Mexico’s cenotes are among the most impressive natural treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula. Formed over thousands of years, these crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes offer spectacular landscapes where limestone cliffs, lush vegetation and bright shades of blue come together.
Once considered sacred places by the Maya, cenotes are now a must for adventure-seeking travelers, and above all for divers from all over the world!
Here is a selection of some of the most beautiful cenotes to explore on your trip to Mexico.
1. Cenote Chac Mool
Cenote Chac Mool is located along Federal Highway 307, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, south of Puerto Aventuras, in the state of Quintana Roo.
Known as one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya for diving, Chac Mool appeals to beginners and experienced divers alike. Inside, huge chambers decorated with stalactites and stalagmites create a spectacular setting, while sunbeams coming through the natural openings create beautiful plays of light.
Divers can also see the halocline, where fresh water and salt water meet, producing a fascinating visual effect.
Cenote Chac Mool is accessible to most certified divers. An Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is enough to take part in this experience.
A trip costs 3,400 MXN (about US$185) and includes 2 dives of 45 minutes, transportation from Playa del Carmen, full gear (lights included) and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Chac Mool2. Cenote The Pit
Cenote The Pit (El Pit) is located in the heart of the Dos Ojos nature park, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo.
Considered one of the most beautiful cenotes in the world, The Pit offers a completely different experience from the other sites in the Riviera Maya. Its huge vertical shaft drops into exceptionally clear water and puts on a striking light show when the sunbeams reach all the way to the bottom of the cenote.
During the dive, you cross a very sharp halocline and stop above an impressive hydrogen sulfide cloud, which gives the feeling of floating above the clouds.
Because of its depth and dive profile, The Pit is mainly for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually required by dive centers.
A trip costs 4,000 MXN (about US$215) and includes two dives in 2 different cenotes, transportation from Playa del Carmen, full gear, lights, a certified guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote The Pit3. Cenote Angelita
Cenote Angelita is located about 11 miles (17 km) south of Tulum, along Federal Highway 307 toward Chetumal, in the heart of the Riviera Maya jungle.
Angelita is considered one of the most impressive dives in Mexico. Its reputation comes from a unique natural phenomenon: at a depth of about 100 ft (30 m), a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide forms and creates the illusion of a real underwater river.
Tree trunks rise out of this white cloud, creating an unreal landscape that looks like a sunken forest. As they pass through this layer, divers also discover a sharp halocline between fresh and salt water, which adds even more to the mysterious atmosphere.
Because of its dive profile, Cenote Angelita is for experienced divers only. An Advanced Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually required to explore the site in the best safety conditions.
Plan on 4,000 MXN (about US$215) for a trip with two dives, transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, full gear, lights, a specialized guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Angelita4. Cenote Dreamgate
Cenote Dreamgate is tucked away in the Riviera Maya jungle, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, close to the famous Dos Ojos park.
Connected to the vast Sac Actun underground system, the largest network of flooded caves in the world, Dreamgate is known for offering one of the most beautiful cavern dives in the Riviera Maya.
Inside, divers move through a spectacular setting of countless stalactites, stalagmites and perfectly preserved limestone formations.
Cenote Dreamgate is for experienced divers who are already comfortable with cenote diving. An Advanced Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually required.
Plan on 3,800 MXN (about US$205) for a trip with two dives, transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, full gear, lights, a specialized guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Dreamgate5. Cenote Zapote
Cenote Zapote is located on the famous Ruta de los Cenotes, west of Puerto Morelos, between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana Roo.
Zapote is world-famous for its impressive Hell’s Bells, bell-shaped limestone formations found almost nowhere else in the world.
Hanging underwater at a depth of about 100 ft (30 m), they create a spectacular setting that draws divers from all over the globe.
Cenote Zapote is for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually required to explore the site safely.
Plan on 4,000 MXN (about US$215) for a trip with two dives, transportation from Playa del Carmen or Cancún, full gear, lights, a specialized guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Zapote6. Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, north of Tulum, in the nature park of the same name, along Federal Highway 307.
A must for cenote diving, Dos Ojos is part of the gigantic Sac Actun underground system, one of the largest networks of flooded caves in the world.
Its exceptionally clear water, impressive stalactites and many passages create a spectacular setting that a wide range of divers can enjoy. The site is especially known for its two iconic routes: the Barbie Line, bathed in natural light, and the Bat Cave, darker and more immersive.
Cenote Dos Ojos is accessible to most certified divers. An Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually enough to explore the dive routes with a specialized guide.
Plan on 3,700 MXN (about US$200) for a trip with two dives, transportation from Playa del Carmen, full gear, lights, a certified guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Dos Ojos7. Cenote Nicte-Ha
Cenote Nicte-Ha is located north of Tulum, in the same area as the famous Dos Ojos park, along Federal Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Unlike cenotes that impress with their depth, like The Pit or Angelita, Nicte-Ha wins you over with its natural, unspoiled atmosphere.
On the surface, the many water lilies and aquatic plants create a unique setting, almost like a sunken tropical garden. Its crystal-clear water, few visitors and calm atmosphere make it a perfect place for a relaxing dive.
Cenote Nicte-Ha is accessible to recreational divers and is perfect for certified beginners. An Open Water certification (PADI, SSI or equivalent) is usually enough for this dive.
Plan on 4,000 MXN (about US$215) for a trip with one or two dives, transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, full gear, a guide and some snacks.
Learn more about diving in Cenote Nicte-Ha