Are you ready to dive into the refreshing blue pools of these magnificent waters? You have made the right choice my friend! Cenote’s are one of the best ways to spend your time exploring in Mexico. They have a rich history in Mayan culture and allow everyone to experience the true beauty of the Yucatan peninsula! Before you go, here are some quick tips, history, and guidelines to a true Cenote experience.

Cenote’s and Mayan Culture

Millions of years ago Cenote’s were formed during the Cenozoic era. At this time the Yucatan was a reef underwater. As the sea level dropped huge shelves of sedimentary rock, corals, shells and limestone deposits formed creating 73’000 square miles of underwater caves and tunnels! The cenotes were formed by a natural sinkhole; as limestone was worn down by water over the years it eventually collapsed into the aquifers. The Mayan civilizations consider cenotes to be a sacred place of wealth, as they believe they inhabit the home of the gods and spirits.Human sacrifices were even performed in the cenotes. Scientists have recovered bones of six humans, beads, and jewelry at the famous archeological site Chichen Itza. This supports the theory that the cenotes were a source of communication between the underworld and gods, as believed by the Maya. The Yucatan itself is unique because it contains no running surface water, therefore cenotes were important to the Maya because it was their only source of fresh water. Over 6,000 cenotes are spanning across the peninsula, (many waiting to be discovered). If you want the inside scoop on the formation and exploration of these amazing geographic features, I recommend checking out BBC’s Planet Earth episode on cave systems, as it is filmed in one of the famous cenotes called dos Ojos or “two eyes” in Spanish.

The beauty of cenotes is that they are for everyone! Many of them provide access to activities such as swimming, diving or snorkeling. A dive in a cenote is one you will NEVER forget! Make sure that your guide is a certified cavern diver and has lots of experience diving in the cenotes before you choose a random dive school. I choose Scubascool because it is small and very personable. The owner Antonio is extremely knowledgeable about diving and practically lives in the cenotes. That being said I HIGHLY recommend any sort of cenote or dive experience with Scubascool.

Cenote Quick Tips

1. Respect the land and People! All cenotes are owned by individual cooperations, the Mexican government or Mayan people. These Mayans still traditionally live off the land and rely on tourism from the cenotes to make a living. 
2. The hours vary for each cenote, some close earlier than others, so be sure to check if you decide to go in the mid afternoon or evening.
3.  Avoid using sunscreen or topical lotion products before entering the cenotes. The toxins will harm the ecosystems and environment. 
4. Some cenotes have a no camera policy or may charge a fee to bring them in. This usually only applies to divers but its something to be aware of.
5. Do you want to beat the tourist crowds? Arrive in the early to mid-morning to claim your sport and ensure all maximum photo opportunities! 
6. There is a small entrance fee to enter each cenote. Prices vary depending on the landowner or the activity you are doing. For example, you will have to pay more to dive vs than to snorkel. 
7. Remember to pick up after yourself before leaving! This includes trash, cigarette butts, bottles, etc. We want to keep these cenote environments healthy and just as beautiful for future visitors and generations to come! 
8. Local tip! Cenotes are free on sundays if you are a resident of Mexico!