Scuba Diving in Cenote Carwash

Discover the two very different worlds housed within this cenote; a pool thriving with life and a shadowy cavern area full of massive dark looming formations. Glance back from inside the cavern to see the incredible blue light of the entrance.

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

Cenote Carwash

Carwash Cenote, also known as Aktun Ha meaning “water cave” in Mayan, the name originated from taxi drivers who used to wash their cars in this cenote.

A large open pool full of life with a beautiful underwater garden of green algae and tall water lilies, which are very popular with photographers. See swirling groups of fish, turtles, and even the occasional small crocodile.

To pass into the cavern zone we pass through what has been described as the “curtain to the underworld”, a natural barrier of huge trees which partition the open pool and the cave beyond.

Huge dark formations wait inside for scuba divers. The speleothems are stained dark by tannic acid that once passed through the system and still does with heavy rainfall. From inside the cavern can be seen the most stunning view of the fallen trees silhouetted against the bright entrance.

This cenote is also a great place for non divers to relax and snorkel. There are areas to lie or sit, walkways to wander around the edge of the jungle surrounding the cenote, platforms to jump off and a small cafe.

Diving this cenote

This cenote is a one tank dive and is best combined with a dive in Cenote Angelita or Casa Cenote depending on your level.

As with most cenote tours we will meet around 8am at the dive shop, to sort out scuba gear and paperwork, then head off for our dives. Lunch is also included.

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

In 1982 a group of open water divers from California decided to go for a dive in a luring pond just outside of Tulum. The winds had stopped them from being able to dive that day in the ocean. During the dive the group were surprised to see an enormous opening in the side of the pond.

Their curiosity getting the better of them, they ventured a few feet inside. However, remembering some of the potential hazards of an overhead environment they decided to play it safe. Returning the next day with two hundred and fifty feet of ski rope. This was the first line laid in Cenote Carwash.

Ironically the US Deep Caving Team dove into Carwash in the very early 1980s and declared that there was no cave there. Today Carwash is one of the most popular cenotes around Tulum.