Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido form a convenient pair of open cenotes south of Tulum, close enough to town for an easy cycling or taxi outing. Unlike cave cenotes with narrow openings, these feel more like clear forest pools, with platforms, roots, fish, and patches of deep blue water under the trees.
They are a strong choice when you want a swim without committing to one of the bigger packaged cenote parks. Bring a mask if you have one: the underwater visibility is part of the pleasure. The setting is simple and low-key, which is exactly why many travellers prefer them.