See The World from Within the Skull of The Earth at Calavera Cenote

Remember how the bad guys in movies and TV shows usually have their secret base in a mountain shaped like a skull? How would you like to swim in one? Calavera Cenote provides the perfect opportunity.

What does Calavera mean?

Your suspicions were correct: “calavera” means skull in Spanish. You might not realize it from above, but it’s inescapable from the water below. The smaller holes, the eyes; the big one, the mouth—it looks like a skull… from within.

Where is Calavera Cenote?

The Calavera Cenote is just north of Tulum, on highway 109, going to Coba. Between the ruins of Tulum and Coba and the famous Gran Cenote a couple of miles down the road, this route has a few interesting stops.

Available facilities

Only a couple of years ago there wasn’t much around the Cenote Calavera. That’s all changed now. The path has been given a complete overhaul making it easier to travel and is now flanked by stands that sell stuff. Things have changed around the cenote itself, too. It’s now surrounded by colorful sunbeds where you can soak up the sun and leave your stuff.

As is the case in almost every other cenote, there are bathrooms, changing rooms, and lifejacket rentals.

Inside the Calavera Cenote

What makes this cenote unique is also what makes it tricky to access. The Calavera Cenote is semi-open, and the pool is wider than the access holes above it—the mouth and eyes of the skull. A ladder, securely attached to the edge of the mouth, is your only way out. The way in, however, is another story. Most visitors chose the alternate route of jumping in.

Once inside, it’s just you and the low dome above you—it’s breathtaking. The Calavera Cenote can get crowded as it is very popular. That means a lot of people jumping in from above—be on your toes, as there are no lifeguards around.

At 62 feet deep, this is a popular cenote for divers. You will no doubt find a diving center or school that takes excursions to this unique place.