How to Visit Cenote Azul Bacalar Mexico (2023 Visitor Guide)
Do you want to visit Cenote Azul in Bacalar Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!
I’m a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen and have personally visited Cenote Azul during my many trips to Bacalar.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Cenote Azul Bacalar, including how to get there, entrance fees, opening hours, top tips for visiting, and more!
What is Cenote Azul Bacalar?
Meaning “Blue Cenote”, Cenote Azul is a large, open cenote in the town of Bacalar, Mexico. At about 90 meters (295 feet) deep, it is one of the deepest cenotes in Riviera Maya.
Cenotes (pronounced “say-know-tays”) are formed when rainwater dissolves the limestone bedrock, creating natural swimming holes and pools of water, which can be open, closed, or underground.
Cenote Azul is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The dark blue waters and impressive depth make it a beautiful place to visit.
🐟 Not to be confused with Cenote Azul in Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul is a separate cenote in Bacalar with the same name.
Where is Cenote Azul Bacalar?
Cenote Azul Bacalar is located on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, just outside the city center of Bacalar. The cenote is not directly connected to Bacalar Lagoon, but just next to it.
Cenote Azul Map
What is Bacalar’s Cenote Azul like?
Cenote Azul in Bacalar is a large, open cenote, with a dark blue color that makes it look more like a small lake than a typical cenote.
With its wide-open atmosphere, Cenote Azul is a simple cenote offering more tranquil activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking–you won’t find adrenaline-pumping activities like cliff jumping, rope swings, or zip lines here!
Since the water is so deep, there are few shallow areas and life jackets are recommended when swimming. Rope cords run through the center of the cenote, making it easy to stay in one place if you want.
There’s also an on-site restaurant, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Why visit Cenote Azul Bacalar?
A visit to Cenote Azul is one of the best things to do in Bacalar and is definitely worth checking out! Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico and this particular cenote is one of the deepest in Riviera Maya.
The entrance fee is only around $1 USD, making it an affordable activity for families and people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful natural setting.
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure during your time in Lake Bacalar, be sure to check out Cenote Azul. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim if you want to mix it up and take a break from the lagoon.
🌊 Cenote Azul is one of the most popular Bacalar cenotes–along with Cenote Negro (Cenote de la Bruja), Cenote Esmeralda, and Cenote Cocalitos.
How to Get to Cenote Azul Bacalar
There are a few different ways to get to Cenote Azul depending on your car situation:
Drive to Cenote Azul
The easiest way to get to Cenote Azul in Laguna Bacalar is by driving or renting a car.
Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:
- Bacalar Town Center to Cenote Azul: 8 minutes
- Tulum to Cenote Azul: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Azul: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Valladolid to Cenote Azul: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cancun to Cenote Azul: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Merida to Cenote Azul: 5 hours 20 minutes
GPS directions are very straight-forward and the entrance is just off of the main road. Once you arrive at the cenote, free parking is available on-site.
👉 For a hassle-free experience, book your car through my favorite rental service Discover Cars by clicking here!
Take a taxi to Cenote Azul
If you don’t have a car, you can also take a taxi to Cenote Azul from the town center. The price should be around $50-$75 pesos (~$2.50-$3.50 USD) each way.
Just be sure to plan ahead as Bacalar taxis are not as readily available and it can often take a long time for them to arrive.
Bike to Cenote Azul
Another way to get to Cenote Azul is by biking. Bike rentals are available in Bacalar and can often be arranged at your hotel.
It’s about a 15-minute bike ride to Cenote Azul from the town center and bike parking is available on-site.
Book a Tour to Cenote Azul
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or the Riviera Maya, the most hassle-free way to visit Cenote Azul in Bacalar is by booking a guided tour.
These full-day tours to Bacalar include a visit to Cenote Azul, Bacalar Lagoon, and sightseeing in Bacalar’s town center, as well as meals, round-trip transportation, and expert guides.
It is a long drive from the Riviera Maya but worth it for a full day adventure! Plus, with an all-inclusive Cenote Azul tour, everything will be taken care of so all you have to do is relax and have fun.
👉 Book a tour to Cenote Azul from Riviera Maya by clicking here!
Cenote Azul Bacalar Opening Hours
Cenote Azul is open daily from 10AM-6PM. You’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds and tour bus arrivals.
Cenote Azul Bacalar Entrance Fee
The Cenote Azul Bacalar entrance fee is only $25 pesos (~$1 USD) per person, making it very affordable. This is one of the cheapest cenote entrance fees that I’ve seen in Mexico!
Blue Cenote Bacalar Amenities
Cenote Azul offers a few amenities but is not overly commercialized:
Cenote Azul Restaurant
Cenote Azul features a full-service restaurant overlooking the cenote. Menu items include Mexican dishes, as well as beers and cocktails.
While the food here is nothing special, it’s a great place to refuel with some beautiful views right on the water.
Restrooms
Restrooms are also available at Cenote Azul but I would recommend going before you arrive. Cenote restrooms are normally not the cleanest!
Lockers
Lockers are not available at Cenote Azul. Most people just leave their belongings around the side of the cenote while swimming. For this reason, it’s best not to bring any valuables.
Life Jacket Rental
Life jacket rentals are available at Cenote Azul and cost around $50 pesos (~$2.50 USD).
⚠️ Since the cenote is so deep, it’s recommended to wear a life jacket especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
Parking
A free parking lot is available at Cenote Azul just outside of the main entrance.
Rules for Visiting Cenote Azul Bacalar
There are a few important rules to abide by when visiting Cenote Azul:
- No sunscreen: Sunscreen is not allowed at Cenote Azul (even biodegradable). You are required to shower before entering the cenote to remove any harmful chemicals so don’t even bother putting on sunscreen before you arrive!
- No bug spray: Bug spray is also not allowed at Cenote Azul. Basically anything with harmful chemicals is prohibited to protect the cenote eco-system.
- No smoking: Smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited around the cenote.
- No outside food and drink: Outside food is not allowed but you can purchase food and drinks from the on-site restaurant if you get hungry.
- No fishing: Fishing is not allowed at Cenote Azul in order to protect the wildlife.
Things to Do at Cenote Azul Bacalar
These are the most popular water activities and things to do at Cenote Azul:
1. Go swimming
Cenote Azul is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip and swimming is pretty much the most popular activity at the cenote. The temperature of the water is normally pretty comfortable and not too cold!
Since the cenote is so deep with few shallow areas, life jackets are highly recommended especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. There are also cords running through the center of the cenote that you can hold onto for added safety.
For more secluded swimming spots, be sure to check out the areas around the edges of the cenote and under the trees.
2. Go snorkeling
With its crystal clear waters, Cenote Azul also offers the opportunity to do some snorkeling in Bacalar.
The visibility isn’t the greatest due to the depth of the water, but it’s still possible to snorkel in some areas and there are some very impressive tree roots that can be seen under the water.
🤿 Snorkel gear rentals are not available so be sure to bring your own snorkel set if you want to give it a try!
3. Go kayaking
The calm cenote waters also make Cenote Azul a great spot for kayaking. Renting a kayak is a great way to explore the further areas of the cenote–and a great workout too!
Kayaks are available for rent at Cenote Azul and the cost is around $150 pesos (~$7.50 USD).
4. Hang out on the wooden swings
Cenote Azul also has some colorful wooden swings on the side, where you can hang out and enjoy the views.
Plus, the colorful Cenote Azul sign above the swings makes for a great photo op! You can also hang out and sunbathe on the side if you don’t want to go in the water.
5. Get a massage
Massage services are available at Azul Cenote and there are massage tents setup right beside the cenote.
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in a natural environment, where you can listen to the peaceful sounds of the cenote.
6. Go scuba diving
It is possible to scuba dive at Cenote Azul but it’s not the most popular diving site due to its extreme depths and complex underwater channels.
At 90 m deep, Cenote Azul Bacalar diving is recommended only for advanced divers and can be arranged with dive centers in Bacalar or Mahahual.
How much time to spend at Cenote Azul
Expect to spend 2 hours or less exploring Cenote Azul in Bacalar. The site doesn’t have a ton of activities so it will depend how much time you want to spend swimming or dining in the restaurant.
What to Bring to Azul Cenote Bacalar
Here are a few essential items you’ll want to bring with you when visiting Cenote Azul in Bacalar:
✅ GoPro
Tips for Visiting Cenote Azul Bacalar
Follow these tips to make the most of your visit to Cenote Azul in Bacalar:
- Bring cash: Credit cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs so you’ll want to bring enough cash to pay for the entrance fee, life jacket rental, and any restaurant expenses.
- Arrive early: The cenote opens at 10AM so I would recommend arriving as early as possible to beat the crowds. Sometimes large tour buses come through which can make the cenote much more crowded.
- Leave valuables at your hotel: There are no lockers at Cenote Azul Bacalar so only bring what you need for the day’s activities and leave any valuables at your hotel.
- Check out the secluded areas: While the center is the main swimming area at Cenote Azul, be sure to head to some of the more secluded areas under the trees and around the edges for more unique swimming areas.
FAQs about Cenote Azul in Bacalar Mexico
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cenote Azul in Bacalar:
Cenote Azul is about 90 m (295 ft) deep, making it one of the deepest cenotes in Riviera Maya.
Yes, swimming is the main activity at Cenote Azul and the cool temperatures of the cenote make it perfect for a refreshing swim.
The Cenote Azul price for entry is $25 pesos (~$1 USD).
Final Thoughts: Cenote Azul Bacalar Visitor Guide
Are you ready to visit Azul Cenote in Bacalar?! I hope this Bacalar Cenote Azul guide was helpful in planning your visit!
This beautiful open cenote is basically a landmark in Bacalar and it’s easy to see why – the clear blue water is absolutely stunning.
While Cenote Azul is not the most exciting cenote in terms of activities, it offers a simple natural retreat that is perfect for a refreshing swim.
And since it’s easy to get to and the entrance fee is only $25 pesos, I think it is still worth a visit during your next trip to Bacalar!
Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I like to use Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
