The best cenotes in Mexico: Magic Oases

>> Excursions with cenotes

How did the cenotes emerge in Mexico?

Important for the Maya: Cenotes are entrances to the Mayan underworld called Xibalba

The Maya went to the cenotes when they wanted to contact the gods of the underworld. Even today, some cenotes are sacred places for the Mayan descenders, where ceremonies are performed. The term cenote is derived from the Mayan language, “Dzonot” means “water hole”. They are probably the basis for the development of the Mayan culture in southeast Mexico. All important Mayan sites on the Yucatan Peninsula are located close to cenotes. They provided the water supply for the Mayan cities with several thousand inhabitants.

Cenotes meant duality for the ancient Maya. Here the transition from the world of life to the world of the dead took place. Aluxes, guardians of the forests and cenotes, are still worshiped with ancient rituals and offerings. Aluxes are knee-high creatures, living in the jungle. They have to be  asked for permission when entering or building on their areas. Otherwise, great misfortune can happen

Cenotes in Mexico in today’s time

Archeology

Parts of the caves that are now under water were not yet flooded during the Maya period. Archaeologists and cave divers explore the cenotes in Mexico to find information about past life. For example, a skeleton of at least 12,000 years old was found in the Hoyo Negro cave on the Yucatan Peninsula in 2014. This got a lot of attention in the world of archeology (see video below).

Water supply

The largest underground water system supplies the region of the Yucatan Peninsula with drinking water.

Tourist importance

For visitors to the Riviera Maya, the cenotes are one of the most important sights. Whether snorkeling, swimming, diving or discovering, adventurers and those interested in culture, there are cenotes for every interest.

Youtube video National Geographic: The Americas’ Oldest Most Complete Human Skeleton

Types of cenotes in Mexico

Cenotes as caves

Completely covered with karst rock, these cenotes are often many meters underground. They can be filled with water or dry. It depends on the water level. Sometimes the light enters through cracks or openings. Then there are impressive light shows that often resemble a laser show.

Half-open cenotes

Half-open cenotes are often just the entrance to deeper cave systems. A field covers water or grottos underneath. Light penetrates and creates a mystical atmosphere.

Open cenotes

Open cenotes nestle into the landscape like a lake. They usually hide other caves with which they are connected. For example, divers often enter an open cenote into a cave beyond.

Sulfur clouds in cenotes

The water in the cenotes is one of the clearest waters in the world. It has a visibility of up to 100% or 600 feet (clearer water can only be found under the ice caps of the South Pole). Sunscreen, even biodegradable sunscreen or Mosquito Spray can contaminate the water and are therefore prohibited. That’s why you’ll find showers on many publicly accessible cenotes; to clean the skin before entering the cenotes in Mexico.

The best Cenotes in Mexico

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Xel Ha

• Swim on tubes across the river
• Discover cenotes and caves
• Lighthouse with a fantastic view
• Zip lines
• Jungle hike
• All inclusive catering including non-alcoholic drinks
• Children’s playgrounds etc.

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Xcaret

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Eden (14 meter)

Divers start the dive along a wide tunnel with lots of light. At a maximum of 14 meters/45 feet, the Halokline gives dramatic effects through the incoming daylight. Do not forget your underwater camera! Due to its shallow depth, this cenote is also suitable for beginners. You can observe the halocline (dividing line between fresh and salt water) at a shallow depth. Particularly impressive are the temperature differences between the warmer salt water and the refreshing fresh water.

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Chichin Ha

Chichin Ha is close to Playa del Carmen. From the country road you have to drive a good distance on a gravel track through the jungle.

The best Cenotes in Mexico: The Pit (30 – 40 meter)

Divers with a visit to the National Park can combine the deep dive Pit with a shallow dive in Dos Ojos. The Cenote The Pit is a round cenote. To enjoy all the beauty of this cenote, you have to go down deep. That’s why we also need an Advanced Open Water or Deep Dive Adventure Dive for this dive.

The light falls from the surface like laser beams and accompanies us to the depths. The Halokline is about 30 meters and is surrounded by an impressive sulfur cloud. During the dive you can find Mayan relics and animal bones. The Pit is a clear favorite for many divers.

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Dos Ojos (8-10 meter)

Cenote Dos Ojos – Barbie Line (8 meter, 24 feet)

The first dive follows a circular walk of about 500 meters. This dive is very shallow. Accompanied by a lot of natural light, you can emerge anywhere in the shortest time on the surface. That’s why this dive is good for beginners. The incidence of light creates impressive light formations. Dreamlike stalactites hang from the ceiling. Do not forget to breathe with so much beauty!

Cenote Dos Ojos – Bat Cave (10 Meter, 30 feet)

The second dive, also called Bat Cave, feels like a real cave dive. Here it is darker, because we are in an air-filled cave. Past beautiful stalactite formations, we emerge in the Bat Cave. We admire the numerous bats hanging from the ceiling. Look for fossils, proof that this tunnel system used to be below sea level.

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Calavera (16 meter)

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Angelita (30 meter)

The best Cenotes in Mexico: Aktun Ha / Carwash (16 meter)

For divers the dive starts in a kind of pond. Algae and roots create fascinating light effects. It is so beautiful that we could only dive under the open water surface the whole time. But are we not there for cave diving? Inside the cenote we find bones and Mayan pottery. Even in the algae-free season, we expect amazing plays of light. One of the most beautiful cenotes in the area.

Because of the shallow depth, good buoyancy is a must, so that no slag from the ground is whirled up. Slowly we follow the tunnel system and have enough time to admire the breathtaking formations around us.

Summary

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