Cenote Azul Bacalar: What to Expect (and Whether It’s Worth a Stop)

Cenote Azul Bacalar is one of the few cenotes in the Bacalar area — and it’s very different from the dramatic cave cenotes you’ll find in other parts of the Yucatán. I visited during my time in Bacalar, and while it’s not a “must-see,” I did enjoy it. It’s a nice spot to cool off, go for a swim, and enjoy some peaceful nature. If you’re considering adding it to your Bacalar itinerary, here’s exactly what to expect.

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What Is Cenote Azul Bacalar Actually Like?

Unlike the crystal-clear cave cenotes you might find in Tulum or Valladolid, Cenote Azul in Bacalar feels more like a small inland lake. The water is a very dark blue, especially in the center, with lighter blue areas around the edges, where you can see some small fish. It’s beautiful in its own way, but not the kind of cenote with turquoise waters, or clear underwater visibility and dramatic rock formations.

It’s very deep and mostly used for swimming and cooling off, rather than snorkeling. There isn’t much space to lay out and relax, so it’s best for people who actually want to get in the water.

We met people living in Bacalar who come here just to swim and hang out. We visited as a group of friends before our bus back north, and it was a great place to cool off and chill for a bit. It’s not really a “wow” destination, but it is peaceful and refreshing.

➡️ Tip: Don’t confuse this with the other Cenote Azul near Tulum/Playa. Be sure to search for Cenote Azul Bacalar specifically when looking on Google Maps. Some reviewers have mixed up the two, which can make the reviews and photos a little confusing.

Is Cenote Azul Bacalar Worth Visiting?

If you don’t have much time in Bacalar, it’s not a must-see. But if you’re around for a few days and want to swim it’s a nice option.

I would recommend it for:

• Travelers staying longer in Bacalar
• People looking for a casual swimming spot
• Anyone who wants a low-key local experience

I wouldn’t recommend it if:

• You only have 1–2 things you can do in Bacalar
• You’re expecting clear turquoise water or snorkeling
• You’re also visiting other cenotes in places like Tulum — those are much more impressive as cenotes themselves.

If you’re spending several days in Bacalar and want a place to swim, it can be a nice stop. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit, especially if I were also visiting other cenotes in Mexico.

Swimming Experience + What to Bring

The swimming here is perfect for anyone who enjoys freshwater over saltwater. The water is very deep although a nice temperature. I didn’t snorkel here like I had at other cenotes, it’s just not the best spot for that. You might see some fish and roots near the edges, but visibility is limited, and the deeper areas drop off quickly.

We spent most of our time on the left side of the cenote (if you’re facing the water from the main entrance), there’s a great spot to hangout with some tree roots growing into the water and trees canopying over. This is where we hung out most of the time, though it’s a bit of a swim to get over there.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll definitely want a life jacket, which they have available to rent. When I visited, life jackets weren’t required — though I’ve seen more recent reviews that say they are, and others that say they’re not. Unfortunately I don’t have a concrete answer to this.

What to Bring:

• Swimsuit + towel
• Swimmable sun shirt (sunscreen isn’t allowed)
• Water shoes (optional — not really needed, but some people like them)
• Cash for entrance
• Dry bag or leave valuables at your hotel (there are no lockers on-site)

Cenote Azul Bacalar Entrance Fee, Facilities & Hours

Hours: The cenote is usually open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, though it’s always a good idea to double check before you go.

Facilities: There’s a restaurant, along with bathrooms and changing rooms. I didn’t eat there myself, but I’ve heard the food is decent. Likely a bit more expensive than average.
There are no lockers, so I recommend leaving your valuables at your accommodation.

Entrance Fee: 50 pesos per person (as of the last time I checked)

Life Jackets: Available to rent

Eco Note: Sunscreen and creams are not allowed, as they can damage the cenote’s ecosystem and affect water clarity. If you’re visiting during peak sun hours, wear a swimmable sun shirt or go later in the day when the sun is lower.

Alternative Access Note

There is a way to access this cenote for free via a more hidden spot often used by locals. You can find it by zooming in on Google Maps, there is currently a pin marking the spot. I’m not going to share the exact location here, but if you’re curious, it’s easy enough to find.

This entrance is best suited for backpackers or a few people just looking to take a dip, it is not ideal for traveling families. There are no facilities or parking. It’s really just a simple place to access the cenote and get in the water and hang out for a bit. This is the spot that I mentioned above that we swam over to and we ended up meeting a few locals there.

If you do choose to use this entrance, please be respectful: no sunscreen, no trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help keep it clean and accessible for the community.

How to Get to Cenote Azul from Bacalar

Cenote Azul is not in downtown Bacalar. You’ll need to get there either by Taxi or Bike. The bike ride is 20 minutes from the center of Bacalar. It is not really walkable from town.

📍 Location: Cenote Azul Bacalar entrance on Google Maps

Watch Out: Some Reviews Aren’t for This Cenote

Some of the Google Reviews and photos for Cenote Azul Bacalar are actually from other cenotes — especially the more famous Cenote Azul near Tulum/Playa. It’s a common name, and unfortunately, the mix up can be a bit misleading if you don’t look closely.

You’ll even see photos of Bacalar Lagoon or completely different cenotes show up in the review gallery. But Cenote Azul Bacalar is a large, open, round swimming hole and it looks and feels very different from the cenotes elsewhere in the Yucatán.

Don’t Confuse Cenote Azul Bacalar with the One near Tulum

Even though they share the same name, these two cenotes are completely different, and located quite a ways from each other. Bacalar’s Cenote Azul is just to the south of Bacalar town, while the Cenote Azul near Tulum/Playa is smaller, much clearer, and more of the traditional style cenote you might expect from photos.

👉 Be sure you’re navigating to the right one when planning your visit!

Final Thoughts on Cenote Azul Bacalar

Cenote Azul is a great spot for a swim. It’s not the kind of cenote that will blow you away, especially if you’ve already visited some of the more dramatic ones in other parts of the Yucatán, but it’s still a beautiful place to take a dip and unwind. If you’re already in Bacalar and want a break from the heat, it’s a relaxing and easy choice.