Cave cenote · Tulum
The Pit Cenote
- Type
- Cave cenote
- Area
- Tulum
- Entry fee
- Check at entrance
- Hours
- Daytime, check locally
The Pit (El Pit) is a deep vertical cenote inside Parque Dos Ojos, north of Tulum, known for sunbeams cutting through clear water, a halocline and a hydrogen sulfide cloud. Its depth of about 119 m makes it one of the deepest known cenotes in Quintana Roo.
The Pit Cenote is one of the best cenotes in Tulum in our guide to cenotes in Mexico.
The dive
Divers descend a round shaft to about 30 m. Near the top, sun rays drop straight down through the clear water. Lower down they pass the halocline, then reach the top of a milky hydrogen sulfide cloud, with old tree trunks poking through it.
Who can dive it
The Pit is a deep dive for certified, experienced divers with good buoyancy control; operators usually ask for an advanced certificate and recent dives. The water is about 25 °C, so a full wetsuit helps.
Can non-divers visit?
Snorkelers and swimmers can float at the surface of the shaft on some park tickets, but the famous views are deep below. Freedivers also train here with a guide.
What to do at The Pit Cenote
- Deep diving (advanced, guided)
- Swimming (limited)
Highlights
- Depth around 119 m (reported)
- Recreational dives usually to about 30 m
- Sunbeams and hydrogen sulfide layer
- Part of the Sac Actun system
How to get to The Pit Cenote
Location: Inside Parque Dos Ojos, off Highway 307 about 20 minutes north of Tulum.
Through the Dos Ojos park entrance on Highway 307, about 20 minutes north of Tulum; most come with a dive center.
The Pit Cenote entrance fee and hours
Entry: we have not found a reliable, current price for The Pit Cenote yet. Ask at the Tulum entrance and bring cash in pesos.
Hours: The Pit Cenote is a cave cenote, so midday light is best; confirm opening hours locally.
How far is The Pit Cenote?
Approximate driving times to the Tulum cenote area (car, normal traffic):
- Tulum town to The Pit Cenote: 10–30 min
- Playa del Carmen to The Pit Cenote: 45 min
- Cancún to The Pit Cenote: 1 h 45 min
- Valladolid to The Pit Cenote: 1 h 30 min
- Mérida to The Pit Cenote: 3 h 30 min
Plan your visit to The Pit Cenote
- Time needed: about 1–1.5 hours at the cenote, more if you combine it with nearby cenotes.
- Best time to go: Around midday if the roof has openings that create light beams; otherwise any time, ideally early before tour groups arrive.
- Packing: see what to bring to a cenote.
Is The Pit Cenote worth visiting?
Yes, if you are looking for advanced divers, light beams. At The Pit Cenote you can do: deep diving (advanced, guided), swimming (limited).
Tips and rules for visiting
- Advanced certification required for diving.
- Swimming access is limited; ask at the park.
Nearby cenotes
See all the best cenotes in TulumLearn more: How deep are cenotes?, The halocline in cenotes, Sac Actun underwater cave system, The hydrogen sulfide cloud in cenotes
The Pit Cenote FAQs
How deep is The Pit?
It is reported at about 119 m; recreational dives usually stay near 30 m.
Where is The Pit cenote?
Inside Parque Dos Ojos, north of Tulum.
What type of cenote is The Pit Cenote?
The Pit Cenote is a cave cenote. The Pit (El Pit) is a deep vertical cenote inside Parque Dos Ojos, north of Tulum, known for sunbeams cutting through clear water, a halocline and a hydrogen sulfide cloud.
What can you do at The Pit Cenote?
Popular activities at The Pit Cenote: deep diving (advanced, guided), swimming (limited).