7 Mistakes Tourists Make When Swimming in Cenotes in Mexico
Diving into the crystal clear waters of a cenote is a must-do when visiting the Yucatán Peninsula.
These natural freshwater pools, formed from limestone bedrock, offer a mystical and refreshing escape from the heat.
However, as enchanting as they are, cenotes require a respectful and mindful approach to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
As a travel expert that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve observed tourists making several common mistakes during their cenote adventures.
Here’s what to avoid to make the most of your swim in these natural wonders.
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🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars
🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator
🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master
1. Wearing Sunscreen
A common oversight is wearing sunscreen before entering a cenote.
All types of sunscreen, even biodegradable ones, are prohibited because they can pollute the water and harm the delicate ecosystems within the cenotes.
Most cenotes require visitors to take a shower before entering to ensure that no residues enter the water.
It’s best to plan ahead by wearing a UV-protective shirt or rash guard if you’re concerned about sun exposure.
2. Not Wearing Water Shoes
Cenotes and the surrounding areas can be extremely rocky, slippery, and uneven, making it easy to slip or hurt your feet.
Not wearing appropriate water shoes is a mistake that can lead to falls or injuries.
Plus, it will be extremely uncomfortable to walk on rocks in bare feet!
Water shoes provide better traction and protection, making your cenote visit safer and much more enjoyable.
3. Leaving Trash Behind
Leaving trash behind is not only disrespectful but also harmful to the environment and wildlife that rely on the cenote’s ecosystem.
Always dispose of your trash and use designated trash bins if available.
Keeping the cenotes clean preserves their beauty and accessibility for future visitors and maintains the natural habitat for local species.
4. Not Wearing a Life Jacket
Many tourists underestimate the depth of cenotes and choose not to wear a life jacket.
This can be a critical mistake, especially for those who are not strong swimmers.
Life jackets provide safety and comfort and you won’t have to be treading water the entire time!
They are often included or available for rent at cenote sites and wearing one is a simple step that greatly enhances safety.
5. Touching or Damaging the Formations
The rock formations inside cenotes, including stalactites and stalagmites, are delicate and take thousands of years to form.
When tourists touch or climb on these formations, they can cause damage that is irreversible.
Always observe from a distance and avoid touching any natural features within the cenote.
This respect ensures that these geological wonders remain intact for generations to come.
6. Going on a Sunday
Most locals have the day off on Sundays, which means that cenotes can get extremely crowded with families and large groups.
If possible, choose a weekday to visit a cenote for a more peaceful and intimate experience.
You’ll also have a better chance of taking photos without having to deal with crowds in the background.
7. Not Bringing Cash
Credit cards are typically not accepted at cenotes, so it’s essential to bring cash to pay for entrance fees and any additional fees for lockers or equipment rentals.
It’s best to bring Mexican pesos as some cenotes might not accept US dollars.
You’ll also want to have small bills as it’s often difficult to get change for larger bills at these types of attractions.
Visiting a cenote is an unforgettable experience, and by avoiding these common mistakes, you can help preserve their timeless beauty.
Enjoy the cool waters, marvel at the natural formations, and soak in the tranquility that these unique locations offer.
🇲🇽 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 recommend using 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.
