Scuba Diving Cenote Angelita: Experiencing Underwater Rivers
Cenote Angelita is a hidden gem of the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. Beneath the cenote lies an underground river flowing with extraordinary beauty. This unique phenomenon is created by hydrogen sulfide that divides freshwater and saltwater. The density is heavier than salt water, which makes it fall to the bottom and form a distinct layer that flows like any other river.
About cenote Angelita
Located in the Tulum region of Mexico, Cenote Angelita is part of a network of underground caverns and cenotes that reach depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters) and has an 82 feet diameter (25 meter). Angelita means Little Angel in English. And it’s hands-down one of the best dive sites in Tulum.
The water here is clear but has a greenish tint with spots of visibility reaching between 33 and 100 feet (10 and 30 meters) – on average 33 ft (10 m). At these depth levels, you can observe fish swimming around, and stunning rock formations formed by the gradual accumulation of minerals through time.
At 90 feet (27 meters) there is the famous halocline, looking like a cloud or even like the ground, with trunks and branches reaching through the hydrogen sulfide layer.
Exploring cenote Angelita – the dive plan
It is an experience that will take your breath away as you descend into the depths of Cenote Angelita. With a specialized guide, you can explore this unique underwater paradise up to 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface. At a depth of 90 feet or 27 meters, you will reach the famous hydrogen sulfide layer that divides the two rivers. Trunks and branches are reaching through the cloud, making it seem like the ground. Anyway, on one side of the cenote, divers can dive through the mystical hydrogen sulfide layer.
Descending through the 10 feet (3 meters) thick cloud has something that can only be described as out of a science fiction movie.
Most dives will go down to about 100 feet (30 meters) and then back up through the halocline.
Cenote Angelita is a popular dive site for tech divers who go down to the full 200 feet (60 meters) of this unique sinkhole.
This is an adventure for advanced certified divers only, as it can get quite dark and difficult to navigate. Additionally, it’s a deep dive.
Cenote Angelita dive site brief
- Access: From the jungle
- Maximum recreational depth: 100 feet/ 30 meters
- Maximum technical dive depth: 200 feet/ 60 meters
- Avg. visibility 33 feet/ 10 meters
- Max Visibility: 100 feet/ 30 meters
- Dive time: 40 minutes
- Certification level: Advanced Open Water
- Water temperature: 77F/25C
- Type: Cenote dive, deep dive
What’s to see at cenote Angelita dive site?
The most interesting sight at the Angelita cenote in Tulum is the hydrogen sulfide layer at 90 feet/27 meters beneath the surface. The visual distinction look like a flowing underwater river and bed of clouds with branches and trunks reaching out of the cloud.
Overall, it’s also amazing to conduct a deep dive in a sinkhole. Most recreational divers are mainly experienced in open water ocean dives.
When is the best time to visit?
Cenote diving can be done all year around. It’s best to visit early in the morning until midday when the sun is above the cenotes to have the best possible ambient light source.
What certification is required to dive at cenote Angelita in Tulum?
Divers must be at least 18 years old and have the Advanced Open Water certification. Some dive operators require a minimum of 20 logged dives.
Check with your local dive center for their specific requirements.
How much is a dive at cenote Angelita?
Prices usually start at around $100 per cenote dive. It’s also recommended to ask for a larger tank if you know your air consumption is high and therefore bottom time not very long. It’s worth paying extra to enjoy the cenote dive at Angelita as long as possible.
Similar dive sites
If you would like to experience a similar experience, check out the El Pit Cenote in Tulum as well. It also has a halocline at a similar depth.
If you are diving in Playa del Carmen, the Chac Mool cenote with it’s two circuits (Cenote Kukulkan and Little Brother) is a great scuba diving experience, too.
Conclusion
Cenote Angelita is a breathtaking place that will surely leave you in awe of the beauty and power of nature. It’s an incredible opportunity for certified divers to explore this unique underground river, with its amazing rock formations, wildlife, and remarkable hydrogen sulfide layer.
