the best secret cenotes in Tulum, the hidden gem we never expected!
During a 7-Day vacation to Tulum, Quintana Roo in September of 2018, I discovered a secret cenote in Tulum! During our four-night stay in a jungle paradise, our host recommended we visit the best-hidden cenote in Tulum at Caleta Tankah.
Here’s a better look at our amazing Airbnb. The three-bed three bath penthouse came with a private rooftop pool complete with incredible jungle panoramic views. As amazing as this jungle paradise was, it sadly was not on or near a beach.
Our Airbnb host and locals that worked or lived in the building all recommended Caleta Tankah for the best beach day in the area. We decided to check it out for our first day in Tulum and it did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a seaweed-free area, this is where you want to be.
Recommended Read: 7-Day Adventurers Guide to Quintana Roo Mexico!
The Hotel and Beach Club, are on a National Park beach facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. More importantly, there are clean flush restrooms, showers, and changing areas in the Beach Club.
The Hotel and Beach Club, are on a National Park beach facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. More importantly, there are clean flush restrooms, showers, and changing areas in the Beach Club.
You will be required to pay a $15 USD per person entry fee to get into the club if you are not a hotel guest. Once you’re admitted, you’ll receive a towel, and access to the beach, cenote, and showers. Plus a restaurant where you can order drinks and food. We grabbed a tropical drink at the bar and headed out to the beach to claim some chairs with a shaded area before the shenanigans began.
The beach club is popular with tourists and locals who like to relax, swim and enjoy some great food in a beautiful setting. We also played volleyball and cornhole when we weren’t in the water. There are sun loungers and umbrellas free of charge once you enter the beach club, showers, and a lifeguard on duty at all times.
Caleta Tankah Cenote
Caleta Tankah is a big blue cenote, but unlike other cenotes, it’s on the beach instead of in the jungle. Be cautious when swimming in the cenote for there are rip tides that can take you out to the ocean into danger.
If you wander down the beach you will come across a sign that has directions to the area’s local attractions. Follow the yellow sign to get to the other cenote.
After a short walk from the beach into the jungle. You’ll come across a dock at the entrance of the second cenote – Tankah.
Cenote Tankah, Tulum
Cenote Tankah or the “secret cenote” was magical. The colors of the cenote are absolutely breathtaking. Maybe I’m a bit biased this being my second cenote encounter and all… but cenote Tankah was my favorite cenote we visited while on our trip to Mexico.
You Might Also Like:
- The Best Cenotes in Tulum Mexico
- Tulum Travel Guide for the Adventurer
- Most Incredible Places to Stay in Tulum Mexico
- Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico to Escape Winter
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6 comments
I visited a couple of cenotes in Mexico and they are such magical places. This is a hidden gem, you almost don’t want to let the secret out.
You guys seem to find all the most amazing destinations – what a beautiful place for a dip!
Swimming in the Cenotes are something speical! I only managed to visit two while in Mexico, although one of them I did scuba dive into. It was strange where the salt water meets the fresh water, it goes from crystal clear to almost smokey. This one looks lovely with all the foliage around it.
This looks amazing. I love the cool deck on the back of the AirBnb Penhouse. And the secret cenote, I would love to experience that.
I would have kept a place like this all to myself. so glad you decided to share it with us though! What a beauty!
This certainly is a hidden gem! I’d never even heard of a “cenote” before today. It looks like a dream vacation. Plus, the photos are magnificent! Kudos to the photographer!!!