Category: Diving Tulum

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Cenote Calavera – the dive site of the hallocline

hallocaline of cenote calavera

Cenote Calavera, the dive site of the hallocline

Map cenote Calavera
Map cenote Calavera

Difficulty: moderate

Maximum depth: 15 meters

Features: halocline, bizarre rock formations

Located only 5 km from the sea, Cenote Calavera is a very special dive site due in part to its very distinct halocline at a depth of 12 meters. A halocline is a meeting point between fresh and salt water. The two waters meet but do not mix due to different densities. The halocline may appear to the diver first as the surface of water beneath the water that the diver is already in. Once mixed, the fresh and salt waters take on a blurry appearance, like that of old glass. The effect is truly beautiful, especially when combined with the emerald light that penetrates this complex cenote.

This cenote is also known for its pure white rock and otherworldly appearance. Its winding passages convey a mysterious mood, and bizarre formations await around each corner. The result is a truly unique cenote that is sure to impress those looking for adventure and mystery.

 

List of the Cenotes near Tulum

All of these cenotes are part of our guided eco tours both for snorkeling and scuba diving

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Cenote Dream Gate: the dive site with the most rock formations

Cenote Dreamgate is the cavern with the most rock formations in Tulum

Map cenote Dreamgate
Map cenote Dreamgate

2 tanks

Difficulty: moderate to difficult

Maximum depth: 5 meters

Features: beautiful cave formations

Dream Gate is a cenote and large cavern that it is part of Sac Aktun underwater cave system (like Gran Cenote and Casa Cenote). It is located about 10 km north of Tulum. Dream Gate has some of the nicest speleothemes (cave formations): the cavern is completely full of stalactites, columns, and stalagmites.

There are two independent dive circuits in this cavern: The upstream line and the downstream line. The upstream line is the most elaborately decorated, and at the furthest point of the dive there is an air pocket with a fully decorated ceiling where we come to the surface. When heading back to the entrance, the light streaming into the cenote silhouettes the stalactites for a breathtaking view. This dive takes about 35 minutes and the maximum depth is 5 m (15 ft). The downstream line is quite different; it is also fully decorated and connects with another cenote. Many tree roots from the jungle penetrate the cave to absorb water. At the furthest point of the circuit, light from the other cenote can be seen. The dive time and depth are similar to those of the upstream dive: 35 min and 5 m (15 ft).

Diving in this cavern is recommended for people who were comfortable in the beginner caverns because it is small, fragile, and dark in some places.

 

List of the Cenotes near Tulum

All of these cenotes are part of our guided eco tours both for snorkeling and scuba diving