Cenotes

The Yucatán peninsula was originally under the ocean and the region's limestone foundation is fossilized coral beds and ocean floor. There are no above ground rivers in this area.  All of the ground water sinks through the porous limestone and travels to the sea in underground rivers. Parts of the limestone weakened over time and collapsed, leaving sinkholes filled with water - a cenote (pronounced: seh-NO-tay).

During the ice ages, portions of the underground rivers dried up and water dripping through the limestone left mineral deposits in beautiful formations. Stalactites and stalagmites formed in the caves and caverns, and were covered with water when the rivers began flowing once again.

The Maya used the cenotes for water - both for drinking and irrigation - and in religious ceremonies. Some of their cities were built around cenotes or wells dug down to the ground water.  Divers have explored the cenote at Chichén Itzá and have found offerings the ancient Maya made to the gods. Among them copper and gold necklaces, pottery, jade beads,  and skeletons of both sexes and all ages.

Casa Cenote:  Located just 15 minutes south of Cancun.  One of the closest cenotes to Cancun, and a great place to experience a cenote for the first time! The cenote itself is actually pretty easy to get into and out of, and the calm and clear waters are fun for kids. Casa Cenote is actually very close to the ocean, and has a connecting tunnel to the Caribbean. Although swimming in the connecting tunnel is not suggested, it is interesting how the salt water comes into the cenote and mixes with the fresh water. Another nice feature of Casa Cenote is a fun ocean view restaurant between the cenote and the Caribbean.

Calavera Cenote:  Located 3 kilometers from Tulum on the road towards Cobá, right side.  Probably the most dangerous cenote in the area. Calavera is easy enough to get into...just jump! However, getting out can be a problem because of the ten foot drop from the cenote rim to the water. Exit can usually be made using an existing tree branch, or by bringing a rope.

Grand Cenote:  Located 4 kilometers west of Tulum, on the road to Cobá, right side.  A collection of several cenotes around the edge of a large oval depression. These cenotes offer shady and rocky floors, green and blue water, and some stalactites dripping from the cave ceilings.

Car Wash Cenote:  Located 7 kilometers west of Tulum on the road to Cobá, left side.  A fun cenote for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You can drive in (about 30 meters or 100 feet) right up to the cenote (hence the name). There is a diving platform on the edge that makes swimming a breeze. Many small tropical fish inhabit the cenote.

Cenote Cristal:  Located 4 kilometers south of Tulum, on the way towards Chetumal.  This is actually 2 cenotes, one on the left side of the highway and one on the right side. The larger of the two pools is about an acre in size, with much of the access up a 18 foot cliff, or on the far side via the vegetation. Usually not over run with tourists.. a nice place for a picnic.

Cenote Azul:  Located well south of Tulum, approximately 20 miles north of Chetumal.  A spectacular cenote in a beautiful garden setting. This large cenote is 500 feet across and almost 200 feet deep. Snorkeling the rim is quite interesting, although the bottom can only be seen with Scuba gear. A beautiful restaurant is located right on the edge of the cenote, and is a great place to relax in the cool shade.

Dos Ojos:  Located on the highway between Akumal and Tulum is also a great place to explore a cenote.  Jump into the Buddy Mobile with your guide and head back into the jungle.  Once you arrive at the cenote you will be awed by the incredible rock formations and crystal clear blue water.