A Guide To Diving Cenotes In Mexico's Riviera Maya
Cenote Diving With Blue Experience – A Unique Experience You Won't Find Anyplace Else in The World
Not only is Akumal blessed with some wonderful Ocean diving but we also have the Magical Mexican Cenotes right here on our doorstep. Cenotes are huge underground river and cave systems that are accessible to all certified divers.
In The Mayan Culture
The Mayan people consider these Cenotes to be sacred places, (no problems with diving in them though!), and there is a special “peace and serenity” around them which you will feel as you begin your dive in the crystal clear fresh water. Akumal has many Cenotes all within easy reach by a short car ride, from 10 minutes to 30 minutes.
Do not miss it
All certified divers have the chance to do these incredible dives, as many are both shallow and allow easy access to the surface within 60m/200ft. Natural light is never far away, and in several places it comes through openings in the roof to give a spectacular light show as it hits the clear waters. There are no narrow passages to squeeze through, it’s all big and open. The routes through are clearly defined by permanent guidelines, and you will always be within a couple of meters (6ft) of these. Diving in these spectacular caverns is strictly controlled, you will be in a group of 4 divers maximum with and always accompanied by one fully Qualified Cavern instructor.
Don’t miss out on this truly amazing diving experience!
Prices
Including tanks, weights and torch. Excluding gear & entrance fee. Dives must be done on the same day.
| 1 Tank Dive | $ 2000 Pesos |
|---|---|
| 2 Tank Dive | $ 2600 Pesos |
| 3 Tank Dive | $ 3100 Pesos |
| Puerto Morelos Cenotes (Hell's Bells - Maravilla) | $ 4200 Pesos |
| Equipment | Piece per day | $ 140 Pesos |
| Equipment Rental complete gear | $ 450 Pesos |
| Dive Computer | $ 250 Pesos |
| Sidemount (Apeks or OMS wing + regulators) *SM cert. mandatory. | $ 1000 Pesos |
| Casa Cenote (No cavern) | $ 1500 Pesos |
| Casa Cenote 2 tank (No cavern) | $ 2100 Pesos |
- (*) Price per diver
Garden of Eden / Ponderosa
Level 1.
Cenote Jardín del Edén, also known as Ponderosa, is located approximately 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) north of Akumal, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. This cenote is an ideal destination for both experienced divers and beginners, thanks to its crystal-clear waters which provide exceptional visibility, perfect for observing the rich aquatic life and stunning underwater rock formations.
The diving experience at Jardín del Edén is unique, with routes that pass through underwater caverns and hidden passages, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that create a magical underwater environment. Access to the cenote is straightforward, with well-maintained paths and platforms that facilitate entry to the water for both divers and those who prefer to enjoy the natural surroundings from the edges.
Ideal for divers of all skill levels and also for families, Cenote Jardín del Edén offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a safe and controlled environment, just a short trip from Akumal. This place not only captures the essence of aquatic adventure but also provides a spectacular setting for underwater photography and snorkeling, where visitors can immerse themselves among colorful fish and unique rock formations.
Chikin Ha
Level 1.
Cenote Chikin Ha, known as "Western Water" in Mayan, is located approximately 13 km (8 miles) north of Akumal and nestled in a natural park that features a trio of cenotes including Rainbow and X’tabay. This cenote is renowned for its impressive half-moon shape and is ideal for both seasoned and novice divers.
The diving experience at Chikin Ha involves two distinct dives that start from Chikin Ha and traverse to Cenote Rainbow. Divers encounter a halocline at around 12m/40ft, a fascinating phenomenon where fresh and salt water mix, creating spectacular visual distortions. The path along the edge of Cenote Rainbow offers views of massive breakdown piles adorned with fossils, crystal formations, and speleothems.
The journey to the cenote involves a 120m walk down a well-maintained path and concrete stairway, offering a scenic approach to the water. The dives are characterized by stunning light effects as sunbeams penetrate the water, reaching the cavern floor and illuminating the natural beauty of the surroundings. Tree roots stretch towards the water’s surface, enhancing the visual spectacle, which also includes the chance to spot the vibrant Motmot bird, a symbolic guardian of the Mayan cenotes.
With facilities that include toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a souvenir shop, Chikin Ha provides a comfortable experience for visitors. The cenote also charges an entrance fee, and an additional fee for those who wish to use cameras.
This cenote's captivating mix of natural beauty, accessibility, and excellent diving conditions makes it a must-visit location for diving enthusiasts looking to explore the underwater wonders of the Mayan Riviera.
Find the best time to go to Riviera Maya and dive with us!
Dos Ojos
Levels 1 & 2.
Cenote Dos Ojos, located just 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) south of Akumal, is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and unique underwater features. Named for its two interconnected sinkholes, "Two Eyes" offers a captivating diving experience.
The site is famous for two distinct diving trails: the Barbie Line (Lv. 1) and the Bat Cave (Lv. 2). The Barbie Line is illuminated by natural light, showcasing vast underwater chambers adorned with large stalactites and columns, providing a visually stunning experience. Meanwhile, the Bat Cave offers a more adventurous dive, with darker, narrower passages leading to an air-filled dome where bats can be observed in their natural habitat.
The constant water temperature of around 24-25°C (75-77°F) makes Dos Ojos a comfortable dive throughout the year. The cenote is part of a larger underwater cave system that has attracted both documentaries and film productions, enhancing its appeal.
Whether you’re exploring the light-filled Barbie Line or venturing into the mysterious depths of the Bat Cave, Dos Ojos from Akumal offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
For those looking to dive at Dos Ojos, Blue Experience Diving in Akumal provides two tank guided tours, ensuring a safe and comprehensive exploration of this magnificent cenote.
Casa Cenote
Level 1.
Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manati, is situated approximately 23.2 kilometers (14.4 miles) north of Akumal. This unique cenote is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and vibrant ecosystem, offering both open water and cavern diving experiences beneath a lush mangrove canopy. Casa Cenote is renowned not only for the meeting of freshwater and saltwater creating stunning haloclines but also for its resident crocodile, Pancho, adding an element of excitement to the diving experience.
Ideal for divers of all levels, Casa Cenote provides a maximum depth of about 20 feet (approximately 6 meters), making it perfect for novice divers while still intriguing for more experienced ones. The clear waters and interplay of light through the mangroves create mesmerizing visual effects, enhancing the underwater adventure.
At Blue Experience Diving, we offer personalized guided tours of Casa Cenote, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. Divers can explore unique underwater paths, immersed in the natural beauty and watching for glimpses of Pancho in his natural habitat. Our expert guides are committed to providing insights into the local marine ecosystem, making your dive at Casa Cenote a highlight of your visit to Akumal.
Aktun Ha / Carwash
Level 1.
Cenote Aktun Ha, also known as the "Car Wash Cenote," is a mesmerizing underwater wonder located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Mexico. This cenote offers a unique and enchanting diving experience, with crystal-clear waters that reveal a hidden world of intricate limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. As you descend into the cenote's depths, you'll encounter a thriving ecosystem of freshwater fish, colourful liliths and a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. If you're lucky to visit it after some days of rain, you might get some magical pictures with the effects the light plays on the tannic water.
Cenote Aktun Ha is a must-visit destination for divers of all levels seeking a magical and otherworldly adventure beneath the surface. Explore its depths and discover the secrets that lie beneath the Mayan jungle.
El Pit
Level 3.
Cenote El Pit, just a 20 to 25-minute drive from Akumal, is renowned for its dramatic underwater features and is particularly suited for advanced divers. This deep cenote is famous for its stunning light beams that penetrate the water, creating captivating visual effects best seen on sunny days. At a depth of around 12 meters, divers can experience a halocline where freshwater and saltwater mix, adding a surreal touch to the dive. Deeper still, at about 27 meters, a hydrogen sulfide layer creates a ghostly cloud, enhancing the ethereal ambiance of El Pit.
This dive's maximum depth is 30 meters (100 feet) and the presence of significant geological formations like stalactites and stalagmites require divers to have good buoyancy control and familiarity with deep diving protocols.
Blue Experience Diving offers guided dives to El Pit, ensuring safety and an unforgettable experience. Our experienced guides help divers explore this underwater marvel, emphasizing the preservation of its natural beauty and promoting responsible diving practices.
Angelita
Level 3
Cenote Angelita, situated approximately 43.3 kilometers (about 27 miles) south of Akumal, is celebrated for its eerie and mesmerizing underwater features. Divers are captivated by a dense cloud of hydrogen sulfide at about 30 meters (100 feet) deep, which creates a distinct separation between the clear fresh water above and the saltier, darker water below. This phenomenon gives the appearance of a riverbed, complete with fallen trees and branches that enhance the cenote's mystical ambiance.
The visibility above this sulfide layer is exceptionally clear, inviting divers into a seemingly different world. Below this layer, the environment takes on a darker tone, adding to the intrigue and mystery of the dive.
Blue Experience Diving conducts dives up to 30 meters (100ft), perfectly positioning divers to explore the unique hydrogen sulfide cloud. For technical divers with the appropriate certifications, we offer the opportunity to delve deeper into this fascinating cenote. Our guided tours are led by experienced professionals who ensure safety and environmental respect, providing a memorable and ethereal diving experience at Cenote Angelita.
Get a deeper insight by reading our article about diving in Cenote Angelita
Cenote Dream Gate
Level 4.
Cenote Dreamgate, merely 16.5 kilometers (about 10.2 miles) from Akumal, offers a sublime dive experience highlighted by its exceptionally clear waters and intricate underwater formations. This cenote is distinguished by two distinct diving paths—upstream and downstream—each adorned with elaborate stalactites and stalagmites that create a spectacular subterranean landscape.
Dreamgate's shallow depths, typically no more than 10 meters (about 33 feet), make it accessible yet demand careful navigation to preserve its fragile beauty. The cenote's complex network of delicate formations requires divers to exhibit excellent buoyancy control, making it an ideal site for those who appreciate the nuances of skilled cenote diving.
At Blue Experience Diving, our guided tours of Cenote Dreamgate are designed to provide an immersive and environmentally conscious diving experience. Our expert guides lead you through the serene, crystal-clear waters, ensuring a safe and memorable exploration of one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most awe-inspiring underwater settings.
Taak Bi Ha
Level EXPERT.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha meaning "Hidden Route of Water" or "Hidden Water", just 15 kilometers from Akumal, is an underground wonder. This cenote is part of the Sac Actun system, the world’s longest explored underwater river system. It's recognized for its beautiful but fragile stalactites, stalagmites, and spectacular columns, making it a visually stunning dive location. A small, steep entrance leads divers into an illuminated cavern area, showcasing the cenote’s intricate rock formations and clear waters.
Diving here requires excellent buoyancy control due to the shallow waters and the delicate nature of the underwater decorations. The maximum depth is about 7 meters (23 feet), and it’s essential that divers have prior cenote diving experience on levels 1 to 4 to handle the site's complexities and to preserve its natural beauty.
