How To Visit Cenote Calavera In Tulum Mexico

Cenote Calavera is a magical Cenote just outside of Tulum. The swimming hole has soured in popularity due to an influx of enticing Instagram posts, and it’s easy to see why. The holes that lead you into the underground blue waters of the cenote are mystical and make for a perfect spot for diving, snorkeling, cenote-jumping, and relaxing in the nearby hammocks once your fun is done. Below is all I wish I had known before visiting this cenote, and what hopefully you will now know before going.

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About Cenote Calavera

Cenote Calavera is one of the over 6,000 cenotes scattered across the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Cenote Calavera is one of the many cenotes belonging to the largest underground cave system, not only in Mexico, but the world. There are three major underground cave systems in the Yucatan, with Cenote Calavera being fed by the Sac Actum system. This is the same system that feeds another famous cenote, Sac Actun Cenote, as well as many other cenotes located around Tulum.

Also known as “Skull Cenote” or “Temple of Doom Cenote,” the nicknames for this Cenote refer to the topography of the swimming hole (in Spanish, the word “calavera” translates to “skulls”. From above, the shape of the cenote resembles the facial features of a skull. Two smaller holes in the ground make up the eyes, and the main and most recognizable hole represents the mouth.

What To Bring To Cenote Calavera?

You could easily spend a day relaxing and jumping into the holes of the cenote. For a fun-filled day of swimming, sunning, and snorkeling, here is what I would consider packing for your trip to Cenote Calavera.

Towel

Since you’ll be swimming, you will definitely need a towel to dry off. I am partial to Turkish towels, for their soft texture, minimal packing space, and ultra-absorbant nature, but here are some options to check out from Amazon to get you started. (The middle one is the one I have and I LOVE it!)

GoPro + Camera Gear

In my humble opinion, you cannot go explore the underwater caverns of a cenote without some quality waterproof camera gear. While likely the priciest on this list, you’ll get some super dope pictures and videos. I have the GoPro Hero 11 and the image + video quality you get on these things is insane. Plus, they’re a gritty little machine that you’ll be comfortable taking with you anywhere adventure pulls. Another two awesome pieces of gear would be a waterproof phone sleeve and a handheld GoPro monopod. I used all three of these tools throughout our cenote exploration in Mexico and would not have been able to get the photos I got without them.

Snorkel Gear

This was something I wish I had at all of the cenotes we visited. While you can buy snorkel gear in Tulum, many of the places have jacked the prices way up because they know desperate tourists, like myself, would be looking to buy them. If you plan on visiting a multitude of cenotes, I would get a cheap set from Amazon to take with you when you leave for your trip. The underwater topography of many of these cenotes is spectacular, and these tools will help you see it with your eyes and capture it with your GoPro. Here are some of the sets I was looking at getting to help get you started.

Shades, Backpack, and Underwater Flashlight

These next few items are just some extras, but I think are worth bringing. If taking ATVs to the cenote, a pair of shades will not only protect you from the sun but also the dirt as you rip through the gravel roads. Additionally, you’ll need a vessel to transport all of your cool new gear. One of my favorite backpacks ever, that has taken me from Africa to Guatemala, has been this little back by Aotian from Amazon. This little bag has so many pockets for organization and even a hidden backside pocket for more valuable items. This bag has the capacity to be stuffed to its brim while also being small enough to serve as a sort of backpack purse, this can take you and your things anywhere. The last thing I wish I would have brought is an underwater flashlight. Many of the cenote guides had them, and it made me wish I did too. As mentioned before, the structures underneath the cenote waters were magnificent. Having an underwater flashlight would have helped me see into these waters better, as well as capture better content with my GoPro.

Do You Have To Pay For Cenote Calavera?

This was one of the costlier cenotes we visited during our time in Tulum. At the time we went (November, 2022) the cost for entry was 250 MXN per person, which is about $15 U.S.. When we showed up there were a couple of guys at the front collecting cash for entry, and there was no option to pay with a credit card. So make sure you and your group have enough cash on hand to pay the entry fee.

Another fee that surprised us, and was not an issue at the other cenotes we visited, was a fee to use any camera gear and take pictures.

I, of course, had my full roster of camera gear on hand that I was planning to use. GoPro, iPhone, tripod, waterproof case, you name it, it was in my hand ready to snap away.

After we paid the initial fee, there was a separate parking area where another man was standing at the actual entry to the cenote. As we were walking in he stopped and asked me for payment of an additional 200 MXN ($12 U.S.) to take a photo.

While electing to fork over the additional payment for pictures is up to you, I will note that once inside there was absolutely no additional supervision or request for further payment, and I had no trouble capturing all the footage I wanted… do with this information what you will.?

Transportation Options: How To Get To Cenote Calavera?

By ATV: This was the route we chose, and in my opinion the best option on this list. ATVs are super fun to get around in and their compact nature makes it a breeze to buzz around the streets of Tulum. Plus, it’s cheaper than a car or taxi, and you have the ultimate freedom to come and go as you please from places. We were staying at Selina Tulum on the beach and rented one from a guy named Billy D for $100 a day, split between 2 people. I am sure there were some cheaper options, especially in Tulum downtown, but Tulum in general, especially Tulum Beach, was expensive as a whole.

By Bike: Depending on where you are staying, biking to Cenote Calavera could be a haul. From downtown, it might not be too bad, as Cenote Calavera is not far from downtown, but if you are coming from the beach it will take you ages. While it can definitely be done, gear up for a long day of riding.

By Rental Car: I can’t speak too much about this option, but know there are lots of people that do it. If your plan while in Tulum is to head to some far-flung cenotes, the price of a rental car would likely be worth it. The ATV is great and can take you to some decently distanced places (we rode everywhere in those things), but on some longer trips approaching an hour or more, a car might be the way to go while you’re in Tulum.

By Taxi: If you decide to go by taxi from anywhere, you will have no trouble finding one. There are so many taxi drivers in Tulum, and large numbers of them always congregate around hotspots for travelers. However, I was blown away by the prices to even go short distances in Tulum, think $20-$25 USD for a jaunt about town. That’s more than a lot of Uber trips in the U.S. So while they are everywhere, I would look to renting a longer-term option for the duration of your stay when you’re in Tulum, it’ll be cheaper in the long run.

By Foot: The ultra-budget travelers’ choice, walking. As I mentioned before with the bike option, if staying in Tulum downtown, a walk to Cenote Calavera is a lot more doable than if you are staying at the beach. If you were to walk from the beach, it would likely end up being a several-hour round trip. Additionally, it might be unsafe. People fly by on the busy roads you take to get to the cenote, and there is little to no concern about pedestrians.

Tulum Taxi Fares: Mexico’s Boho Beach Town Boasts Some Of The Highest Cab Prices Abroad

Recap: What To Know Before You Go

Taking a quick look back, here are the bite-size bits of everything you should know before visiting Cenote Calavera.

• You’ll need 250 MXN in cash for the entry fee per person. 200 MXN will buy you a photo pass if they ask, or not if you decide to try your luck.
• Whether in town or on the beach, I would get there via ATV. There are usually decent rental prices for the day, especially split between 2 or more people.
• Bring a towel, GoPro, and snorkel gear. Trust me you will want them.

Enjoy your trip to Cenote Calavera!

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