote Calavera: Tips for a Smooth Visit
This strategy allows for a more relaxed swim and better opportunities for photos without feeling rushed. Some visitors have shared that going around 4 PM on a Monday resulted in a nearly empty cenote, offering a truly serene experience. Practicalities like payment and gear are also important to consider. Be prepared to pay the entrance fee in cash, as many cenotes in the region operate on a cash-only basis.
For the environmentally conscious traveler, using reef-safe sunscreen is highly encouraged to protect the delicate aquatic ecosystem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit