Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive

Thinking about exploring some of Mexico’s most intriguing underwater spots? This Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive tour offers a chance to experience two very different, yet equally stunning, cenotes in Quintana Roo. Designed for certified divers ready to go beyond the typical reef, this trip promises both awe-inspiring scenery and the kind of adventure that sticks with you.

What we particularly like about this tour is its unique focus on cenotes, which are a different world from coral reefs. The immediate thrill of descending into surreal underwater landscapes is a highlight. Plus, the small group size — limited to just four participants — means you’ll likely get plenty of personal attention from your guides. On the flip side, a notable consideration is that it requires an advanced certification, so it’s not for complete beginners, and the maximum depth is 98 feet, which might be limiting for some.

If you’re a diver with some experience looking to explore Mexico’s famed cenotes, this tour could be just what you’re after. It’s less about relaxing in the sun and more about discovering incredible geological formations and underwater scenery. It’s not ideal if you’re new to diving or traveling with children under 15, but if you’re comfortable with your certification level, this is a memorable way to connect with nature’s underground artistry.

Key Points

Unique Cenote Experience: Combines two very different cenotes, Angelita and Carwash, for a diverse underwater adventure.
Surreal Landscapes: Expect a scene straight out of a dream at Angelita with fallen trees and a cloud of hydrogen sulfide.
Labyrinthine Caverns: Cenote Carwash offers crystalline waters and intricate cavern formations.
Expert Guidance: Led by experienced guides who prioritize safety and making the most of your dive.
Small Group Size: Limited to four participants, offering a more personalized experience.
Value: For $240, you get full gear, entrance fees, tanks, snacks, and Mexican food, making it a competitive package for this kind of experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at a central location, Calle 6 Nte Bis. 227, in Playa del Carmen. From there, you’ll hop into a Jeep or SUV for a roughly 45-minute drive to each cenote. The transportation timing is pretty standard and gives you a little buffer to relax and chat with your guide before the adventure begins. The convenience of having transport included means you won’t have to worry about organizing travel — just show up ready to go.

Cenote Angelita: A Surreal Underwater World

Angelita is a favorite among more experienced divers for good reason. It’s known for its otherworldly atmosphere: sunlight filters down through the water, illuminating fallen trees that lie beneath the surface, creating a scene straight from a fantasy movie. The hanging cloud of hydrogen sulfide adds to the dreamlike quality, creating a layered view that’s unlike typical diving spots.

This cenote is perfect for those who appreciate dramatic scenery and geological quirks. The guide’s safety briefing is essential, given the depth (up to 98 feet/30 meters), but once submerged, you’ll likely be mesmerized by the floating trees and the eerie, silent beauty of the place. As one reviewer put it, the scene is “surreal, akin to something straight out of a dream,” which really captures the atmosphere.

Cenote Carwash: Crystalline Caverns & Labyrinths

After Angelita, the journey continues to Carwash, a spot with a history as a taxi cleaning station. Today, it’s renowned for its clear waters and complex underground passages. You’ll explore labyrinthine caverns adorned with stunning formations, offering a different kind of visual delight compared to Angelita’s dramatic surface features.

The experience here is more about discovering the cavernous structures and appreciating the crystalline clarity of the water. It’s a fantastic contrast to Angelita’s atmospheric, almost mystical vibe. Reviewers mention the “labyrinth of caverns [that] make each dive a voyage into an underwater wonderland,” which is a perfect way to describe it.

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Guides and Safety

The Dive Machine provides experienced guides who prioritize safety while ensuring you get the most out of each dive. They’ll lead you through each cenote, help you navigate the dark caverns, and point out interesting formations and wildlife along the way. Given the specialized nature of these cenotes, the guides’ expertise is essential.

What’s Included and What’s Extra

For $240, you get a lot: full dive gear, tanks for both cenotes, entrance fees, towels, snacks, fruits, and Mexican food. The inclusion of full gear and tanks is crucial, as it simplifies logistics. Snacks and food are a nice touch, especially after a couple of hours underwater.

However, some extras aren’t included, like photos (which could be a missed opportunity for many) and the ecotax of $15 USD per person, payable on arrival. Transport from your hotel to the dive shop isn’t included either, so be prepared for that extra step if your accommodation isn’t nearby.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts about 5.5 hours, most likely in the morning, which is perfect for fitting in before the day gets busy. The limited group size of four people makes for a more intimate experience — the guides can focus more on your comfort, and you’re less likely to feel rushed or crowded.

Certification and Limits

This experience requires an advanced diving certification. The maximum depth of 98 feet (30 meters) is standard for certified divers, but it’s not suitable for complete beginners. Also, people who haven’t dived in the past year might not be eligible, so check your certification date.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re an experienced diver looking to tick off some of the most iconic cenotes in Mexico, this tour hits the mark. It offers a good balance of stunning scenery, manageable logistics, and personalized attention. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the guides’ expertise helps ensure safety in these unique environments.

It’s especially suited to those who want a full-day adventure that combines exploration, natural beauty, and a bit of adventure. The price reflects the full package, including gear and food, making it a reasonable choice if you’re eager to explore these underground worlds without worrying about extra costs or complicated planning.

Who Should Think Twice

This isn’t a tour for complete novices or families with young children under 15, given the depth and safety requirements. Also, if you’re not currently certified or have been out of the water for over a year, you’ll need to renew your certification or check your readiness.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re expecting a relaxed, vacation-style experience, this might feel more intense, given the focus on technical and scenic diving.

Final Thoughts

This Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive tour offers a rare glimpse into Mexico’s underground wonders. The combination of Angelita’s mystical surface and Carwash’s labyrinth of caverns makes for a well-rounded, visually stunning experience. The small group setting, expert guides, and included amenities add a lot of value, making it a worthwhile choice for seasoned divers wanting to explore something truly different.

The experience is about more than just the dive — it’s about witnessing a natural masterpiece, feeling the thrill of the underwater environment, and connecting with a landscape that’s as otherworldly as it gets. If your certification is current, and you’re craving a dive that’s both beautiful and a little adventurous, this tour could be just what you’re after.

FAQs

Do I need special certification for this tour?
Yes, this experience requires an advanced certification. It’s not suitable for beginners, and you should be comfortable diving to a maximum depth of 98 feet (30 meters).

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 5.5 hours, most likely scheduled in the morning.

Are transportation costs included?
No, transportation from your hotel to the dive shop isn’t included. The tour starts at a designated location in Playa del Carmen, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport if not nearby.

What is included in the price?
For $240, you get full dive gear, tanks for both Cenote Angelita and Carwash, entrance fees, towels, snacks, fruits, and Mexican food.

Can I take photos during the dive?
Photos aren’t included, so if you want pictures, you’ll need to bring your own underwater camera or device.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 4 participants, which allows for a more personal and flexible experience.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the ecotax ($15 USD per person) and any extra snacks or personal items you might want.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 15 due to safety and certification requirements.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility in your planning.

This tour is a fantastic choice for anyone with the right certification eager to see some of Mexico’s most extraordinary underwater sights. It balances adventure with comfort, making for an unforgettable day beneath the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: