Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive

Looking for a way to turn your Mexico vacation into a memory filled with extraordinary underwater sights? This scuba diving experience in the renowned cenotes of Tulum offers just that. It’s a carefully curated trip that promises not only breathtaking scenery but also a taste of the underground mysteries that make these cenotes so unique.

From the moment you read about Cenote Angelita’s surreal underwater cloud to the labyrinth of caverns at Cenote Carwash, it’s clear this tour is designed for travelers craving more than the usual beachside lounging. We love the way it combines adventure with authentic natural beauty, but it’s worth noting that it’s best suited for those with advance certification and some recent diving experience.

If you’re keen on exploring Mexico’s underwater marvels, appreciate guided safety, and want a memorable story to tell, this tour is likely a perfect fit. Just be prepared for a half-day journey that’s as much about discovery as it is about fun.

Key Points

• Unique Cenote Experiences: Explore two of the most iconic cenotes in the Riviera Maya, each offering a distinct underwater landscape.
• For Certified Divers: Requires advance certification, suitable for those with recent diving experience.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes tanks, gear, entrance fees, snacks, and Mexican food, making it a convenient package.
• Small Group Format: Limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and safety.
• Transport and Timing: Starts from Playa del Carmen, with a total duration of about 5.5 hours, including transport and breaks.
• Additional Costs: Ecotax of $15 USD per person payable upon arrival, and optional photo services are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Convenience of Starting from Playa del Carmen

The tour begins at a central location on Calle 6 Nte Bis, which is easy to access if you’re staying nearby. The transportation involves a 45-minute drive in a Jeep or SUV, providing a comfortable and scenic ride through the Yucatan landscape. This short journey helps build anticipation as you leave the bustling streets behind and head toward the quiet tranquility of the cenotes.

Cenote Angelita: A Surreal Underwater Landscape

Angelita is often described as one of the most extraordinary diving spots worldwide. The guide, often named in reviews as friendly and knowledgeable, will conduct a safety briefing before you gear up. This site is favored by experienced divers because of its layered environment — sunbeams filter through the water, illuminating the fallen trees submerged in a cloud of hydrogen sulfide that creates a fog-like effect.

Guests have remarked that the scene at Angelita looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie, with the stratification of water offering a visual contrast that’s hard to forget. One reviewer noted, “Descending into Angelita felt like entering another dimension, with the eerie fog created by the hydrogen sulfide adding to the surreal atmosphere.”

It’s a maximum depth of 98 feet (30 meters), suitable for certified divers, and the experience typically lasts around five hours including the briefing, gear-up, and dive time. The dive allows for marine life viewing and exploring the submerged trees that seem to stretch endlessly into the mist — a true highlight for those who love dramatic natural settings.

Cenote Carwash: The Labyrinth of Crystals

After Angelita, the group travels back in the Jeep for another 45-minute ride to Cenote Carwash, a site with a very different vibe. Named after its past as a car-washing station for taxis, the cenote has become famous for its crystalline waters and intricate cavern system.

The full dive gear provided makes exploring the caverns comfortable and hassle-free, and you’ll love the chance to navigate through labyrinthine tunnels adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Many reviewers describe Carwash as an underwater wonderland, with formations that look like natural sculptures, making it ideal for those interested in geological features.

The water clarity here is praised—crystal clear—which improves visibility and enhances the overall experience. It’s not just a dive; it’s a discovery of an otherworldly environment where each turn reveals new formations and hidden passages.

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Safety and Guidance

Throughout the entire tour, professional guides lead the way, ensuring you’re comfortable and secure. They’re fluent in both Spanish and English, making communication straightforward. The tour is designed for small groups—limited to four people—which fosters personalized attention and detailed guidance.

Guests repeatedly mention how the guides’ expertise adds confidence, especially in more complex environments like Angelita, where the hydrogen sulfide layer can be disorienting without proper briefing.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The package covers one tank at each cenote, full dive gear, entrance fees, towels, snacks, water, fruits, and Mexican food after the dives. It’s a notably good value for the price of $228 per person, considering the equipment, guided expertise, and access to two iconic locations.

However, extras such as photos are not included, so if you’re eager to capture your underwater moments, consider bringing your camera or hiring a photographer ahead of time. An ecotax of $15 USD per person is payable at the site, which helps maintain these delicate ecosystems.

The entire tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours, making it a full but manageable half-day adventure. Check the specific starting times when booking, as they can vary.

Practical Tips for Participants

Since this experience requires advance certification, make sure your credentials are up to date and that you haven’t been out of the water for more than a year. The maximum depth of 30 meters means it’s suited for certified divers, and those with recent experience will find the environment less stressful.

Bring cash for the ecotax, and wear comfortable clothing for the transport. Avoid alcohol or drugs before the tour for safety reasons. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, this tour offers a fantastic way to explore the cenotes beyond the usual tourist spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for certified divers looking for something more adventurous and visually stunning than typical reef dives. It’s perfect for those wanting to see Mexico’s underground marvels in a small, guided group, with plenty of support from experienced guides. If you’re interested in geology, surreal environments, or simply want to check off a bucket list dive, this tour will deliver.

However, it’s less suitable for divers without recent experience or travelers seeking a relaxed, non-diving experience. Children under 15 are not permitted, and the focus is primarily on those with the appropriate certification and comfort level.

Final Thoughts

This tour combines the thrill of exploring two of the Riviera Maya’s most breathtaking cenotes into a single half-day adventure. The balance of adventure, safety, and natural beauty makes it a standout activity for certified divers who want more than just a beach day.

You’ll love the visual drama of Angelita’s fog-like hydrogen sulfide layer and the geological wonder of Cenote Carwash’s caverns, all led by knowledgeable guides in intimate small groups. Expect a clear, well-organized experience that offers great value for its price, especially when you consider the included equipment, guides, and access to these iconic sites.

For anyone craving an authentic underwater exploration that’s as visually impressive as it is safe and guided, this tour is an excellent choice. Just remember to bring your dive certification, cash for extras, and an eager spirit ready for discovery.

FAQ

Do I need a special certification for this tour?
Yes, this experience requires advance certification. It’s suitable for divers with recent diving experience, ideally not more than a year since your last dive.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including transport, briefing, and diving.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers two tanks (one at each cenote), full dive gear, cenote entrance, snacks, water, fruits, and Mexican food afterward.

Are photos included?
No, photos are not included. If you want to capture the moment, consider bringing your own waterproof camera or hiring a photographer.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and attention.

What if I haven’t been diving recently?
You should have been diving within the last year; if it’s been longer, you might not be eligible for this experience.

What is the maximum depth?
The maximum depth for this dive is 98 feet (30 meters), suitable for certified divers.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the ecotax, and wear suitable clothing for the journey. No alcohol or drugs are allowed.

Is transportation included?
Transportation from Playa del Carmen is via Jeep or SUV, with a 45-minute drive to each site.

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

This Angelita and Carwash Cenotes tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, adventure, and guided safety, making it a standout choice for experienced divers wanting to explore Mexico’s underwater gems authentically.

You can check availability for your dates here: