Cenote Calavera Tulum is the Temple of Doom Mexico 2021

Calavera | Cenote Diving | Cenotes

Have you seen the Halocline Scuba Diving Cenote Calavera, Tulum?

What does Calavera mean in English?

Calavera means “Skull” in English, so Cenote Calavera is the “Skull Cenote.”

Is Cenote Calavera the Temple of Doom Cenote?

Yes. Calavera is also called “The Temple of Doom” Like the film with Indiana Jones it’s a thrilling, action-packed adventure from start to finish.

Cenote Calavera Entrance
Cenote Calavera Temple of Doom
Halocline at Calavera Cenote
Light Cenote Calavera Diving

What does the light look like in Calavera Cenote?

The light in Calavera is amazing. During the dive, we circle the Cenote entrance. Very beautiful shimmering green light floods the cavern.

When is it a good time to dive Calavera Cenote?

The light effects work well all times of the day from 9 am when the Cenote opens, until 2 pm which is the last time divers can enter.

Why do we scuba dive Cenote Calavera?

Calavera has many unique and beautiful features. There are wonderful flowstone formations, fossils, bones, pottery, and a few bats. But the most wonderful thing to see at Calavera is the Halocline.

What do we see in Calavera Cenote?

Calavera is the best cenote to see a Halocline. Below the halocline, the reflected light appears very blue. We see wonderful colors and get a feeling of awe almost stunned by the light. It is a special privilege to be able to dive here.

Where is the best place to see a halocline in Tulum?

The halocline is a very special phenomenon that occurs when freshwater meets saltwater. We can see this in a few Cenotes that go down to the saltwater layer. In my opinion, the best halocline to see is at Calavera. The change from fresh to salt causes crazy effects with the light. We can see a false surface to the water, bright blue light and the rocks behind appear to distort as we gently rise and fall on each breath. 

We question what our eyes are telling us as we pass in and out of the surreal halocline phenomenon. This dive will blow your mind. The water is beautifully clear which means that we get a feeling of flying in the water. Cenotes are an access point to an underground river system. Like all rivers, they flow to the sea. In the Cenotes the water usually flows so gently that we can’t feel it as we are diving. The water is filtered as it flows through small cracks in the rock, so we get almost perfect visibility.

We feel as if there is absolutely nothing in between us and the rocks. It is important to maintain our buoyancy as we glide through the cavern. We avoid disturbing the dirt on the bottom because it affects visibility. And we don’t touch the rocks because they are very delicate. This is why when we are cenote diving we do feel as if we are flying in the water.

Why do I love Cenote Calavera?

I have fond memories of this Cenote because it was the first cave where my wife Lia lead the dive. It requires strength to be a Cave Diver. We must carry our two tanks into the jungle, get them down into the water and all the time we must have the strength to get them out again. Calavera was where we both proved to each other that we have the strength to be a cave, Divers.

Cenote Calavera Diving Tours

Can I swim at Calavera?

Yes. Calavera is open for swimming. You have to jump in from a few meters.

Is Calavera the Hottest Instagram Spot in Tulum?

Yes. Absolutely. If you go to Tulum you must get a picture for instagram of you on the rope swing at Calavera. You must have this picture for Instagram. Top tip: Go early or late and keep clear of the divers carrying heavy tanks.

Is Cenote Calavera Dangerous?

When you jump into the cenote you need to be careful they don’t have an accident. The area is quite small, you don’t want to fall on anyone. Swimmers should be careful around divers with heavy tanks.