Outdoors
Riviera Maya Cenote Bike Ride
From Tulum you ride out along the road towards Cobá, stopping at Cenote Calavera, a small cenote with a jumping platform at km 1.7, and carrying on to Gran Cenote, a limestone cave cenote for swimming and snorkelling.
- Where
- Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Distance
- about 7 km one way to Gran Cenote (about 14 km return)
The route
Tulum town to Cenote Calavera and Gran Cenote along the Tulum to Cobá road (state highway 109).
Start in Tulum Pueblo, where several shops rent bikes by the day.
When to go
CONANP gives December to April as the dry season on this stretch of coast.
Permits and fees
No permit is needed for the road. Each cenote charges its own entry; Gran Cenote is open daily 9:00-17:00 and has been cash only.
Before you go
- Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido, on opposite sides of the same road about 4 km from the centre, make an easy extra ride.
- Carry cash, a lock and swimwear; life jackets, masks and fins cost extra at Cenote Calavera.
- Cenote Calavera is also open 9:00-17:00, so start mid-morning and finish before closing.
What to bring
- Helmet
- Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
- Water and snacks
- Front and rear lights
- A layer for descents and stops
Getting ready for it
Time in the saddle matters more than speed.
If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.
Staying safe
- Highway traffic: ride with care on the main road and carry a light if you might finish after dark.
- Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
- Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against en.wikivoyage.org and descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
