Cenote Jardin Del Eden
Cenote Jardin Del Eden, also known as the Garden of Eden, is one of the most recommended cenotes to visit in Quintana Roo. Many also call it as Cenote Ponderosa. Regardless of the name, the beauty of this large and natural freshwater pool is undeniable. This cenote is tucked away in the middle of a lush jungle providing a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cenote Jardin Del Eden
Cenote Jardin del Eden, like many other cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is surrounded by a lush jungle. This is a natural formation that consists of a large, natural freshwater pool as the main attraction. Aside from being surrounded by a lush jungle, there are also plenty of massive rock formations that are covered in moss.
The crystal clear, almost translucent, water in this cenote is one of the reasons why tourists flock here. But the visitor number ranges from medium to high, depending on the time of year you visit. The specific aquatic life that inhabits these waters is also part of the draw for the visitors to the Cenote Jardin del Eden.
The water is cool but not too cold. Hence, you can drop by this cenote to cool off after a day of touring. Among the favorite activities for those who come here are to swim, dive, and snorkel. But for those with an adventurous spirit, the real draw would be the opportunity to jump off a cliff into the water. The fact that the cenote is also quite large means that it never feels crowded even when there are lots of tourists.
There are two points of access to the water. The first one is through a set of wooden stairs that you must take to get to the water. The other one, as mentioned above, is through jumping off a cliff. You will also have the chance to encounter several small fishes in the water. If you snorkel, you can also find more of them hiding in the rock formations that sit at the bottom of the cenote floor.
If you get the opportunity to visit Cenote Jardin Del Eden, you will understand why it is called the “Garden of Eden”. There are so many green around you and even within the cenote itself as the rocks are covered in green moss.
CENOTE INFO
- Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entrance fee: 100 Pesos for Adults and 50 Pesos for Children
- Good for Scuba diving: Yes
- Good for swimming: Yes, cliff jumping
- Facilities: Yes, but limited
- Car parking: Yes
Cenote Jardin del Eden is a must for those who like to swim in an open area cenote. There are many cenotes in Mexico that are located inside of caves. This one being open, it makes it easily accessible for people of all ages to swim in.
The water quality of the cenote is very impressive. The clearness of the water allows you to see what is underneath the water surface. But it is also a good idea to bring your own snorkeling equipment so you can experience the underwater life. The maximum depth of the cenote is at 25 feet or 8 meters. Even without snorkeling gear, the water visibility is still quite impressive.
The water temperature in Cenote Jardin del Eden remains constant almost all year round at a range of 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. Aside from being naturally clear, the wonderful lighting effect from the sun is also something to be admired. If you like a bit of a challenge, there are small underwater cave passages that you can free dive. But this is only advisable for the experienced snorkelers or divers.
For those who would like to stay longer, there are restaurants that serve food and snacks. There are also toilets that you can use, although these are very basic facilities only. If you bring your own food, there are picnic areas that you can use.
Whether you are snorkeling or diving, this is an easy cenote to explore. As it is relatively shallow, it is suited even for beginners.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you are traveling from Playa del Carmen, you must travel south via the Highway 307.You will drive pass the Puerto Aventuras and it will be about 5 minutes until you see the entrance to Barcelo Hotel. Keep driving until you find the entrance to Cenote Jardin Del Eden.
The cheapest way to get to Cenote Jardin del Eden is via riding a colectivo, which is shared by other passengers so you can split the bill. Once you reach the area, you must drive through a dirty road to reach the entrance to the cenote.
WHERE TO STAY
Cenote Jardin del Eden is only a few minutes’ drive from Playa del Carmen. It is also a short drive from Tulum (about 30 minutes).
You can therefore choose each of these tourist hubs as a jump-off point when visiting the cenote. There are plenty of accommodation options in either Tulum or Playa del Carmen to suit your budget.
CENOTE TOURS
Cenotes and Cavern Diving Tour
Explore the underwater world of Mexico’s top cenotes in this amazing tour. If you have the cenotes in Yucatan Peninsula in your bucket list, this tour will give you the chance to tick them off that list. Grab the opportunity to dive crystal clear underwater cenotes that offer great water visibility.
Aside from that, you can also marvel at the amazing light effects inside the caves. The stalactite and stalagmite formations are a bonus!
Tulum Xtreme – Culture and Adventure Tour in Riviera Maya
Make the most of your visit to the Mayan Riviera by exploring cultural and adventure sites. The culture aspect of it involves a visit to many of the popular archaeological ruins in the Tulum area, particularly the famed megalith structures built by the Mayans during the ancient times.
You can also experience the adventure side of Mayan Riviera when you visit the underwater and open cenotes. Swim, snorkel, or dive – do whatever you want to make the most of the crystal clear and cool waters of these massive pools.
