Bacalar Cenote Guide: Azul vs. Negro
When planning your trip to Bacalar, chances are you will find yourself trying to decide which cenote is worth adding to your itinerary, Azul or Negro. In this comparison guide, I have included all of the details you need to know about each cenote, the pros and cons of each, and my recommendations on how to fit them into your itinerary based on what type of traveler you are!
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Cenote Azul vs. Negro
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is a sunny cenote located a short 10-minute drive from downtown Bacalar. As the name suggests, this cenote features deep blue waters and is surrounded by lush vegetation, including trees and bushes. You will find some fish and aquatic plants within the cenote. The water temperature hovers around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), making it perfect for cooling off in the tropical climate. Similar to most aquatic areas in Bacalar, sunscreen is not allowed in the cenote to preserve the water quality.
Entrance Fee:
35 Pesos Per person
There is free access to the cenote across the street from the Amainah Hotel. This spot can be a bit muddy and tends to have more mosquitoes. But if you are looking for a place to swim on a budget, this may be for you!
Distance From the “Downtown” Area of Bacalar:
5 KM (near Cocalitos and easily walkable from the Cocalitos Club).
Depth:
90 Meters / 295 Feet
Amenities:
Shops with trinkets, bathing suits, towels, snacks, etc.
Toilets.
A swing and a few photo op spots around the cenote.
A small deck area on the side of the cenote to lay out in the sun.
A balcony to view the cenote from above.
Lifejackets are available to rent for 50 pesos—an I.D. must be given as collateral in case you lose the lifejacket or do not return it.
The Pros:
The cenote has nearly everything you need to spend a day there without having to leave for food, beverages, etc.
It could be a great spot for families to set up for the day since no boats or kayaks are in the water.
Life jackets are available for those who do not feel confident in the water.
The Cons:
I thought this cenote looked like a small lake, similar to ones you can find anywhere. I did not find it very impressive, nor would I go out of my way to go there again.
It was a tad too crowded with people sitting in the restaurant, on the deck, etc., watching people swim.
It was not the most beautiful or impressive cenote I have ever seen.
It is not within easy walking distance from downtown Bacalar, so a taxi is needed unless you walk over from Cocalitos.
Cenote Negro
Cenote Negro is another sunny cenote that is within walking distance from downtown Bacalar. As the name suggests, the cylinder-shaped cenote has a dark and mysterious black coloring with a unique dropoff point. The cenote is connected to the Laguna de Los 7 Colores, making the dropoff point easily seen– the water from the lagoon changes from light blue to an inky black abyss. This cenote is the 7th color of the Laguna de Los 7 Colores and is the only location where you can see all seven colors!
Cenote Negro technically has a smaller surface area compared to Cenote Azul but still has similar aquatic fish and vegetation in and around it. It can be accessed with a boat tour, kayak, paddleboard, or swimming. The water temperature is similar to Azul. Sunscreen is not allowed.
Entrance Fee:
Free! Although I recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard from a nearby hotel or visiting via boat tour for the best experience.
Distance From the “Downtown” Area of Bacalar:
1-1.5 KM, easily walkable
Depth:
90-100 Meters / 295+ Feet
What’s There:
A dock to jump off from and swim in the cenote.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and other equipment are available for rental from nearby hotels.
The Pros:
It stands out from other cenotes with its unique color, dramatic drop-off, and its connection to the Laguna de Los 7 Colores.
It is the 7th color of the lagoon and is the only place to see all seven.
There are not many people there relaxing since tours, kayaks, swimmers, etc., enter in and out of the cenote briefly from the lagoon.
Almost every boat tour includes a visit through the cenote.
The Cons:
It could be less safe for children/families since boats, kayaks, etc., will be in and out of the cenote. Although, I am sure life jackets can be rented from somewhere nearby if you do a little digging.
No food or beverages are available on-site, but there is no entrance fee. You can leave to grab a bite and then come back.
It might be intimidating for those who are not confident swimmers or feel uneasy around dark-colored, deep waters. However, taking a boat tour or renting a kayak could be a great solution to combat those concerns.
Which One Should You Choose?
I suggest opting for Cenote Negro because of its uniqueness and placement being right on the famous Laguna de Los 7 Colores. The dramatic dropoff point was an impressive sight, and the view of the complete seven colors of the lagoon was breathtaking. On top of that, the entrance to the cenote is free. If you rent a kayak or paddleboard, you can explore not only the cenote, but also the rest of the lagoon, including Canal de Los Piratas, Bird Island, and more.
If open or dark-colored water makes you nervous or you are not a confident swimmer, this can easily be combatted by renting a kayak or joining a boat tour like the one I did. (You can find it here!) I highly recommend it for an unforgettable day.
If you are looking for a place to set up for the day and do not want to pack food and beverages or leave for them, toilets, etc. then I would suggest heading to Los Rapidos before heading to Cenote Azul. I simply did not see the attraction to the Azul, as it resembled a small lake you could find anywhere else in the world. With that in mind, I recommend including Cenote Negro in your “must-see” itinerary and leaving Cenote Azul as a place to visit if you have some extra time or are really keen on seeing it.
