Cenote Sac Actun
Explore the Sac Actun system, the world's second-longest underwater cave, for a magical snorkeling adventure among ancient formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Cenote Sac Actun
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Sac Actun system, the world's second-longest underwater cave, for a magical snorkeling adventure among ancient formations.
"Best cave I have ever been to in my life. The water was crystal clear and cold perfect for a hot day."
🎯 Hire an Expert Guide
Guides enhance the experience with knowledge of history & formations. Essential for navigating the vast system.
💧 Bring Mosquito Repellent
Essential for the jungle environment around the cenote. Apply before entering.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Cavern
Main cave system
Explore vast underwater caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. A true natural wonder!
Crystal-Clear Waters
Throughout the cenote
Swim and snorkel in incredibly clear, cool water teeming with small fish. Perfect for a refreshing dip.
Ancient Formations
Cave walls and ceiling
Marvel at ancient geological formations, including fossils and remnants of early inhabitants.
Wildlife Encounters
Cave and surrounding areas
Spot bats active in the cave and various fish species swimming in the pristine waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire an Expert Guide
Guides enhance the experience with knowledge of history & formations. Essential for navigating the vast system.
💧 Bring Mosquito Repellent
Essential for the jungle environment around the cenote. Apply before entering.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
While often included, bringing your own ensures comfort and fit for exploring the clear waters.
🚗 Allow Extra Travel Time
The road to Sac Actun can be bumpy and slow. Plan accordingly for a relaxed arrival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire an Expert Guide
Guides enhance the experience with knowledge of history & formations. Essential for navigating the vast system.
💧 Bring Mosquito Repellent
Essential for the jungle environment around the cenote. Apply before entering.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
While often included, bringing your own ensures comfort and fit for exploring the clear waters.
🚗 Allow Extra Travel Time
The road to Sac Actun can be bumpy and slow. Plan accordingly for a relaxed arrival.
💰 Consider Value
Entry fees can be high. Compare with nearby parks offering multiple cenotes for better value.
📸 No Flash Photography
Protect the delicate cave environment and wildlife. Respect the rules.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cenote Sac Actun's breathtaking cave formations and crystal-clear waters, calling it one of the best cave experiences. The knowledgeable guides and unique geological features are frequently praised, making it an unforgettable adventure. However, some find the entry fee steep for the relatively short tour duration and note the bumpy road access.
"Best cave I have ever been to in my life. The water was crystal clear and cold perfect for a hot day in the jungle. The formations were amazing and were some of the prettiest I have ever seen. Despite the rough dirt road to enter the cave it is still worth it. Guide was very knowledgeable and did a good job talking about the cave and making sure we did not get lost in the giant cave. Highly recommend."
Dallin Lew
"This is a pretty cool semi-open cenote cave.
Pros:
You can swim in it
Get some great photos
Water is crystal clear so you can see the 3 types of fish (catfish, sardines & guppies)
Stalactites and Stalagmites are really neat
The Bats are big and active
Cons:
Tour was about 5 minutes
Noise travels really easily in the cave. We were fortunate to be there on a quiet day, but the one other group was super loud which was challenging in the space.
$650 entry fee. This includes your locker & lifejacket. Bring your own snorkel or goggles. You can spend the whole day at Casa Tortugas for $750 and they have 4 cenotes and full park access so you can spend a whole day there for better value for your dollar. That said, they do not have a cave like this one.
Over all its a good experience but you don't need a lot of time here to see it all. Once parked, an hour is more than enough for the cave swim. We did not pay for access to the remaining activities so I can't speak for the rest of it. *Note, give yourself extra time to drive the 3 km road in to the reception and then to the cenote itself as the roads do not allow for speed. Have fun!"
Laura O'Reilly
"One of the most beautiful cenote I have visited. We had a very fantastic guide who had a lot of expertise. We received wet suits and life jackets which were in a very good condition. We always felt very safe. Please bring your mosquito repellent."
J F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cenote Sac Actun is located about 30 minutes outside of Tulum. You can reach it by car, taxi, or by booking a tour that includes transportation. The road leading to the cenote can be bumpy, so allow extra travel time.
The road to Cenote Sac Actun is described as rough and unpaved by many visitors. It's recommended to drive slowly and carefully, especially if you are not accustomed to such terrain.
Public transportation options directly to Cenote Sac Actun are limited. It's generally easier to rent a car, hire a taxi, or join an organized tour that handles transportation.
The Sac Actun system is the second-longest underwater cave network in the world, stretching over 368 km. Cenote Sac Actun is a part of this vast, incredible system. 
Yes, the Sac Actun system connects to other cenotes like Dos Ojos and Nohoch. Some tours may offer visits to multiple cenotes within the system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Cenote Sac Actun can be around $650 MXN, which typically includes locker and life jacket rental. It's advisable to check current prices as they can vary.
While you can visit independently, many visitors highly recommend booking a guided tour for Cenote Sac Actun. Guides provide valuable insights and ensure you don't miss key features.
The entrance fee usually covers access to the cenote, a life jacket, and sometimes a locker. Snorkel gear may be included or available for rent. Bringing your own snorkel is an option.
Cenote Sac Actun is not suitable for claustrophobic individuals due to its cave-like nature. All visitors must wear a life jacket at all times while in the water.
It's possible to visit without a reservation, but booking a tour in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially a better price.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The primary activities at Cenote Sac Actun are snorkeling and guided cave swimming. You can explore the stunning underwater formations and observe the local wildlife.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim and snorkel. You are required to wear a life jacket at all times, and guides ensure a safe experience. The water is crystal clear and calm.
You can see various species of fish, including catfish, sardines, and guppies, swimming in the clear waters. Bats are also active within the cave system.
Photography is allowed, but flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate cave environment and its inhabitants.
While the cave swim itself might only take about an hour, many visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the experience, including travel time and any additional activities offered.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are within the main cavern, capturing the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and the interplay of light on the crystal-clear water.
Yes, underwater photos are fantastic here due to the clarity of the water. Ensure your camera or phone is waterproof or in a waterproof case.
The main restriction is no flash photography. Drones are generally not permitted inside cave systems like Sac Actun.
Natural light filters in from openings, creating a magical ambiance. Guides may use special lighting for tours, but avoid direct flash.
A GoPro or similar action camera is highly recommended for capturing the underwater experience and the unique formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring a waterproof camera or action cam like a GoPro to capture the underwater beauty. Remember the strict no flash photography rule, but guides can often assist with lighting for dramatic shots. The unique geological formations and potential for wildlife sightings offer endless creative possibilities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immense Sac Actun System
+1 This vastness means that what you experience is just a small, accessible part of an immense subterranean world. The system's geological history is etched into its formations, offering a glimpse into millennia of natural processes. Exploring Sac Actun is like stepping into a living museum of Earth's past. Divers who are cave-certified can explore much deeper and more extensive parts of the Sac Actun system, but for snorkelers and casual swimmers, the accessible areas still provide an awe-inspiring experience. The crystal-clear waters allow for incredible visibility, making it feel as though you are floating through a natural cathedral. Guides are crucial for navigating these waters safely and highlighting the most significant geological and historical features.
A Journey Through Time
+1These discoveries underscore the cenote's importance not just as a natural attraction but as a vital site for understanding the history of the Yucatan Peninsula and the early inhabitants of the Americas. The Maya considered cenotes sacred entrances to the underworld, and exploring Sac Actun provides a profound appreciation for this ancient belief system.
The pristine environment has helped preserve these relics, making every visit a potential discovery. Navigating the Cave Experience
No flash photography is a critical rule to protect the delicate ecosystem and the bats that inhabit the cave.
The overall atmosphere is one of peace and wonder, with the natural formations creating a surreal and unforgettable environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit