Are you an amateur or a professional in the wonderful sport of diving? One of the most amazing things you can do on a trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya is to dive in a cenote.
The word cenote comes from the Mayan word Dzonot, which means “well or abyss.” Cenotes are underground caverns / caves formed millions of years ago, which are flooded with fresh water. Most of the cenotes are located in the Yucatan peninsula from the central part to the coasts of Quintana Roo (near Cancun and Riviera Maya), and almost all of them are connected through underground rivers.
For the Mayans, cenotes were sources of fresh water and also sacred places where they made sacrifices and offerings. Today the cenotes are tourist attractions, they come in different sizes, some as small as a residence pool and others as huge as a lagoon.
For the hot climate that prevails most of the year in the Yucatan peninsula, the water of these formations can be considered refreshing, being hidden from the sun’s rays makes the water of the cenotes cold for some, but at the same time pleasant. As for the depth they have, it is very variable, some have a maximum depth of 5 to 10 meters, up to 50 feet deep, the latter being the best for diving.
What is it like to dive in a cenote?
The underwater landscape that you can find in a cenote is completely different from what you find in the sea. First of all, the lack of natural light in some cenotes forces you to use lighting equipment, although in some cenotes it is not necessary because there are also cenotes that are outdoors or semi-covered. The fish are colorful but very small, and the bottom and surroundings can be rocky. Unlike the open sea, there are no waves that cause the water to turn cloudy so you will be able to see very clearly at a great distance.
In fact, some cenotes are used to train divers because they are accessible, there is a controlled area and everything can be seen with the naked eye, but be careful: depending on the size, diving cannot be so easy in all of them.
Cavern Diving
The interior of a cenote can be huge, as big as having caves and caverns inside, this is a completely different world and you should only enter with a certified instructor specialized in this type of immersion.
Cavern diving is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have when it comes to diving. It is a totally different world, some describe it as “traveling in space”, “flying over cliffs”, etc., what is certain is that everyone has a way of feeling and living it and that is what makes it unique.
Although it is a more specialized type of diving, it is only advisable to do it if you already have some previous experience, but if you still want to experience it, take all the necessary precautions, normally in a tour of this type you are given prior training before the immersion because you will not be able to go to the surface when the tank runs out, you will always have to load the spare and they will teach you how to use it if necessary.
You must also be attentive to all the signs and security measures that are offered both outside and inside the cenote, follow the indicated route and lifelines, and never try to go on your own to investigate a fissure or cave once inside. If you are reckless cavern diving can be very dangerous for both you and the group.
Cenotes for Diving in Cancun and Riviera Maya
If you want to dive in cenotes, then in the list below you can see 20 cenotes near Playa del Carmen ideal for practicing either snorkeling or diving.
Some are more spectacular than others, some are for beginners and others for experienced divers, but in all of them, unique experiences await you without any doubt!
Tips:
- In some dives, you must be in very good physical condition, ask your instructor or guide how long the program lasts and if you think you can bear it, otherwise settle for practicing some snorkeling or just diving for as long as you think you can last without venturing any further where you can’t see the surface.
- The cenotes are in dark caves, bringing with you an ecological repellent against mosquitoes and insects is a good idea.
- Search TripAdvisor for the best cenote diving tour operators.
- If your trip is 100% looking to practice diving, it is best to stay in Playa del Carmen, they will be very close and it will be easy for you to move every day to the area known as “La Ruta de Los Cenotes”.
- Consult this Guide to 20 Cenotes for Diving in the Riviera Maya
With the correct preparation, a good guide, and above all a good team, diving in cenotes can be one of the best experiences you can have on a trip to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Explore Cenotes!