Last weekend my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Yax-Kin, a beautiful above-ground cenote located about 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Cenotes (natural wells or sinkholes) are a unique geological feature of the Yucatan peninsula and justifiably a major draw for tourism in the region. Some of the most impressive cenotes are famed for their surreal beauty, abundant wildlife, and intriguing Mayan history. Imagine a place where sunlight filters through openings in the rock ceiling, casting a dappled pattern on the clear, turquoise water below. Cenotes are frequently located inside of deep caves, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites adorn which provide a testament to the millennia that went into their formation. When they are inside a cave the air is almost always cool and fresh, providing a welcome respite from the tropical heat outside. Even when cenotes are located above ground the water is always very cool or even cold because the cenote is really the mouth of a deep underground freshwater river.
Swimming or snorkeling in a cenote is often described as a magical experience. The water, filtered through the limestone, is incredibly clear, offering great visibility of the stunning underwater landscape and the diverse array of aquatic life. Some of the local fauna in the ecosystem might include catfish, freshwater turtles, and an array of exotic birds, adding a sense of wonder to your visit.
Many cenotes are also steeped in Mayan history. The Mayans revered these natural wells as sacred places and gateways to the underworld, and they often performed rituals at these sites. The possibility of swimming in a location so imbued with historical and cultural significance adds another layer of magic to the experience. The famous Mayan pyramid "el castillo" of Chitchen Itza is built over a cenote for example.
Yax-Kin offers a uniquely family-friendly environment to enjoy the cenote. There are two main pools connected by a small, shallow passage that is easy to traverse. The main pool has a large shallow section that makes it easy to play in for small children. The maximum depth of the deepest part of the cenote is around 25 feet, deep enough to allow for safe diving from a 10 precipice at the far side of the sinkhole. There are also beach chairs with sufficient shade. The cenote is well maintained and offers a great way to relax on a sunny afternoon.