Mexico's Cenotes - Doorways to Beauty and Mystery

Dos Ojos

Meaning "Two Eyes" in English, Dos Ojos gets its name from the two side-by-side holes that form it. Beneath this large cenote, one of the longest and deepest cave systems in the Yucatan is waiting to be explored by trained cave divers. But the fun isn't just for the cavers, the cavern itself is one of the largest in the area and has made this cenote one of the most popular in the Yucatan.

Gran Cenote

Popular with swimmers, snorkelers, and divers alike, this large, crescent-shaped cenote is dappled with lily pads and home to fish, turtles, and frogs. Beneath the cool waters, divers can find a large ballroom cavern with seemingly endless passageways weaving into caves and even deeper rooms.

Cenote Angelita

A big hole in the middle of a lush jungle, this cenote is known for haunting and surreal views. An eerie cloud of hydrogen sulphide sits on top of the halocline at 100 feet and that combined with the leafless trees and crystal clear water creates a unique optical illusion. Divers can continue below the halocline for darker and even more mystical views. It’s recommended for experienced divers due to the depth and necessary buoyancy skills.

Cenote Calavera

Although its nickname - Temple of Doom - sounds ominous, it’s really just a clever pop culture reference due to the three holes in the top of the cenote that create the image of a skull. At just over 50 feet, it’s relatively shallow compared to some of the others on the list, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in ambiance and an unusual entry and exit. A 10 ft high giant stride is your way in, and a climb up a rusty ladder in full gear is your way out.

The Pit

At nearly 400 feet deep, this is not only the deepest cenote in Quintana Roo, but also one of the most challenging. It starts with a short hike on a rugged trail after which divers can choose to leap 20 feet into the water or continue on an even trickier trail to the water’s edge. At 60 feet deep, divers will find a hydrogen sulphide layer at the halocline similar to Angelita. Note: We've been notified that this cenote now has a staircase/ladder for entry but haven't verified.

Casa Cenote

Before long, this cenote will become a caletta (inleted spring) when the wall between the cenote and the ocean finally disappears completely. For now, divers can dive through two distinct ecosystems on either side of the halocline. In the freshwater top half, catfish, crayfish, tetras, eels, and turtles have found a home. While barracuda, morays, crabs, and tarpon hunt in the salty bottom half. As the system weaves its way through the lush jungle, divers can likewise weave their way through mangrove swimthroughs and cavern overhangs.

Chac-Mool

With a large entrance, a shallow depth and halocline, and interesting stalactites and stalagmites, this cenote is ideal for both novice and experienced divers. For the cavern divers, there are amazing chambers to explore with lots of formations to keep divers intrigued. For the cave divers, this cenote is part of the Jaguar system and passageways link up to other cenotes as well as multiple, large chambers.

Tajma Ha

While it’s considered one cenote, Tajma Ha actually consists of four interconnected sinkholes. It’s known for incredible light shows during certain parts of the day, particularly from March – September. Two of the sinkholes are connected by a tunnel described by many divers as “trippy” thanks to the fact that it runs at the halocline depth. While you’re looking around, check out the walls for fossils.

Cenote Ponderosa

With shallow, clear waters, a large opening, and tons of life, this is another beginner friendly cenote. Sail fin mollies, freshwater eels, and turtles all make a home here and divers are often treated to underwater shows as the grebes dive into the depths chasing fish.