Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive

Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive – An Authentic Underwater Adventure in Quintana Roo

Exploring cenotes is undoubtedly one of the most iconic experiences you can have in the Yucatán Peninsula, and this combined dive tour in Angelita and Carwash offers a deep look into the region’s unique underwater landscape. While we haven’t personally tried it, detailed reviews and honest insights from previous adventurers make it clear this trip is a fantastic choice for certified divers craving something different from the usual reef excursions.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to explore two contrasting cenotes in one day—from the surreal, foggy depths of Angelita to the crystal-clear labyrinth of Carwash. Second, the expert guidance ensures safety and enhances the experience, especially given Angelita’s reputation as an advanced dive site. Lastly, the inclusion of full dive gear, local Mexican food, and snacks adds value, making it a well-rounded adventure.

However, a noteworthy point is that this experience demands advanced certification, so it’s not suitable for beginners. Also, the limited group size (up to 4 participants) means more personalized attention, but it can fill up quickly. Designed for certified divers wanting an unforgettable undersea journey, it’s ideal if you’re after a mix of awe-inspiring scenery and a touch of adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Two unique cenotes in one tour, offering diverse underwater environments
• Advanced certification required, suitable for experienced divers
• Small group size enhances safety and personalized experience
• Comprehensive inclusion of tanks, gear, snacks, and entrance fees
• Transport involves a 45-minute jeep ride between sites, adding to the adventure
• Timing typically in the morning, letting you enjoy the day afterwards

Discovering the Cenotes of Quintana Roo

The adventure begins at a central meeting point at Calle 6 Nte Bis., Playa del Carmen. From there, you’ll board a comfortable jeep or SUV for a roughly 45-minute ride through scenic landscapes, setting the tone for a day of exploration. The journey itself gives you a taste of the region’s lush environment and prepares you mentally for the surreal sights ahead.

Angelita: The Dreamlike Underwater Realm

Angelita is often considered the highlight of this tour—and for good reason. It’s renowned for its stratified waters, where a cloud of hydrogen sulfide filters through the lower layers, creating a foggy, almost ghostly scene. Dive guides like Carlos or Juan, known for their professionalism, will brief you on safety and what to expect, especially since Angelita is recommended for more experienced divers.

Upon descending, you’ll be surrounded by submerged fallen trees, which seem to drift in the misty darkness. The curious layer of hydrogen sulfide acts almost like a natural barrier, and the feeling of swimming through a foggy landscape makes this experience unlike any other. One review mentions how “the scene is surreal, akin to something straight out of a dream,” which perfectly captures the atmosphere.

What’s special? The combination of natural beauty and a hint of the otherworldly. The guide will point out the fallen trees and explain their significance, making the experience both visually stunning and educational. Expect to spend around 5 hours at Angelita, including safety briefings, marine life viewing, and your actual dive.

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Transition to Carwash: The Crystal Clear Labyrinth

After Angelita, you’ll hop back into the jeep for another 45-minute drive to Cenote Carwash, named after its function as a car cleaning spot in the past. Don’t let the name fool you—this cenote is a visual feast with water so clear you can see the formations and caverns from a distance.

Once you descend into Carwash, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of caverns and tunnels, perfect for exploring. The formations are mesmerizing, with stalactites and stalagmites creating a natural cathedral of stone. The water’s clarity allows you to appreciate the intricate details of each formation and marvel at the natural artistry.

This site is ideal for divers who love navigating through caves and passages. The guided tour ensures safety as you explore the labyrinth, making it accessible for those with the necessary experience. Reviewers have described it as “an underwater wonderland,” with one noting that it’s “unparalleled in beauty and complexity.”

What You Get and What’s Not

Included in the $240 fee are two tanks (one per cenote), full dive gear, the entrance fees for both cenotes, towels, snacks, fruits, and Mexican food afterwards. These add tremendous value, especially considering the overall experience’s uniqueness.

On the downside, photos are not included, and there’s an ecotax of $15 USD per person payable upon arrival. Transportation from your hotel to the dive center isn’t included, which might mean arranging your own or paying extra. Still, the small group size and all the gear provided contribute to a smooth, hassle-free adventure.

Practical Tips

Bring cash for the ecotax and any extras, and plan to arrive ready for a morning start. Since alcohol and drugs are not permitted, you’ll want to be clear-headed to enjoy the dives fully. Be sure your certification is current, as the maximum depth is 98 feet (30 meters), and the experience is only suitable for those with less than a year since their last dive.

Why This Tour Works Well

This tour is perfect for certified divers keen on exploring less mainstream, highly atmospheric cenotes. It offers a good balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and safety, thanks to knowledgeable guides. The combination of a foggy, surreal Angelita and a crystal-clear cavern like Carwash provides a well-rounded underwater experience.

For those who love natural formations, underwater landscapes that feel like scenes from a movie, or simply want to tick off two iconic cenotes in one trip, this tour ticks all the boxes. It also suits travelers looking for a small, intimate group experience with personalized guidance.

Final Thoughts

This Angelita and Carwash cenotes dive offers a rare glimpse into the underground world of Quintana Roo that few other experiences can match. The contrasting environments—Angelita’s haunting, foggy depths and Carwash’s intricate tunnels—make it a must-do for certified divers seeking a memorable adventure.

While the price might seem steep, the inclusion of gear, entrance fees, and the memorable scenery make it a solid value. The small group size and professional guides help ensure safety and a more tailored experience, ideal for those who want more than just a routine dive.

If you’re comfortable with your certification level and eager to see some of the most iconic cenotes in Mexico, this tour promises a challenging, visually stunning, and profoundly interesting underwater journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a specific certification to join this tour?
Yes, this experience requires advanced certification because of the depth and nature of the dives. If you haven’t been diving for over a year, you might not be eligible.

How long is the total experience?
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, including transportation, safety briefings, and the actual dives at both cenotes, usually scheduled in the morning to maximize daylight.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers two tanks (one at each cenote), full dive gear, cenote entrance, snacks, fruits, and Mexican food. Towels are also provided.

Are photos included in the package?
No, photos are not included, so if capturing the moment is important, you may want to bring your own waterproof camera or ask about additional photo options.

How do I get to the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Calle 6 Nte Bis., Playa del Carmen. Transportation between the meeting point, the cenotes, and back is not included but can be arranged or you can organize your own.

Is this suitable for children or non-divers?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 15 and requires a certain level of diving experience, making it best for adult, certified divers.

What should I bring with me?
Bring cash for the ecotax and tips, and wear comfortable clothing for after the dives. Sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof camera if you want photos are also recommended.

In The Sum Up

This tour offers a distinctive way to experience two of the most fascinating cenotes in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. The contrasting environments, from the foggy mystique of Angelita to the dazzling labyrinth of Carwash, create a diving experience that’s both adventurous and visually breathtaking.

It’s best suited for certified divers with some experience, who appreciate small-group settings, and are eager to see a less touristy side of the region’s underwater landscape. The combination of professional guidance, excellent gear, and the unforgettable scenery makes this a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting more than a casual snorkel or reef trip.

Travelers craving authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures will find this tour rewarding, provided they meet the requirements and are prepared for the deep and sometimes challenging environment. Prepare to be wowed by the natural artistry beneath Mexico’s surface.

You can check if your dates are available here: