Open cenote · Tulum
Cenote Angelita
- Type
- Open cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
Cenote Angelita ("little angel") south of Tulum is famous among divers for its underwater "river": a white cloud of hydrogen sulfide at about 30 m, with tree branches poking through, that looks like a river flowing at the bottom of the cenote.
Cenote Angelita is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
The underwater river
At about 30 m divers reach a thick, milky cloud of hydrogen sulfide made by rotting leaves and wood. From above it looks like a river or fog, with dead trees and branches sticking out of it. Below the cloud is dark salt water.
Who can dive it
Angelita is a deep dive for experienced, certified divers, usually with an advanced or deep certificate and a dive guide. There is no cave ceiling over the main shaft, but depth makes careful planning essential.
Can swimmers visit?
The surface is a small, dark jungle pond with little to see, so it is not a swimming spot. Non-divers usually see Angelita through divers' photos and videos.
What to do at Cenote Angelita
- Deep diving (advanced, guided)
Highlights
- Total depth reported at about 56–60 m
- Hydrogen sulfide cloud at about 30 m
- Halocline where fresh water meets salt water
- Recreational dives limited to about 30 m
How to get to Cenote Angelita
Location: About 17 km south of Tulum, off Highway 307.
About 15–20 minutes south of Tulum by car on Highway 307. Most visitors come with a dive center.
Cenote Angelita entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for Cenote Angelita yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: Cenote Angelita opens in daytime only; confirm hours locally before you go.
How far is Cenote Angelita?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to Cenote Angelita: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to Cenote Angelita: 45 min
- Cancún to Cenote Angelita: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to Cenote Angelita: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to Cenote Angelita: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to Cenote Angelita
- Time needed: 1–2 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Early morning (before about 10 am) for calm water and fewer people; weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is Cenote Angelita worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for advanced divers. At Cenote Angelita you can do: deep diving (advanced, guided).
Tips and rules for visiting
- This is a deep dive for experienced, advanced-certified divers.
- Not a swimming cenote for most tourists.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: The halocline in cenotes, How deep are cenotes?, Cenote vs sinkhole, The hydrogen sulfide cloud in cenotes
Cenote Angelita FAQs
What is the underwater river in Cenote Angelita?
A layer of hydrogen sulfide at about 30 m that looks like a misty river with branches sticking out.
How deep is Cenote Angelita?
Dive centers report about 56–60 m total depth; recreational dives stop around 30 m.
Can you swim in Cenote Angelita?
It is mainly a diving site; check with local dive centers about swimming access.
Where is Cenote Angelita?
Cenote Angelita is near Tulum. About 17 km south of Tulum, off Highway 307.