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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.

Today at least 1000 cenotes have been located among the approximately four thousand that are believed to exist in the Yucatán. These unique places are now included in the ever increasing number of tourist attractions of the area, both for the archaeological value they offer and for the exquisite natural beauty they possess.

 

Snorkeling and Cave Diving

Many cenotes give access to these underground waterways and one of the most exciting experiences uniquely available in this part of the world is to dive and explore these wondrous, mysterious cenotes and their hidden rivers.  Cenotes are a great place to snorkel and swim, and is safe as long as you stay at the water's surface.

Don't go cavern diving without a guide.  The "cavern" dive is an advanced dive in an overhead environment and should be done only under the supervision of a qualified professional guide.  If you are a certified open water diver, you can dive in a cenote cavern with a qualified guide. 

 

Cenotes Near Cancun

Several cenotes are located within an hour or two of Cancun.  All cenotes are different. Some are below stone overhangs, others are open like ponds. You can take a cooling swim in them, or bring your snorkel gear to see what is below.  There are scores of cenotes in the Tulum area. Most have been explored so it's safe and east to access them.

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.

Taj Cenote:  Located just south west of Playa del Carmen.  The Taj Cenote is a good advanced cenote location, for those who are very comfortable with their swimming skills. To enter the Taj Cenote one must swim 5 meters underwater, under a rock wall. Once under the wall, you come up into a large open cave. Light enters the cave from 2 holes in the ceiling to light up the cave and the water...it's quite a site!

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.

 

Tours With Cenotes

Tulum and Xel-Ha
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation optional from: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya. All-Inclusive optional.
Xel-ha / ViewDiscover one of the most beautiful archeological sites of the Riviera Maya, the only one overlooking the Caribbean Sea and its turquoise waters as a walled fortress. Let yourself be taken into the temple of the frescoes, the one of the descending god and "El Castillo" an amazing temple built on a cliff with splendid views of the coast. From here you will be taken to Xel-Ha, the perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxation.
Xcaret
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation available from: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya.
Beach“Nature's sacred paradise”, Xcaret is the world’s most famous eco-archaeological park. Here you will find: archaeological ruins, dolphins show, horses, a farm with tropical birds, butterfly caves, bat caves, beach; you can practice your snorkeling abilities in its famous crystal caves and the well known underground river. With its 53 activities to enjoy, Xcaret is an experience for all your senses. This ecological park was once one of the Maya civilization's most important ports. Come to the unparalleled ecological park of Xcaret, located in the Riviera Maya, and spend an unforgettable day with your family.
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