Scuba Diving in Cenote Kukulkan

This is an amazing cenote for scuba divers of all levels and if you only have one day to sample a cenote this has it all! Shimmering halocline, sulfur clouds, fossils, speleothems, crystals and dancing light beams.

Cenote Kukulkan

This cenote is stunning both above and below ground.

Above ground you will find many coral fossils, which are millions of years old littering the ground. This is also a great spot to see the stunning Motmot bird, or a Mesoamerican turtle enjoying the morning sun.

Below the surface you will be greeted by the dazzling lights of the sunrays, dancing in the crystal clear water. Or possibly impressive rays piercing through menacing storm clouds. In the vast spaces feel as if you are flying the water is so clear. The pocked roof of the cavern sparkles with traped air bubbles which look like liquid mercury.

Experience the heady effects of a halocline, thermocline, and hydrogen sulfide cloud all combined and be stunned by the change in buoyancy as you move between the different water densities.

Definitely a favourite cenote day with our staff.

Diving this cenote

This cenote is a one tank dive and is best combined with a dive in Cenote Little Brother only about 50m away and part of the same system.

Cameras of any kind are forbidden while diving here for the preservation of the cave. However, there is a photographer on site who offers incredible photos and videos at a reasonable price. All the underwater photos on this page and that of Cenote Little Brother are taken by him.

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.

Kukulkan

Kukulkan the Mayan god was worshiped by the people of the Yucatán Peninsula and depicted as a great feathered serpent. He was the chief of all the Mayan deities, bringing to the world the four elements. He kept control of the wind though; it is said the source of all air was in a great gem worn around his neck. To the people he also brought the calendar.

In one legend Kukulkan was once a boy who was born as a snake. As he grew older his sister cared for him inside a cave until he grew too big and she could no longer continue to feed him. So then he flew out of the cave and into the sea, causing an earthquake. He still causes tremors every year in July to let his sister know that he is still alive.

Another legend tells of how Kukulkan flew to the sun and tried to speak to it but the sun burnt his tongue. After that it is said Kukulkan decided to always travel ahead of the rain god Chaac, helping to predict the rains as his tail moves the winds and sweeps the earth clean.

The History

The first explorers were Gary Walten and Kay Walten in May 1996. Other explorers were Steve Bogearts, Dan Lins, Mike Madden, Matt Matthes, and Andrew Pitkin. Mapping started in June of 1996.