Cenote The Pit A Deep Paradise
2024-04-30 15:00:28
A natural wonder that attracts daring scuba divers from all over the world.
Cenote The Pit (or El Pit, as the locals say!) is a natural wonder that attracts daring scuba divers from all over the world.
It is situated in the jungle of the Riviera Maya, close to the town of Tulum, in the Dos Ojos Park.
This cenote is a hidden gem that provides a memorable diving experience because to its crystal-clear waters, distinctive geological structures, and profound depths.
We'll explore what makes Cenote El Pit unique in this post, along with some advice on how to get the most out of your diving adventures with DEEP Mexico.
History of Cenotes
Cenotes, such as El Pit have a long and fascinating history that date back to the ancient Maya civilization. For the Maya people, cenotes were not only sources of fresh water but also sacred places that were believed to be gateways to the underworld.
It is said that the Mayan people performed religious ceremonies and made offerings to the gods in these cenotes.
Cenote El Pit has gained recognition as one of the best diving locations in the world and is now a bucket-list spot for scuba divers. The Mexican government currently oversees Cenote El Pit as a protected natural area to ensure its preservation for future generations.
What Makes Cenote El Pit So Special?
Cenote El Pit is one of the most requested cenote dive sites in the Riviera Maya. This is due to its unique geological formation, crystal-clear waters, and incredible underwater vistas, which make it a one-of-a-kind diving experience.
As its name suggests The Pit is a large open pit, which actually reaches 40 meters deep. Although, from the surface, even though the visibility is perfect, you can only make out to around 30 meters before you see an impressive cloud layer. (Cenote The Pit actually has a further tunnel that has been explored to a maximum depth of 119meters! But this is for highly specially trained technical divers only!)
As well as the impressive, sheer magnitude of the cavern you swim within, it is the stunning light beams that penetrate the water which are most divers lasting memories of diving in El Pit.
Although diving is great in cenotes, all year round, no matter the weather, it is best to visit Cenote El Pit in the morning on a sunny day, so the light shines at its best.
Diving in The Pit Cenote
From the surface so note El pit looks like a small hole in the ground. Once you are geared up you walk down a set of stairs to a small platform to enter the water. This so note also has a pulley system to help lower your gear into the water if you find maneuvering with it difficult.
Once you take that giant stride into the fresh water you know something special is going to happen.
As a small group divers will safely descend together to the depths of The Pit. Even for divers who have been in El Pit Cenote before, the sheer scale and size of the chamber is breathtaking. Looking around the walls you see the marks lines and erosion in the geology showing how this huge cavern has evolved over history since the Ice Age to now.
Within Cenote El Pit you will swim around and through some rockfall formations and it is only then when you turn to face the entrance of the cenote that you see the spectacular vision that makes this a note everybody's favorite. The laser beams of light. A magical, ethereal sight to behold.
Halocline Layer at Cenotes El Pit
At The Pit cenote, you get to experience a crazy halocline layer. This is when a layer of fresh water and layer of saltwater mix, and it creates a blurry effect – so much so that you’ll think that your eyes aren’t working properly!
Hydrogen sulfide cloud
In the bottom of The Pit, a layer of hydrogen sulfide gas, covers the floor (similarly to Cenote Angelita!) It is caused by organic matter which decomposes at depth and pressure.
It makes the bottom of the cenote look like a movie set, with a rolling fog-machine blowing over the floor.
Be aware of keeping your equipment carefully strapped to you in this deep dive, as many a dropped Go Pro, or other dive gear has been lost beneath this thick fog. (And sadly, it’s almost impossible to retrieve!)
Unique Archeology
Not only are there the stalactites and stalagmites within the cenote to see, but cenote El Pit also has small animal bones from birds that have been found inside its depths.
There is also a secret little passageway where you can see remnant of ancient Mayan pottery, we can only begin to wonder HOW that made its way inside there!
Marine Life
When it comes to marine life in cenotes, it’s not completely non-existent, but you’re not going to see more than the odd tiny fish. But seeing fish and animal species is NOT what cenote diving is all about.
However dull it may sound, but it’s the crazy rock formations and light that are the beauty held within these natural sinkholes and why divers keep coming back!
Certification level for Cenotes The Pit
As cenote El Pit is a deep dive, you do need to have your advanced open water certification or a deep specialty in order to dive in this cenote.
If you do not have these level certifications, please contact us and we can arrange for you 2 achieve these certifications as part of your dive trip in the Riviera Maya.
Come Diving with DEEP Mexico
As well as the wonderous cenotes, such as El Pit, at DEEP Mexico, we can also take you on dives in the ocean in Playa del Carmen, or in Cozumel too.
Find out more about the different options available by checking out the rest of our blog, or send us a message to book your custom dive trip today!
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