Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world, but none are more unique than the cenotes of Tulum. These ancient sinkholes, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, provide access to crystal-clear underground rivers and caverns. Cenote diving offers an otherworldly experience, with surreal light effects, pristine water clarity, and a fascinating history rooted in the rituals of the ancient Maya.
Whether you’re an experienced Open Water Diver, a snorkeler, or a cave diver, Tulum’s cenotes have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 cenotes in Tulum, their unique features, and what to expect from each dive.
What Makes Cenote Diving Special?
Cenotes are natural sinkholes that connect to Mexico’s vast network of underground freshwater rivers. For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, and they often served as ritual sites.
Today, cenote diving allows divers to step into this mystical history while enjoying unique freshwater dive sites featuring stalactites and stalagmites, submerged passageways, and beautiful sunlit caverns.
Top 10 Cenotes in Tulum
Cenote Dos Ojos
One of the most famous cenotes, Dos Ojos (meaning "Two Eyes") is part of the longest known cave systems in Mexico and gets its name from two large sinkholes connected by a cave system. This cenote offers stunning visibility, making it ideal for divers and snorkelers alike. The Bat Cave section provides the unique experience of diving through dark passageways lit only by your dive light.
Cenote El Pit
Known for its dramatic descent, El Pit is one of the deepest cenotes in Tulum. As you descend through layers of hydrogen sulfide, you’ll see beams of sunlight piercing the deep, creating an otherworldly effect. This cenote features an iconic sunken tree, and the deeper you go, the water changes from fresh water to salty. The excellent visibility makes it popular for underwater photography.
Gran Cenote
A favorite among snorkelers and divers alike, Gran Cenote offers stunning visibility and an easy entry point. The white sand bottom and turquoise water make it a picturesque spot, with plenty of small caves to explore for divers, and turtles can often be seen swimming around.
- Experience Level: Open Water Diver, snorkeler.
- Depth: 10 meters (33 feet).
Cenote Carwash (Aktun Ha)
Cenote Carwash is named after its past use by locals to wash their cars, but today it’s a diver’s paradise. This cenote features a beautiful underwater garden with lilies, colorful aquatic plants, and occasional freshwater fish. It’s also a great place to see turtles.
- Experience Level: Open Water Diver.
- Depth: 16 meters (52 feet).
Cenote Angelita
Angelita is a captivating advanced dive known for its stunning underwater "lake." At around 30 meters (100 feet), a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide creates the illusion of a lake within the cenote. Above this feature, the water is fresh and clear, while below it, the water is saltier, providing a dramatic contrast.
- Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver, Technical Diver.
- Depth: 60 meters (197 feet).
Cenote Calavera (Temple of Doom)
Calavera is known for its distinct three-hole entry, resembling a skull from above. This cenote is an exciting dive with multiple passages and a light show created by beams of sunlight filtering through the holes. It’s also home to a stunning halocline at around 15 meters (50 feet).
- Experience Level: Open Water Diver.
- Depth: 17 meters (56 feet).
Cenote Sac Actun
Part of the largest underwater cave system in the world, Sac Actun is a must-visit for experienced cave divers. The cenote features large open chambers, narrow passageways, incredible rock formations, and crystal-clear water. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding cave dives in the region.
- Experience Level: Cave Diver.
- Depth: 35 meters (115 feet).
Cenote Tajma Ha
Cenote Tajma Ha offers a stunning light show, especially during midday when sunlight filters through the cenote, illuminating its underwater caves. The cenote also has several thermoclines and haloclines (where saltwater and freshwater meet) that create unusual visual distortions.
- Experience Level: Advanced Open Water Diver.
- Depth: 15 meters (50 feet).
Cenote Dream Gate
Dream Gate is famous for its delicate stalactites and stalagmites, making it one of the most beautiful cenotes to dive. It’s part of a complex cave system with low ceilings and narrow passages, so it’s best suited for more experienced divers.
- Experience Level: Cave Diver.
- Depth: 30 meters (98 feet).
Cenote Chac Mool
Chac Mool offers a combination of open water and cavern diving, with a large open chamber and several caverns to explore. You’ll find haloclines, light beams, and large rock formations here. It’s a great introduction to cavern diving for those looking to transition from open water.
- Experience Level: Open Water Diver, Cavern Diver.
- Depth: 14 meters (46 feet).
Experience level needed for cenote diving
As you can see from our top cenotes, the experience level needed to explore them varies. To prepare for cenote diving, it's highly recommended that you take a
Cavern Diver or
Cave Diver specialty course, especially if you plan on diving in more advanced cenotes. These courses will teach you the skills necessary to navigate overhead environments safely, including line work, buoyancy control, and gas management.
For advanced divers interested in deeper cenote exploration, a
technical diving course is a great start to prepare you for the depth and complexity of dives like Angelita and The Pit.
Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum
Cenote diving in Tulum is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. During these months, the weather is warm and the water visibility is excellent. Water temperatures in the cenotes remain fairly consistent, typically around 24-26°C (75-79°F).
In the wet season, from May to October, rain can reduce visibility slightly, but the cenotes are less crowded, making it a quieter time to dive.
Getting to Tulum
Tulum is accessible by car from Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. From Tulum town, the cenotes are scattered along the nearby highways, and many dive operators offer transport to and from the cenotes as part of their dive packages.
Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International), wrote this article.
Written by
Kathryn
Date
30th December 2024
