Diving in Casa Cenote

Nestled between mangroves and full of life is the emerald green pool known as casa cenote.  Dive under a vast expanse of mangrove roots and through rock canyons. Casa Cenote is where the extensive cave system Sac Actun reaches the ocean, giving shelter to many young sea creatures that come into the calm waters.

*This cenote charges a fee for the use of an underwater camera. The fee depends on the size and type of camera

Casa Cenote

Casa Cenote is more like a river than a typical cenote. Located in the middle of the mangroves it winds through the trees creating a tranquil area surrounded by nature both above and below.

It is perfect for everyone, from Discover Scuba to experienced divers. This cenote has it all, large open areas for the beginners and cavern sections for the more advanced. Casa Cenote is connected to the ocean by a 50 meter tunnel, meaning that it has a lot of life compared to other cenotes. See big Tarpon, dancing Blue Crabs, many juvenile marine fish sheltering in the roots for safety and even the occasional moray eel.

Casa Cenote’s most famous resident is Panchito a Moreletii crocodile! Almost 2 meters in length he is most often spotted basking in the sun on a rock. However Panchito is quite used to people so you have nothing to fear. Moreletii crocodiles are mainly found in freshwater swamps and marshes, living up to 50 to 65 years old and hunting primarily at night. Juveniles prefer denser covered areas for protection making the cenotes a perfect habitat.

Enjoy the multiple swim throughs including mangrove tunnels as if you are diving into the jungle itself. Stunning fossils of million year old corals and light beams dancing down through the mangroves.

There is also a lot to see above water. Non divers can snorkel, paddleboard or even kayak along its entire 230m/750ft length through the jungle. Enjoying the crystal views of the divers and fish below or looking into the trees for bird species.

Diving this cenote

This cenote can be either a 1 tank or 2 tanks dive depending on your preference and experience. It can also be combined with Cenote Carwash or Dos Ojos.

We suggest you bring a towel and a dry set of clothes. Keep in mind that in all cenotes sunscreen, cosmetics and insect repellent are banned due to the conservation of the site.

The History

Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manati (Manatee) for the manatees which used to swim there many years ago, but now are only rarely spotted swimming in from the sea tunnel.

This cenote is one of many exit points into the ocean for the cave System Sac Actun meaning you can feel the tidal currents while diving. If you stand on the beach in front and look out to sea, you can see a “boil” of freshwater as it exits from vents in the reef not too far away. These tidal changes also mean the halocline differs in depth trough out the day.