Diving in the most beautiful cenotes of Tulum
This trip will take you to the most beautiful places underwater Mexico. The cenotes, of course! You will also make dives in the Caribbean Sea and have all the time to discover Mexico above water, with for example a visit to Chichén Itzá.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving in Mexico: cenotes and reef diving at Cozumel, Playa del Carmen ánd Tulum
You’ve probably seen images of divers in cenotes. Crisp water, beautiful light and unusual shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. It is a unique experience that you can only experience in Mexico. Nowhere else in the world can you dive in cenotes.
The sea is also special around Mexico. A shame to miss the reefs around Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. In this trip we combine the best cenotes such as The Pit, where you go right through a halocline, with reef diving, such as in Cozumel, where you can drift and watch what passes by.
There is also plenty of time to explore this part of Mexico above water. The food there is mega delicious, so be sure to go out in the quaint village of Tulum to discover the local spots. The atmosphere in Tulum is top notch: laid-back, relaxed and away from mass tourism. The accommodation is also near the dive center: everything you need and is just a few steps away.
A visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is also part of this trip. This impressive Mayan city is located a little further inland and is well worth a visit.
Best travel time for a diving trip to Tulum
The best travel time for Tulum is from November to May. During this period it is dry season: the air is clear, the sea calm and the temperature pleasant. Underwater conditions are also optimal then, with excellent visibility and little current. For cenote diving, this time of year is extra special because of the magical light that falls right into the cenotes during the winter months. Hurricane season runs from June to October, making it less ideal for a diving trip.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in Tulum & the cenotes
For sea diving, from May through October a 3mm shorty is usually sufficient, in the cooler months (November through April) a 3mm long suit is more comfortable. For cenote diving year-round, a 5mm long wetsuit is recommended because of the lower temperature (22-25°C) and extra protection. For longer or deeper cenote dives, a hood or extra vest may be nice.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Trip to Tulum
Today your diving adventure begins and you depart for Mexico. Most flights go via Cancun, sometimes with a transfer en route. Due to the time difference and length of the trip, you won’t arrive in Mexico until the next day.
After arriving at Cancun airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Tulum in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Tulum is located on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, on the Caribbean Sea. It is a relaxed coastal town known for its white beaches, Mayan ruins and impressive underwater world. For many divers, Tulum is a dream destination, especially because of the many cenotes you can explore here.
Day 3 | Diving in the first cenotes
The week revolves around diving, of course, but there’s also plenty of room to relax and explore Tulum’s surroundings above water. In any case, you start off well, with two full days of diving to get right into the rhythm.
The first full day is entirely devoted to cenote diving. You will make no less than three dives in three completely different locations, each with its own atmosphere, character and underwater landscape. The day starts early: around 8 a.m. you will leave, and around 3:30 p.m. you will be back in Tulum.
The first dive is in Cenote Angelita, a deep, vertical cenote in the middle of the jungle. At about 30 meters deep, a thick cloud of sulfur hangs out, dividing the water into two worlds. You’ll float above fallen tree trunks in a haunting setting – a dive that feels like entering another planet. Accessible only to Advanced divers, but absolutely unforgettable.
Then you dive into Cenote Carwash, an open cenote with remarkably clear water and a colorful landscape. You swim among tree roots, branches and ancient rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The light makes it almost picturesque. A calm, atmospheric dive for Open Water divers and above.
The third dive is in Casa Cenote, a shallow cenote connected to the Caribbean Sea. Here you will dive past mangrove roots and through narrow passages, with beautiful haloclines and the feeling that you are exploring. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a small freshwater crocodile, which pops up here from time to time. This dive guarantees adventure and wonder, even for novice divers.
Of course, it can always be the case that circumstances change and therefore you go to another dive site. Safety first!
Day 4 | Reef diving in Playa del Carmen
On the second day of diving you will dive in the Caribbean Sea, at the reefs off the coast of Playa del Carmen. Here you will make 2 boat dives on colorful coral formations teeming with marine life. From reef fish and barracudas to turtles and, with luck, an eagle ray, each dive is different. The current makes some dives into beautiful drift dives, while other reefs are calm and invite leisurely sightseeing. A nice change after the cenotes, with more depth and views of the open blue of the sea.
Day 5 | Surface interval
Today you will spend on the surface. A great time to see a little more of Tulum. You can fill this day completely as you wish.
We tip you off to the Tulum Ruins for today. This well-preserved Mayan city sits on a cliff overlooking the clear blue Caribbean Sea. The location is unique: nowhere else will you find ruins so close to the sea. Stroll among temples, ancient city walls and the iconic El Castillo as you learn more about the rich history of the Maya. Afterwards, take a dip on the beach right below the ruins if necessary – a special combination of culture and relaxation.
Day 6 | Diving at Dos Ojos Cenote
Today you will dive into one of the most iconic cenotes in the world: Dos Ojos, or “Two Eyes.” In the middle of the jungle lies this beautiful cenote with crystal clear water and impressive rock formations. It feels like discovering a hidden underwater world.
You will make 2 dives along two different routes. The first is the Barbie Line, where you “float” through wide open spaces among jagged rock formations and are treated to a magical play of blue light. The second is the Bat Cave Line, where you swim past impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Along the way, you surface in an air-filled cave full of bats, before diving on through the bright blue tunnels of Dos Ojos.
With a maximum depth of 10 meters and calm conditions, this cenote is suitable for Open Water certified divers. Still, each dive feels like an adventure through an ancient and mysterious underground landscape. An absolute must for any diver.
Day 7 & 8 | Reef diving in Tulum & Cozumel
After the cenotes, it’s time again to explore Tulum’s other diving sight: the colorful reefs of the Caribbean Sea. For two days you’ll make 2 dives each time, exploring both the tranquil reefs off the coast of Tulum and the world-famous walls of Cozumel.
Day 7: Tulum Reef
Today you will dive the Tulum Reef, part of the impressive Mesoamerican Reef – the second largest reef in the world. The dive sites are just offshore and offer a relaxing environment with lots of life: colorful reef fish, turtles, corals and sometimes even a nurse shark or reef shark. The water is warm and clear, the atmosphere calm and accessible to all levels. Perfect for enjoying the Caribbean underwater world in all its simplicity and beauty.
Day 8: Cozumel Reef
The next day you will take a unique day trip to the legendary Cozumel Reef. From Tulum you will reach the impressive coral walls of Cozumel in about 30 minutes by boat. Here a completely different diving experience awaits: drift dives past towering corals, sponges and schools of fish gliding by in the gentle current. You literally get carried away with the current and float past breathtaking scenery. Famous spots like Palancar Reef are part of the protected Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. Cozumel is a dream destination for any diver – colorful, vibrant and surprising in every direction you look.
Day 9 | Diving at The Pit & Nicte Ha Cenotes
Today you will dive into two of the most extraordinary cenotes in the region, each with a completely unique character. You will begin the day in El Pit, a deep cenote known for its spectacular halocline. The moment the fresh and salt water meet, an optical effect is created that makes it seem like the water is undulating or evaporating. An almost otherworldly experience. The sun’s rays shining in through the opening reach meters deep and illuminate the stalactites and limestone formations that have formed over thousands of years. El Pit is a dive that excites your senses from start to finish.
After a short break, continue to Cenote Nicte Ha, a quiet and more sheltered cenote surrounded by jungle. The crystal clear turquoise water and impressive rock structures make this one of the area’s hidden gems. As you dive, you swim through tunnels and past richly decorated caves, while sunlight through openings in the ceiling creates an enchanting play of light and shadow. The perfect end to a magical day underground.
You will make 3 dives this day.
Day 10 & 11 | Free to fill in days
These 2 days are completely free to do whatever you like. You can plan extra dives, but there is also plenty to do above water.
Our tip for day 10
Today you can experience the jungle of Yucatán in a different way. For example, take a guided tour through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a protected nature reserve full of mangroves, lagoons, dolphins, sea turtles and even crocodiles. You will explore the area by boat and have plenty of chances for special wildlife encounters along the way. A unique chance to see the pristine side of the region – above water this time.
Our tip for Day 11
Today, if you like, you can get back in the water. This day offers plenty of choices: make reef dives again, explore new cenotes or go for a wreck dive. In the winter months (December to February), Playa del Carmen is the place to look for bullsharks. For wreck divers, there are several spots to choose from: the Mama Viña near Playa del Carmen, the C-53 in Cozumel, or the C-56 in Puerto Morelos.
Day 12 | Day trip to Chichén Itzá
Today a cultural highlight is on the program: a visit to the world-famous Mayan city of Chichén Itzá. This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved and most impressive remnants of Mayan history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Its showpiece is El Castillo, a pyramid-shaped temple that once served as an astronomical center and religious center. The Great Ball Game Lane, the Temple of the Warriors and the sacred cenote also provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and rituals of the ancient Maya.
From Tulum it is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive to Chichén Itzá. The journey takes you right through the interior of Yucatán, where you will already catch a glimpse of rural life in this region along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll take part in a guided tour of the site so you can really get to know its history and significance. An inspiring day full of culture and history.
Day 13 | Last full day: scuba diving or surface excursions
Today you can get in the water one last time for a nice dive – maybe one last cenote, a relaxing reef or that one wreck you’ve been wanting to see. Had enough diving? Then this is a fine day to end above water with an excursion. We highly recommend a visit to Valladolid, a colorful colonial town about 1.5 hours away. Here you can walk among colorful facades, visit the cozy central square and have lunch at a local restaurant. Or choose a quiet beach day at Xpu-Ha Beach or Soliman Bay – beautiful spots just outside the hustle and bustle of Tulum where you can enjoy white sand and clear waters for a while.
Day 14 & 15 | Trip back home
Today the journey back home begins. The trip starts on day 14 and on day 15 you land at the airport of your final destination. A good time to look back on all the dives, impressions and special encounters of the past weeks.
Still not quite ready to say goodbye to Central America? Then you can extend your trip. How about continuing diving in Belize, with the world-famous Blue Hole? Or travel on to the other side of Mexico, to Baja California, for sea lions, wrecks and maybe even a whale shark.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Tulum?
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most iconic dive sites in Tulum and is known for its crystal clear waters and spectacular underwater scenery. This cenote consists of two connected caves that together form an extensive network of tunnels and chambers. While diving or snorkeling, you will swim through impressive limestone formations and enjoy magical rays of light that give the water an enchanting blue color. Dos Ojos offers a unique blend of adventure, beauty and mystery, making it an unforgettable experience.
World wonder Chichén Itzen
A day above water that is absolutely worthwhile: a visit to Chichén Itzá. This famous archaeological site is one of the seven modern wonders of the world and a stunning example of ancient Mayan civilization. The iconic pyramid of Kukulcán, the mystical ball game arena and the impressive astronomical knowledge of the Maya make this an impressive experience. Walk through the ruins, listen to the stories and experience for yourself why this cultural highlight impresses travelers from all over the world so much.
Cenote The Pit
The Pit is perhaps the most spectacular cenote to dive into. You make a vertical descent through crystal-clear freshwater until you experience the special halocline effect: the transition between fresh and salt water. Even deeper, a mysterious cloud of gas slowly hovers over an ancient treescape. The rays of light shining down from above give the scene an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The depth and complexity make this a dive for experienced divers, but one guaranteed to stay with you.
The accommodations
The stay and the diving school
During this trip you will stay in a small-scale accommodation in the La Veleta area, a quiet and green neighborhood a short distance from the center of Tulum. The location is from the diving school, which makes your stay extra comfortable. There are 6 modern studios, furnished with a king-size bed or twin beds. Each studio has its own kitchen and bathroom.
After a day of diving, you can cool off in the pool or relax in the cozy courtyard garden. There is a separate drying room for your dive gear and, of course, air conditioning in all rooms. The atmosphere is relaxed and social – many divers linger at the dive center after their dive day for a beer or a chat. A nice place to stay, with everything you need to fully focus on diving and exploring Tulum.
Would you prefer to stay in a resort or more luxurious accommodation? That too is possible. We are happy to tell you more about the different options.
The diving school
The diving school and facilities
Infinity2diving
You will be diving at Infinity2diving, a PADI IDC Center in Tulum. Special about this diving school is that it is run by 2 enthusiastic women who are both also Course Director. So you can be sure that the professionalism and safety is absolutely right here.
The diving school and instructors specialize in cenotes diving. They know the area inside out and will take you to the most beautiful, sometimes lesser known, cenotes in the region. They also offer reef diving at Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and organize trips to wrecks and for those who come in the right season: bullshark diving. Diving is done in small groups with a lot of personal attention, so you always dive at your level and in a relaxed atmosphere.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to Mexico is available from CHF 2.102 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Mexico? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from CHF 2.102 p.p.
- 12 nights based on bed & breakfast
- 14 dives (8 cenote, 6 reef dives)
- Lunch, snacks, drinks, towels & transfers on dive days
- Visit to Chichen Itza
- Cenote entrance fees
- Return transfers
- VZR & administration fees
Excluding
- Flight to Cancun from CHF 1.052 p.p.
- Dive & Travel Insurance
- GoPro Fairy
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Nitrox
- 15L tank
- Diving equipment
Email this diving holiday
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about Tulum
Cenote diving
Some cenotes are suitable for novice divers, especially those with open water zones and good visibility. Other cenotes, on the other hand, are a lot more technical and require more experience or even cave diving certification. It is therefore important to look carefully at the requirements of each dive site in advance. This way you can be sure that the dive suits your level. We will look into this with you and make an adapted program if necessary.
Yes, but it is important that you go with a good diving school and instructors specially trained for cenotes. For this reason, we dive with Infinity2diving, so we can be sure you go with professional guides.
Of course, it is also important that you follow safety protocols just as you do during a dive in open water.
We wrote a blog about diving in cenotes. Read it here.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, there are a number of 15L tanks.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem at all.
In fact, it is a region where there is a lot of side-mount diving, mainly because of the cenotes. You can also take a PADI specialty where you learn to side-mount dive.
Yes, you can dive here with nitrox.
Yes, you can rent the equipment here.
You can rinse and leave your diving equipment in the diving school.
Diving general
There will be 8 dives in different cenotes and 6 reef dives.
This really varies from day to day. For example, the reef dives in Tulum are close, but for the reef dives in Playa del Carmen you can count on a boat trip of about 30 minutes. Also, the cenotes are sometimes a little further away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive.
No, there is no house reef. All dives are made by boat.
Yes, PADI courses are given.
Yes, the diving school and the resort are on the same property. You can walk there.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
