How to Visit Eden Cenote in Playa del Carmen Mexico in 2023

Do you want to visit Eden Cenote in Playa del Carmen? You’ve come to the right place!

Cenote Eden is the very first cenote I visited after moving to Playa del Carmen and still remains as one of my favorite cenotes in the area. 

Also known as the Garden of Eden Cenote (“Cenote Jardin del Eden” in Spanish), it offers a lush natural setting for adventurous travelers.

In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Eden Cenote including how to get there, opening hours, entrance fees, what to expect, things to do, and top tips for visiting.

What is a Cenote?

A cenote (pronounced SAY-KNOW-TAY) is a freshwater swimming hole that is very common in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

Cenotes are formed when limestone collapses to create a natural sinkhole, which can be open, closed, cavernous, or underground.

Visiting a cenote is a great alternative to your typical beach experience and definitely provides a more authentic way to discover the ancient culture of the destination.

Cenotes are actually considered sacred and were once revered by the Mayans as a way to communicate with the gods.

There are literally hundreds of cenotes in Mexico of all shapes and sizes that can be found throughout the Yucatan region. And what’s amazing is that more and more are being discovered each year. 

Each cenote is different but you can typically swim, snorkel, or scuba dive to explore the underwater fish, plants, and rock formations.  If you are feeling bold, many also offer places to jump or dive into the water.

What is Eden Cenote?

Meaning “Garden of Eden,” Cenote Jardin del Eden is one of the most popular cenotes near Playa del Carmen, Mexico and is perfect for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Cenote Eden is known for being one of the largest open cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Visitors can take a dip in the refreshing waters, snorkel, and jump from multiple jumping platforms into the cenote.

Why Visit Eden Cenote?

Visiting a cenote is a totally unique activity where you can get to experience the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya region.

It’s the perfect activity to escape the heat or when there’s a large amount of seaweed on the beaches.

What makes Cenote Eden unique is that it is large and expansive so it rarely feels crowded.

The cenote is very deep and offers multiple jumping ledges, ideal for those looking for an adrenaline rush!

Where is Cenote Eden?

Eden Cenote is located about 13 miles (21 km) south of Playa del Carmen, right off the main highway 307.  It’s about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.  

The entrance is on the right side of the highway just past Puerto Aventuras and across the street from the Barcelo resorts.  

Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Playa del Carmen to Cenote Eden: 25 minutes
• Tulum to Cenote Eden: 30 minutes
• Cancun to Cenote Eden: 1 hour 30 minutes

Travelista Tip: At the same location, you’ll find two other popular cenotes  – Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino. You can visit all three cenotes in one day or choose to spend your time at just one.  

Cenote Eden Map

How to Get to Cenote Eden Playa del Carmen

There are a few different ways to get to Cenote Eden depending on your car situation and where you’re coming from.

👀 Looking for the easiest way to visit Cenote Eden? Book the best Cenote Eden tour by clicking here!

Drive to Cenote Eden

The easiest way to get to Cenote Eden is by driving or renting a car in Playa del Carmen, which gives you the freedom to explore the cenote at your own pace.

Follow the Cenote Eden directions on your GPS and drive south from Playa del Carmen on the main highway 307 for about 13 miles (21 km). 

The cenote is located directly off the highway on the right side just past Puerto Aventuras and there are highway signs to direct you. 

Cenote Eden Parking

Once you arrive at the cenote entrance, 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 Eden

If you don’t have a car, you can also easily hail a taxi from Playa del Carmen or Tulum but it will be more expensive.

You can expect a Playa del Carmen to Cenote Eden taxi to cost around $400 pesos ($20 USD) each way.

But keep in mind that securing a taxi for the return trip will be much more difficult so it’s best to try and pre-arrange pickup with the same taxi driver that dropped you off.

Take a colectivo to Cenote Eden

By public transportation, you can also take a colectivo (shared van) to Eden Cenote from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Colectivo from Playa del Carmen

The cheapest way to get to Cenote Eden is to take a colectivo from the main bus depot in Playa del Carmen near the Chedraui grocery store and Highway 307 (behind the McDonald’s).

Once you get on, you’ll want to tell the driver you’re going to Cenote Eden and you’ll pay upon exiting.

It’s best to track the GPS on your phone so you know when you’re getting close. It takes about 30 minutes and the stop is just past Puerto Aventuras.

The cost should be around $40 pesos (~$2 USD) each way and you’ll want to make sure you have small bills on hand (pesos are best) as most drivers don’t have much change.

When taking a colectivo to Cenote Eden Riviera Maya, you’ll be dropped off on the side of the highway, and it’s about a 10 minute walk to the entrance from there.

For the return trip, you’ll have to cross to the other side of the highway and flag down a colectivo headed towards Playa del Carmen.

Related Reading: How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum

Colectivo from Tulum

From Tulum, the process is the same but you’ll want to get on a colectivo headed north from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.

Once you get off the colectivo, you’ll need to carefully cross the highway and walk about 10 minutes to the cenote entrance.

Book a tour to Cenote Eden

If you don’t want to deal with driving or renting a car, then the most hassle-free way to visit Cenote Eden is by booking a tour with transportation included.

This private Playa del Carmen cenotes tour includes a visit to Eden Cenote, as well as nearby Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino. Plus, all your transportation and lunch are included.

👉 Book the best Cenote Eden tour by clicking here!

Cenote Eden Opening Hours

Cenote Eden hours are every day except Saturdays from 9AM-5PM. You’ll want to arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds and get to experience the cenote undisturbed.

Best Time to Visit Jardin del Eden Mexico

The best time to visit Cenote Eden is on a weekday. Cenotes are generally much more crowded on weekends (especially Sundays) when local families have the day off.

I would also recommend trying to visit Cenote Eden on a sunny day as the water can get VERY cold, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.

Eden Cenote Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Eden Cenote is $200 pesos (~$10 USD) for adults.  Make sure to bring cash as credit cards are not accepted.

Here’s a breakdown of the Cenote Eden prices:

• Standard Entrance Fee: $200 pesos (~$10 USD)
• Children: $100 pesos (~$5 USD)
• Divers: $300 pesos (~$15 USD)

What is Eden Cenote Like?

Cenote Eden definitely lives up to its name! Upon arriving, the secluded setting feels like you are stepping into a completely different world. 

Lush green wildlife surrounds a deep swimming hole in the center filled with crystal clear dark turquoise water.  Even though it is several feet deep, the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom.

Surrounding the cenote, you will not find tropical palm trees, but rather lush green ferns, moss-covered rocks, overgrown foliage, and age-old trees. 

To the right, you will find elevated ledges where you can jump into the water at your own risk! You’ll also want to be on the lookout for iguanas roaming the grounds.

Rules for Visiting Cenote Eden

There a few important rules to abide by when visiting Cenote Eden:

• No sunscreen (even biodegradable)
• No alcohol
• No smoking
• No running

Things to Do at Cenote Eden

Here are the top things to do at Cenote Eden:

1. Cliff Jumping

At Cenote Eden Riviera Maya there are a few different ledges where you can jump into the water.  The main jumping platform is around 4 m (13 ft) high and is a good place to start!

To the right side there is a large and sturdy tree branch that extends out over the water, which is the cenote’s highest jumping point.  You’ll need to climb the tree from the side to get to the jumping position over the water.

To be honest, I had to work up the courage to jump from the tree branch! But in the end it was such a RUSH–check out my video below to see what it’s like!

2. Swimming

If you’re afraid of heights or don’t feel up to jumping, you can also enter the cenote from wooden stairs and platforms leading down to the water. You’ll just want to be very careful as they can be extremely slippery.

Once you’re in the water, you can swim around, float, or hang out on underwater rocks or near the entry platforms.

The water is pretty deep and in most places you won’t be able to stand so you’ll want to wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Travelista Tip: Make sure to wear water shoes to protect your feet and make it much easier to walk on the stairs and around the cenote.

3. Snorkeling

The water at Eden Cenote is so clear which makes it a great place to snorkel and view the many different varieties of fish and unique rock formations.

Snorkel equipment and life vests can be rented at Cenote Eden for a small fee. However, I would recommend bringing your own snorkel set to ensure the best fit and guarantee cleanliness.

4. Fish Spa

If you swim to the far side of the Cenote Eden there are shallow rocks where you can sit and see tons of little fish under the water. 

Simply hold your feet still and let the tiny cenote fish begin to attack your feet.  It’s an odd tickly sensation but great for exfoliation!

Travelista Tip: Don’t pay for an overpriced fish spa on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen when you can get one for free at a cenote!

5. Scuba Diving

At 15 meters deep and connected to an underwater cave system, Cenote Eden is also a popular spot for scuba diving and cave diving. 

When visiting, you’ll likely see the dark figures and air bubbles of scuba divers lurking deep below.

👉 Book an Eden Cenote scuba dive by clicking here!

6. Discover a secret cenote

If you venture further towards the back of the main cenote on the right side, there are hidden rock formations where the only way to reach the other side is to swim under the water. 

It’s a little terrifying as you have to take a deep breath and make your way through a narrow tunnel.

Upon surfacing, it feels like you’ve entered a secret hiding place or a naturally hidden room in a beautiful setting.

How Long to Spend at Cenote Eden

Depending on how adventurous you are, expect to spend anywhere from 1-3 hours in total exploring Cenote Eden Mexico. 

Amenities at Eden Cenote

Cenote Eden has a few more amenities than the other cenotes in the area, but is still not super commercialized. 

Restrooms and Showers

Bathrooms are showers are available at Eden Cenote with no additional cost. It is recommended to shower first before entering the water to remove any sunscreen or residue that may be harmful to the cenote.

Food and Drink

There are a few snacks and drinks available for purchase at Eden Cenote but the selection is limited.

I would recommend bringing your own picnic lunch if you plan to stay for most of the day. No alcohol is allowed.

Lifeguards

Lifeguards are on duty at Eden Cenote to monitor jumps, dives, and swimmers in the main cenote swimming area.

Palapas

Eden Cenote offers some nice tables and covered palapas where you can sit and hang out beside the cenote. This is a good spot to rest and eat if you’ve brought your own food and drink.

Gear Rentals

If you want to snorkel, snorkeling equipment can be rented for an additional fee.

However, I would recommend bringing your own snorkel set for the best fit and to ensure cleanliness.

Life vests can also be rented for around $25 pesos. Since the cenote is so deep, you’ll want to wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer.

Lockers

There are no lockers for rent at Eden Cenote. Most people just leave their personal items on the sides and keep an eye on them throughout the day.  

If you have a rental car, you’ll want to leave any valuables in the trunk of your car to deter theft.

Cenote Eden Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Cenote Eden:

What to Bring to Cenote Eden

Here are some important items I would recommended bringing when visiting Cenote Eden:

Tips for Visiting Cenote Eden

Follow these tips to make the most of your Cenote Eden experience:

• Bring a rash guard: Sunscreen is not allowed at Cenote Eden (even biodegradable) so if you need sun protection, you’ll want to bring a rash guard. There are some shady spots at the cenote but it’s large and open with lots of sun.

• Wear water shoes: I never go to a cenote without water shoes as the ground is always pretty rocky and extremely uncomfortable on bare feet.

• Be careful on the stairs: Use extra caution when walking on the rocks or the wooden stairs as they are extremely slippery.

• Bring pool floats: Cenote Eden is pretty deep and in most places you won’t be able to stand. If you’re not a strong swimmer, I would recommend wearing a life jacket or even bringing some fun pool floats to hang onto in the water.

• Get there early: Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds and get to see the untouched beauty of Cenote Eden.

• Pack some snacks and drinks: If you plan to stay there for most of the day, I would recommend bringing some snacks and drinks or packing a small picnic to enjoy around the cenote.

• Bring cash: Don’t forget cash for the Jardin del Eden Cenote entrance fee ($ 200 pesos). Credit cards are not accepted.

FAQs about Cenote Eden

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Garden of Eden Cenote:

Nearby Cenotes to Visit

If you have extra time when you’re done visiting Cenote Eden, then I would definitely recommend checking out Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul, which are located at the same site.

I have been to all three of these open cenotes and they are all worth visiting! Just keep in mind they each have separate entrance fees. Check out my full guides for all the details:

• How to Visit Cenote Cristalino
• How to Visit Cenote Azul

Final Thoughts: Cenote Eden

Are you ready to visit Cenote Eden? I hope this guide was helpful in planning your visit!

It’s the perfect cenote to visit if you like an adrenaline rush and are looking for a bit of adventure.

It definitely holds a special place in my heart since it was the first cenote I visited in Mexico!

If you want to visit some even more incredible cenotes in the region, check out my complete guide to the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen.

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