Cenotes

(Underwater Caverns or Sinkholes)

One of the biggest attractions for foreign tourists in the Yucatan peninsula are the cenotes, considered some of the most spectacular underwater caverns in the world. The cenotes were formed over millions of years by limestone rock that lies under most of the peninsula. With the Ice Age and the fall of the water table, stalactite and stalagmite rock formations developed from mineral deposits that decorated the interior of the caves. When water levels rose again after the Ice Age, the underground passageways refilled with crystal clear water. Over 380 miles of cenote networks have been surveyed among 75-plus cave systems.

The word “cenote” comes from the Mayan word Dzonot, meaning "sacred well." Entrances to the vast underground network appear as wells but are in fact sinkholes, where the ground has fallen through. For the ancient Maya, the cenotes were considered sacred places portals to the underworld and a place to make offerings to the gods. In some underwater caves, pre-Colombian gold and copper jewelry have been found as well as a few skeletal remains.

For most divers, there is no encounter with the underworld, but the experience is otherworldly, as crystal clear waters make it seem as if you are in a magical environment. Open vaults, multi-colored stalactites and stalagmites, brilliant displays of light and endless tunnels inspire the poet and intrigue the geologist.

Entering a cenote you will marvel at the collness of freshwater, but as you go deeper the water becomes saltier and warmer. Visibility underwater is spectacular and the temperature hovers at a perfect 75 degrees. Numerous rock formations can be seen, with the underwater passages including soda straws (early stalactites), bacon strips (mineralized deposits that look like the food), basin-shaped rim pools, and halagtites.

There is also a variety of water life unique to the cenotes, including the white dama (a fish that gives off a white glow but turns pink in the light), the blind eel that grows up to 70 centimeters long, and the recently discovered Speleonectes tulumensis (a blind crab). Tropical fish inhabiting the cenotes include the bagre and mojarrita.

Some of the best spots for a dive are located along the Akumal-Tulum corridor. Of the 50 famous cenotes along this stretch are Dos Ojos, Calavera, and Gran Cenote. Cenote Angelita offers the most advanced dive in the Akumal area, with depths reaching 200 feet. Just south of Puerto Aventuras on the main highway lies the Ponderosa, known for its tremendous size. And slightly off the beaten path and i n the interior is Yaxuna – south of Chichen Itza – where visits to the local cenote benefit community development. Facilities are best near the major tourist destinations. Most dive spots will provide tanks and guide, included in the price of the dive (anywhere from US$50 to $100  depending on the number of tanks), and also have wetsuits and other gear for an additional fee. Some places, like Dos Ojos, request a reservation.

Cenote diving is a far different experience than open-water diving and includes many additional precautions. Not only should a diver have sufficient experience but also have the discipline and psychological disposition to deal with the added danger of the overhead environment and claustrophobic spaces. Lesser experienced divers confine themselves to cavern diving – within sight of the entrance of a cave and the realm of natural sunlight – as opposed to cave diving beyond the reach of natural sunlight. The deeper you venture the more is needed in managing air supplies. A diver should always have two-thirds of the tank left for returning to the surface. Lastly, it is important to choose a qualified guide that follows the latest safety rules.

Visiting a cenote will be one of the most magical and memorable stops during your trip. Even if you are not an underwater spelunker, the refreshing waters will cool down the hottest of tropical days. Typical entrance fees range from a few pesos to a few dollars, and there are plenty of snorkeling options, too.