Cenote Diving

Photo by dMap Travel Guide

Cenotes are deep pits formed naturally when limestone bedrock collapses, resulting in groundwater being exposed. They are usually found in the Yucatan Peninsula and also some Islands of the Caribbean. The word itself refers to a place which presents accessible groundwater.

Most cenotes are small and have very little or no water exposed at the surface. However the more popular and well known cenotes are characterized by large open water pools. In some cases, these cenotes lead to large underwater caves. Here the water is almost "filtered" through the ground causing the water to be fresh and clear. Therefore, cenote diving provides ideal dive conditions due to the clear fresh water. The ground water which fills the cenotes, flows relatively slowly - anything from 1 - 1000 per annum. However, in cases where the cenotes connect to underlying cave systems, the water flows quicker, and can reach about 1 - 1000 metres each day.

Cenote diving is a popular choice for cave divers as a large percentage of cenotes provide easy access to many of the most amazing cave systems, which in some instances exceed lengths of 100 kms.

Although cenote diving is usually associated with Mexico, it is also popular in other parts of the world, such as Australia, Canada and the United States.

Even though there are several cenotes, only a selected few provide enough space for cenote cave diving.

Cenote el Eden, or otherwise referred to as "Pon-de Rosa" resembles a huge rock pool, surrounded by plants and mosses. This creates a perfect home for a variety of fish, marine plant life, as well as fresh water eels. Cenote el Eden is ideal for cenote diving, snorkeling and swimming. As the chambers are large, this area is quite suitable for inexperienced divers.

Photo by asbjorn.hansen

Cenote Chickin-Ha forms part of a system of cenotes which connect through km's of underwater passages. This cenote is highly recommended for cenote diving, as it offers bathroom families as well as easy access from the entrance to the cenote. The dive leads one to Rainbow cenote where divers will experience weird and wonderful visual effects. These are created when the fresh water starts mixing with the salt water. A bit deeper down the temperature becomes warmer due to the fact that salt water is warmer than the fresh water. While surfacing the Rainbow cenote, divers will be able to see the roots of several plants which grow through the rock, into the water. When the sun shines through the entrance, one is afforded the opportunity of viewing spectacular light effects.

Cenote Chac-Mool provides two water entries, both of which lead into the same chamber. The one is quite spacious and has a fair amount of light provided by the opening. A part of the ceiling has collapsed in the second chamber, enabling divers to experience two different levels of breathtakingly beautiful stalactites. Here cenote diving is also perfect for divers of all levels of experience, boasting the worlds largest underwater stalactite.

Cenote Angelita (Little Angel) is situated 17 km south of Tulum. To reach this stunning circular cenote, which goes straight down to about 60 metres, you will need to take a short walk through the jungle. Half way down through the fresh water dive, divers will be met with an amazing sight resembling clouds. This effect is caused by the Hydrogen-Sulfide layer and just below this lies the salt water. As it is dark down there, the diver could almost believe he was in a forest at night. Due to the depth of Cenote Angelita, this dive is definitely more suitable for the experienced diver.

These are but a few examples of cenotes which provide excellent cenote diving opportunities