Everything you need to know about swimming rules, safety, and etiquette.
Quick Answer: You cannot swim in the Sacred Cenote located inside the Chichen Itza archaeological complex. However, there are many swimmable cenotes just minutes away, including Ik Kil and Yokdzonot.
The Sacred Cenote is first and foremost an archaeological site. For centuries, it served as a ceremonial center where the Maya made offerings to the rain god Chaac. Today, it is protected to preserve any remaining artifacts and to honor its historical significance. Swimming here would disrupt the sediment and potentially damage priceless cultural treasures.
When you head to nearby swimmable cenotes like Ik Kil, follow these safety guidelines to ensure a great experience:
Cenote waters are deep (often 40m+) and lacking buoyancy compared to salt water. Most cenotes mandate life jackets, and even strong swimmers should wear one.
Help protect the delicate ecosystem. Rinsing off removes sunscreen, oils, and perfumes that can pollute the water and harm the local flora and fauna.
Staircases leading into cenotes can be slippery due to moisture and moss. Always use handrails and proceed with caution.
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles, kill nothing but time."