A Thrilling Cenote Adventure (By Special Request Only)
Cenote Calavera, known as the “Skull Cenote”, is one of the most unique and adventurous cenotes near Tulum. The name “Calavera” (Spanish for skull) comes from its three circular openings, which resemble a skull’s eyes and mouth when viewed from above.
This cenote is also called the “Temple of Doom”, drawing comparisons to Indiana Jones-style adventures. With dramatic cliff jumps, surreal halocline effects, and cavern diving, it’s an unforgettable cenote experience.
📢 Important:
✔ Scuba diving at Cenote Calavera is available by special request only.
✔ Snorkeling and cave diving are still available.
Where is Cenote Calavera?
📍 Location: Just 1.7 km (1 mile) from Tulum, along the Coba Road.
📍 Travel Time: 5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bicycle from Tulum town.
📍 Accessibility: Easily reached by car, taxi, or bike.
Why Visit Cenote Calavera?
Cenote Calavera is perfect for:
✔ Adventurous cliff jumps – Leap into crystal-clear waters from 2m (6ft) or higher.
✔ The halocline effect – See the stunning visual distortion where fresh and saltwater meet.
✔ Cavern diving – Swim through ancient rock formations, fossils, and underwater chambers.
✔ Light beams & reflections – Watch sunlight dance through the cenote’s openings, creating a surreal glow underwater.
Scuba Diving at Cenote Calavera (Special Request Only)
Cenote Calavera is one of the most unique cavern dives in Tulum. The dive takes you into a spacious underground chamber where sunlight filters through the openings, creating stunning green and blue hues.
✔ Max Depth: 19m (62ft).
✔ Certification Required: Open Water or higher (Cavern Diving experience recommended).
✔ Features: Halocline layers, fossilized formations, and eerie cave passages.
🔹 Why is it called the Temple of Doom?
The dark, cavernous atmosphere and the thrilling jump entry make this cenote feel like something straight out of an adventure movie.
💡 Due to limited availability, diving here is only available by special request.
👉 Contact us for special bookings.
Snorkeling at Cenote Calavera
Not a diver? No problem! Cenote Calavera is still great for snorkeling.
✔ Swim through the skull-shaped openings and enjoy the clear, blue water.
✔ Float above divers and watch their bubbles rise through the beams of light.
✔ See small fish and freshwater creatures in the open water zone.
The Halocline Phenomenon – A Natural Wonder
At Cenote Calavera, you can witness one of the most fascinating underwater effects—the halocline.
🔹 What is a halocline? It’s where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating a wavy, shimmering effect as light bends through the layers.
🔹 What does it look like? Objects appear distorted and blurry when you pass through it—like a mirage underwater.
🔹 Where does the saltwater come from? The cenote is connected to the underground rivers that flow to the ocean.
This effect makes Cenote Calavera diving and snorkeling truly unique.
Best Time to Visit Cenote Calavera
✔ Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
✔ Best Light for Diving & Snorkeling: Late morning to early afternoon when the sun is high.
✔ Special Request Diving: Must be pre-booked in advance due to limited availability.
Safety Tips for Cenote Calavera
✔ Be cautious at the entrance – The rocks can be slippery. Wear sturdy footwear.
✔ Mind your jump – Look below to make sure no divers are surfacing before jumping in.
✔ Respect the cenote – Use biodegradable sunscreen and avoid touching formations.
Cenote Calavera Diving & Snorkeling Tours
🚀 By Special Request Only: Scuba Diving at Cenote Calavera
🌊 Available: Snorkeling & Cave Diving
📍 Tour Combinations:
🔹 Car Wash & Calavera
🔹 Angelita & Calavera
🔹 Angelita, Calavera & Car Wash
FAQs About Cenote Calavera
What does “Cenote Calavera” mean?
Cenote Calavera means “Skull Cenote”, named after its three openings that resemble a skull’s eyes and mouth.
Why is it called the Temple of Doom?
The nickname comes from its thrilling jump entrance and dark, mysterious cavern, similar to an adventure scene from Indiana Jones.
Is Cenote Calavera good for beginners?
✔ Snorkeling: Yes! The cenote is open and easy to swim in.
✔ Diving: Yes, but only for experienced divers. A minimum Open Water certification is required.
Plan Your Visit to Cenote Calavera
Cenote Calavera is one of the most unique and adventurous cenotes in Tulum. Whether you’re:
✔ Jumping into the Skull Cenote for the first time.
✔ Experiencing the surreal beauty of the halocline effect.
✔ Diving into a cavern full of history and mystery.
