Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive

If you’re considering a scuba experience in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this tour of Cenote Angelita and Cenote Carwash offers a compelling mix of natural beauty and underwater adventure. While we haven’t personally taken the plunge ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this is a trip that combines unique sights, manageable logistics, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Two standout features catch the eye immediately: Cenote Angelita’s haunting cloud of hydrogen sulfide and Cenote Carwash’s labyrinth of caverns. Both promise an experience that’s visually stunning and intellectually engaging. However, it’s worth noting that this tour is geared toward divers with advanced certification, and the small group size (limited to four participants) ensures personalized attention but may also mean limited availability.

This experience is perfect for experienced divers looking for something outside the usual reef trips, especially those eager to see surreal subterranean landscapes. It might not suit absolute beginners or travelers with limited time, but for those ready to explore some of the most dramatic cenotes in the region, it offers real value.

Key Points

• Two unique cenotes provide contrasting underwater environments—Angelita’s surreal cloud and Carwash’s caverns.
• Small group size enhances safety and personalized guidance.
• Advanced scuba certification required; not suitable for beginners.
• Includes full gear, tanks, and entrance fees, making it a convenient all-in-one package.
• The price of $240 offers good value considering the guided experience, gear, and included Mexican food.
• The tour is roughly 5.5 hours, with transportation time factored in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Cenote Diving Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at a central location on Calle 6 Nte Bis, Playa del Carmen. From there, travelers hop into a jeep or SUV for a roughly 45-minute drive into the heart of Quintana Roo’s inland cenotes. This transportation setup is straightforward and comfortable, with the drive giving you a chance to review safety instructions and get familiar with your guides.

How the Tour Unfolds

The tour is designed for small groups, limited to four participants, which means you’ll get plenty of individual attention—an important factor considering the nature of these dives. The itinerary splits into two main dives, each offering very different sights.

First Stop: Cenote Angelita

Cenote Angelita stands out for its dramatic underwater landscape. It’s regarded as a favorite among more experienced divers. The scene is truly unlike any other—imagine descending into a cloud of hydrogen sulfide that appears to float just above submerged fallen trees, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly environment. Bright sunlight filters through the water, illuminating the scene and adding to the dreamlike quality.

The guides accompany you, providing a safety briefing beforehand. We loved the way they carefully prepare divers, especially since Angelita’s depth can reach 98 feet (30 meters)—a level suited only for those with advanced certification. The hydrogen sulfide layer forms a dramatic “cloud” that separates the freshwater above from the saltwater below, creating a striking visual contrast that’s often described as a floating nightmare/utopia.

Reviews echo this awe. One diver said: “The scene with fallen trees and that strange cloud of gas is something I won’t forget. It feels like being in a dream or a movie scene.” The underwater visibility is generally excellent, and the marine life, while secondary to the landscape, adds subtle movement and interest.

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Second Stop: Cenote Carwash

After Angelita, you return to the surface and journey to Cenote Carwash, which, despite its odd name, is one of the most beautiful cenotes in the region. Its name comes from its history as a car wash spot for taxis, but today it’s a labyrinth of stunning caverns and crystalline waters.

As you descend into Carwash, you’ll explore intricate caverns adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The labyrinthine nature of the underground passages makes each dive feel like an adventure—there’s plenty of room for exploration, but always within the safe limits guided by professionals.

The water clarity here allows for amazing underwater photography and close-up observation of formations. The guides will highlight notable features, helping you appreciate the geological history that shaped these caves.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The combination of Angelita’s surreal cloud of hydrogen sulfide and Carwash’s cavernous beauty offers a diving experience that’s both visually stunning and memorable. You get a taste of two very different cenote environments—one atmospheric and dreamlike, the other geologically intricate and beautiful.

Practical Considerations

• The $240 price covers full gear, tanks, entrance fees, and Mexican food, making it a practical choice for a full-day adventure.
• The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, with most of that time spent in the water, so be prepared for a physically engaging day.
• Transportation of about 45 minutes each way is included, making logistics straightforward. However, be mindful of the ecotax of $15 USD per person, payable upon arrival.
• The tour’s maximum depth of 98 feet (30 meters) means you need advanced certification—this isn’t for beginners or those without recent diving experience.

Authentic Experience and What Travelers Say

Many reviews emphasize the personalized guidance that small group sizes allow. One diver appreciated, “Having only four of us meant the guides could really focus on safety and making sure everyone got the most out of the dives.”

Others mention how surreal Angelita’s cloud feels. “It’s hard to describe how strange and beautiful it is to see fallen trees floating in this foggy layer,” shared one reviewer. For Carwash, travelers commonly praise the labyrinth of caverns as “a playground for explorers,” and say the clarity makes photography easy.

That said, some note that the experience is suited for certified divers and those comfortable with deep dives. The depth limit and certification requirements ensure safety but also restrict access for casual snorkelers or beginners.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For adventurous divers with advanced certification, this tour offers a rare opportunity to see two of the region’s most impressive cenotes. The small group size and all-inclusive pricing make it feel personalized and straightforward.

It’s a full-day commitment that balances spectacular scenery with technical diving, so it’s best suited for those seeking a distinctive underwater experience. If your curiosity is piqued by the idea of floating through foggy underground forests or navigating cavernous tunnels, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re new to diving or prefer easy, shallow waters, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind the physical demands and depth restrictions—this isn’t a casual snorkel trip.

Overall, it’s a value-packed adventure that combines excellent guidance, breathtaking scenery, and the thrill of exploring Mexico’s underground wonders.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified to join this tour?
Yes, this experience requires advanced certification due to the depth and complexity of the dives involved.

How long is the tour overall?
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, including transportation, diving, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers full dive gear, two tanks (one for each cenote), cenote entrance fees, snacks, water, fruits, towels, and Mexican food at the end.

Are photos included?
No, photos are not included in the package, so you might want to bring your own camera if permitted.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation from Calle 6 Nte Bis to the cenotes and back is included, using a jeep or SUV.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the ecotax and any personal expenses. Wear your dive gear and bring essentials like sunscreen and a t-shirt for sun protection.

Is this suitable for children?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 15.

What language are the guides?
Guides speak Spanish and English, accommodating most travelers comfortably.

What about safety?
Guides conduct a safety briefing before each dive. The small group size ensures personalized attention for safe diving.

In summary, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the subterranean world of the Yucatán. For those with the right certification and a taste for adventure, the visual and emotional payoff can be extraordinary. Whether you’re chasing surreal visuals or exploring geological formations, this experience delivers genuine value and memorable moments that keep you thinking about Mexico long after you’ve returned home.

You can check availability for your dates here: