Friday, March 2, 2018

Cenotes near PDC

https://www.royalresorts.com/news/riviera-maya-adventures-splash-down-in-a-cenote-this-summer/
Cenotes in the Puerto Aventuras Area
A cluster of cenotes lies in the forest to the west of Highway 307 between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal. One mile south of Puerto Aventuras is the Kantun Chi eco-park where two majestic caves and four cenotes (Kantun Chi, Sas Ka Leen Ha, Uchil Ha and Zacil Ha) will surprise even the most intrepid traveler. Cenote Azul is another large jungle cenote with several inlets for snorkeling. The water is so tempting that you may not be able to resist the urge to take a running jump!

Christened by divers, Taj Mahal is one of the most spectacular in the area; shafts of sunlight like an underwater laser show illuminate endless vistas stretching into the distance. Even more poetically named is Jardín del Edén or Garden of Eden, a large cenote rich in marine life and rimmed by exuberant vegetation that is ideal for an afternoon picnic.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/ecopark-kantun-chi-quintana-roo


  we always enjoyed Christalino, south of Xcaret. Last visit was 40 pesos, just don't go on Sunday

 As of March 2013 it was 70 pesos to get into Azul.

 but think most of those near Puerto Aventuras are about $5-8 or so.

 I have not been but every time I travel south there are a number of cenotes just south of Puerto Aventuras near the Barcelo on the west (non beach) side of Highway 307. Ask the staff at your hotel which ones are a short distance from the highway.

 go snorkel dos ojos and have a great time

 To answer your question there are 2 cenotes oustide of Playa del Carmen; Gran Cenote and Cenote Azul. We went to both of them using a tour with James and Anna.

http://www.playa.info/tours-anna-james-general.html


I would think you could get to both by either a taxi or Collective. Go to Google maps under directions and it will give you a good idea of how far.

 I have snorkeled at Dos Ojos. You need a guide to snorkel in the larger part of the cenote that leads into the bat cave. DO NOT miss doing that part, but you must have a guide, do not attempt to do it on your own, there are narrow and low passages and you can get lost. You can either go with an outside guide, or you can hire a guide at the entrance. Cheaper to hire a guide at the entrance.

I have been to many other cenotes (Gran cenote, Car Wash, others) but nothing compares to Dos Ojos (except Hidden Worlds, but there is a hefty admission price and it takes over 30min on a bumpy rd. in an open truck bed to get to the cenote).

 Based on this and googling around, Dos Ojos it is, and from what I gather a guide is recommended. I found a snorkel tour through Mexico Blue Dream for $70 (incl transportation, gear, guide and lunch). This seems like a pretty good price, based on the cost of doing this on our own with a private guide.

 Edventures is also good. We used them the 1st time we went to Dos Ojos. but they do not provide lunch. That 70$ price with all it includes it very good.

 I saw Grutas Cenotes just off the highway south of Playa. You could take a taxi, bus or collective to this spot as it is not far. Jarden del Eden is one of the cenotes there (I think there are four close together) and looks incredible (on youtube as well). Dos Ojos also looks amazing and isn't that far from Playa (near Xel Ha). Chikin Ha and Chaak Tun were recommended to us by some of the locals.

 Dos Ojos is about 20 minutes and is well worth snorkeling. We used a guide from where you pay your entrance and it is worth the cost. They do a great job of showing you around and in the underground river he kept us from getting lost. Near it is Hidden World, we did Tak Be Ha cenote, a huge one and then snorkeled Hilarios Well, an undergroung river. You take lights and there are lots of staligmites and staligtites and a bat cave. Very dark and definately not for the claustorfobic but one of the most exciting days I have ever had.
Dos Ojos (Hidden Worlds):
Location: 48 km south of Playa Del Carmen/3 km south of Xel-Ha/On right 4 km down dirt road/H25 on Riviera Maya Map.
Description: Part of Nohoch Nah Chich cave system. Location of filming for Imax Journey into Amazing Caves documentary
Open: 10-5 daily.
Facilities: Bathrooms, restaurant.
Snorkeling: Superb. Very popular. Stalagtites & Stalagmites everywhere.
Entrance Fee: $10 US/$25-40 US for snorkel tours.
Price: 120 for snorkeling 

 directions to cenotes


There are three cenotes relatively close to each other; Cenote El Jardin, Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Azul. Here is some info on all three:
http://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/close-cenotes-playa.../

Three of the closest cenotes to Playa Del Carmen

Cenote Cristolino

This is one of three cenotes that are good to visit from Playa Del Carmen. All three have crystal clear waters and all three are in a row along the 307 Highway. The cenotes are Cristalino, Azul and El Jardin. To see what makes this one a little different see our article here on Cenote Cristalino.
 pick one to visit or you can always visit two or all three in one day if you want since they are all in a row.

Prices range for tours at Cenote Ixtlan from $65 USD to $150 USD per person for custom made tours

Swimming in Cenote Ixtlan

Swimming in Cenote Ixtlan is a great experience. The cave is open on one end and the water slopes into the cave. The water is only ankle deep at the edge and then gets deep enough to swim in. It looks like a bank of sand when you enter but this is silt from the cenote. The bottom is also mostly soft like sand.
At Cenote Ixtlan they have flashlights and snorkels so you can see the underwater formations and entrances to the underground river system.

Dinning at Cenote Ixtlan

Part of your private tour includes a meal. Some of the meals include local cochinita pibil (a Mayan dish of pulled pork) or they can grill hamburgers.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150812-i23-k958682-List_Location_of_Cenotes_to_go_on_your_own-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html


https://www.playadelcarmen.com/blog/most-beautiful-cenotes-playa-del-carmen

pepe_119@live.com.mx
Pepe is excellent especially when you need a van
He also does airport transfers and regular taxi services. 
We have used Pep's services for years. He is a wonderful guide for sure!
He charged us $190 US for his services for the day! Vehicle holds up to 13people, so if you are sharing the cost, it is awesome!! I thought he was very reasonable. And besides a tip, we treated him to lunch. He was very gracious.
OK, Here is Pepe's contact info, for those who asked: cell# 998 810 8601. Email is:
pepe_119@live.com.mx His vehicle is very nice and well taken care of, seats 13. And is, of course, air conditioned!


I went to Cenote Cristalino Is 20 min away from Royal Haciendas, located across The road from Barcelo Hotel. $100 pesos per person

I liked crystallino better. 100 pesos per adult and option to rent mask and snorkel for 50 pesos.

 Public transportation-You can take the colectivo vans from 2nd Street in Playa Del Carmen. It cost 30 pesos each way and just tell the driver when you get on that you want to go to this cenote. To come back to Playa just cross the highway and get a returning colectivo, they come about every 8-10 minutes.

 You can take them from a stand located on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 15 and 20 and ask the driver to drop you off 

 The colectivos only start from 2nd so you will need to take a taxi from the hotel.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150812-d6953037-Reviews-Cenote_Cristalino-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150813-d1478385-Reviews-Cenotes_Dos_Ojos-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

 at the main entry, people will receive you and explain the activities. each activity has a cost.
the most recommend was the under water river, it is a most and beautiful experience. takes about 1.5-2hrs, but highly recommended.
my kids are 7, 9 and 11 years old.
500 pesos each, but is a right value for the money.

the next day, we return to the option #5, is a open cenote, and the cost 100 pesos per person; 1 hours +/-
My opinion -- a snorkeling tour is a better deal and you will see more for the same money.
My opinion is buy the cenote ticket - skip the upcharge for tour guide. You can comfortably do the first cenote on your own, 

 Update:  Another reviewer noted her price was $12 per person.  However, that is an apples to oranges comparison.  I agree with her price, which excludes snorkel equipment, wetsuit and guide.  Being in the water for an hour without a wetsuit can get too cold.  You really need a guide.  Our guide was very helpful and looked out for us and showed us some fossils, which we would have never found on our own.  You cannot snorkel into the bat cave without a guide.  The bat cave is by far the nicest part.  Also, without a helmet, you really need to be mindful of injuring your head.  This is too dangerous without a guide, unless you have a helmet and really know your cave diving.

 Dos Ojos is definitely a two class cenote and though the snorkelers were always above looking down at the divers, at Dos Ojos the diver is king.   http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/mexico/snorkeling-our-way-through-cenote-dos-ojos/
How do I get there?
By car, Cenote Dos Ojos is a 40 minute drive South of Playa del Carmen. Turn right just after Xel-Ha onto the marked gravel road.
From Playa del Carmen, a colectivo (shared bus) should cost around 30 pesos (approximately $2.50 USD). You can catch the colectivo in Playa del Carmen on Calle 2 Norte between Av. 10 and 15.
A taxi to Cenote Dos Ojos should cost around 350 to 400 pesos (approximately 32-36 USD).
Includes:  $70
  • Air-Conditioned Transportation from Tour Offices
  • English-Speaking Tour Guide
  • Cenote Park Entrance Fee
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Traditional Mexican Lunch
  • Bottled Water
  • All Taxes

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1 comment:

  1. RodmanApril 16, 2018 at 1:52 PM

    https://www.viator.com/tours/Playa-del-Carmen/Xenotes-Oasis-Maya-Cenotes-Adventure-from-Playa-del-Carmen/d5501-6140PCMTXNTS

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