Tag: Dos ojos

TOP 6 CENOTES FOR SUMMER 2026 IN TULUM

The best way to cool off for the summer in Tulum is taking a dip in our favorite cenotes! This is our guide for the summer…

When you think of the Riviera Maya or the Tulum area, crystal-clear turquoise waters and endless shades of blue are probably the first things that come to mind. We are fortunate to be home to the incredible Mesoamerican Reef, with its vibrant shallow waters and breathtaking deep reefs. As if that weren’t enough, the Yucatán Peninsula is also home to thousands of cenotes—more than 20,000 of them scattered throughout the region.

Cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes formed thousands of years ago when limestone caves collapsed, revealing the underground rivers flowing beneath the Yucatán Peninsula. The region’s porous limestone allows rainwater to filter through the earth, creating one of the largest underground river systems in the world.

For the ancient Mayans, cenotes were much more than beautiful places to swim—they were considered sacred gateways to the underworld, known as Xibalba. These waters were believed to connect the human world with the spiritual realm , however, the connection the Mayans had to them is still unknown. Because freshwater was scarce in the region, cenotes also became essential sources of life for Mayan communities. Today, visiting a cenote offers not only the chance to experience crystal-clear waters and unique ecosystems, but also an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural history of the Riviera Maya.

The first cenote on our list is Cenote Manatí. This cenote is well known for its incredible wildlife. From freshwater turtles and colorful fish to herons, egrets, and even crocodiles, Cenote Manatí is a snorkeler’s paradise. Located just five minutes from Casa Colibri, it’s one of the most convenient adventures during your stay. Panchito, the resident crocodile, is well known within the local diving community, although sightings are rare. If you happen to spot him, consider yourself lucky! After your swim, walk across to the beach and watch the cenote’s freshwater flow into the Caribbean Sea—a unique natural phenomenon.

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Second on our list are Cenotes Cristal and Escondido. Located about 20 minutes from Casa Colibri and only 10 minutes from downtown Tulum, these neighboring cenotes are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the sunshine. They sit directly across the highway from one another, making it easy to visit both in a single trip by car or scooter. Although they are close together, each offers a different experience. Cenote Escondido is ideal for birdwatching and features several platforms for jumping into the water. Cenote Cristal is perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying a picnic, with plenty of tables available for meals or snacks.

Coming in third is Cenote Encantado, another one of our favorite places to visit. Located in the Tulum hotel zone, this cenote is connected to several others within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. It’s about a 25-minute drive from our property. With depths ranging from approximately 5 to 15 meters, it’s an excellent spot for both freediving and snorkeling. The cenote also has several lounging areas, making it easy to spend the entire day there. After your swim, head next door to Pargo Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the cenote.

Fourth on our list is the Bejil Ha Cenote Route, located about 20 minutes north of Casa Colibri in the small town of Chemuyil. This guided experience includes three completely different cenotes: an open cenote, a cavern cenote, and a cave cenote. Along the way, you’ll cycle through the jungle, learn about the different formations, and finish the adventure with a traditional Mayan meal overlooking the water. Although it’s a full-day excursion, its close proximity to Casa Colibri makes it an easy and rewarding adventure.

The fifth cenote on our list is Taak Bi Ha, an incredible cave cenote located along the Dos Ojos route, about 15 minutes north of our property. The Dos Ojos area is world-famous among scuba divers, attracting visitors from around the globe to explore its spectacular underwater cave systems. What makes Taak Bi Ha so special is its breathtaking underground chamber filled with crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and ancient stalactites that have formed over thousands of years. The cool air and peaceful silence create an atmosphere that feels both calming and awe-inspiring. Although it isn’t especially deep, don’t forget your mask and snorkel—you’ll want to admire every corner beneath the surface.

Last but certainly not least, we recommend visiting Caleta Tankah, located just five minutes from Casa Colibri. Here, a freshwater cenote flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, creating a unique brackish-water cove that’s perfect for swimming. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the cenote itself, surrounded by lush vegetation nourished by the mix of freshwater and saltwater. This special ecosystem attracts a wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making it a wonderful place to explore. Best of all, it’s practically right next door.

Summer has officially arrived, and the sunshine is here to prove it! This is one of our favorite times of year to visit Casa Colibri. Since it’s low season, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds while still experiencing everything the Riviera Maya has to offer. Exploring different cenotes is one of the best ways to discover the area’s incredible natural beauty. We always recommend visiting a mix of open-air, cavern, and cave cenotes to experience how unique each one can be. Spend your days swimming in crystal-clear waters, then return to Casa Colibri to relax on the beach and watch another unforgettable Caribbean sunset.

FLIP YOUR RAINY HOLIDAY IN TULUM!

Summer is here and the sun is out, when it’s not, we have several tips to have a lively holiday with rain!

It’s been months since you’ve booked your flight to Tulum. It’s been a couple of weeks since you booked your hotel. It’s been a couple of days since you organized your activities for your fall holiday in Tulum. Now you’ve arrived here and it’s raining!  Mother Nature can be a little tricky and unpredictable, however, Tulum has a great local community and nature really shines after rain showers. 

Summer in the Yucatan Peninsula is a special moment in the yearly cycle. During the last weeks of June, through September, we get much more rain than in any other season. We consider this to be our low season, but then again, it’s a good time of year to come due to no crowds and best deals. The biodiversity of the Tulum area is vibrant during this time of year. Baby turtles hatch on our beach in late summer, orchids bloom and bigger animals begin to show up at dive sites. 

We have kept many tall trees on our property, which over the years have become homes to the many species that coexist with us on the coast. When the sun shines between rains, from herons and ospreys to hummingbirds and cereques, our property is a safe haven for these animals. Our space was especially designed to appreciate them in the natural surroundings without interrupting them. You can see them from our rooms; especially our patio balconies, which are fantastic to appreciate the turtle activity at night!

Tulum’s downtown is also a nice area to visit. There are plenty of interesting coffee shops, fruit markets, bars to try mezcal and lively artist studios that showcase local art. You can visit these as well when it’s raining. In the Veleta district there are several coffee shops like Nimeño, Vaiven or Mera, where you can meet interesting crowds and local artists. La Norteña is great for morning tacos. For drinks or a beer try La Serpiente Cantina, La Guarida or Anónimo. 

If your adventure bug is still nagging you and would like to see outside of town, we recommend visiting Valladolid, which is a small city in the neighboring state of Yucatan. It’s about a two hour drive from our property and you can visit cenotes, museums, famous cantinas and explore the gastronomical part of Mayan culture. Close to our property, you can explore Aktun Chen park, which is a dry cave system that has a cenote in a part of the cave. It’s a special sight to see and an activity you can do in the rain. There are several cave/cavern cenotes close to our property, such as Dos Ojos and Cenote Choo Ha.

If you would like to take advantage of the rainy weather and stay on our property to catch up on sleep or just rest, we can arrange a massage for you. You can take it in the privacy of your room and relax to the sound of the waves. Many of our guests have enjoyed unwinding with the rain; our rooms come stocked with tea and coffee, so no need to leave your room to prepare comfort drinks!

With or without rain, the Tulum area is a fantastic place to explore with loved ones, and on our property even better. Come visit us during this time of year and we’ll show you how to navigate Tulum’s rainy jungle days.