Cenote recommendations with small kids

Mamacita · 07-23-2008

I am now lost as to what to do. Husband LOVES the information he's seen on cenotes and is a big time cave guy, so now that the kids (8 and 4) will be with us, I don't want to miss at least one. But what to do? Obviously cliff jumping and snorkeling are out. Are there any that are kid friendly to explore and splash around in? Any couple of them on cenote row that we could check out to satisfy the grown ups but keep the kids safe. I have one day planned for Tulum and beaches there, and one day planned for Akumal (gotta see the turtles), so could a visit to a cenote or two fit in on one of those days? If so, which one and which cenotes would you take little kids to? We'll have our own snokel (but the little one doesn't, obviously) and will need to rent vests I presume.
Also, sorry, but don't want to book a tour. As it is this trip is costing an arm and a leg and we want to see Xcaret ($$$$) so we're trying to see what else we can do via colectivo and on the cheap. It's more adventurous that way, right?

**Susie Q Roo** · 07-23-2008

Yes, you could see a cenote on either of those days. However, these things are NOT child-proofed. They are natural formations, with rough edges, and slick surfaces, and deep waters. I honestly don't think any one of them is going to be safer than another. Especially with your younger one, someone should probably be right next to him (her?) at all times. Safest bet is to get floaties or swimvests on 'em and plop 'em in the water. That way they're not running on slick rock, or tripping over vines, or getting bit by skeeters!

Mamacita · 07-23-2008

Thanks Suz - I should clarify that when I say "Satisfy the grown-ups" I mean let the husband explore while the kids and I splash around. They are both too little (the big one can swim but likes to "touch bottom" so she'll be freaked out by cenotes anyways I suspect) to let roam around free. I just don't want (mostly husband) to miss this most unique experience while there.

**Susie Q Roo** · 07-23-2008

I can't remember which one it is... thinking it's El Jardin del Eden... that has limestone "platforms" out in the middle of the water. You have to swim thru deeper water to get to them, but you can sit and stand on them once you're there and the little fishies come to nibble on the dead skin of your feet. Which kinda creeps me out at the same time it fascinates me. They always liked nibbling on me best, dangit. Anyway, the kids would love being out there watching dad explore.

PAUL250268 · 07-24-2008

Try Yal-Ku next to Akumal. I found, to my cost, that Eden was not child or "Dallas" friendly!
Plus the snorkelling at Akumal beach for young children is very good.
Paul

Babaloo · 07-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAUL250268

Try Yal-Ku next to Akumal. I found, to my cost, that Eden was not child or "Dallas" friendly!
Plus the snorkelling at Akumal beach for young children is very good.
Paul

Cenotes, Paul...cenotes

**ryberg** · 07-24-2008

We like Cenote Azul.

Steve

bradiswrong · 07-24-2008

As part of the Chichen Itza tour we took last year we went to Ik Kil. That was very kid friendly and maybe a bit touristy but fun.

KelliG · 07-31-2008

Oooohhh....we went to an AWESOME one just a week ago!
Take Juarez west....it's EXACTLY 5 kilometers west of 307...on the right it was AMAZING! There was even a little dark pool of water we walked by where there were albino, blind mini-lobsters and other fish that look very prehistoric-like.
You feel like u r driving forever...b/c u do quite a bit of driving on the dirt road....it was the most amazing thing! We took my parents, in-laws, 2 kids (4 and 7), and the red-headed girls!!! We will do it again next year!

Tell Raul that the big family who came on the ONE day they were closed says HI!

mofi · 07-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradiswrong

As part of the Chichen Itza tour we took last year we went to Ik Kil. That was very kid friendly and maybe a bit touristy but fun.

Although this one may be kid friendly, its at least a 2 hour drive from playa (near valladolid) and when I was there the water looked disgustingly dirty so I never even went swimming.

Mamacita · 07-31-2008

Okay, here's the deal...I like swimming pools, and even the ocean is okay, but any water where I can't see clearly, is murky, or has too much marine life in it (close to me) freaks me out.

I LOVE to swim, but not just a lake or pond kinda girl. Also, my daughter is 8 and is just now getting to be a decent swimmer, and even then only if she can touch the bottom of the pool. My 4 year old won't let go of the death grip around my neck when in the water. So mostly I want my husband to see a cenote or two because they are cool and unique and sometimes like a cave. We are already giving up on trying to do a Fat Cat with the kids, and I don't want to miss this big component also, just because of the kids.

Which is the one I have seen, maybe Azul, where there's almost like a beach area, or wading area, but also deeper areas too?

Seems like I've seen pics of people lounging around on rocks or something, but then people jumping in... There just has to be one or two not far from Playa we can check out to just get some good photo ops and explore around a little. We won't even snorkel because we'd have to do it one at a time.

Babaloo · 07-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mamacita

Okay, here's the deal...I like swimming pools, and even the ocean is okay, but any water where I can't see clearly, is murky, or has too much marine life in it (close to me) freaks me out.

I LOVE to swim, but not just a lake or pond kinda girl. Also, my daughter is 8 and is just now getting to be a decent swimmer, and even then only if she can touch the bottom of the pool. My 4 year old won't let go of the death grip around my neck when in the water. So mostly I want my husband to see a cenote or two because they are cool and unique and sometimes like a cave. We are already giving up on trying to do a Fat Cat with the kids, and I don't want to miss this big component also, just because of the kids.

Which is the one I have seen, maybe Azul, where there's almost like a beach area, or wading area, but also deeper areas too?

Seems like I've seen pics of people lounging around on rocks or something, but then people jumping in... There just has to be one or two not far from Playa we can check out to just get some good photo ops and explore around a little. We won't even snorkel because we'd have to do it one at a time.

Cenote Azul

Alliecat · 08-01-2008

Cenote Azul or Cenote Cristalino. They're both next door to each other. Azul probably has the most interest for your hubby as you can see conch shells embedded in the rock at the entrance to the cave part, which is pretty cool.

Also, there will be snorkeling at Xcaret. When I was a kid we went to Xel-Ha and had an excellent time snorkeling. They have a caleta, which is like a cenote that broke open to the ocean, so now it's more like a lagoon.

Michele · 08-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mamacita

Thanks Suz - I should clarify that when I say "Satisfy the grown-ups" I mean let the husband explore while the kids and I splash around. They are both too little (the big one can swim but likes to "touch bottom" so she'll be freaked out by cenotes anyways I suspect) to let roam around free. I just don't want (mostly husband) to miss this most unique experience while there.

We spent all of last Saturday with our two small children and two other families. The children ranged in age from 2 to 8 and they all had a great time. Check out some more of our pictures HERE.

Mamacita · 08-17-2008

OMG!!!! Your pics are sooooooooo perfect! I think it's going to be such a great place! Easy ins and outs of the water for the kids, lots to explore, flora and fauna, etc.. Thanks so much Michelle (and anyone else who rec this cenote!)

07-23-2008	#1 (permalink)
Mamacita life=playa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 719	Cenote recommendations with small kids I am now lost as to what to do. Husband LOVES the information he's seen on cenotes and is a big time cave guy, so now that the kids (8 and 4) will be with us, I don't want to miss at least one. But what to do? Obviously cliff jumping and snorkeling are out. Are there any that are kid friendly to explore and splash around in? Any couple of them on cenote row that we could check out to satisfy the grown ups but keep the kids safe. I have one day planned for Tulum and beaches there, and one day planned for Akumal (gotta see the turtles), so could a visit to a cenote or two fit in on one of those days? If so, which one and which cenotes would you take little kids to? We'll have our own snokel (but the little one doesn't, obviously) and will need to rent vests I presume. Also, sorry, but don't want to book a tour. As it is this trip is costing an arm and a leg and we want to see Xcaret ($$$$) so we're trying to see what else we can do via colectivo and on the cheap. It's more adventurous that way, right?

07-23-2008	#2 (permalink)
Susie Q Roo Critter Magnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Q Roo Posts: 15,981	Yes, you could see a cenote on either of those days. However, these things are NOT child-proofed. They are natural formations, with rough edges, and slick surfaces, and deep waters. I honestly don't think any one of them is going to be safer than another. Especially with your younger one, someone should probably be right next to him (her?) at all times. Safest bet is to get floaties or swimvests on 'em and plop 'em in the water. That way they're not running on slick rock, or tripping over vines, or getting bit by skeeters!

07-23-2008	#3 (permalink)
Mamacita life=playa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 719	Thanks Suz - I should clarify that when I say "Satisfy the grown-ups" I mean let the husband explore while the kids and I splash around. They are both too little (the big one can swim but likes to "touch bottom" so she'll be freaked out by cenotes anyways I suspect) to let roam around free. I just don't want (mostly husband) to miss this most unique experience while there.

07-23-2008	#4 (permalink)
Susie Q Roo Critter Magnet Join Date: May 2003 Location: Q Roo Posts: 15,981	I can't remember which one it is... thinking it's El Jardin del Eden... that has limestone "platforms" out in the middle of the water. You have to swim thru deeper water to get to them, but you can sit and stand on them once you're there and the little fishies come to nibble on the dead skin of your feet. Which kinda creeps me out at the same time it fascinates me. They always liked nibbling on me best, dangit. Anyway, the kids would love being out there watching dad explore.

07-24-2008	#5 (permalink)
PAUL250268 reposado Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 1,083	Try Yal-Ku next to Akumal. I found, to my cost, that Eden was not child or "Dallas" friendly! Plus the snorkelling at Akumal beach for young children is very good. Paul

07-24-2008	#7 (permalink)
ryberg playa maya guy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: real America (reality-based community) Posts: 25,167	We like Cenote Azul. Steve

07-24-2008	#8 (permalink)
bradiswrong very sparkly Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 37	As part of the Chichen Itza tour we took last year we went to Ik Kil. That was very kid friendly and maybe a bit touristy but fun.

07-31-2008	#9 (permalink)
KelliG life=playa Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 861	Oooohhh....we went to an AWESOME one just a week ago! Take Juarez west....it's EXACTLY 5 kilometers west of 307...on the right it was AMAZING! There was even a little dark pool of water we walked by where there were albino, blind mini-lobsters and other fish that look very prehistoric-like. You feel like u r driving forever...b/c u do quite a bit of driving on the dirt road....it was the most amazing thing! We took my parents, in-laws, 2 kids (4 and 7), and the red-headed girls!!! We will do it again next year! Tell Raul that the big family who came on the ONE day they were closed says HI!

07-31-2008	#11 (permalink)
Mamacita life=playa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 719	Okay, here's the deal...I like swimming pools, and even the ocean is okay, but any water where I can't see clearly, is murky, or has too much marine life in it (close to me) freaks me out. I LOVE to swim, but not just a lake or pond kinda girl. Also, my daughter is 8 and is just now getting to be a decent swimmer, and even then only if she can touch the bottom of the pool. My 4 year old won't let go of the death grip around my neck when in the water. So mostly I want my husband to see a cenote or two because they are cool and unique and sometimes like a cave. We are already giving up on trying to do a Fat Cat with the kids, and I don't want to miss this big component also, just because of the kids. Which is the one I have seen, maybe Azul, where there's almost like a beach area, or wading area, but also deeper areas too? Seems like I've seen pics of people lounging around on rocks or something, but then people jumping in... There just has to be one or two not far from Playa we can check out to just get some good photo ops and explore around a little. We won't even snorkel because we'd have to do it one at a time.

08-01-2008	#13 (permalink)
Alliecat way into it Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Playa del Carmen, Q.Roo, Mexico Posts: 119	Cenote Azul or Cenote Cristalino. They're both next door to each other. Azul probably has the most interest for your hubby as you can see conch shells embedded in the rock at the entrance to the cave part, which is pretty cool. Also, there will be snorkeling at Xcaret. When I was a kid we went to Xel-Ha and had an excellent time snorkeling. They have a caleta, which is like a cenote that broke open to the ocean, so now it's more like a lagoon.

08-17-2008	#15 (permalink)
Mamacita life=playa Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 719	OMG!!!! Your pics are sooooooooo perfect! I think it's going to be such a great place! Easy ins and outs of the water for the kids, lots to explore, flora and fauna, etc.. Thanks so much Michelle (and anyone else who rec this cenote!)

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