18/10/2025
Cenote Angelita (Little Angel) is one of the most unique and famous diving cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, located about 17 kilometers south of Tulum.
Here are the key characteristics and what makes it special:
Location and Type: It is a deep, almost perfectly circular, open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle.
Depth: The cenote is approximately 60 meters (200 feet) deep, though most recreational dives go to a maximum depth of around 30-40 meters.
The "Underwater River" Illusion: Its most unique and famous feature is a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide gas that forms at a depth of about 30 meters (100 feet). This dense, cloudy layer, created by decomposing organic matter (like leaves and trees), creates the stunning illusion of an underwater river flowing through the cenote.
Halocline: Just above this hydrogen sulfide cloud is a halocline, where the less dense freshwater from the surface meets the denser saltwater from the aquifer below. This separation also contributes to the otherworldly visual effect.
Submerged Forest: Dead trees and branches protrude from the hydrogen sulfide cloud, enhancing the eerie, mystical, and often-described "twilight zone" or "drowned forest" atmosphere.
Diving Requirements: Cenote Angelita is considered an advanced dive site due to its depth. Divers are typically required to have at least an Advanced Open Water certification.
It is primarily a destination for scuba divers who seek a truly unique and surreal experience, often ranking it among their top dives worldwide.
