How to Visit Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati) in Tulum, Mexico

Explore the unique Casa Manati, where fresh and saltwater meet, creating a one-of-a-kind swimming and snorkeling experience.

Are you looking for a beautiful cenote to visit in Tulum, Mexico? Look no further than Casa Cenote (also known as Cenote Manati)!

This cenote is well-known for its clear blue water and is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. This is an awesome, off-the-beaten-path cenote with much fewer visitors, meaning a relaxed but fun atmosphere!

Read on for all the tourist information you need to know before visiting Casa Manati, including price, location & what to expect!

Arial views over the riviera maya coastline near tulum, mexico

What to Expect at Casa Cenote (Manati Cenote)

Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry fee: 200 MXN pesos per person (free if staying at Hotel Casa Cenote)
Best time to visit: Mornings on a weekday to avoid crowds

Casa Cenote is a stunning cenote located in Tulum, Mexico. This cenote gets its name from the nearby casa (house), which was built overtop of the cenote entrance. Its second name is Manati Cenote, which is inspired by the animal.

While still a fair distance from the Tulum Pueblo (Town), it's easy to get to, especially if you are renting a car or motorbike.

This is an open cenote, meaning this freshwater sinkhole looks more like a lake or river than a cave however it does connect to the ocean which makes the water both a mix of salt and fresh.

Where is Casa Cenote?

Casa Cenote is located about 15 minutes from Tulum Town and can be easily accessed by car or motorbike. You'll find it heading north on Highway 307 (Chetemal to Cancun), approximately 4.3 miles from the Tulum Archeological Site.

It is located right next to a luxury resort strip (a new luxury development called Tulsayab) and is actually owned by the popular Hotel Casa Cenote.

Below I've pinned the exact location to help you find it.

Location: Cenote Manati

Map showing the location of the casa cenote in tulum

Tulsayab luxury resort development in riviera maya, mexico

How to Get Here?

If you're getting around on foot or on a bike, it's best to book a tour instead as the cenote is much further than some of the others in town.

While you could also get a taxi, you'd have to arrange one to take you back, as the private property road doesn't always have available taxis heading back to Tulum Town.

If you're going to rent a car, I highly recommend comparing prices on Discover Cars first. This avoids haggling and getting ripped off by dodgy dealerships who require $1000s in deposit value.

If you're driving, there's plenty of parking space and it's free to park.

Riviera maya road near the beach — The road leading in from Tulum

Best Cenote Tour in Tulum (Includes Casa Cenote)

One of the best ways to experience the cenotes in Tulum is to book this guided trip from Tulum. This is one of the most-booked and highest rated tours in the region and includes a stop at Casa Cenote!

You’ll get:

Hotel pickup/drop-off
Multi-lingual guide
Visit Gran Cenote, Calavera Cenote & Casa Cenote
Includes all entry fees

This is excellent value as transport in Tulum is notoriously expensive. Furthermore, the entry fees for each add up to $40 USD alone and are included in your ticket.

Book: Triple Cenote Tour

Aerial view over the casa cenote in tulum, mexico

Visiting Casa Cenote (Cenote Manati)

My trip to Casa Cenote was one of my favorite things to do when in Tulum. The cenote has a beautiful blue hue and is great for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The water is crystal clear, making it one of the most photogenic cenotes in Tulum.

What's interesting about this open cenote is that due to the close proximity to the ocean, the cenote shares fresh and salt water. This creates a unique environment where freshwater fish and saltwater fish can actually live together!

After paying the entry, you're free to enjoy the cenote for as long as you like. Furthermore, the fee includes the use of life jackets, lockers, and showers.

There’s also a small restaurant on-site if you need a break from exploring.

Remember, showering before swimming in any cenote in Mexico is mandatory to conserve the delicate ecosystem.

Tip: Snorkeling gear can be rented for an additional fee.

Is There a Crocodile at Casa Cenote?

One of the most common questions we get about Casa Cenote is if there are crocodiles. The answer, thankfully, is no! There have never been any crocodiles reported at this cenote.

However, there is one small alligator who lives here named Panchito (little hot dog). He is completely harmless and chances are you will not see him! If you do happen to spot him it is important to give him space (after all he is wild).

However, it's still probably a good idea to be cautious and observant while swimming. Mexico has several types of snakes, some of which are venomous.

So be sure to watch where you are walking and swimming. Remember, animals will never attack you unless you are a threat to them!

Scuba Diving at Casa Cenote Tulum

Whether you are an experienced and certified scuba diver or a first-timer, Casa Cenote in Tulum is actually one of the best cenote dive sites!

That's because this cenote is an open cenote with a maximum depth of not more than 25 feet (8 m). This, combined with the large site and crystal-clear blue water makes it a great dive that is one of the funnest and safest on the Riviera Maya.

First-timers or divers who haven't submerged for a while should definitely book a trip to this cenote, especially if they want to do more scuba diving on their trip.

Currently, the link below is the cheapest and best-rated diving trip to Casa Cenote. It's run by one of the best scuba diving shops in Tulum and includes a professional guide to show you everything you need to know.

Book: Cenote Dive Trip From Tulum (best-rated in Tulum).

Scuba diving at casa cenote, tulum, mexico

What to Bring With You When Visiting the Cenote

There are a few things you will want to bring with you when visiting Casa Cenote.

First, make sure to bring your swimmers! This cenote is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Below is a useful cenote packing list to help you plan your visit.

Mask & snorkel - bringing snorkel gear will save you money having to rent it
Quick-dry reef or water shoes - the rocks can get a little sharp
Waterproof phone pouch
Travel towel
GoPro - the only cameras allowed in the cenote
Telekin GoPro Dome - for half-in-out photos
Grayl Bottle - to filter tap-water on the go (free clean drinking water without the plastic)
Hat - no sunblock allowed
Clothes for swimming
Small travel backpack - the lockers are quite small

The beach near the cenote with crystal clear water

More Must-Visit Cenotes in Tulum

Looking for more cenotes in Tulum after visiting Casa Cenote? You're in luck, there are over 6000 more to visit! Below are some of my favorites.

Gran Cenote Tulum – awesome semi-open cenote with caves and crystal clear water near Tulum
Cenote Carwash – an underrated and relaxing cenote just a short drive from the Gran Cenote
Calavera Cenote – The Temple of Doom cenote offers a fun cliff jump and iconic swing and wooden ladder
Cenote Escondido – The Hidden Cenote is great for relaxing or jumping off the 12 foot dive platform
Cristal Cenote – one of the best cenotes in Mexico for snorkeling
Cenote Dos Ojos - my absolute favorite cenote in Mexico. Epic snorkeling, great scuba diving and unbelievable caves to explore
Cenote Encantado - a hidden gem tucked away just behind the Tulum beach strip, close to the Ven a la Luz sculpture and the Follow That Dream sign.

Stairs at cenote dos ojos — The Dos Ojos Cave Cenote

Where to Stay in Tulum: Quick Accommodation Guide

Wondering about where to stay in Tulum? Generally speaking, there are two areas, Tulum Town (Pueblo), and the Tulum Hotel Zone (Tulum Beach).

Tulum Town is a laid-back town close to the ADO bus station and has loads of hotels, guest houses, hostels, restaurants, bars, and everything else you could imagine.

The Tulum Hotel Zone is located closer to the beach, where you'll find more high-end hotels, beach resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs. Here are the 3 top picks from both neighborhoods.

1. Casa Malca Luxury

Perfect for couples searching for a luxury, private, & relaxing resort. Situated on a private beach surrounded by palm trees and offers luxury spa treatments with a large outdoor swimming pool.

Mamasan treehouses cabins outdoor seating area

2. Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins Unique

Stay in an epic tree house just 100m from South Tulum Beach! Features an epic root-top jungle bar with rooms overlooking the ocean.

3. Mayan Monkey Budget

The best hostel for a party vibe where you can make lifelong friends. Just a short walk to Tulum Center where you can find many restaurants and bars.

I hope you've enjoyed this short but up-to-date guide on visiting the incredible Casa Cenote in Tulum, Mexico.

While you're still here on my blog, make sure to read some of my other articles for more inspiration for your trip to Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula!