Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Not necessarily. Almost every cenote requires you to wear a life vest, which is included in the entry fee. This makes staying afloat easy, even in deep water.

Yes. Most cenotes are fed by underground rivers and stay around 75°F (24°C). You will adjust after about 5 minutes.

How to Experience Cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula

Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM to beat the tour buses. Rent a car to reach rural cenotes, bring a towel, and wear biodegradable sunscreen to protect the water ecosystem.

Choose your cenote type. Decide between open-air (like a swimming pool), semi-open (partially covered by a cave ceiling), or closed (underground cave). Closed cenotes require more courage but offer the most unique light displays.
Rent a car or hire a private driver. Public transport (colectivos) will get you to main road drop-offs, but you will often have to walk 1-2 kilometers on dirt paths to reach the actual entrance. A rental car is essential for visiting multiple locations in one day.
Use the shower before entering. Every cenote site has a mandatory rinse-off station. Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent before entering, as these chemicals contaminate the fragile freshwater systems.
Bring a dry bag and underwater camera. Since you will be storing belongings on wooden benches or lockers, a dry bag is essential for your electronics and towel. A GoPro or waterproof phone case is highly recommended for the underground cave formations.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?: Not necessarily. Almost every cenote requires you to wear a life vest, which is included in the entry fee. This makes staying afloat easy, even in deep water.
Is the water cold?: Yes. Most cenotes are fed by underground rivers and stay around 75°F (24°C). You will adjust after about 5 minutes.