The Pit Cenote, also known as El Pit, is part of the Sac Actun system—the largest underwater cave network in the world, with over 364km of mapped passages. It stands as one of the deepest and most mysterious cenotes in the entire Yucatán Peninsula.
This dizzying sinkhole attracts divers from all over the world in search of a truly extraordinary experience. Its name, The Pit, perfectly reflects its topography: a vertical cavity that plunges deep into the Earth, with a narrow surface opening and a dramatic drop into the abyss.
Diving into El Pit feels like entering another dimension!
Why is Cenote The Pit so popular among divers ?
Among the hundreds of cenotes scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula, The Pit stands out as a truly unique diving experience. It’s no coincidence that this natural sinkhole attracts so many advanced divers.
First, its breathtaking depth makes an immediate impression. With a seemingly endless descent, The Pit drops down to nearly 120 meters, although recreational dives are typically limited to around 30 meters.
But what truly makes The Pit unforgettable is the incredible clarity of the water, which allows divers to fully appreciate the spectacle. Sunlight streams through the cenote’s narrow opening, creating beams of light that illuminate the water column with an almost otherworldly intensity. In the morning, these rays transform the cavern into an underwater cathedral.
For those passionate about geology and history, The Pit also holds a few surprises…
You’ll find ancient limestone formations, prehistoric fossils, powerful reminders of the sacred significance these places held for ancient civilizations.
One lesser-known feature is the halocline, where fresh water meets salt water, creating a strange and mesmerizing mirage effect. A bit deeper, between 25 and 30 meters, a layer of hydrogen sulfide forms a thick white cloud, enveloping dead branches and ancient debris, like a sunken forest hidden beneath a ghostly veil.
What certifications do you need to dive in Cenote The Pit ?
To dive in Cenote The Pit, you need at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (Level 2) or an equivalent. This requirement is due to the depth of the dive (up to 30 meters for recreational dives) and the complexity of the environment.
To go beyond 30m or explore the deeper and more technical sections of the cenote, technical diving or cave diving certification is required, as this goes beyond the scope of standard recreational diving.
What is the best time to dive in Cenote The Pit ?
Diving in The Pit is always a memorable experience, but it’s during the summer months, when the sun is high in the sky, that this cenote truly reveals its full splendor.
At this time of year, the sun aligns perfectly above the cenote’s open entrance, allowing a vertical, ultra-intense beam of light to shine straight down to the bottom.
This natural phenomenon, visible only for a few hours a day and only during the summer months, completely transforms the diving experience.
The light passes through the crystal-clear water layers, illuminates the halocline, and makes the limestone walls shimmer, creating spectacular beams of light that resemble the interior of a submerged cathedral.
It is this perfect combination of clarity, sun alignment, and vertical depth that makes summer the best season to explore this legendary cenote, whether you are seeking a unique sensory adventure or looking to capture breathtaking underwater images.
Where is Cenote The Pit and how do you get there ?
Cenote The Pit, also known as El Pit, is located about 45km south of Playa del Carmen and 15 km north of Tulum, nestled in the heart of the Dos Ojos Natural Park.
Upon arrival, you’ll go through a small entrance booth where you’ll pay the access fee, usually greeted with a smile by the local staff.
A short drive of about 8min will then take you to the main parking area, the starting point of this unique underwater adventure.
The site is well-organized, clean, and surrounded by unspoiled nature. The on-site facilities are simple but efficient, providing everything you need to prepare comfortably for your dive.
What are the prices for Cenote The Pit ?
The entrance fee to Dos Ojos Park (often included in dive center packages) is around 600 pesos, which is approximately 30 USD, depending on the exchange rate.
For a dive in Cenote The Pit, expect to pay around 3,800 MXN (approximately 205 USD) for a 45-minute immersion, usually followed by a second dive at Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Carwash.
Transportation from Playa del Carmen, diving equipment, and light snacks are typically included.
