Top Things to do in Yucatan Peninsula
Top Hotels in Yucatan Peninsula
Top 10 Bodies of Water in Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan Peninsula
Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula
1. Lago Bacalar (Lake of the Seven Colors)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Large, crystal clear lake fed by underwater cenotes and surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
Reviewed By Gena47
Amir Tours did a magnificent job of sharing the magic of the Barcalar Lagoon. The Captain Filipe and Sailer Luna were organized, friendly and competent. The nine of us boarded on time and set out to explore this fresh water lake fed by cenotes. After a safety lecture, we visited the “Pirate Island” where pirates would come in from the Caribbean to plunder. Next we visited three cenotes and learned how they supplied water for the lagoon. We learned how the colors were created depending on the depth of the water and what was on the bottom. We were served a delicious lunch of fresh fruit and bread. And the drinks were not stop! Our last stop was at the bird sanctuary where birds come to rest on the yearly migration paths. The boat was stable and large enough for you to move around. Access into and out of the water was easy and the crew both assisted if needed. Several of us agreed that this was the most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. I would highly recommend you book this tour to have an informative and magical experience.
2. Lake Bacalar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,594 reviews
Reviewed By 389florka - London, United Kingdom
Pueblo magico - truly is !!! There are different shades of blue from the lightest to dark dark blue . We took a boat with tour guy which cost about 260 peso it took about 2.5 h all around lake with few stops when we could jump in the water and enjoy this beautiful place . Water is sweet which made the experience even better:) , would highly recommend it . We stayed near Playa del Carmen and it took us 3.5 h drive , the best is to early morning so can make most of it . Plenty shops and restaurants around to get some snacks or food.
3. Yal-ku Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,044 reviews
Reviewed By MinnesotanTraveler
Yal-ku lagoon is an estuary where fresh and salt water meet, so the biodiversity in the lagoon is incredible. The water is teeming with fish. You can rent a snorkel or bring your own. The park around the lagoon features interesting art statues. There is a small snack bar, clean restrooms, and lockers.
4. Cenote Jardin del Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
Beautiful, crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by lush rainforest and containing underwater caves: a great destination for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Reviewed By MVD68 - Somerset, Canada
My wife and I just returned from the Mayan We absolutely love this area of Mexico!!! We always try new Cenote’s when we are here. We just took our rental car from Playacar to Eden We find it’s much more relaxing then going with a tour It was very nice and actually not that busy. Very cheap if you just pull up on your own and explore I think it was like only 150-200 pesos per person It’s an open Cenote with a rock ledge to dive or jump off. Lots of fun I highly recommend going to Eden.
5. Cenote Azul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,533 reviews
Freshwater lagoon perfect for swimming.
Reviewed By mattd72 - Mexico City, Mexico
Great experience. Get there early as it in the peak season it fills fast and they don't let anymore people in. There are changing rooms and toilets, but no lockers. Entrance is 120 pesos. You can rent life jackts for 40 pesos and snorleking equipment (not sure price). There are plenty of different pools to discover, plenty of fish to discover (and they'll happily nibble at your feet!) and a platform to jump off. Great experience.
6. Aktun Chen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,063 reviews
An underground cave with spectacular rock formations.
Reviewed By jordyguth - Logan, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at this unique and authentic site. It was fun to be off the beaten path in a relaxed setting that hasn't been overrun by tourists. It is a very well run establishment, and the entire staff was friendly and accommodating. The guides were upbeat and patient with us, as well as being very knowledgeable about the caves and the ecology. The prices were very reasonable, and we got a package deal when we went to the Tulum ruins that included a guided tour of the Tulum ruins plus the Aktun Chen cave tour and cenote swim for around $54/each (3 adults, two teens, and two 12 year olds). We tacked on the zipline for a discounted price. We spent all day and enjoyed every aspect of the experience, including the restaurant (reasonable prices and good local fare) and the animals (mostly animal rescues in a semi natural enclosures). We also saw several native butterflies (blue morphos and black/orange longwings) in their natural jungle setting. The absolute highlight was swimming in the underground cenote among the cave formations, fish, and the clearest water I have ever seen. It is incredibly dramatic with the natural light from above through holes in the limestone ceiling. All of the guides we had were wonderful and seemed to love their "office" setting. I would definitely rank our day at Aktun Chen as one of the main highlights of our trip! Thank you for a wonderful experience.
7. Gran Cenote
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,137 reviews
Grand Cenote has 140 square meter for swimming, there is one big cave, a cavern and 100 square of wooden platforms where you can walk, chill with the nature and take pictures .
Reviewed By A7473SDmatthewk
If you are in Tulum, you have to experience the cenotes and in my opinion the Gran Cenote is one of the best. A quaint cenote that you can snorkel and see stalagtites and stalagmites as well as bats and small turtles. Water is clear with a little chill. Also, pretty inexpensive. Shouldn’t cost you anymore than $20 USD per person.
8. Half Moon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By DocRon48 - Dripping Springs, United States
Stay in this area when you go to akumal. Do not rent a car. Get a golf cart. I recommend La Joya for a great condo and awesome location.
9. Cenote Ik kil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,102 reviews
The cenote is open to the sky with the water level about 26 metres (85 ft) below ground level. There is a carved stairway down to a swimming platform. The cenote is about 60 metres (200 ft) in diameter and about 50 metres (164 ft) deep.There are vines which reach from the opening all the way down to the water along with small waterfalls. There are black catfish which swim in the cenote. The cenote is part of a larger complex of a restaurant, store, changing rooms, and cottages for rent. There is also a Mayan ruin on the site. Red Bull Diving Competition Ik Kil was a stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2010, 2011 and 2014
Reviewed By patriciarB5851BY - Targu Mures, Romania
We had a go at the cenote after visiting Chichen Itza și it was a welcoming relief from the heat. The water is cold and the scenery breathtaking, however there are large tourist crowds and people jumping from one of the ledges so that cuts down from the enjoyability. As for the venues built around the cenote, bathrooms, changing rooms and lockers, they are clean, well maintained and apart from the lockers free if charge. You do pay an entrance fee at the cenote, but it is worth it's price. As for the lockers, it's 30 pesos for the whole day.
10. Mangroves of Dzinitun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By JKozma86
With my girlfriend we took the kayak tour through the mangroves and our guide was Eliseo. Eliseo is a local and very knowledgeable about the whole area. He was one of the people involved in the restoration of the whole mangrove. 15 years there was a lot less of the mangrove and through the hard work done by Eliseo and others, the mangrove is healthy and flourishing, with tons of birds and other wildlife. Very impressive!! Went we went, there were unfortunately no flamingos to see, but through clear and prompt communication with Jose we were aware of this beforehand. The kayak tour took a little bit more than an hour and Eliseo spotted lots of birds for us (incl. an owl [we were apparently lucky to see one], an eagle that caught a snake, woodpecker and others). Going through the mangroves was very fascinating and once we were out in the open we had a bit of a workout as the wind was against us. But we did not mind one bit :) Overall, good fun, very insightful and definitely worth a visit!! Eliseo also gave us some tips on a nature park in the area as well as great restaurant in the area
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