Dive in Yucatan's Cenotes

Cenotes (Sinkholes)

 

The natural wonders of the state of Yucatan are innumerable. Some of the most important and unusual are the cenotes (sinkholes) and caves. In the Yucatan there are some 3000 cenotes, with about 1400 actually studies and registered. There are four types of cenotes: those that are completely underground, those that are semi-underground, those that are at land level like a lake or pond, and those that are open wells such as the one at Chichen Itza. Some of them are accessible for swimming and cave diving.

 

Cuzama Cenotes

The town of Cuzama is becoming quite popular for the large number of cenotes found there. There is a fun trip that you can do in this area that entails visiting tree cenotes. On a platform buggy pulled bye horses you will travel seven kilometers on interesting paths that add to the sense of adventure.

The main cenotes are: Chelentun, Chansinic'che and Bolonchoojol. The Chelentun Cenote is located about three kilometers from the Chunkanan hacienda, about three kilometers south of Cuzama. The water is incredibly blue and clear with excellent visibility.

 

Cenote Zaci

Located in the heart of Valladolid, this semi-open cenote is 45meters in diameter and 80 meters deep. This is a popular cenote for swimming in the refreshing emerald green waters. You will see a rare species of eyeless black fish known as "lub". A third of the cenote is covered with stalactites and stalagmites, and there is a walkway around the entire cenote.

 

Cenote Dzitnup or Keken

Located seven kilometers southeast of Valladolid, this cenote is underground with a whole in the ceiling. It is probably one of the most photographed cenotes in the Yucatan. Deep, refreshing, crystal-clear waters await you. There is lighting and a guide rope to make it easier.

 

Cenote Ik-Kil

Located in the Eco-archelogical park Ik-Kil, just three kilometers from Chichen Itza and Piste. Called the "Sacred Blue Cenote", it is a perfectly round well type cenote with exuberant vegetation and waterfalls. Sixty meters wide, about forty meters deep, it is an open cenote located in Yucatan.