One of our favorites are the cenotes.  Millions of years ago, this area was part of a coral reef.  When sea levels lowered, the reef was exposed and eventually became limestone. Water dissolved the underlying rock causing it to collapse.  These holes filled with water to form the cenotes.  It is estimated that there may be as many as 10,000 cenotes in the region with many unknown and hidden by the jungle.  They are the only source of fresh water in the Yucatan as there are no rivers.  It is believed that all of the cenotes are interconnected by underground rivers.

Cenotes are Mexico’s hidden wonders. The waters are incredibly clear as there is actually very little exposed surface area and great effort goes into protecting them from pollution.  

Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are the activities that take place in the cenotes.   Access is through private ownership so fees do apply.  Before entering the cenotes, you are required to shower to remove any chemicals, oils and sweat from your body.   You can not use any sunscreen or chemical mask defogger if snorkeling or diving.  There is limited life in the cenotes. There are only a few species of fish and bats found there although beautiful tropical birds can be found near the entrances. The real highlights are the caverns with their stalactites, stalagmites and columns.  Before diving, expect your guide to check your buoyancy skills to be sure that you won’t damage the stalactites by unexpectedly hitting them with your tank.

During our recent trip, we visited four different cenotes.  Two were diving and two were swimming only.

We did two dives in the Cenote Dos Ojos called the Batcave and Barbie Line. Both were full of amazing formations and shimmering walls of light where air bells had formed when the cavern roof collapsed exposing the sky above.  These cenotes are classified as caverns rather than caves even though you are underground because of the relatively short distances to areas where you can surface in an emergency.  For this reason, the cave diving certification is not required. The Batcave features a huge cavern with a small hole to above ground where you can surface to see the stalactites and the bats which give it its name. You will need lights during your dives.  We used The Cenote Guy out of Playa del Carmen as our guide. René did a fantastic job and provided a great experience.

Swimming is the order of the day at both Cenote Choo-Ha near Coba and Cenote Saamal near Chichen Itza. Both require you to climb down a long set of stairs to reach the water. You will want some type of water shoe or sandals to protect your feet and keep from slipping on the stairs.  Choo-Ha is inside of a large cavern which is lighted.  Life jackets are available to rent.  Saamal is in a deep pit which features a small waterfall, hanging vines and tropical birds.  At Saamal, it is required that you rent a life jacket because the water is over 150 feet deep.  There are also a couple of restaurants here.  Lockers are also available to rent.  Both of these sites were included with tours we took to the Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza.

Adventures await you in the Riviera Maya region if you are willing to go out and experience them.

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