OK, so I don't know much about cenotes, other than that they look really cool in all the pictures I've seen. But how deep are they? They look REALLY deep and intimidating (and from what I've read they can be incredibly deep). I can't really swim (not much more than a dog paddle) and my son can't either (he's almost 7). We're travelling the Yucatan peninsula next month and we'll come across many cenotes, I know, but I'm kind of nervous about actually getting IN them. Are there any cenotes that are, well, shallow, and safe for kids and non-swimmers? I really want to be able to jump in a cenote but if they're all really deep it's just not gonna happen. Any tips on good cenotes that fit the above description will be appreciated.
1
hummingbirdie
Hi Jen,
Have you thought of wearing life jackets? I know that one or two of the cenotes I went to have a shallow shelf near the edge, but after that you're in open water. The depth isn't really an issue, as you know people can drown in 10" of water or less. You really should experience a cenote, there's nothing in the world like it.
Go with the life jackets and have worry free fun!
2
jen325
Are life jackets available to rent at cenotes? I really do want to do it, but I can't help worrying, mostly about my son. He can't swim and there's no way I'd risk letting him even try in really deep water. I understand people can drown in any depth of water but I'm only really worried about, you know, REALLY deep water :-) I wouldn't be worried about it at all otherwise. But thanks for the tip!
3
peche
The birdie speaks sense. There are also snorkeling vests that are less bulky - that's what I would recommend, but bring your own, you'll use them over and over.
It's worth keeping in mind that cenotes are freshwater so it doesn't hold you up like saltwater.
I can think of one near Playa del Carmen that is shallow, although I can say for sure there aren't over-your-head areas in it. It's called Azul and is just south of the Barcelo Maya entrance, but on the jungle side of hwy 307. It's on a row of cenotes - El Jardin del Eden and Cristalino among them - but the others are deeper.
Best idea - find a local pool and get some swimming lessons. You and your son will love knowing how.
Caroline
4
hummingbirdie
Excellent idea Caroline - snorkling jackets will be better.
Jen - you should email some dive shops in the area you'll be staying and ask if they have rentals. If you'll be in an all inclusive they will probably have them, but you can email that hotel too.
5
ecocamper
Agua Azul is pretty shallow is some parts. Almost all of the cenotes have a lifeline strung across. Some people just hang onto them the entire time. I took a canvas inflatable "surf mat" with me, primarily to snorkle with. But I found it useful in the cenotes too. At one cenote (inside the limestone cave outside of Coba), there was a lifeguard standing by. That particular cenote was a real unique experience.
6
goofygeoffrey
Theres a cenote just 15 minutes west of Valladolid that is shallow. Dzitnup is its name. You can get there by the bus system but you will have to walk a mile from where the bus drops you off. Better to get a taxi for 50 pesos from Valladolid center. Its a very nice underground cenote with shallow water. Entrance was cheap, only 8 pesos. Have fun!!!!
8
rjonsun
Actually Dzitnup is quite deep. I should know as I jumped from the hole in the ceiling. However, the one across the street (Samula I believe) has some shallow areas. Also, the cenote near Chichen Itza, Ik Kil has life vests for rent for 20 MP or so. That is a deep one as well. The cenote north of Merida, Dzibilchaltun, has some shallow areas but to me is more like a pond than a classic cenote.
We are preparing for a trip to Jamaica soon, and have been looking for life vests online. Some are less than $25. It is just that they are a hassle to carry around. At least in Jamaica we will be staying in one place the whole time.
Regards,
Pro tip
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