Johann & Sandra at Ik-Kil Cenote

The Cenotes of Cancun

With this issue of our newsletter, we'd like to introduce you to one of the natural wonders of the Yucatan area of Mexico - the Cenotes.  Our beloved Cenotes are featured in the new IMAX film "Journey Into Amazing Caves", now available on home video, as well as numerous Cancun Travel Videos.  They are known worldwide among divers and speleologists, and now we're bringing a little information on them to you.

What is a Cenote?

A Cenote is an underground cavern - a type of sinkhole filled with water that is unique to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

How are Cenotes Made?

Millions of years ago, the Yucatan Peninsula was under the ocean.  Over the eons, the ocean floor and coral beds were fossilized, forming the limestone foundation of the area.  The ground water permeates this porous limestone and seeps into underground rivers that carry it out to the sea.  In many areas, the soluble nature of the limestone has caused the ground to collapse, producing sinkholes filled with water.  During the ice age, many of the underground rivers froze or dried up, and the dripping water carved into the limestone producing incredible limestone formations called stalactites and stalagmites.  After the ice age, the rivers again began to flow, and the limestone formations were inundated with water. 

Ancient Mayas and the Cenotes

Mayas honored these underground wells, indeed worshipped them.  They used the water in these caverns for drinking, irrigation, and religious ceremonies.  Cities such as Chichen Itza were built near these Cenotes, and even today, divers still find artifacts in these cenotes that appear to have been tossed in as offerings to the gods.

See These Sacred Cenotes for Yourself

Today, the Cenotes are havens for scuba divers and snorkelers from all over the world.  We offer amazing Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Tours of the most incredible and famous Cenotes such as Aktun Chen, Tak Be Ha, Dos Ojos and the Bat Cave.  Many other people visit the Cenote of Ik-Kil During tours to Chichen Itza.  These unique wonders of the world are a must-see on your Cancun Vacation!