
The Riviera Maya is not only known for its wide beaches and 5* resorts but is also a top destination for aquatic activities. SCUBA Divers and snorkelers enjoy the vast reef systems with their variety of colorful marine life. Another bucket list activity for divers visiting the Riviera Maya is Cenote diving. Cenote Carwash is one of the most known Cenotes and is perfectly suitable for recreational divers to visit.
In this blog, we will explain to you why Cenote Carwash is an exceptional Cenote dive site, and what to expect from it. So let’s dive straight into it!
Cenote Carwash aka. Aktun Ha
Cenote Carwash is also called Cenote Aktun Ha, and it’s a fantastic dive site just minutes out of Tulum. It is named Cenote Carwash because Tulum taxi drivers used to wash their vehicles in the Cenote. They could drive right up to the water level, which was very convenient for them.
Fortunately, no one washes their cars in this Cenote anymore. But the convenient location makes for a very easy entrance into the water for divers.
Diving Quick Info
Depth – 15m/50ft
Divetime: 40-50 min
Level 1 – Beginner
Prerequisites – Open Water Diver & 15 years or older
What to Expect While Cavern Diving in Cenote Carwash
Upon entering Cenote Carwash, you’ll find a wide and open pond-like area surrounded by jungle vegetation. The clear visibility permits one to see the bottom from the surface even without a diving mask.
The depth in the open water area of this Cenote ranges from 5-6 meters (18-20ft). This open area has lots of beautiful vegetation, waterlilies, and freshwater fish. As you swim towards the cavern-entry you will see a large fallen tree. The sunlight coming through the roots creates an amazing light show when looking back at the open water from inside the cavern.
In the summer after the first rains, the shallower area of water is covered by a milky-seeming cloud. Once below it, this cloud makes the dive site become tinted in different colors. The color is depending on the intensity of the sunshine on that day. These can range from yellow-greenish to almost red, thanks to the organic material causing the minimally decreased visibility on the surface. Make sure you don’t miss out on this natural spectacle when visiting during the summer.
The cavern area of Cenote Carwash is decorated with lots of dripstone formations. Because of some depth changes, divers are required to be on top of their buoyancy. You can find the well-known “Stop”-sign during this dive, marking the limit of the cavern, and entry of the actual cave area. Because of the many features Cenote Carwash offers, it is one of the most sought-after Cenote diving sites in the area.
Cenote Carwash for Cave Divers
When taking on the journey of becoming a cave diver, one will pass at least one of the training days at Cenote Carwash. Its easy and accessible infrastructure welcomes many cave diving students to its location. You’ll find tables to set dive gear, showers, bath-rooms, and a small restaurant which makes it convenient for a training day.
For cave divers, “The Room of Tears” is accessible from Carwash, as it is located between Cenote Carwash and Cenote Zazil Ha in Tulum. This room is one of the true gems of the underwater cave world. To get to this amazing place you have to find a secret jump line. Your cave diving guide will guide you there in a safe manner. It is an exciting and visually rewarding dive but requires divers to get through some restrictions along the way. Therefore we recommend having your side-mount certification ready for easier access during this dive.
Cenote Diving with BlueLife
Are you hooked already and want to dive into Cenote Carwash? We got you!
BlueLife Diving runs daily trips to the most astonishing Cenotes in the area. Recreational divers mostly enjoy this Cenote in combination with Cenote Angelita, doing two dives a day. Enjoying a light lunch in between the dives in a small group of a maximum of 4 divers per guide ensures a perfect diving day during your visit.
Sign up now or contact us now to not miss this unique experience.