As a scuba diving instructor and cavern-guide, with more than 5 years of experience diving the cenotes in Tulum, I always get asked by visiting divers what my favorite cenotes are for recreational scuba diving.
The truth is, the cenotes in Tulum are so varied and different, that they are hard to compare, and each is my favorite for different reasons! They feature different speleological formations, haloclines, fresh and saltwater, different maximum depths, and unique experiences underwater.
From Angelita to Dreamgate, each cenote promises an unforgettable cavern dive, rich in both adventure and history.
Feeling the need for a detailed summary of the dive sites, here are my personal top 8 when it comes to the best diving cenotes in Tulum.
Our 8 Best Diving Cenotes Tulum
Cenote Angelita
Max Depth
Cenote Angelita has an impressive maximum depth of 66 meters, but our allowed maximum depth during a recreational cenote dive is 30 meters.
Diving in Angelita we encounter the hydrogen sulfide cloud at our maximum depth, and therefore wouldn’t be able to see a lot descending further.
Location
15 minutes south of Tulum
Diver Requirements
Minimum Advanced Open Water Certification
Minimum previous experience with 2 other cenote dives
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
Cenote Angelita, often referred to as the “Underwater River,” is a mystical cenote characterized by its hydrogen sulfide cloud that resembles an otherworldly river flowing through the depths.
Divers descending into Angelita are treated to a surreal experience as they navigate through the layers of clear and dense water, encountering fallen trees and branches submerged in the depths.
This cenote is a favorite among advanced divers seeking a truly unforgettable dive.
Usually, we combine diving in Cenote Angelita with another Cenote dive near Tulum.
This can be either Carwash Cenote or Cenote Dreamgate, as both are shallower dives and unique experiences.
Cenote Carwash
Max Depth
15 Meters
Location
15 min drive towards Cobá from Tulum center.
Cenote Carwash is located directly on the road leading from Tulum towards Cobá.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Open Open Water certification
Minimum 10 dives total
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
Carwash Cenote, named for its historical use as a local car wash station, is locally called Cenote Aktun Ha.
This site offers divers a colorful and enchanting underwater paradise.
With its crystal-clear waters and abundant natural light filtering through the cavern opening, Carwash Cenote provides an ideal setting for divers of all skill levels to explore its submerged beauty.
Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a diverse array of underwater life in the open area of the Cenote, including freshwater fish, tortoises, and vibrant waterlilies thriving in this underwater oasis.
This Cenote is a great site not only for Cenote diving but also for any snorkelers accompanying the group.
Carwash Cenotes crystal clear water invites for a cooling jump from the platform whether you just dived in here or just came to relax and snorkel.
Casa Cenote
Max Depth
6 Meters
Location
50 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, and 15 minutes north of Tulum.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Open Water certification for cavern dive
No requirements for open water dives (Training dive site)
Description
Just next to Tulum beach, Casa Cenote is a beautiful open Cenote surrounded by mangroves and waiting to be explored by diving enthusiasts.
This unique Cenote features a captivating mix of freshwater and saltwater, creating a connecting ecosystem between freshwater caves and the ocean.
Divers can glide through submerged mangrove roots and watch the intricate interplay of light and shadow dancing across the cenote floor.
Casa Cenote offers an immersive cenote diving experience that showcases the delicate balance between land and sea.
Its direct ocean connection creates possibilities of encountering marine life, young schools of fish, and even the occasional moray-eel under the next rock.
Casa Cenotes pool-like conditions allow for SCUBA diving courses to be conducted.
Therefore divers of every level can access and enjoy the beauty this Cenote dive site brings to the table.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Max Depth
8 Meters
Location
Dos Ojos Cenotes are located approximately 20 minutes north of Tulum.
Once we enter the park, we have another 5-10 minute drive until we arrive at the Cenote Dos Ojos dive site.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Open Water certification
Minimum of 10 dives total
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
Dos Ojos Cenote in Tulum, translated as “Two Eyes Cenote” from Spanish, Dos Ojos is renowned for its two cenotes connected by a vast underwater cave system, part of the Sac Actun Cave System.
This site is a perfect site for a first Cenote diving experience, suitable for certified divers of all experience levels.
It offers two different dives that feature unique formations and corners.
Divers can venture into the light and dark passages of Dos Ojos and discover a world of ancient rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites adorned with glistening mineral deposits.
With its crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility, this cenote diving site is a paradise for underwater photographers and explorers seeking to uncover the secrets of the Mayan underworld.
The Pit Cenote
Max Depth
The Pit Cenote has a maximum depth of 119+ meters, but our maximum depth during a cenote dive is 30 meters.
Location
The Pit Cenote is located 20 minutes north of Tulum in the Dos Ojos Cenote Park.
Once we entered the park, we have another 10-15 minute drive until we arrive at the Pit Cenote dive site.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Advanced Open Water certification
Minimum previous experience with 2 other cenote dives
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
For thrill-seekers and experienced divers, the Pit cenote offers an adrenaline-filled descent into the depths of a huge cylinder-like sinkhole reaching over 100 meters in depth.
As divers descend into the abyss, they are greeted by a mesmerizing halocline, where freshwater meets saltwater, creating a stunning visual effect reminiscent of an underwater mirage.
The Pit Cenote promises an exhilarating dive experience that will leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned divers.
During the summer months, the Pit offers a unique and memorable light show underwater.
This is even more memorable when the sun stands high around midday and the sun-beam penetrating the surface reaches all the way to the bottom.
We like to combine this Cenote with another Cenote in the Dos Ojos Cenote Park, as logistics are easy and cenotes like Dos Ojos or Nicte Ha promise a very different dive and stunning experience.
Nicte Ha Cenote
Max Depth
12 Meters
Location
Nicte Ha Cenote is located 20 minutes north of Tulum in the Dos Ojos Cenote Park.
Once we entered the park, we have another 5-8 minute drive until we arrive at the Cenote Nicte Ha dive site.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Advanced Open Water certification
Minimum previous experience with 2 other cenote dives
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
Nicte Ha, meaning “Water Lily” in Mayan, tempts divers with its tranquil waters and jungle-green surroundings.
This fewly dived cenote offers an idyllic setting for divers to unwind and immerse themselves in between colorful water lilies (who would have thought?),
a light-filled cavern area and mystic, darker tunnels adorned with delicate formations.
This Cenote dive is not a beginner-dive, due to the frequent and moderate current flowing through this Cenotes cavern zone.
The usual combination to dive Cenote Nicte Ha is as a second dive after the Pit Cenote.
Tak Be Ha Cenote
Max Depth
8 Meters
Location
Tak Be Ha Cenote is located 20 minutes north of Tulum in the Dos Ojos Cenote Park.
Once we enter the park, we have another 10-13 minute drive until we arrive at the Cenote Tak Be Ha dive site.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Advanced Open Water certification
Minimum previous experience of 4 other cenote dives
It’s recommended participating divers when tec certified, dive in side mount or twin-set configuration
Description
Tak Be Ha, or “Hidden Water” translated from Mayan, lives up to its name as a secret gem hidden in the jungle of the Dos Ojos Cenote park.
This Cenote offers divers a special sense of adventure as they glide through its dark and smaller passages and get close to the feeling of a real cave dive.
With its glass-clear waters and abundant speleological formations, Tak Be Ha is a haven for divers seeking a challenging experience or are on the brink of enrolling in their cavern diving course.
Due to this Cenote difficulty, participants must have dived at least 4 other cenote dives previously. We prefer taking divers only after obtaining their side mount certification to dive this cavern.
Dreamgate Cenote
Max Depth
7 Meters
Location
15 minutes north of Tulum
We have another 10-15 minute drive inland leaving the Highway until we arrive at Dreamgate Cenote.
Diver Requirements
Minimum Advanced Open Water certification
Minimum previous experience with 2 other cenote dives
If divers are 15-18 years old they must be accompanied by a parent
Description
Rounding out our list is Dreamgate Cenote, a mystical underwater realm that captivates divers differently.
Dreamgate offers two different, mesmerizing dive experiences filled with seemingly endless formations, submerged caves, and intricate passageways waiting to be explored.
Divers can lose themselves in the enchanting aura of Dreamgate and practice appreciation for the wonders of the underwater world.
This is one of my absolute favorites and a very delicate Cenote dive site, which is why divers have to be highly skilled in buoyancy control to enjoy and preserve the here found formations.
Local guides and cave instructors have a saying, that Cenote diving at Dreamgate is some of the closest to what real cave diving feels like
Cenote Diving in Tulum with DivePoint Mexico
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice adventurer, diving Cenotes in Tulum promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless and inspired by the subterranean wonders of the Mayan Riviera.
Visitors diving Cenotes go in groups of a maximum of four divers plus a cenote diving guide.
Usually, a Cenote diving tour is a one-day tour including two different dives either at the same or a second dive site.
Some combinations like The Pit + Dos Ojos allow for up to 3 dives a day though!
Meeting time depends on divers pickup locations, anywhere between 8:00 am (Playa del Carmen) – 9:30 am (Tulum).
After two dives and lunch, participants are dropped off at their vacation home in the late afternoon. (3:00 pm-5:30 pm).
Also, check out our Top 6 Diving Cenotes near Playa del Carmen!
What Does it Cost to Go Diving Cenotes?
Prices for SCUBA diving in Cenotes vary widely depending on the distance to the dive site chosen, the Cenote entry price, whether you rent equipment, or if you choose a multi-day package.
DivePoint Mexico offers diving Cenotes in Tulum at all described Cenotes, a one-day tour starting at $199 USD for two dives at either Cenotes Dos Ojos or Dreamgate (rental gear not included!)
Whether you’re vacationing in Playa del Carmen or Tulum – we got you covered for anything diving Cenotes.
Pickup, transportation, tanks & lamps, and entry fees are always included in our Cenote diving tours, as well as lunch in between or after dives, and water & soft drinks.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about our “Top 8 Diving Cenotes in Tulum”!
You are already looking forward to diving Cenotes with us?
Contact us to create your perfect cenote diving package!
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