How to visit the spectacular Cenote Minotauro – 2023 – Riviera Maya
Cenote Minotauro is a stunning natural wonder located in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. This area is full of cenotes
Cenote Minotauro is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots in the area, thanks to its clear, turquoise waters and fascinating underground caves.
We have just visited it for the first time and it was a very pleasant surprise and we actually wondered why we didn’t go earlier.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CENOTE MINOTAURO
Although the main entrance is on the Federal Highway that connects Playa del Carmen with Tulum, to get to the cenote, you must follow a long dirt road through the jungle.
Once you arrive, they will be greeted by the sight of crystal-clear water surrounded by lush vegetation. The water in the cenote is incredibly clear and calm, allowing visitors to see all the way to the bottom.
One of the most popular activities at Cenote Minotauro is scuba diving, but you will need to arrange the activity with a dive shop a few days in advance.
In fact, the cenote is known for its intricate network of underground caves and tunnels, which are home to a wide variety of marine life. Divers can explore these caves and see some truly incredible sights, such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as schools of fish and other aquatic creatures.
Snorkeling is also a great way to experience the beauty of the cenote. Visitors can swim through the clear water and see the underwater rock formations, as well as the many fish and other marine life that call the cenote home.
The cenote is shaped like a river with an island inside, that you can swim all around. There are also caves that you can explore while swimming. Life jackets are available for free but not mandatory as the water is quite shallow in most parts.
Overall, Cenote Minotauro is quite a sight and one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area in our opinion. So make sure you read more about it here below and include it in your Mexico bucket list.
FUN FACT – The name “Minotauro” comes from the Greek mythology, and it refers to the legendary creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man. The cenote was named after the bull-shaped rock formation that can be seen in the water. The name adds to the intrigue and mystery of this beautiful natural wonder.
What are the cenotes?
A cenote is a freshwater sinkhole formed by the collapsing of limestone soil, the type of stone that the Yucatan Peninsula is mainly made of. The cenotes allow us access to the water table. These holes are produced naturally by the collapse of the roof.
Sacred to the Mayan civilization they are now some of the main tourist attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Read more about the Mexico cenotes.
WHERE IS CENOTE MINOTAURO LOCATED
Cenote Minotauro is only 27 km from Playa del Carmen and 40 km from Tulum.
As you can see from the map below it’s close to many other exciting attractions that you can visit in one day.
HOW TO GET TO CENOTE MINOTAURIO
How to Get to Cenote Minotaurio by Car
We always recommend renting a car to explore this area of Mexico because it’s very safe and allows you to roam around freely and check more places in one day at your own pace.
If you are coming from Playa del Carmen take the federal highway (Carretera Federal) in direction of Tulum and you’ll need to look out for a big sign of the residential TAO opposite the entrance to Xpu-ha beach.
Unfortunately, the original sign has been destroyed so you need to be very careful or use Google Maps.
If you are coming from Tulum, the direction of Playa del Carmen, You will find a U-turn by Xpu-ha beach entrance, but instead of turning you just go straight into the dirt road.
You will need to stop by the first ticket office where you will pay your entrance fee and
As soon as you turn into the dirt road, you will see a gate with a dive center on the left side. Right after the gate, you will pass by the ticket office where you pay and you will be given a bracelet, before continuing on a dirt road for 1 km to get to the cenote.
➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.
How to get to Cenote Minotaurio by local bus
Getting from Playa del Carmen to Cenote Minotaurio by local bus is not advisable because although the entrance is right on the road, you will have more than 1 km extra in the jungle to get to the cenote.
How to get to Cenote Minotaurio by taxi
Getting to the Cenote Minotaurio by taxi is another option. Make sure you let the taxi driver know at what time you want to be picked up and agree on the fare before confirming the ride.
We are not exactly sure about the taxi rate but it should be around 500 MXN each way. However not all taxis are happy to drive on a dirt road, so make sure you explain in advance where you need to go.
THINGS TO DO IN CENOTE MINOTAURIO
✅ Swim in the spectacular crystal clear water and relax on the rocks emerging and scattered around the cenote.
✅ Snorkel and look and the amazing rock formations, the thriving nature growing underwater and the fishes swimming around.
✅ Relax by the water
✅ go diving – but you will need to book your dive in advance with a dive shop
✅ Take spectacular pictures
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Cenote Minotaurio Facilities
✔️ bathroom
✔️ showers
✔️ life jacket (included)
✔️ mask rental (not the snorkel) 50 MXN
✔️ hammocks and sitting area
Cenote Minotauro entrance fee
The entrance fee of Cenote Minotaurio is 250 MXN pp for tourists and 150 for locals and residents.
For Divers is 300 MXN + the Dive shop fees.
Cenote Minotauro opening hours
Cenote Minotauro is open from 9 to 5 every day
HOW TO VISIT CENOTE MINOTAURO AND RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
🔴 You CAN NOT wear any type of sunscreen
🔴 DON’T bring any kind of speakers for music
🔴 You are not allowed to bring any alcohol
🔴 You CAN NOT smoke
🔴 Pets are NOT allowed
🔴 Don’t trash
🔴 Don’t be loud in general, respect the other visitors’ tranquillity
WHAT TO BRING TO CENOTE MINOTAURO
✔️ Swimsuit and a change for when you leave
✔️ A rush guard to protect you from the sun
✔️ Beach towel
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Go Pro Hero 10 for stunning underwater pictures
✔️ A plastic waterproof phone bag
✔️ Water
✔️ You can buy soft drinks and snacks there but there is not much choice, so if you are planning to stay all day you can bring your own snacks and drinks but remember alcohol is prohibited
INSIDER TIP – try to avoid weekends and be there in the early morning when they open if you want to avoid crowds.
WHAT WE LOVED THE MOST ABOUT CENOTE MINOTAURO
👍🏽 the best of Cenote Minotauro is the spectacular crystal clear water. You can clearly see the bottom, it looks unreal.
👍🏽 the thriving nature surrounding it
👍🏽 the diving in the intricate net of tunnels and hooks makes it a wonderland for adventure divers.
👍🏽 it’s not well known so you won’t find it crowded.
THE WORST OF CENOTE MINOTAURO
👎🏼 The only possible fault would be that it’s quite small so it gets to full capacity very easily.
TIPS TO PHOTOGRAPH CENOTE MINOTAURO
A grand-angle camera will do, the light is pretty much even so you can find many good angles, especially in the late afternoon.
If you have a GoPro you can take amazing underwater pictures.
WHAT CAN YOU VISIT NEARBY
► Cenote Azul 2.3 KM / 1.4 miles
► Cenote Cristalino 2.5 km / 1.4 miles
► Cenote Chikin-HA 2.6 km / 1.5 miles
► Xel-ha Ruins 8 km / 4.9 miles
► Playa Xpu-ha 5.6 km / 3.4 miles
► Laguna Yal-ku 13.2 km / 8.2 miles
► Playa Akumal – 11.7 km / 7.2 miles
Category – Family friendly / diving/ adventure
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/ 5
Where to stay nearby
This area is surrounded by amazing hotels of all sorts of budgets and styles. From Jungle cabanas to luxury hotels on the beach. Here I am sharing a few of them so that you have some options in case you decide to stay in the nearby area.
Puerto Aventuras Hotel & Beach Club (Puerto Aventura)
The hotel’s location inside the Puerto Aventura residential area provides easy access to nearby beaches, attractions, museums, and natural wonders.
On-site amenities include a gym, bar, restaurant, and event space. Each room features a Jacuzzi, hammock, and lounge area, with garden, pool, or sea views available. The hotel also boasts the only beachfront restaurant in the Puerto Aventuras complex and yet it’s close to many others.
► Check rates and availability on Expedia
Hotel Unico Riviera Maya
Hotel Unico Riviera Maya is a luxury beachfront resort with 76 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor shower. It features three restaurants, two bars, two pools, a fitness center, and a spa. The resort offers personalized service and is ideal for couples seeking a romantic and secluded retreat.
► Check rates and availability on Expedia
Hotel Esencia (Ultra Luxury)
Hotel Esencia is a boutique luxury hotel on the Riviera Maya with 29 elegant suites and villas. It offers a restaurant, a beachside grill, two pools, a fitness center, a spa, and activities like yoga and snorkeling.
The hotel’s exclusive and tranquil atmosphere makes it a top choice for couples and honeymooners seeking a private and romantic retreat.
► Check rates and availability on Expedia
Barcelo Maya (All- Inclusive)
The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort is a large all-inclusive beachfront resort on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It features five sections, multiple pools, a water park, a spa, a fitness center, and a range of restaurants and bars.
Guests can enjoy activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, and nightly entertainment. It’s a luxurious and relaxing option for a beach vacation.
► Check rates and availability on Expedia
Suggested Cenote tours
Here are some highly rated cenote tours in case you don’t feel like going on your own. They won’t take you there but to other amazing cenotes.
► Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 336 Reviews
This tour combines two of the top attractions on the Riviera Maya in a 5-hour trip. You will be snorkeling and swimming with turtles and tropical fish in the wild and then you will be visiting one of the spectacular cenotes in the Riviera Maya for another swimming and snorkeling adventure. BOOK IT HERE
► Tulum Guided Tour, Cenotes and Yal-kú Lagoon Snorkeling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 336 Reviews
A full-day tour where you will visit the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tulum, swim and snorkel in the spectacular Yal-Ku lagoon, and explore one of the amazing cenotes with a knowledgeable guide. BOOK IT HERE.
► Discover the mystical cenotes – 2 Tank cavern diving
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 18 Reviews
This is a small group diving tour to explore some of the stunning cenotes near Playa del Carmen. You have lunch in a local restaurant included, after the dive. Equipment is not included but is available for rent. BOOK YOUR 2-TANK CAVERN DIVING HERE
► Private Scuba Diving Adventure in Cenote Kukulkan from Playa del Carmen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 108 Reviews
Cenote Kukulcan is one of the most beautiful cenotes for cave diving in Mexico. This tour is made by the Cenote Guy one of the most highly rated cenote dive companies in Playa del Carmen. Each dive is done under the supervision of an experienced, certified, and passionate guide. BOOK IT HERE
OTHER CENOTE TOURS (No diving)
► Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 336 Reviews
This tour combines two of the top attractions on the Riviera Maya in a 5-hour trip. You will be snorkeling and swimming with turtles and tropical fish in the wild and then you will be visiting one of the spectacular cenotes in the Riviera Maya for another swimming and snorkeling adventure. BOOK IT HERE
► Tulum Guided Tour, Cenotes and Yal-kú Lagoon Snorkeling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 336 Reviews
A full-day tour where you will visit the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tulum, swim and snorkel in the spectacular Yal-Ku lagoon, and explore one of the amazing cenotes with a knowledgeable guide. BOOK IT HERE.
