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Water Activities: Deep Life Cenote Adventure at Cenote Calavera - Merida

Water Activities: Deep Life Cenote Adventure at Cenote Calavera

Cancúnmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

7 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate physical fitness required; comfortable swimming skills essential.

Overview

Discover the surreal beauty of Mexico’s cenotes on this 7-hour underwater adventure. Small groups, vivid waters, and stunning formations make for an unforgettable day beneath the surface.

Cancún, Quintana Roo

Cenote Car wash y Calavera

Starting at Approx USD $200 • 7 Hours • Ages 10+

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About This Adventure

Price

$4,360 mxn | Approx. $200 USD


Duration

7 hours


Time

6.45am - Pickup at Hotels starts


Description

Cenote Dive Experience – Car Wash & Calavera (2 Cavern Dives) Discover Two Contrasting Underworld Realms in a Single Day Embark on a captivating cenote diving experience that takes you into two of the Riviera Maya’s most iconic and contrasting freshwater caverns — Cenote Car Wash and Cenote Calavera. Each site offers a unique blend of geological beauty, history, and underwater spectacle, making this tour ideal for certified divers seeking both serenity and adventure.


What Makes These Dives So Special?

Cenote Car Wash: Located just outside Tulum, Car Wash gets its name from the days when taxi drivers used to wash their cars in its open waters. Today, it’s renowned for its lush aquatic vegetation, crystal-clear visibility, and dramatic lighting effects as sunbeams penetrate the shallow open ceiling. This cenote features both a wide open-air swimming area and an extended cavern system rich in fallen tree trunks, prehistoric rock formations, and freshwater fish. In the summer, an algae bloom turns the water a vivid emerald green, adding to the mystical feel.

Cenote Calavera: Nicknamed "The Temple of Doom," this cenote is one of the most visually unique dive spots in the region. Its name comes from the skull-like appearance of the three holes in its ceiling when viewed from above. The dive begins with a thrilling giant stride jump through one of these holes, leading to an enchanting cavern with slanted limestone walls, fossilized coral, and halocline layers that shimmer with otherworldly visual effects. As you descend deeper, you'll navigate through eerie tunnels and surreal chambers that give this cenote its adventurous reputation.

Both cenotes offer a fascinating contrast in environment — one lush and welcoming, the other darker and more mysterious — making this pairing a perfect combination for divers looking to explore the full spectrum of cenote diving.


Itinerary & Dynamics 06:45 AM – Pickup from your hotel (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, or Tulum) 08:00 AM – Arrival at the dive center to pick up gear and select tanks (Nitrox or 100 cu ft available upon request) 09:00 AM – First dive at Cenote Car Wash 11:00 AM – Surface interval with light snacks and water 11:30 AM – Second dive at Cenote Calavera 01:00 PM – Light lunch (baguette or sandwich), water, and return transportation Approx. 3:00 PM – Return to your hotel


What’s Included 2 Cavern Dives (Full-day trip) Round-trip transportation All entrance fees Full dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, weights) Dive lights Cavern-certified PADI guide Light lunch, snacks, and bottled water


Not Included Wetsuit rental – MXN 300 Gratuities GoPro rental – USD 65 Cenote camera permits (~MXN 500 per camera/day, payable at entrance) Solo diver fee – USD 35 (waived if more divers join)


💵 Price $300 USD per person


What to Bring Swimsuit and towel Flip-flops or water shoes Change of clothes Biodegradable sunscreen (apply before pick-up) Valid photo ID Cash for tips and camera permit Extra long-sleeve shirt for sun protection


How to Book Click the Book Now button on our website or message us on WhatsApp. We’ll ask for: Number of divers Preferred dates Hotel or meeting point Dietary restrictions Equipment sizes (if renting) You’ll receive a full confirmation via email or WhatsApp.


FAQs – Cenote Diving (Car Wash & Calavera) Do I need to be cave certified? No. These are cavern dives suitable for certified Open Water divers, led by trained cavern-certified guides. Can I dive on Nitrox or larger 100 cu ft tanks? Yes, Nitrox is available for certified divers upon request. Larger tanks are also available for rent. Are GoPro or cameras allowed? Yes. You may bring your own or rent a GoPro from us. Most cenotes charge a camera fee (~MXN 500 per day per camera), payable at the entrance. How deep are the dives? Car Wash reaches about 50 ft, while Calavera can go as deep as 55–60 ft depending on the dive plan. What is the visibility like? Visibility is typically 100–150 ft, with Car Wash offering exceptional clarity during dry season. What makes Calavera unique? Its dramatic entry, haloclines, fossil walls, and light effects make it a favorite for adventurous divers and photographers. Can I bring a non-diver? Non-divers are welcome to join the trip but can only swim in Car wash Are private tours available? Yes. Contact us to arrange a private dive day. What’s the water temperature? Around 71°F (21°C) year-round. What if I’m the only diver that day? A $35 solo diver fee applies, refundable if additional divers join.


Why Choose Us for Cenote Diving?

15+ years of cenote diving experience Passionate, PADI-certified cavern guides Small group sizes for personalized attention Seamless logistics from hotel to dive site Transparent pricing with no hidden fees Conservation-focused, eco-friendly operations Fast, reliable communication via WhatsApp

Ready to dive into the lush mystery of Car Wash and the dramatic view of Calavera? Book your Cenote Car Wash & Calavera adventure today.

Adventure Tips

Bring eco-friendly sunscreen

Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the delicate cenote ecosystems.

Wear waterproof gear

Ensure your camera or phone is protected if you want to capture underwater moments.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and after your dives for energy and safety.

Book in advance

Small-group tours fill quickly; reserve your spot early to secure a place.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Tía colorata fish
  • Blind cave shrimp

History

These cenotes are part of a vast underground river system that has shaped the Yucatán’s landscape for millennia.

Conservation

Operators follow strict ecological guidelines to preserve the purity of these natural sites and support ongoing conservation efforts.

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Adventure Hotspots in Merida

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Snorkel and mask

Essential

Crucial for clear underwater viewing and enjoying the cenote sights.

Dry clothes for after

Essential

Bring dry clothes for comfort after the swim.

Water shoes

Help navigate uneven rocky surfaces safely.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated throughout your adventure.