Cenote Angelita is a popular dive site in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, sometimes also called Baby or Little Angel in English, and is just one of over 6,000 cenotes that dot the Riviera Maya. The cenotes in this region were formed thousands of years ago when limestone bedrock collapsed to reveal the groundwater underneath.
Where Freshwater and Saltwater Meet
The water column within Cenote Angelita harbors a unique feature which resembles an underwater river but is technically a halocline. This is an exquisite phenomenon where freshwater and saltwater mix with a layer of hydrogen sulfate between them, causing a visible interface between the two.
So the answer to whether Angelita is actually an underground river is “no.” The halocline or hydrogen sulfate layer moves in a river-like way through the lighter freshwater above and the heavier saltwater below. It is incredibly dark in the hydrogen sulfate layer, and the deepest point of the dive is 200 feet.
If you choose to dive Cenote Angelita, you’ll enjoy the classic cave features of limestone stalactite and stalagmite formations. Marine life sightings are scarce, but more unusual than you may have ever seen before. Creatures living in this very dark environment have incredibly interesting adaptations for survival. The bank or edges of the underwater “river” hold accumulated leaves and trees that only serve to magnify the effect.
Dive Trip Information
Cenote Angelita is located south of the popular Spring Break destination of Cancun, and is a 20-minute drive from Tulum. Once parked, the rest of the approach is on foot through a short jungle hike down a rocky trail. This is a sweet spot for advanced divers, although guided trips can facilitate more intermediate abilities. It is considered to be a challenging dive due to its depth and the physically arduous entry and exit.
A full wetsuit is recommended (at least 5mm thickness), and you’ll need dive lights to see at dark depths. The water temperature typically hovers around 75F, and an Open Water certification is required.
If you’re looking for a truly unique dive experience and you happen to be traveling through the Riviera Maya, Cenote Angelita is just the place for you! There are many operators offering tours of this cenote, so be sure to ask around for the best prices and procedures.
