Cenote Angelita a Cavern Dive Like No Other

Cenote Angelita is famous for its hydrogen sulphide. Divers describe this layer as at looks like an underground river at 100ft. Cenote Angelita, found in the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is truly a place like no other.

The name of this place translates to “little angel,” and it is located about 10 to 15 minutes south of Tulum.

To get to it, you have to travel through a lush jungle environment. And once you see this place in person, you will be truly captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of it and its deep blue water.

You will also understand completely why divers from around the world flock to this place for a dive that they will never forget.

A cenote is a deep sinkhole or pit. Cenotes are particularly common in some of the Caribbean islands, as well as the Yucatan Peninsula. These open pits connect you to the groundwater below and make for a truly unforgettable experience.

Why Divers Love to Explore the Site of Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita, in particular, is a truly spectacular cenote that divers enjoy because of hydrogen sulphide layer which you will find at 30 meters / 100 ft. This layer creates a sort of mystical cloud between the salt and fresh water.

The hydrogen sulphide cloud looks like a riverbed beneath you, complete with large branches of trees, and even leaves, coming up out of it.

In other words, it looks like something you would see on land while walking through a forest in the autumn or the winter, but instead, you are completely submerged underwater.

It is as though you have entered a world of fantasy, and you have to really experience it to understand just how breathtaking it is. The cenote descends to 60 metres or 180ft, a depth which should only be dived if you are trained to do so.

Descend past this cloud-like layer to enter the saltwater portion of your journey. It will be dark, as the cloud above you will cut out most of the light. Finally, on the way back up, you will pass by massive stalactites as a last surprise along the way.

The Phenomenon Explained

What appears to be a flowing river or cloud in the middle of Cenote Angelita is actually a layer of hydrogen sulphide. This hydrogen sulphide is the result of the mixing of the fresh water with the salt water. Hydrogen sulfide often results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

When diving in Cenote Angelita, this layer is about 2 meters thick. It makes the area look like an island surrounded by swirling clouds or mists.

Advanced Divers Can Enjoy Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita is best reserved for advanced open water divers who have great buoyancy control and know how to use their equipment in all types of diving situations. In fact, in order to dive in this site, you have to have your Advanced Diver certification in place.

One of the reasons that this place is best for only experienced divers is because of the opportunity to dive down to a depth of about 60 metres.

Though the fresh water that makes up the first half of your journey provides great visibility, once you reach the halfway point, you will travel through the thick cloud of hydrogen sulphide. You will, therefore, need your dive lights to see.

Yet another reason why only advanced divers with a high degree of physical fitness should dive here is because just getting into and out of the water is a challenge. You will need an expert guide to show you how to do so safely and effectively.

Photo Credit: nonperturbative

Photographing Cenote Angelita

Experienced divers who have a good understanding of how to utilise photo and video equipment in darker underwater realms will have a good time getting some unforgettable photo or video footage of this incredible dive site.

Although there aren’t any species of marine life to see in these waters, the extraordinary landscape within this underwater world is more than enough to satisfy even the most experienced diver who has been able to enjoy a variety of dive sites around the world.

Photo credit

When to Dive In Cenote Angelita

You can book your dive in Cenote Angelita at any time of the year. An experienced guide will take you safely on the trip, so be sure to check the daily hours of operation with the crew you decide to travel with.

Would you like to go dive Cenote Angelita? Feel free to contact us. We have multiple partners in the Tulum area who will be able to take you there.

Feel free to check out our Scuba Dive partners on the map below for packages, training or guided trips:

This article is published by The Scuba Page, the online magazine for Scuba Dive lovers around the world. The Scuba Page is part of RUSHKULT : the online booking platform for adventure sports. Visit the RUSHKULT platform to book your next Scuba Dive training, guided trip and accommodation.