Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive

If you’re looking to add a splash of adventure to your trip to the Riviera Maya, this scuba tour to explore two of the area’s most captivating cenotes might just be your best bet. Starting from Playa del Carmen, you’ll spend about 5.5 hours with experienced guides like The Dive Machine, visiting Cenote Angelita and Cenote Carwash—two destinations famed for their otherworldly beauty and unique underwater features. With a price of $240 per person, this experience offers a fair balance of value, adventure, and authentic natural beauty.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the eerie, mystical atmosphere of Cenote Angelita, with its hydrogen sulfide cloud and fallen trees, alongside the crystal-clear, cavernous labyrinth of Cenote Carwash, which feels more like swimming through an underwater cathedral. The guides are well-versed and focus on safety, making even experienced divers feel confident and cared for. Plus, the inclusion of Mexican food and fresh fruits at the end of the dive makes this a full, satisfying experience.

One potential consideration is that this tour requires advance scuba certification and is limited to divers who haven’t been out of the water for more than a year. If you’re not certified or haven’t dived recently, this might not be the right fit. It’s best suited for those who already have some diving experience and want to see some of the most surreal underwater sights in the region.

This experience is ideal for certified divers eager to explore the distinctive features of Cenotes, especially those interested in adventurous, visually stunning dives that go beyond the usual reef. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate a small group setting—limited to four participants—to ensure personalized attention.

Key Points

Unique underwater landscapes — From hydrogen sulfide clouds to labyrinthine caverns, these cenotes are unlike any other diving spots.
Expert guidance — The guides prioritize safety and local knowledge, making the experience both enjoyable and secure.
Authentic Mexican food and snacks — End your adventure with a tasty meal and fresh fruits, adding a cultural touch.
Limited group size — Small groups ensure more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Two very different dives — Experience the mystical, dream-like atmosphere of Angelita and the cavernous beauty of Carwash.
Requires certification — Only suitable for divers with current or recent certification, limiting accessibility for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Cenote Adventure

The Journey Begins: From Playa del Carmen to the Cenotes

The tour departs from Calle 6 Nte Bis. 227, with transportation in a jeep or SUV that takes about 45 minutes. This short drive is a good opportunity to get a quick briefing from guides and settle into the trip ahead. We found that the transport is comfortable, and the scenic ride offers a glimpse of the lush landscape surrounding the cenotes.

First Stop: Cenote Angelita — The Surreal Experience

Angelita is often called the most surreal of the cenotes. As you descend, the sunlight filtering through the clear water creates an almost hypnotic effect. The highlight here is the hydrogen sulfide cloud, which appears as a dark, cloud-like layer about halfway down, separating the fresh water above from the saltwater below. This creates an eerie, layered environment, almost like swimming in a dream.

The scene is enhanced by fallen trees submerged in the water, giving the impression of an ancient, submerged forest. We loved the way the guides explained the formation and significance of these features, making it more than just a pretty sight—they provided context about how these cenotes formed over thousands of years.

The Second Dive: Cenote Carwash — A Labyrinth of Caverns

After a brief surface break and some snacks, the journey continues to Cenote Carwash. Named after its original use as a taxi cleaning station, this cenote has evolved into a stunning site with crystalline waters and intricate cavern systems that invite exploration.

What sets Carwash apart is the sheer labyrinth of tunnels and stalactites that adorn the cavern ceilings. We loved the way the guide led us through narrow passages, pointing out fascinating rock formations and ensuring safety at every turn. The experience feels very adventurous, as if you are wandering through an otherworldly cathedral beneath the earth.

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Guides, Safety, and the Experience

The guides are fluent in Spanish and English, making it accessible for international travelers. They emphasize safety, conducting thorough briefings before each dive and closely monitoring your comfort level. We appreciated their patience, especially when navigating the narrow cavern passages.

Each diver gets one tank per cenote, with full gear provided, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and regulators. Towels and snacks are also included, which helps keep energy levels high after two immersive dives.

Meal and Rest: Enjoying Mexican Hospitality

After the dives, you’ll enjoy Mexican food, which is well regarded and includes snacks, water, and fresh fruits. This relaxed meal is a perfect way to reflect on the day and share stories with fellow divers. Having this included adds excellent value—especially considering the cost of food and beverages otherwise.

Practical Tips for Your Cenote Diving Adventure

• Certification is a must: This tour is only for divers with advance certification or those who have dived within the last year.
• Bring cash: An ecotax of $15 USD per person is payable upon arrival, and you might want cash for tips or souvenirs.
• Arrive prepared: Bring your own cash, and wear comfortable clothing for the transport.
• No alcohol or drugs: Remember, safety is paramount—these are strict rules.
• Timing: Usually available in the morning, so plan your day accordingly.
• Small group: Limited to 4 participants, which means more personalized attention but also requires early booking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a certified diver seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour offers something truly special. The surreal atmosphere of Angelita and the labyrinth of cavities at Carwash are perfect for those who want more than a reef experience—they want to see the unusual formations that make the Riviera Maya famous among underwater explorers.

It’s especially suited for those comfortable with narrow caverns and deeper dives (up to 98 ft/30 m), and who appreciate guided experiences where safety and local knowledge are priorities. This isn’t for beginners or casual snorkelers; it’s aimed at experienced divers looking to add a memorable chapter to their diving story.

Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?

For adventurous, certified divers, the Tulum: Angelita & Carwash Cenotes Dive offers a compelling blend of visual marvels and underground mystery. The tour combines two contrasting environments—Angelita’s foggy, dreamscape-like water with submerged trees, and Carwash’s cavernous tunnels—making each dive feel like a different world. The guides’ professionalism and the included Mexican meal add to the overall value.

While the price of $240 might seem high, it includes full gear, entrance fees, snacks, and guides, which would make separate arrangements more complicated and expensive. The small group size enhances the experience, ensuring you aren’t just another face in a crowd.

This experience is best for divers who crave unique underwater sights and are prepared for the physical and technical demands of exploring cenotes. If you’re an experienced diver wanting to see the more mystical side of Mexico’s underwater landscape, this tour will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special certification to participate?
Yes, this tour requires advance certification and is suitable for divers who haven’t been out of the water for more than a year. If your last dive was more than a year ago, you might not qualify.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience takes about 5.5 hours, with most of that time spent diving and traveling between sites.

What is included in the price?
The price covers two tanks, full dive gear, cenote entrance fees, snacks, water, fruits, and a Mexican meal.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, an ecotax of $15 USD per person is payable upon arrival, and tips are at your discretion.

What are the dive depths?
Dives go to a maximum of 98 ft / 30 mts.

Can I bring a camera?
The tour does not include photos; if you want pictures, you’ll need to bring your own camera—they are not included in the package.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for the ecotax and tips, and wear comfortable clothing for transportation.

Are children allowed?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 15 years.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is in a jeep or SUV from the starting point to the cenotes but does not include hotel pick-up.

Is this tour available in other languages?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English.

Final Summary

This Cenote diving experience, offered by The Dive Machine, stands out as a premium adventure for certified divers seeking something more than reefs. It combines the mystical allure of Angelita’s cloud-like hydrogen sulfide layers with the cavernous beauty of Carwash, making each dive feel like stepping into another universe. The small group size, attentive guides, and the inclusion of a delicious Mexican meal make it a compelling choice for those ready for a technical yet awe-inspiring underwater journey.

While it’s not suitable for beginners or non-certified divers, for those with experience, this tour offers an authentic, visually stunning, and well-organized adventure that you’ll remember long after you surface. If you’re craving something uniquely Mexican and a little bit surreal, this is a dive experience you won’t want to miss.

You can check availability for your dates here: