SNORKELING THE CENOTES

You don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the crystal clear cenotes. These incredible windows to the underground can easily be explored by snorkelers. Proper equipment allows the snorkeler not only to see, swim and breathe in the water, but also provide a level of comfort and confidence which changes this alien world into a friendly and familiar place. There four basic pieces of equipment that provides the opportunity to see these extraordinary cenotes; mask, fins, snorkel and buoyancy vest.

THE MASK - you cannot see underwater unless you have some type of air space between your eyes and the water. The eye is designed to see through air because it is less dense than water Goggles were first designed and used but had problems with pressure squeezing around the face causing pain and risk of injury to the eye and surrounding area. By using a bigger air space that includes the nose, it is possible to exhale into the mask and equalize the pressure inside with that from outside. With a flexible and comfortable skirt, the mask provides the clear vision to safely view the underwater world.

The mask should have the following features:

LENS Should be tempered glass or safety glass.

SKIRT Flexible silicone material that will not rot or discolor from the sun. It should have a double seal for better fit and comfort.

NON-CORROSIVE BAND

STRAP Must be adjustable and can lock in place. Should also split or be wide enough at the back of the head.

NOSE POCKET To be used to squeeze the nose for equalizing pressure inside the ears and sinuses.

MASK FIT There is an incredible amount of different facial contours. So, there are many masks to choose from to match the mask skirt and your face.

CORRECTION LENS several options are available. Consult your eye doctor for the best type to correct your vision with your mask.

FINS AND FOOT Propulsion through the water is the next important step. Your range of movement, speed and efficiency (depending on strength and endurance) are dramatically improved when using fins. Fins provide power and enable you to swim greater distances and longer periods of time without getting tired. There are two basic styles, the full- foot and open-heel. The full-foot fins fit like a pair of shoes and come in the same standard sizes as shoes. Open-heel fins come in sizes ranging from x-small, small, medium, large and extra-large sizes and come with an adjustable heel strap that hold the foot in place. These fins are designed to be worn with a wet suit. As with the mask, the materials, designs and features vary. Fins manufactured today are designed with synthetic material with choices from polyurethane, thermoplastic, graphite and composites. These materials make them light in weight and are offered in a variety of colors. Be careful not to expose fins to intense heat as they can warp. Some fins float and some sink. Probably the best characteristic and a good compromise is a fin that is close to being neutrally buoyant. Fin length and flexibility depend on your physical capability and experience level. The larger the surface area of the fin the more water you can push. For most people, good flexibility is easier to handle and provides the snap in your fin stroke to propel you through the water. The choice between open-heel and a full-fit fin will all depend on your interest level. For most casual snorkelers, the full-foot fin is less expensive, lighter to carry and performs the job. For scuba diving, the open-heel fin with adjustable strap is the preferred choice because of the amount of drag and weight necessary to swim through the water. Proper size and fit are important for comfort and performance. Like choosing a mask, finding or using the correct fins for you is a personal decision. Be sure they are comfortable and are appropriate for your size and strength.

THE SNORKEL A snorkel allows you to keep your face in the water while swimming and enjoying the sights. This provides the snorkeler many hours of relaxation with less exertion and weariness. When selecting a snorkel consider both comfortable fit and low breathing resistance. Mouth pieces vary in size and flexibility. If it does not fit it will cause much discomfort and possible sores. Breathing resistance is influenced by tube length, tube shape, and bore size. The ideal snorkel has a gentle curve, a smooth interior bore, and short tube. If you have a long tube, you create greater resistance and a larger dead space especially difficult for the smaller diver. Some snorkels have one- way drain valves at the bottom of the tube.

For some divers, it may be worth trying as they can make it easier to clear the snorkel at the surface. Do not be fooled by snorkels that have fancy gimmicks or devices located at the top as they will probably increase resistance or may cause more problems. Keep it simple.

SNORKEL VEST This safety tool can control your buoyancy at the surface if you are less buoyant or perhaps become tired. The vest should fit like a bib and provides the snorkeler with the appropriate lift at the surface. The inflated vest minimizes the energy used while swimming, keeps the lungs higher and breathing easier, and keeps the snorkel higher above of the water.

USING YOUR SNORKELING EQUIPMENT

Just because you now have the proper equipment for snorkeling does not guarantee enjoyment and success. Knowing how to make a safe entry and exit from the cenotes, using the mask, snorkel, fins and snorkeling vest and performing surface dives, separate those divers who will have fun from others who will be uncomfortable.

Entering and exiting the water should always be through the easiest and safest way! Fortunately, at most of the cenotes the land owners have built platforms and/or ladders to meet these primary goals. Be sure to look before climbing down or jumping into water so not to injure or harm other divers or yourself from potential hazards.

Your mask should be snug but not tight. When warm air condenses inside the mask and cool water surrounds it, the lens can fog and impair your vision. To minimize this problem coat the inside lenses with anti-fogging solution or spit saliva into the mask and rinse it out. At the surface or standing up, clearing the mask is simple by just lifting the bottom of the mask with your thumbs and allowing the water drain out.

Breathing through the snorkel is different from normal breathing. The first method involves three basic steps. First, clear the snorkel by blasting a quick, sharp burst of air through the tube. Beware; a second short blast may be required for any remaining water in the tube. Breathe slowly. And finally, hold your breath in case you need to blast again for clearing. You will get into a repetitive routine of clearing, breathe and hold. A second method of clearing is called the expansion method. From depth, approaching the surface, tilt the head back far enough for the snorkel to be pointing downward, and then exhale a small puff of air into it. The air expands as you rise to the surface forcing the air out of the tube.

Some basic rules apply for using fins. Avoid walking on land with the fins or you may just trip and fall. If you must walk a short distance, play it safe, always shuffle backwards. Never exit the water with your fins on. Always carry the fins out of the water. The fins serve as an extension of your body and allow you to move through the water smoothly and with less effort. Several different kicks can be applied in different situations. The flutter kick is the most common and often used. Keeping your legs straight and toes pointed, the knees bend slightly kick your legs at the ankle at a relaxed pace back and forth, the fins will move naturally. The motion should be slow and powerful, applying the full use of the legs with fins kept in the water. Do not use your hips or kick with your knees. Another type of motion is the dolphin kick which uses the whole body. The legs are kept together and the body moves in a wavelike motion. This kick takes a little practice but can be fun and have a graceful feel. The third kick is the scissors kick which is a variation of the flutter kick. The diver must almost be placed on the side. The kick is glide-and- kick motion but with a much greater power stroke and separation of the legs. The kick is repeated but with a pause to create the glide result.

The snorkeling vest should be kept inflated in order to swim relaxed and efficiently. It will keep your snorkel high atop the water and allows you the opportunity to rest on the surface when necessary. When you need to free dive to observe anything underwater be sure to deflate the vest. When returning to the surface, raise your arm to avoid any collisions with other divers, boats or objects, clear your snorkel and orally inflate the vest.

A surface dive allows you to go down to look at fish or objects. Two types are: the head-first dive and the feet-first dive. The head-first dive is a face down position. Bend at your waist so that the upper body forms a right angle to the legs. Then, lift the legs out of the water and the weight will push the body downward like a pile driver. The feet-first dive is not popular to use in the cenotes as it is primarily used in kelp beds or any place where freedom is limited at the surface.

CONTAMINANTS

Concerns with harming our precious and fragile eco-systems in the cenotes and the caletas should be the primary responsibility for every individual who uses these wonderful places. The use of body lotions, insect repellents and other substance placed on the body before swimming is forbidden. Please take a shower or avoid using these products totally before going to the cenotes. Any foreign intrusion can potentially alter the balance of nature and have a negative impact on the health of the cenotes.

Snorkeling the beautiful cenotes and caletas in the Riviera Maya will be a rewarding experience with so much to see and learn. There are a few companies and several dive stores that offer exciting snorkeling excursions to the popular cenotes and caletas. Some offer lessons or professional advice for those who have no or limited experience with mask, fins, snorkel and vest. It is an inexpensive way to witness an entirely special world. Try it; you will thoroughly treasure the adventure.

THE RIVIERA MAYA's GREAT SNORKELING SITES

CENOTE AZUL (Blue)

Description: This site is a giant collapsed basin containing several small pools of water along with a vast basin of crystal, clear water accented by a large bluff on the west and north side. An incredible variety of vegetation lies within the cenote collapse area. From the parking lot you follow a natural stone path which has mini stone walls constructed as borders. The owners of refreshments and souvenirs available This cenote is part of the Sistema PonDeR underwater cave system.

Location: This tranquil cenote is privately owned and operated. Located 3 kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras on west side of Highway 307 with parking available.

Accessibility: Easy. The land owners have built stone and wooden platforms with ladders along with ropes stretched across the water.

Public Facilities:: Yes

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE CALAVERA (known as Cenote Equeleto and the Temple of Doom)

Description: This popular swimming hole is located near the village of Tulum. It has a unique entrance as you come upon a foot/4.8 meter in diameter hole that drops 10 feet/3 met down to the water. An undercut ledge goes back in directions from 60 feet/18 meters to 100 feet/33 meters give the appearance of a giant donut. There is a sec smaller hole 10 feet/3 meters from the main entrance be careful not to fall down through it or drop personal possessions The best way to enter is jump in. There is a galvanized pipe ladder available to climb out. Lots of insects during warm, wet months.

Location: Drive 1.6 kilometers northwest on the Coba road from Highway 307. There is a parking area located on ri side of road. Be careful as vehicles are subject to theft.

Accessibility: This is a 3 minute hike into the jungle on a sascab, rugged trail

Public Facilities:: No

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE CARACOL

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities:: Yes

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE CARWASH

Description: This long time favorite cenote is owned and operated the Ejido Tulum. Clear only from late October thru mid-March when the nights are cool. During the wa summer months an intense algae bloom thrives render snorkeling useless. It contains a variety of fresh wa tropical fish and aquatic plant life with turtles various birds making good use the of the cenote . Location: Drive northwest eight kilometers northwest on the Coba road from Highway 307. It is located on left side highway.

Accessibility: Easy. It has a wooden platform with ladder available. There is plenty of parking for vehicles.

Public Facilities:: This site has dressing rooms and separate women’s men’s bathrooms available.

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE CHIKIN HA (water from the west)

Description: This is a huge collapse area that has b transformed into an attractive private recreational a for snorkeling and scuba diving. It has two cenotes involving the upstream and downstream sections of collapsed area. The downstream pool of water le into the Sistema PonDerosa cave system. The upstream pool of water leads into the SISTEMA X´TABAY cenote system. It has many trees and fauna giving it a v “natural” appearance.

Location: 2.3 kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras on the west side of Highway 307 next to the Kantun Chi r entrance.

Accessibility: Easy. Magnificent trails with borders, stone walkways and platforms. It makes the entryway to the wa effort less.

Public Facilities:: Yes There are modern toilets, outdoor showers with lockers.

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE CRISTAL

Description: This is an enchanting crystal clear cenote surrounded lush fauna. Beautiful stone platform and walkway along the edge of the cenote pool basin overlook by an ten foot/3 meter bluff. This cenote is part of Sistema PonDeRosa underwater cave system.

Location: This beautiful cenote is located 2.5 kilometers south Puerto Aventuras on Highway 307 on the west side.

Accessibility: Easy. This snorkel site is privately owned and ample parking. Stone platforms and wooden ladder available.

Public Facilities:: No

Entrance Fee: Yes

CALETA CHUKALAL

Description: This is a beautiful lagoon and spring outlet. Private homes surround the caleta. There exists plenty tropical fish and marine life to observe.

Location: This spring outlet is located on the south side of Puerto Aventuras Accessibility: By boat only.

Public Facilities:: No

Entrance Fee: No

CENOTES DOS OJOS (means two eyes)

Description: These two spectacular, gigantic cenotes lay side side on the Ejido Jacinto Pat property. The cenote is regarded as the best of the two cenotes for people to snorkel and swim. Crystal, clear fresh water flowing through it as it is part of an underground river system. Many speleothem decorations and fresh water tropical fish.

Location: From Xel Ha, travel exactly one kilometer south to the Dos Ojos road entrance.

Accessibility: Park at the general parking area available Walk on a designated path approximately 200 met to the far south side. An impressive set of stone st finds it way down into the cenote basin of Ojos East. It has a huge wooden deck available easy entry. Signs are posted leading to a path le to the right and the back side of Dos Ojos West wit set of steps going into the cenote with woo platforms.

Public Facilities:: Yes There are elevated Mayan style toilets.

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE EDEN

Description: First discovered for scuba diving and snorkeling May, 1991. This cenote drops 15 feet/4.5 meters beautiful pool of water. Stuffed with a t carpet of green vegetation. It has five differ species of fresh water tropical fish and many birds It is very popular destination for the snorkel t companies.

Location: Drive north from Aventuras Akumal 16.3 kilometers or kilometers south of Puerto Aventuras. Roadway is west side going up a steep slope. Drive past po lines to a metal gate.

Accessibility: Easy. Cement steps with platform. Convenient path around the cenote to several entry/exit points.

Public Facilities:: Yes There are four modern toilets.

Entrance Fee: Yes Must sign in through a local dive store or snorkeling tour company.

CENOTE ESCONDIDO (Cenote Mayan Blue)

Description: This cenote is hidden away in the jungle and is popular for swimming and snorkeling for those who seek privacy Depths are twenty feet/6 meters or less. A variety of fresh water tropical fish.

Location: Drive south on Highway 307 from the village of Tulum to parking area located on right side of the road. One kilometer east of Highway 307 on a ranch road that is part of the Ejido Tulum.

Accessibility: Parking available. Be sure to lock and secure vehicle. This is a 50 meter walk on an gravel path with stone border to the cenote. Eight foot/2.6 meter bluff. There is a st platform with ladder to enter and exit water.

Public Facilities:: Yes There are elevated Mayan style bathrooms.

Entrance Fee: Yes Pay at the Ejido Tulum ecological park on the west side of Highway 307.

THE GRAN CENOTE

Description: Considered the Riviera Maya’s BEST cenote for snorkeling, this natural collapse offers crystal clear water that allows the snorkeler to swim back at le 150 feet underneath the natural ledge opening on spring (upstream) side. You can snorkel along north edge of the cenote to the siphon s downstream) and actually traverse to a second cenote approximately 150 feet/45 meters. The cenote has array of columns, stalactites and various formations. Extreme care must be exercised by not touching walls or formations to protect and preserve environment. Bats and birds constantly flying in out of the cenote and underneath the ledge. Can very crowded during the mid-day as various snorkel companies and dive stores use this popular site.

Location: Go four kilometers northwest on the Coba road from Highway 307. Parking area is located on right side road traveling from Tulum.

Accessibility: This privately owned cenote provides parking bathrooms, ladder/steps into the cenote and wooden decks with boardwalks allowing easy acc into the water.

Public Facilities:: Yes

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTE HILARIO’s WELL

Description: This unique geological wonder is an opening at the surface with a ladder that leads down into a high decorated dry cave. The snorkeler can actually s in an underground stream of crystal, clear water t winds its way through an immense forest of crystal decorations that literally enchants you into a magi spell. It is extremely fragile. Lights are necessary each snorkeler. A professional guide is advise to t you to this incredible snorkeling site.

Location: Two kilometers south of Xel Ha on west side Highway 307. Take dirt road located on north side o private home complex (Don Hilario Mendoza) and HIDDEN WORLDS business follow it back for kilometer.

Accessibility: Fairly easy. Short walk from vehicle. Must climb d a metal ladder 10 feet into the cave. Electrical lighting is installed in first chamber to light up the cave a Public Facilities:: No

Entrance Fee: Yes Go the HIDDEN WORLDS Center on High 307 to gain access.

CENOTE KANTUN CHI

Description: The land owners have built a beautiful stone stairway down to the cenote basin with a stone platform al the edge of the water. The entire water area underneath a huge rock ledge. Cenote ZACIL (me “clear water”), SASK LEEM HA (means transparent water) and UCHIL HA (means ancient waters”) also located on the property and offering g snorkeling opportunities.

Location: Travel south on Highway 307 2.4 kilometers from Puerto Aventuras. Look for signs. Roadway entrance on the right (west) side. Follow dirt road backs as winds its way 1.3 kilometers back. There is an off and gift store availableAccessibility: E Public Facilities:: Yes

Entrance Fee: Yes

CENOTES KAZUKI CHAN

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities::

Entrance Fee:

CENOTE MANNATI (or known as Cenote Tan Kah)

Description: This is a wandering stream of water that emerges from the mangrove marshland and threads its towards the ocean for 400 meters before go underground and traversing 450 feet/137 me and springing out in the Caribbean Sea. There is abundance of fish live in this body of water. If you lucky, you may spot a sea turtle that has wand into the cenote from the sea. This is one of many e points for Sistema Sac Aktun underwater cave system R the world´s largest underwater cave system A very popular snorkeling site as you can snorkel b the cenote and the ocean and relax at the outdoor restaurant/bar.

Location: Drive from Xel Ha, travel south on Highway 307 kilometers. Look for the Casa Cenote Bar sign. Take left on dirt road and head east towards the ocean kilometers then take an abrupt left and travel no another half kilometer.

Accessibility: Easy.

Public Facilities:: No. The Casa Cenote Bar and Restaurant is located here and has Public Facilities:.

Entrance Fee: No

CENOTE NAHOCH NAH CHICH (Giant Birdhouse)

Description: This is a huge collapse owned by the “Don” Pedro Rodriquez Utizel family. Snorkeler can swim over feet/ 100 meters back underneath the rock led Crystal clear, fresh water which has a variety tropical fish and plant life. An outstanding advent to enjoy and experience.Location: Six kilometers south of Xel Ha with a roadway on west side of Highway 307. Look for the Cenote Caracol sign.

Accessibility: Beautiful constructed boardwalk, wooden platform west ladders for easy entry and exit from the water. Pal hut available for shade from the sun or protection from the rain.

Public Facilities:: Yes There are solar panel generated ventilation west elevated toilets with partitioned palatals for dress rooms.

Entrance Fee: Yes The ALLTOURNATIVE Outdoor Advent Company primarily uses this site.

CENOTE NAVAL

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities::

Entrance Fee:

CENOTE SUENO

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities::

Entrance Fee:

CENOTE TAK BI HA

Description: This incredible snorkel site is a treat in itself. A t hole takes you inside a huge dry cave room artificially lighted by generator. Crystal, clear blue pools of wa surround this room along the edges. A facinating place to explore and learn.

Location: It is located 600 feet/181 meters upstream from the Ojos West cenote. From the Dos Ojos general park area drive west .6 kilometers on a dirt roadAccessibility: You must climb down through a small ole on a steep wooden ladder into a huge dry cave room. It artificially lighted by generator.

Public Facilities:: No.

Entrance Fee: Yes Go to the HIDDEN WORLDS Park Center.

CENOTE TAJ MAHAL

Description: Imagine yourself in an air dome with beams of daylight penetrating inwards as if Luke Skywalker using his la torch. It is an unbelievable sight. This is an advanced snorkel dive as you must free dive and swim underwater from the Cenote Taj Mahal 25 feet/7.5 meters into “Points of Light” room. This room is 100 feet/30 meters diameter and at least 18 feet/5.5 meters high in air spa There is a colony of bats living in this room. Be s to go mid-day with the sun out to catch these incredible beams of light!

Location: Travel north from Aventuras Akumal 13.8 kilometers or 5.5 kilometers from Puerto Aventuras. The entrance 200 meters south of the Pemex Fuel Station on the west side. After paying your entry fee, drive back approximately 2 kilometers on a dirt into the jungle. The cenote parking is at the very end.

Accessibility: Easy cement walkway down into the cenote west platform.

Public Facilities:: No.

Entrance Fee: Yes Pay at Highway 307 entranceway.

CENOTE TRES RIOS

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities::

Entrance Fees:

CENOTE VERDE

Description:

Location:

Accessibility:

Public Facilities::

Entrant Fee:

CALETA XEL HA

Description: This commercial lagoon has been a popular destination for over 35 years. This site was once a harbor an port-of-call for the ancient Maya’s merchant marine. Today Xel Ha is a remarkable recreational s where snorkelers can explore a labyrinth of waterways lagoons and cenotes. Thanks to new additions and alternative attractions, visitors can make stay all and see an ancient wall built by the Mayans, cenotes, a Mayan cave and the incredible river which begins as a spring in the Mangrove forest. This ri opens up into a turquoise lagoon. Xel Ha also offer dolphin experience attraction which is high in demand requiring reservations well in advance. Gift Shops and restaurants available. A popular destination for snorkelingLocation: From Aventuras Akumal, travel south on Highway 10.6 kilometers. The main entrance on east side highway with plenty of signs to mark way.

Accessibility: Yes Designed and constructed as a national park with walkways, ramps, easy steps into the water.

Public Facilities:: Yes Several clean facilities

Entrance Fee: Yes

CALETA YAL KUL

Description: The magical lagoon of Akumal is a major spring outlet That gushes out from several limestone cracks holes feeding an endless supply of freshwater. M species of saltwater tropical fish and marine life can observed. This caleta is managed and protected by Akumal Environmental Association. It has import regulations to enforce and protect this fragile habitat.

Location: Enter at the Akumal Caribe entrance on Highway 307. Drive through the arches and turn left heading nor Drive around Half Moon Bay. Take a left at first roadway. This is a residential neighborhood many private homes built on the caleta and surround area.

Accessibility: Easy. There is limited parking. There are restrictions on the number of snorkelers in the water are enforced.

Public Facilities:: No

Entrance Fee: Yes