Kantun Chi, which means “yellow stone mouth” in Mayan, has four freshwater cenotes for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Independently or as part of a guided tour from Playa del Carmen or Cancun, go kayaking in the impressive underground cavern Grutaventura, where two of the cenotes are connected by naturally formed alleys. Afterwards, relax in one of the hammocks hanging throughout the park. Tours which visit Kantun Chi sometimes stop in Tulum or include visits to private beaches.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes to Kantun Chi Ecopark.
Tour guides provide life jackets to all visitors.
The use of oil or lotions is not allowed in order to protect the surrounding environment, so avoid applying sunscreen or insect repellent before swimming.
The cenote waters here are slightly cooler—in the low 70s°F (21℃–27℃)—as compared to other cenotes in the area.
Kantun Chi is also home to local wildlife such as deer, spider monkeys, and raccoons.
Kantun Chi Ecopark is located 56 miles (90 kilometers) south of Cancun and 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307; on-site parking is available. From Playa del Carmen, buses are available at the station on Quinta Avenida and Avenida Juarez. If traveling in a group, you can also grab a colectivo van (located next to the ADO bus station), which is generally cheaper than ADO buses and travels directly to the park.
Though Kantun Chi Ecopark is considered less touristy than other area attractions, visit early in the morning, when it’s least crowded. The months of April, May, and November are the most popular times to visit the region, so expect to encounter the most visitors then.
Another popular underground excursion north of Tulum and south of Playa del Carmen, Cenotes Dos Ojos is a natural cave system that attracts divers and snorkelers looking to explore, but you can also just float around too. The cenotes boast a water temperature of 77°F (24°C) year-round, which is considered ideal for snorkeling.