10 Awesome Cenotes on the Yucatan Peninsula
Having formed as the result of the collapse of eroded limestone bedrock, cenotes are most commonly found in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These formations are usually filled with water, providing a unique adventure for all who choose to explore them. Cenotes are filled with either rainwater or with the water from underground rivers. However, since it takes a few days for the rainwater to pass through the limestone, it becomes filtered and often has a visibility over 100 meters. These sites are often visited by people looking to swim, snorkel, or even scuba dive in the one-of-a-kind environment.
These 10 cenotes are all unique and provide vastly different experiences for all who explore them. However, these are only a small portion of what Mexican cenotes have to offer as there are over 6,000 cenotes, only half of which have been studied. The Yucatan Peninsula is a stunning place to visit, but the cenotes themselves create an entirely new world for all who choose to explore them. Here are some of the best cenotes in the Yucatan area.
Cenote Verde Lucero
With a name that translates to “bright green,” Cenote Verde Lucero is a vibrant body of water located in between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This cenote is open rather than in a cave-like setting, so visitors can jump right in. The cenote is surrounded by stunning greenery, and there is a zipline reaching from one end to the other. The waters reach a depth of 20 meters, and there are jumping areas of varying heights for guests to use as well. Photo courtesy of explorandocenotes.com.mx
El Pit Cenote
A site that is quite true to its name, El Pit Cenote reaches a depth of 40 meters. Due to its depth, The Pit is most popular amongst divers looking to dive through the clearest of waters. This cenote is located in Quintana Roo, about an hour from Playa del Carmen. With interesting rock formations making up its surroundings, the spot is also known for its abundant stalactites: icicle-shaped calcium salt build-ups that often hang from the top of caves. Photo courtesy of airpano.com
Dos Ojos Cenote
Spanish for “two eyes,” Dos Ojos is commonly explored in two dives. This is one of the most popular cenotes, so it can get a bit crowded. However, experiencing the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and bat cave makes it worth it. There is even an underground tunnel that connects the two caverns — creating a perfectly unique experience for any diver. Divers and snorkelers alike can also spot the small fish that call Dos Ojos home. Photos courtesy of cenotedosojos.com and cenotesmexico.org
Calavera Cenote
Often referred to as the “Temple of Doom,” Calavera is arguably one of the best diving cenotes in Mexico. Located in Tulum, this spot has three entrances to its underground waters. The main entrance is a large hole with a ladder that leads its sparkling blue-green waters. When diving Calavera, guests usually dive to a depth of around 15 meters. A popular sight to see is the halcyon layer: where freshwater and saltwater meet. Due to the overall clarity of the water, this layer is very visible. Photo courtesy of todotulum.com
Cenote Tajma Ha
With a visible halcyon layer, Tajma Ha is located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. This spot is best for more advanced divers as it has cramped spaces with jagged walls. This site is usually explored over the course of 50 minutes with one tank. Guests will drive through tunnels and into caverns as they spot the stunning speleothems. The halcyon layer is located in one of the tunnels, and that is just one of the many unique sights divers see. Photo courtesy of aquaworld.com.mx
Dreamgate Cenote
Located in Playa del Carmen, the Dreamgate Cenote is part of one of the largest cave systems in the world. Much like Tajma Ha, Dreamgate is best for advanced divers. There are plenty of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns that make this such a challenging, yet beautiful, dive. Dives at this site are usually short with the use of just one tank, but there is still plenty to see. Photo courtesy of cenotesworld.com
Miguel Colorado
Hidden away in the jungle, Miguel Colorado Cenote appears to be a pond. However, open cenotes such as this one tends to be much older than ones located in caves. This is usually due to the collapse of the roof of the cave. This cenote is surrounded by breathtaking greenery, and there are plenty of activities for guests to enjoy. This includes nearby hiking trails, kayaking, and ziplining across the stunning waters. Photo courtesy of viamexico.mx
Chihuan
With its waters completely under the overhanging cave, Chihuan Cenote is popular for swimming. The waters are crystal clear, and there are ropes tied to the low hanging ceiling for swimmers to rest on. This location is not very well known, so it usually only has a few visitors at a time. Photo courtesy of cancuntochichenitza.com
Taak Bi Ha Cenote
Although most might not know of Taak Bi Ha Cenote, it is a snorkeler's dream. This site is located 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen, not too far past Dos Ojos. It is owned by the local community but can be dived through local diving centers. Inside one of the caves is a river-like path that guests typically need to explore with the help of a guide. Photo courtesy of advanceddivermexico.com
Angelita
Perhaps one of the more unique cenotes, Angelita, or “little angel,” reaches over 60 meters of depth. About halfway down, the hydrogen sulfate layer creates a thick, cloud-like fog. There are large stalactites all around, and due to the depth of this site, many advanced and technical divers like to explore the mystical Angelita. Photo courtesy of treehugger.com
