Cenote Jardín Del Eden — Attraction in Quintana Roo

While figuring out plans for both the Cozumel and Costa Maya stops on a recent NCL cruise, Chas and I researched many options and ideas. One of the most intriguing was the Cenotes of Mexico. These natural reservoirs of water are often underground or a large sink hole, but some are part of a larger system. At "Jardin Del Eden" there is a large area to swim for anyone who is just swimming or snorkeling, and then for the more advanced diver with scuba gear, there are many underground tunnels to swim through and explore.

This cenote had so much to offer the prospective traveler looking for something different for their time in Mexico. If you are into nature, there were many beautiful views to take in like the woods surrounding the cenote as well as the waters themselves. If you are a fan of wildlife there are many different forms of animals like iguanas and other lizards, birds, and in the waters many varieties of fish. If you were just looking some basic relaxation the entire cenote was relaxing but they also offered massages at an additional fee. Snorkel and life vest rentals available as well as a little grill area for local food. Placed around the perimeter of the cenote were areas to put your belongings and to relax if you choose. We were able to secure a nice little hut that had some coverage overhead as well as a table and some chairs so we were able to leave our bags, phones, towels, etc. in a safe place while we were in the water.

A few things that were important to note about not only this cenote, but cenotes in general. Probably the most important is that you cannot wear sunblock when entering. I brought along a SPF T-shirt so that I would not get too burnt and I had a nice straw hat with me to protect my head. This cenote did not, but most cenotes have showers that you are required to use prior to entering so that the PH and other things are not altered by your body when you swim. Another thing is that some of the more popular (and expensive) cenotes do not allow you to keep your phone or camera on you during your time there and they offer lockers (at a cost) for you to store those things. It's my understanding this is to drive the sales of their in house photographers but perhaps also due to some form of possible issues bringing your personal belongings into the water creates.

We could not be happier that we chose this "excursion" for our day docked in Cozumel this time around. This was not a trip planned through the cruise line and that made it even more exciting. All of the things we were able to do came out to less for 3 of us than it would have costed to do any of the excursions from the cruise line for even 2 of us. This also opened our eyes to cenotes and has made us extremely eager to begin looking at ways to get back to some more. It is Chas' belief (and I totally agree) that it might be easier to enjoy our time at these cenotes if we book a flight into Cancun and drive to these locations so that we can spend as much time as we want, and we are able to hit multiple cenotes in a day. We also can spend a few days doing that as opposed to the 6.5 hours or so you typically get at each port while cruising.

Pretty easy one here...Cenote Jardin Del Eden -...

My wife (Edmonton, AB, Canada) I wanted a day outing from Playa, took the 'Playa del Carmen - Tulum' Collectivo from Playa Chedraui parking lot - skipped most of the long line because we weren't going all the way to Tulum (dropped us off in front of El Cenote Azul for 35 pesos each, 140p round-trip for us both), and 25 minutes later we arrived (3 km south of Puerto Aventuras). As of Monday, Jan 29, 2024, Azul entrance fee $usd10 / 150 pesos, note that $usd10 is about 170pesos so its cheaper to pay in pesos; no sunscreen/ bug spray allowed - to protect the water/ fish. You pay, shower and then take a 200 m walk to the Cenote. I could see an oily film in a couple places so some people must have ignored the rule. The entire area is well shaded so unless you're actually in the water it's easy to avoid the sun. We arrived around 10am, lots of space for us but it was too busy/ loud for us by the time we left (1pm); fun cliff jump (about 15 feet) that we both partook in; lots of wildlife - 4 iguanas, a large family of Coati (Central American racoon is the closest animal I can think of), Yucitan Jays, and a female Anhinga (aka Water-Turkey) that swam around looking for fish and then climbed a tree and spread its wings to dry off in the sun. (no alcohol / food allowed at either cenote - said the sign, both have food vendors). Next up we walked about 250 yards north to Cenote Jardin del Eden - again price increased from Online reviews $usd14 / 200 pesos. About 8 minute walk to Cenote, well worth the extra $$, not busy, probably a dozen palapas with picnic benches. The cenote was (guess) 200 yards wide x 400 long, another 15' cliff jump for the adventurous types, not many people, I guess the 8 minute walk was enough of a deterrent but if you have a car you can drive right up to the water. We walked around the whole cenote and found a couple comfy chairs (short nap break). There was a small pond that led to a crevice (about 8' wide, 300m long), high walls and deep water - very cool. https://youtu.be/j_UkhQzEEM?feature=shared A couple free-divers popped up, they said if you dive down 19', you can swim back into the main cenote in a couple places. Jardin was superior so we were grateful we visited them in order, there's a 3rd cenote (Cristalino), but we didn't visit it because we thought that would be rushing ourselves. We left around 4pm. Across the highway we caught a Collectivo back to Playa (Chedraui), had to wait about 20 minutes for one that had room (7 of us waiting). A Fantastic /...

I took a group of almost 20 people here and we absolutely would recommend it, but I am going to be very candid. This cenote is AMAZING, one of the largest in the area and the water clarity is fabulous. There are multiple jumps and well as plenty of places to hang out in the water. There is also a cool cave in the back. We found the staff to be pleasant and not rude as many other reviews suggested. The staff absolutely takes a firm stance on not having sunscreens and other body products on when you enter the cenote - AS THEY SHOULD. The ecosystem is so delicate and all the chemicals we slather on our bodies greatly harm it. As a general rule all travelers worldwide need to be cognizant of this when swimming in bodies of natural water. This cenote is wonderful but there is a solid half mile walk from the highway into the cenote, its somewhat hilly and its loose sand. There is also a lot of rock stairs and pathways throughout so I would not recommend this cenote for those who have physical limitations or small children. There is a delightful smoothie and snack shack on site and around 1pm tacos and hot dogs were available. The lifeguards are great, they keep a quick watchful eye out. I felt so safe with letting my young son do all the jumps. Now for the sad part, one member of our large group had his body bag robbed of pesos and bank cards that were almost instantly used. It’s quite puzzling how this happened so fast, our entire groups stuff was right next to one of the jump platforms so it must have been someone watching and made a quick grab. I will say his bag was on the edge closest to the walkway and it very well may have been slightly open but it’s still upsetting knowing one of the few people that were there at the same time as us helped themselves to his wallet. I would absolutely bring a large group here again and again but we will make sure we always keep one person on guard where everyone’s belongings are left...