Guided Cenote Diving in Playa del Carmen
The ocean is everywhere.
But cenotes… they only exist here.
Details
Includes:
- Nitrox 32% **
- Cenote entrance fees
- Water, lunch, and snacks
- Transportation from Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, or Tulum
Dives:
2 or 3 different cenote dives, each lasting 40 to 50 minutes depending on depth and line length.
Duration:
A day of two dives in cenotes is typically 5 hours, and a third dive adds around 2 hours
What to Expect on the Day
Cenotes we dive
We select the cenotes for your day based on your certification level, experience, and what you want from the dive. Below are some of the sites we dive most regularly. During booking, we will discuss the options and put together a day that fits your goals.
Cenotes Dos Ojos
Dos Ojos is a twin-entrance cenote about 55 km south of Playa del Carmen, famous for its clear water and vast cave system. Divers can explore two main routes: the bright, open Barbie Line, and the dramatic Bat Cave with dense stalactites. Visibility is often over 40 meters. This Riviera Maya cenote is ideal for all certified divers seeking a top cenote diving experience.
Cenote Tajma Ha
Tajma Ha is a crystal-clear freshwater cenote with open caverns and stunning stalactite formations. Its shallow depth of 6–12 meters offers relaxed, accessible diving—perfect for first-time cenote divers or those practicing buoyancy. The site is known for morning sunlight and is one of the top cenotes for easy, scenic diving near Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Jardín del Edén (Ponderosa)
Jardín del Edén (Ponderosa) is a spacious open-air cenote between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It features a sunlit basin, crystal-clear water up to 18 meters deep, and a cavern with stalactites and a halocline. Known for dramatic light columns, it’s a top photogenic cenote and suits all certified divers. Ideal for combining open-water and cavern diving.
LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND
AND DIVE INTO THE VEINS OF THE EARTH
Why Divers Love
Scuba Diving in Cenotes
- Many guided cavern routes are accessible to certified Open Water divers with good buoyancy control and recent dive experience.
- Crystal-clear visibility with sunlight beams piercing the water
- Ancient formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, shaped over millions of years.
- Cenotes are thresholds, windows into the world’s most extensive underground freshwater river systems
- Some deeper or more advanced cenotes may require Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, cavern, cave, or technical training.
- Many still preserve offerings, vessels, ornaments, and human remains.
- They preserve Late Pleistocene prehistoric fossils, including giant sloths, saber-toothed cats, and mastodons.
- Year-round water temperature of 24–25°C, ideal for diving comfort
Why Dive With
Divers UnderGround
- Guided by experienced professionals specialized in cavern and cave diving
- Small groups and personalized planning
- Safety-focused briefings and dive site selection
- Ideal for first-time cenote divers and experienced divers
Prerequisites:
Required Certifications:
- Open Water Scuba Diver
- Advanced OW for some cenotes
Cenote Dive Specs:
- 25°C / 77°F
- Up to 50m/165' Viz
- 9–30m/30–100' Depth
- Max 4 Divers
- Nitrox 32% included
- Open Water cert
Two dives
Add On
Optional: Maximize your day underwater. For only USD 80, you can add a third dive and make the most of your time, gear, and logistics. It’s the perfect way to explore an extra site and enjoy more bottom time, all at a fraction of the regular dive rate.
Get your TDI Nitrox Certification – Dive Nitrox 32% FREE.
You can complete the course online before your trip, then complete the practical review and get certified when you dive with us.
To get the most out of your time with us, we recommend reserving early.
If you have a dive center and want us as your allies to run your operation in the Riviera Maya, contact us. We have special rates for you.
Ready to explore the cenotes of the Riviera Maya? Contact Divers UnderGround to plan a guided cenote-diving trip tailored to your certification level, experience, and schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions?
Share them with us.
What certification do I need for cenote diving?
You need a minimum Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent from any recognized agency — PADI, SSI, NAUI, TDI, etc.) to join our guided cenote dives. All dives take place within the cavern zone, where natural light is always visible, and you remain within 40 meters of the surface. No cave diving certification is required for these guided experiences.
What is included in a guided cenote dive with Divers UnderGround?
Each guided cenote dive day includes: round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, or Tulum; cenote entrance fees; two cavern dives; all scuba equipment; Air or Nitrox 32% fills at no extra charge; hydration, snacks, and a light lunch. We select the cenotes based on your certification level, comfort, and dive goals.
How many divers are in each group?
We maintain a strict maximum ratio of 4 divers per full-cave-certified guide. This small-group policy ensures each diver receives proper attention, allows us to customize the dive plan to the group’s comfort level, and upholds the safety standards required in the cavern environment.
Is Nitrox included or does it cost extra?
Nitrox 32% (EANx32) is included in the price of all guided cenote dives at no extra charge. You are also welcome to dive on air if you prefer. If you choose to dive Nitrox, we will ask to see your Nitrox certification card before the dive.
What are the best cenotes for diving near Playa del Carmen and Tulum?
Notable cenotes for diving in Riviera Maya include
Dos Ojos, El Pit (The Pit), Tajma Ha, Car Wash (Aktun Ha), Jardín del Edén (Ponderosa), Dreamgate, and Angelita, among others. Each offers unique features, from illuminated cavern passages and limestone formations to deeper, advanced dives.
How deep do cenote dives go?
Depth varies by cenote and diver level. Most guided cavern dives range between 9 and 17 meters (30–60 feet). Some cenotes, like El Pit, descend deeper, but recreational dives are planned within safe limits for each diver’s certification and experience. Water temperature is a consistent 25°C / 77°F year-round, with visibility reaching up to 50 meters.
Do you offer transportation from Cancun or Tulum?
We include transportation from Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, and Tulum at no extra charge. Transportation from Puerto Morelos, Cancun, and other locations is available for a small additional fee. Contact us when booking, and we will arrange pickup from your location.
Should I choose a two-dive or three-dive cenote itinerary?
A two-dive cenote day is ideal for most divers seeking a relaxed, comprehensive experience. A three-dive itinerary suits experienced divers who wish to explore additional sites or combine different cenote environments in a single day. We recommend the best option based on your certification, comfort, and schedule.
Is cenote diving safe for beginners?
Yes, guided cavern diving is accessible to all certified Open Water divers. All dives remain within the daylight zone, where natural light is always visible and at least one exit is in sight. Our guides are full-cave-certified and will give a thorough briefing before entering the water. We assess buoyancy control and comfort level on entry and adapt the dive plan accordingly. Divers with limited experience since certification are welcome; we will build confidence and skill throughout the day.
Why dive with Divers UnderGround?
Divers UnderGround is a TDI/SDI 5-Star Dive Center and Professional Development Facility in Playa del Carmen, specializing in cenote, cave, and technical diving, as well as advanced training in the Riviera Maya. We prioritize small groups, safety, personalized planning, and respect for Mexico’s UnderGround freshwater systems.
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