Cenotes in the Yucatán With Kids – Visiting With a Baby or Toddler

Mexico has always felt like a second home to me, but on this trip, we were traveling with an almost 5-month-old baby and a 2-year-old, staying in Playa del Carmen and moving at family speed. Cenotes weren’t originally part of the plan. They felt adventurous, possibly impractical, and maybe not realistic with such young kids.

Still, after some research and a lot of curiosity, we decided to try a few that looked manageable. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. This guide shares exactly which cenotes in the Yucatán work with kids, which ones don’t, and what parents actually need to know before going with a baby or toddler.

Jump to: What is, Safety, Family-Friendly Features, Cenotes to Visit, Tour, What to Bring, FAQs

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What is a cenote?

A cenote is a natural freshwater sinkhole formed when limestone collapses and exposes groundwater below the surface. Cenotes are most commonly found in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where thousands of them dot the region.

Some cenotes are completely open to the sky like a natural swimming hole. Others are more mysterious, partially or fully enclosed inside caves. Each one looks and feels different, which is why some cenotes work well with kids and others do not.

Historically, cenotes were an important source of fresh water for the Maya civilization. Cenotes are freshwater systems fed by groundwater. Many are regularly monitored, and many are swum in daily by children and adults. Today, many are open to visitors and managed for swimming, snorkeling, or simply viewing. When choosing cenotes to visit with kids, layout and access matter more than how famous a cenote is.

Are cenotes safe to visit with babies and toddlers?

The short answer is yes. Some cenotes are absolutely safe to visit with babies and toddlers, but not all of them are a good fit. Cenotes vary widely in layout, depth, and access, and those differences matter a lot when you’re traveling with young kids.

During our trip, our baby was almost 5 months old and stayed in a soft-structured carrier the entire time. He never went into the water. Our toddler was just over 2 years old, and he went in all but one of the cenotes we visited.

The long answer is, it depends. Safety comes down to a few key factors. Access is the first one. Cenotes with wide, well-maintained staircases and railings felt manageable, even while carrying a baby. Ladders, steep drops, or uneven entry points are much harder with little kids and are better saved for another trip. Depth matters too. Deep cenotes can still be visited with children, but swimming in them requires strong adult swimmers and proper flotation for toddlers. In some cases, it’s better to visit for the view rather than for swimming.

Crowds also play a role. Open-air cenotes tend to feel more relaxed, even when busy, while enclosed or cave-like cenotes can feel overwhelming when crowded. We were lucky to visit a few at quiet times, which made the experience feel calm and almost peaceful. Timing your visit early in the day can make a big difference.

The biggest takeaway is this: you don’t need to skip cenotes just because you have a baby or toddler. You do need to be selective, realistic about swimming, and comfortable carrying your baby rather than relying on strollers or pool-style access. With the right expectations, cenotes can be a really cool adventure when visiting the Yucatán with young kids.

What makes a cenote family-friendly?

Not all cenotes work well for babies and toddlers, even if they are beautiful or popular. When you are traveling with young kids, the details matter more than the wow factor. These are the things I looked for when deciding which cenotes to visit with a young baby and a toddler.

Easy access

Wide, stable staircases with railings make a huge difference when you are carrying a baby. Cenotes that require ladders or steep, uneven entry points are much harder to manage with little kids.

Shallow areas

Some cenotes have rock ledges or shallow sections where toddlers can stand safely while still enjoying the water. These areas made it possible for our 2-year-old to splash and play without being fully submerged.

Open-air layout

Open-air cenotes generally feel more relaxed and less intense. Enclosed or cave-like cenotes can feel quiet and magical when empty, but could be overwhelming when crowded.

On-site facilities

Bathrooms, changing areas, lockers, and life jackets make visits smoother with kids. These small conveniences reduce stress and make it easier to stay longer without rushing.

Crowd patterns and timing

Some cenotes are regularly packed because they are included on large tour routes. Others are quieter, especially early in the day or near closing time. Visiting at the right time can completely change the experience.

Keeping these factors in mind helped us choose cenotes that felt manageable and enjoyable with young kids.

Next, I’ll share the specific cenotes in the Yucatán that worked best for our family and why.

Best cenotes in the Yucatán with kids

These are the cenotes we actually visited with a 4-month-old baby and a 2-year-old, based out of Playa del Carmen. Each one offered a very different experience, and some worked better than others depending on age, layout, and crowd levels.

Cenote Azul

The best cenote for babies and toddlers

Cenote Azul is an open-air freshwater cenote about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307 with crystal-clear turquoise water and several connected pools of varying depths. It remains one of the most popular and family-friendly cenotes in the Riviera Maya because it has shallow areas that you can stand in, easy access from the pool edge, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for kids and adults alike.

This was the most kid-friendly cenote we visited on our trip. Unlike deeper, enclosed cave cenotes, Cenote Azul’s large, open pool has natural limestone shelves and wide shallow sections where our 2-year-old could stand and splash around while under close supervision. There are also deeper areas for stronger swimmers, and life jackets can be rented on site for extra support if you want.

Our baby stayed in the baby carrier the entire time, and I felt comfortable exploring the shallow parts of the pools while wearing him. Families and children were clearly common here, and many people treated a trip to Cenote Azul like a mini beach day, arriving with towels, snacks, and plans to stay a few hours.

The water stays cool (often below about 75 °F) and refreshing even on hot days, and many visitors enjoy snorkeling to look at fish and underwater rock formations. Tiny fish that nibble at your feet are a common sight and a fun bonus for curious toddlers, though not everyone loves the tickling sensation.

Recent visitor tips note that getting there early in the morning usually offers a quieter experience before the crowds arrive, especially on weekends. Comfortable, non-slip footwear, like water shoes or similar, helps with the uneven rock and wooden walkways.

Cenote Azul has basic visitor facilities suitable for families, including bathrooms and showers, but it’s still a natural site rather than a fully developed resort location. It’s best to bring essentials like towels, cash, and food.

All told, Cenote Azul remains a standout choice if you’re visiting the Yucatán with a baby and toddler because of its size, shallow water options, open setting, and overall accessibility for families.

Cenote Ik Kil

Iconic cenote near Chichén Itzá that’s worth visiting, but best approached with expectations

Cenote Ik Kil remains one of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatán, particularly because of its dramatic circular sinkhole, lush hanging vines, and convenient location just a short drive from Chichen Itza. It continues to be a popular stop for visitors coming from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Mérida, and is frequently included on Chichén Itzá day trips and tours.

The setting is undeniably beautiful, and the site is well developed with facilities like changing rooms, lockers, bathrooms, and life jackets included with admission. Many review sources note that life jackets are required or strongly recommended before swimming here because the water is very deep with no gradual shallow areas or ledges to stand on.

The water level starts well below the surface, and the cenote drops steeply to depths of roughly 40 meters (about 130 feet), so there isn’t any toddler-friendly shallow shelf that you sometimes find at other cenotes. Although kids visit often, most parents choose to keep them near the edge or on the platform rather than swimming in the deep center.

Access involves a long stone staircase down into the cenote with chain railings, which is well-maintained but can get slippery when wet. Facilities are good by cenote standards, but the experience can lose some luster when it’s crowded with tourists, especially midday when tour buses arrive from Chichén Itzá. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually means fewer crowds and a calmer visit.

Practical points for families with young kids:

• Babies are not suited for swimming here because of the deep water and lack of shallow zones.
• Toddlers can safely visit the edge and enjoy the views, but swimming requires strong supervision and life jackets.
• The cenote’s location makes it easy to combine with Chichén Itzá for a full-day trip.
• Facilities like lockers, bathrooms, and showers help, but food options on site are limited, so plan accordingly.

Ik Kil is beautiful and worth the visit for families who want the visual experience, but it is less practical as a swimming cenote with very young kids compared with some others closer to Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Cenote Suytun

A peaceful, visual cenote near Valladolid that works best as a calm stop with kids

Cenote Suytun is located just outside Valladolid and remains well known for its dramatic cave setting and circular stone platform in the center of the pool. It is an enclosed cenote, accessed by a stone staircase that descends into the cave, and it feels very different from open-air cenotes like Cenote Azul.

The staircase is still well-maintained, dry, and equipped with a rope for railing support along the wall. This makes access manageable while carrying a baby, though it is steeper than some other cenotes and requires slow, careful footing. This is a place where a soft structured carrier continues to make the most sense for families with babies, since strollers are not usable, and hands-free balance matters.

Cenote Suytun’s facilities are more developed than at some more “rustic” cenotes, but it still feels like a natural site rather than a resort. Having basic changing and restroom areas makes it easier to visit with kids, and the availability of showers means you don’t have to leave sticky and wet when you’re done.

The pool itself is relatively shallow compared to larger cenotes, but life jackets are still typically required or strongly encouraged for swimming. That said, Cenote Suytun is often better suited for viewing and taking photos. Visitors usually spend a short amount of time here rather than treating it like a long swim stop.

Crowds are the biggest factor with this cenote. When quiet, it feels calm, almost meditative, and very memorable. When busy, the cave-like environment can feel echoey and intense, especially with young kids. Visiting early in the morning or closer to closing time offers the best experience, both for atmosphere and comfort.

For families with babies and toddlers, Cenote Suytun is best thought of as:

• A short, peaceful cave exploration stop rather than a long active swimming destination
• A good option if you are already visiting Valladolid or Chichén Itzá

If you are choosing between cenotes and only have time for one swim-focused stop with young kids, open-air cenotes tend to be easier. But if timing works in your favor, Cenote Suytun can still be a beautiful and low-effort addition to a Yucatán itinerary with kids.

Cenotes we skipped with a baby and toddler (and why)

There are dozens of cenotes, actually thousands, in the Yucatán, and many of the most famous ones look incredible in photos. Be honest, how many do you have saved on Instagram? That does not mean they are the right fit when you are traveling with a baby or toddler.

These are the cenotes we seriously considered but ultimately skipped, based on layout, swimming requirements, and how realistic they felt with very young kids. If your kids are older and strong swimmers, they may be doable for your family.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most well-known cenotes in the region and is often recommended for snorkeling and cave exploration. While it is stunning, it is not an easy match for babies or young toddlers.

The main appeal of Dos Ojos is swimming and snorkeling through connected cave systems. There are no meaningful shallow areas to stand in, and enjoying it properly usually requires being in the water for an extended period. Some families make it work by having one parent stay out of the water with a baby while the other swims, but that setup felt more complicated than enjoyable for us.

This is a better option for families with older kids who can swim independently with a life jacket and are comfortable in darker, enclosed spaces.

Cenote Dos Osos

Cenote Dos Osos is sometimes confused with Dos Ojos because of the similar name, but they are very different experiences. Dos Osos is more of an adventure park with a cenote, offering activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and water slides in addition to swimming.

While it can be fun for families with school-aged kids, it wasn’t the experience we were searching for. It is also more activity-driven than relaxed, which was not what we were looking for at the time.

If you are traveling with older kids and want a more energetic day, this could be a good option. With babies and toddlers, we preferred simpler, calmer cenotes.

Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino is located very close to Cenote Azul and looks similar in photos, which makes it tempting to pair the two. While it is generally considered accessible, current visitor reports suggest that it has fewer clearly defined shallow areas compared to Cenote Azul.

Because Cenote Azul already offered everything we were looking for with a toddler-friendly layout and easy water access, we chose not to add Cristalino as well. If you are deciding between the two with young kids, Cenote Azul tends to be the more forgiving and flexible choice.

Do you need a tour to visit cenotes with kids?

You do not need a tour to visit cenotes with kids, and in our case, going independently worked better with a baby and toddler. We rented a car while staying in Playa del Carmen, which gave us more flexibility.

Many cenotes are easy to reach on your own and have clear signage, parking, and on-site facilities. Tours can be convenient if you are short on time or do not want to drive, but they often move on fixed schedules and group timing, which can be limiting with young kids. And you will be among the tour crowds.

I prefer to DIY most of our travels. However, sometimes a tour still makes more sense. In these instances, I try to find a private driver to customize our tour, private tour operators, or semi-private, smaller tour groups.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler and want a slower, more adaptable pace, visiting cenotes independently is usually the easier option.

What to bring to cenotes with a baby or toddler

Packing the right things makes visiting cenotes with young kids a better experience. This is what worked well for us with a 5-month-old and a 2-year-old.

A soft-structured baby carrier

Cenotes are not stroller-friendly. I used a soft structured carrier the entire time and found it far more practical than a sling for longer wear and uneven terrain. Having both hands free made stairs, railings, and slippery areas feel much safer.

Water shoes or secure sandals

Many cenotes have rocky or uneven surfaces, and some stairs can be damp. Shoes with a good grip feel safer than flip flops, especially while carrying a baby. And water shoes are a great option for toddlers and young kids.

Rash guards and sun hats

Many cenotes require biodegradable sunscreen only, and some discourage sunscreen altogether. Rash guards and hats reduce how much sunscreen you need and make things easier with kids.

Towels

Most cenotes do not provide towels. Bring your own from your accommodation.

Cash

Entrance fees, lockers, and life jacket rentals often require cash. Do not assume cards will be accepted.

Snacks and water

Some cenotes sell basic snacks, but many are remote. Having your own food and water keeps kids happy and avoids cutting visits short.

Optional flotation for toddlers

Some cenotes offer life jackets, but availability can vary. If your toddler is not a strong swimmer, bringing something familiar can help everyone feel more comfortable.

FAQs about visiting cenotes with kids

Can babies go into cenotes?

Babies can visit cenotes, and there is no rule that babies cannot go into the water. Many parents choose not to swim with babies because cenotes are often cool, deep, and accessed by stairs or ladders, which can make entry and exit awkward while holding an infant. On our trip, our baby was nearly 5 months old and stayed in a baby carrier the entire time (napping most of it), which felt like the simplest and safest option for us.

Are cenotes safe for toddlers?

Some cenotes are safe for toddlers, especially those with shallow areas, rock ledges, or gradual entry points. Toddlers should always be closely supervised, and flotation devices are important if they are not strong swimmers. Safety depends more on the layout of the cenote than the cenote itself.

Is it OK to swim in cenotes?

Yes. Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes and are commonly used for swimming. Many are managed sites with entry rules, safety guidelines, and regular visitors. As with swimming in lakes or springs, basic water safety applies, including supervision, awareness of depth, and following posted rules.

Are cenotes cold?

Cenotes are usually cooler than the ocean and swimming pools. The water temperature is generally consistent year-round and can feel refreshing on hot days, though it may feel cold at first, especially for young children.

Do kids need life jackets at cenotes?

Many cenotes offer life jackets, and some require them in deeper areas. Even when not required, life jackets are a good idea for toddlers and younger kids. Availability can vary by cenote, so it helps to check ahead.

Do you need water shoes for cenotes in Mexico?

Water shoes are not required, but they are strongly recommended. Cenotes often have rocky or uneven surfaces, slippery stairs, and limestone edges that can be uncomfortable or slick underfoot. Shoes with a good grip make walking and entering the water much easier.

Are cenotes stroller-friendly?

No. Cenotes are not stroller-friendly. Access usually involves stairs, uneven paths, or rocky terrain. A baby carrier is essential if you are visiting with an infant.

Can you visit a cenote without swimming?

Yes. Many cenotes are worth visiting just to see them, even if you do not plan to swim. This is especially common at deeper or cave-like cenotes where swimming may not feel practical or desirable.

Is sunscreen allowed at cenotes?

Many cenotes only allow biodegradable sunscreen, and some discourage sunscreen entirely to protect the ecosystem. Wearing rash guards and hats helps reduce the need for sunscreen.

Do you need to book cenotes in advance?

Most cenotes do not require advance booking if you are visiting independently. Popular cenotes can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day usually leads to a better experience.

How many cenotes are there in the Yucatán?

There are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. Estimates vary, but researchers believe there are over 6,000 documented cenotes, with many more undiscovered or unmapped. Only a small portion are developed and open to visitors.

Cenotes can work with young kids, with the right approach

Cenotes can feel intimidating at first, especially when you are traveling with a baby or toddler. They are often described as adventurous or rugged, which makes many families assume they are not realistic with young kids. Our experience proved otherwise.

With the right expectations and a little selectivity, cenotes can be a memorable part of visiting the Yucatán with kids. You do not need to visit dozens of them, and you do not need to swim at every stop. Even one well-chosen cenote can be enough to experience how unique and special these places are.

This trip reminded me that family travel does not have to mean we always have to skip more adventurous experiences. It just means approaching them differently. Cenotes are a perfect example of that. With a carrier, some flexibility, and a willingness, cenotes can absolutely be part of a Mexico trip with young kids.

If you are visiting Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, or elsewhere in the Yucatán, do not automatically cross cenotes off your list. With the right prep, they are worth it, even with a baby or toddler.

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