Are There Cenotes in Belize?
Yes — Belize has cenotes, though they’re not widely advertised or even always called by that name. Here, they often go by names like “bottomless hole,” “deep pond,” or even just “the sink.” They’re found mostly in the Cayo and Toledo Districts, where the limestone karst landscape mirrors that of the Yucatán.
But unlike the well-known cenotes in Mexico, most of Belize’s cenotes remain untapped by mass tourism. Some are used by nearby villagers. Others are revered in Maya communities and treated as sacred spaces. A few are linked to ancient rituals and modern-day research — yet many are still unmarked and unstudied.
What Is a Cenote?
A cenote (pronounced seh-no-teh) is a natural sinkhole formed when the limestone bedrock collapses, exposing underground water. The word comes from the Yucatec Maya word ts’onot, meaning “well.” These formations are common in parts of the Maya world, especially in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula — but you’ll find them in Belize too, quietly hidden under jungle canopy, behind limestone ridges, or connected to cave systems few have mapped.
Cenotes are often mistaken for caves or ponds, but not all caves are cenotes, and not all cenotes are open-air swimming holes. Some are collapsed caves, some are vertical shafts, and others are water-filled hollows that form part of a much deeper system beneath our feet.
Cenote vs Cave: What's the Difference?
Belize is more famous for its cave systems than its cenotes — but the two are deeply connected.
Cenotes are typically formed by collapsed cave ceilings that expose groundwater. Caves may remain enclosed or connected to river systems deeper underground. In fact, many of Belize’s caves — like Actun Tunichil Muknal or Barton Creek — began as cenote-like sinkholes that opened into much larger passageways.
So, when you hear “cave” in Belize, there’s a good chance it once functioned like a cenote — or still does during the rainy season, when water levels rise and collapse points flood.
Known Cenotes in Belize
While Belize doesn’t have hundreds of mapped cenotes like Mexico, there are several you can visit — and others only locals talk about.
Blue Hole National Park (Inland)
- Not to be confused with the marine Great Blue Hole.
- This is an inland cenote located along the Hummingbird Highway.
- Formed when part of an underground cave collapsed, leaving behind a sapphire-blue pool surrounded by rainforest.
- Popular stopover for travelers headed to St. Herman’s Cave.
Located just off the Hummingbird Highway near Belmopan, St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park features a striking inland freshwater cenote nestled in lush rainforest. This cenote is a cool, sapphire-blue pool surrounded by towering broadleaf trees. It sits downstream from St. Herman’s Cave, and the crystal-clear water makes it a refreshing stop after a cave tour.
This Blue Hole is ideal for families, swimmers, and nature lovers. The cenote is estimated to be about 25–30 feet deep, with a refreshing diameter perfect for a short swim or cooling dip.
You can take a short jungle hike, explore the nearby cave system, and then cool off in the cenote—all in one visit. The park is accessible by road, and entry fees are affordable. Guided cave tubing and hiking tours are available for a deeper experience.
Entrance Fee: Nationals – BZ $2.00 | Non-nationals – BZ $8.00
Tip: Visit during the dry season (December to May) for the most vibrant water clarity and easier trail conditions.
Note: The cenote has its entrance along the Hummingbird Highway for easy access.
Safety Tip: Wear water shoes during the rainy season as trails and rocks may be slippery. Deep-tissue insect repellent is a must in jungle areas, and if you’re not swimming, long sleeves and pants are highly recommended.
Cenote at Nohoch Che’en (Caves Branch)
- Located within the cave tubing area.
- Features a visible depression that functions as a water sinkhole feeding into the river cave system.
- While not a tourist attraction on its own, it’s an example of how Belize’s caves and cenotes are often part of the same hydrological network.
Tiger Cave and the Bottomless Hole (Toledo District)
- Near Uxbenka, in Maya communities like Santa Cruz and San Antonio.
- Stories circulate about a bottomless hole used for rituals and offerings.
- Still unmarked and not on tourist trails. Access often depends on trust, community ties, and cultural respect.
Wait — What About the Great Blue Hole?
Let’s clear something up.
When travelers hear “Blue Hole,” they often think of Belize’s Great Blue Hole — the giant marine sinkhole made famous by Jacques Cousteau, located offshore in the Lighthouse Reef Atoll.
That’s not what we’re talking about here.
The cenotes in this post — like Blue Hole National Park — are inland, formed by the same limestone-collapse process, but on a smaller scale and often hidden in jungle terrain. While the Great Blue Hole is iconic for diving, it doesn’t function as a cenote in the traditional Maya sense. It’s oceanic, not freshwater-fed.
But both tell the same story: this land was carved by water, above and below.
Belize’s Great Blue Hole, located 43 miles off the coast near Lighthouse Reef Atoll, is perhaps the most iconic marine cenote in the world and part of Belize’s UNESCO-listed Barrier Reef Reserve System. near Lighthouse Reef Atoll, is perhaps the most iconic cenote in the world. This massive underwater sinkhole stretches over 1,000 feet across and plunges to a depth of over 400 feet.
Not a diver? You can still appreciate the beauty of the Great Blue Hole with an aerial flyover or snorkeling near the edge of the surrounding reef. Either way, it’s a breathtaking experience.
Important Note: The marine park fee is $40 USD per person. There is some danger involved in reaching the site by boat, especially beyond the reef. It is recommended to go with experienced island-based operators whose captains are familiar with the conditions.
Belize Aududon Society: https://belizeaudubon.org
What Counts as a Cenote in Belize?
Here’s the thing — Belize doesn’t label its cenotes.
So what counts as one?
- If a cave collapses and exposes an underground water source — that’s a cenote.
- If it’s a vertical shaft or hidden water chamber — that can be a cenote.
- If it’s part of a sacred well, bottomless pond, or unnamed jungle pool — it likely functions as one, even if it isn’t marked on a map.
In Belize, cenotes blend into caves, rivers, and ritual sites. You won’t find them in brochures — but you might stumble into one with the right guide and an open mind.
Cenotes in Maya Culture
Cenotes are not just water sources — they’re doorways. In the ancient Maya worldview, they represented sacred portals to Xibalba, the underworld.
Here in Belize, that tradition hasn’t disappeared.
Many cenotes and caves are still treated with deep reverence. Some are avoided. Some are used in quiet ways — for drinking water, for washing, or for ceremony. Even today, some elders warn children not to linger too long near the “deep holes.” The old beliefs remain, just beneath the surface.
Belize vs Mexico Cenotes (Side-by-Side)
| Feature | Mexico Cenotes | Belize Cenotes |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Hundreds mapped and marketed | Few documented, many unmarked |
| Tourism Focus | High — often turned into attractions | Low — often private or sacred |
| Infrastructure | Commercialized with steps, lighting, etc. | Mostly wild and undeveloped |
| Access | Easy, drive-up, paid entry | Remote, often requires guide or hiking |
| Cultural Usage | Part sacred, mostly recreational | Deeply sacred, tied to Maya cosmology |
| Public Recognition | High — iconic imagery | Low — often mistaken for caves |
| Notable Examples | Ik Kil, Cenote Dos Ojos | Blue Hole Nat’l Park, Nohoch Che’en sinkhole, Uxbenka sites |
Cara Blanca Cenotes – Hidden and Untouched
One of Belize’s best-kept secrets is the Cara Blanca Cenotes, a cluster of deep, mysterious freshwater sinkholes located in the savannahs of western Belize. These cenotes are rich in cultural and ecological value. Some are as deep as 200 feet and contain ancient Maya artifacts.
In 2013, when I was working with Pacz Tours, I had the opportunity to visit Cara Blanca during an exploratory trip. These cenotes aren’t open to the general public due to their delicate nature and ongoing research, but their existence is a reminder of Belize’s untapped subterranean wonders.
If you’re curious, I recommend watching this National Geographic documentary about the archaeological dives conducted there. It’s a window into a hidden world few people ever see.
A peaceful moment from my 2013 visit with Pacz Tours. This is one of many freshwater systems scattered across Belize’s savannah, some of which hide cenotes beneath the surface.
Cenote Comparison Table
| Feature | Cenote | Flooded Cave (ATM) | Dry Ritual Cave (Che Chem Ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Source | Exposed groundwater | Underground river | Minimal or no water |
| Access | Often open to sky | Cave entrance through jungle | Narrow guided access only |
| Maya Use | Rituals, offerings, burials | Sacrificial chambers, spiritual gateways | Ceremonial vessels, fertility & underworld rites |
| Cultural Significance | Seen as entrances to Xibalba (underworld), site of purification | One of the most sacred Maya sacrifice caves | High ceremonial value, preserved altar chambers |
| Modern Activity | Swimming, diving, snorkeling | Guided cave exploration | Guided archaeological tours only |
| Example in Belize | Great Blue Hole, Inland Blue Hole | ATM Cave | Che Chem Ha |
My Experience: Walking with the Wells
“When I visited ATM Cave, the guide pointed out a chamber where the ceiling had collapsed. He said that’s where rescuers once had to enter when visitors were trapped during sudden rains. It made me realize how alive and unpredictable these places still are.”
— Alvin, local guide (not a license ATM Cave guide)
When to Visit Belize's Cenotes
For inland cenotes like St. Herman’s Blue Hole, the dry season from March to August is ideal. You’ll enjoy clearer trails, better swimming conditions, and the jungle in full bloom. March through May offers low rainfall and better accessibility to remote areas. By June, occasional rains start to nourish the rainforest, but adventures are still possible with a good guide. Wildlife sightings also increase as the landscape transforms.
For the Great Blue Hole, calm seas are more likely from April to June, which makes this the best time for dive trips and scenic flyovers.
In ancient Maya belief, cenotes were considered portals to Xibalba—the underworld—where offerings, sacrifices, and ceremonies helped connect the living world with the spirits and gods beneath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cenotes in Belize
A cenote is a natural sinkhole filled with water, usually formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock. Caves may or may not contain water and often extend deeper underground with chambers and passageways.
Yes, swimming is allowed at St. Herman’s Blue Hole, which is a freshwater jungle pool. However, Cara Blanca cenotes are not open to the public, and the Great Blue Hole is best suited for diving or flyovers.
It can be, but only with experienced captains. The waters beyond the reef can be dangerous. We recommend using island-based tour providers who are familiar with the conditions.
Yes. St. Herman’s Blue Hole charges BZ $2.00 for nationals and BZ $8.00 for non-nationals. The Great Blue Hole marine park has a $40 USD per person entry fee.
The dry season (March to August) is ideal, especially for inland sites. You’ll enjoy clear water, easy trail access, and lush jungle scenery. For marine cenotes like the Great Blue Hole, April to June usually offers calm seas for diving and flyovers.
Visitors can explore the short trail and swim at the Blue Hole on their own. For cave exploration, bring a reliable flashlight, wear sturdy shoes, and notify the park office. For deeper cave sections or tubing, guided tours are recommended.
Explorers have found massive underwater stalactites and a layer of toxic hydrogen sulfide around 300 feet deep. The bottom also holds geological clues to sea level changes during the Ice Age.
While the Great Blue Hole is generally considered safe for experienced divers, a few fatalities have occurred over the decades—mostly due to diving beyond recreational limits. Always dive with certified guides and follow safety protocols.
Last updated: June 2025
Ready to Explore Belize's Cenotes?
Whether you’re dipping into a jungle pool or flying over a vast marine crater, Belize’s cenotes offer a unique experience found nowhere else.
Contact Belize With Alvin to plan your personalized cenote adventure.
Let’s explore the blue holes of Belize—above and below. (In Creole: Mek wi goh si di Blue Hole)
🗣️ Cultural Note: In Belizean Creole, “Mek wi goh si di Blue Hole” means “Let’s go see the Blue Hole.” It’s a casual, friendly way locals speak to each other when planning an adventure. Creole is widely spoken across Belize and adds rhythm and personality to everyday conversations—don’t be shy to try it out during your visit!
