cenote DIVING

The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula formed millions of years ago. Derived from the Ancient Mayan word “dzonot” which means “sacred well” these cenotes are the gateway to an underground labyrinth situated below the bedrock of the entire peninsula.

The landscape was once a flourishing coral reef. Over time the rise and fall of sea levels exposed the landscape creating a karst limestone bedrock. During these times the acidic effect of rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, creating carbonic acid, carved through this bedrock, dissolving the limestone.

During dry periods, when water levels were low, the dripping effect of the water created the impressive calcite formations in the caves. When water levels rose again the caves flooded and so created the largest underground river system in the world.

When water levels drop even slightly, leaving air-spaces, the ceilings lose their support from the water, become weak and collapse. These collapses in the jungle are our cenotes.

For centuries the cenotes provided fresh water to the Ancient Maya who built their cities, like Chichen Itza, around them. For them the cenotes had a deep spiritual meaning, for them the cenotes were the entrance to the underworld.

Cenotes can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and some of their locations are in line with impact fractures caused by a meteorite. The Chicxulub impact crater, near Merida, hit the north of the peninsula around 65 millions of years ago. This is the origin of cenotes.

What you should know

Requirements

At least Open Water Diver Certification. You cannot dive the cenotes without a certified cave diving cenote guide.

Gear

Regular Open Water scuba diving gear