Cenote Samula
A vast cave lit from above, where tree roots fall to the water and a midday sunbeam turns the pool electric blue.
- TypeSemi-open caveRound roof opening
- WaterCrystal clearBottom often visible
- Light beam11:00–14:00On sunny days
- Ticket$226 MXNIncludes Xkeken
About Cenote Samula
Cenote Samula (Samulá) is the larger and brighter of the two Dzitnup cenotes. It's a huge vaulted cavern whose ceiling has partly collapsed, leaving a round skylight to the jungle above. Through it, the roots of a tree growing at the edge hang straight down – some reaching all the way to the water.
The water is remarkably clear: in many spots you can see boulders on the bottom from the earlier roof collapse. It's shallower than Xkeken but still too deep to stand, so life jackets are required. Ropes stretch across the pool if you want to float and take in the view.
Samula is reached by stone and wooden stairs that lead down to a viewing platform and the water's edge – an easy 3–5 minute walk from Xkeken.
When to see the Samula light beam
The image that made Samula famous – a solid column of sunlight striking the turquoise water – happens when the sun is high enough to shine straight through the opening.
- Best window: roughly 11:00 to 14:00
- Best conditions: sunny days with few clouds
- Best season: the beam is strongest from spring to late summer, when the sun is highest over Yucatán
Visiting early? You'll miss the beam but enjoy a calm, almost private swim. Many visitors see Xkeken first at 8:00, then return to Samula around midday.
Tips for visiting Cenote Samula
Photo tips
Shoot from the platform for the full beam, then from the water looking up at the roots. Lock exposure on the bright water.
Shower first
Rinsing off is required and keeps the water clear for everyone.
Life jacket
Mandatory for all swimmers and included in the ticket.
Watch your step
The stairs and rocks near the water are wet. Water shoes help.
Where is Cenote Samula?
Samula is inside the Dzitnup cenote park, a few minutes' walk from Cenote Xkeken, about 7 km west of Valladolid, Yucatán.
GPS coordinates: 20.66261, -88.24506
Why the Samula light beam happens at midday
The beam is simply direct sunlight falling through the round opening in Samula's roof. The opening is small compared with the size of the cavern, so the sun has to be high in the sky for its light to reach the water rather than the cave wall. That is why the effect is best from late morning to early afternoon.
Valladolid lies at about 20.7° north, inside the tropics. The sun passes almost directly overhead here twice a year, around late May and again in mid-to-late July, so the beam is at its most vertical in late spring and summer. In winter the sun stays lower in the south, and the light lands more on the walls and edges of the pool. Clouds, of course, switch the beam off completely, so check the sky before timing your visit.
Cenote Samula prices and opening hours
Samula is not sold separately in most cases: the Dzitnup ticket covers both Samula and Xkeken, with the mandatory life jacket included. Reported prices vary between sources:
| Source | Price as listed |
|---|---|
| My Free Range Family | 226 MXN adult · 200 MXN child |
| Vive Cancún | 226 MXN (under-3s free) |
| A Dónde Viajar (2026 guide) | about 235 MXN, both cenotes |
| Lakes of Mexico | about 250–280 MXN adult |
Prices as listed by the sources below on 9 October 2026: verify at the ticket office before visiting.
The operator, Parque X'kekén, lists Monday–Thursday 8:00–17:00 and Friday–Sunday 8:00–17:30 on its website. Some guides give an earlier last entry (one lists 15:30), so arrive by mid-afternoon at the latest.
Time zone tip: Yucatán is one hour behind Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum). If you drive over from the coast, opening times here are in Yucatán time.
A morning at Samula and Xkeken
- 8:00: buy tickets and go straight to Xkeken while it is quiet.
- 9:00: shower again and walk 3–5 minutes to Samula for a first look and swim.
- 10:00–11:00: snack at the stalls, or visit nearby Cenote Oxman.
- 11:30–13:30: return to Samula for the light beam if the sky is clear (keep your ticket and ask staff whether re-entry is allowed).
What to bring
- Swimwear, a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes.
- Cash in pesos, in small notes.
- Water shoes or sandals with grip.
- A waterproof phone case or action camera.
- A dry bag for valuables, or coins for a locker.
- Drinking water and a hat for the walk or ride.
- No sunscreen or repellent on your skin when you swim: apply it after.
Photography etiquette
At the most photographed cenotes, a few habits keep things pleasant for everyone: take your shots and move on so others get a turn, don't ask swimmers to leave the water for your photo, and check the site's rules before bringing a tripod, drone or professional gear. Many cenotes charge extra for professional photo or video sessions, so ask at the ticket office first.
Swimming in Samula: what it's like
From the viewing platform, stairs lead down to the water. The pool is wide and clear, and you'll often see small black catfish and the rocks on the bottom. Ropes across the water let you rest and float under the opening. The temperature is cool but comfortable all year (around 24–25 °C). Because the roof is open, Samula is warmer and brighter than Xkeken and feels less enclosed, which many first-time cenote visitors prefer.
Respect the shared space: no jumping, no splashing near people taking photos under the beam, and keep the life jacket on. Drones are generally not allowed inside cenotes without permission.
What time is the light beam at Cenote Samula?
Roughly between 11:00 and 14:00 on sunny days, when the sun is high enough to shine straight through the roof opening.
Can you see the light beam in winter?
Usually less, because the sun is lower. The light falls more on the walls than on the water. Late spring and summer give the most vertical beam.
Is Samula deep?
It is shallower than Xkeken, but you still can't stand in most of the pool, so the life jacket is required.
Do I need a separate ticket for Samula?
Normally no: the Dzitnup ticket includes both cenotes. Confirm at the ticket office.
Sources
Prices and hours below were taken from these pages on 9 October 2026. They are as listed there, not verified by us: confirm before visiting.
Don't miss Xkeken
Samula's sister cave is included with your ticket.