Cenote Angelita - Yucatán Cenotes

Gem Stone Bay, tucked into the Hahei Marine Reserve, feels like stepping back in time to how New Zealand’s coast used to be. For a site with a maximum depth of just nine metres, it’s remarkably lively. We love drifting through the kelp, watching big snapper eye us up; they’re bold here, sometimes nipping at anything shiny. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the incredible recovery of a protected area. We’ve seen massive red rock lobster tucked into crevices and schools of triplefins flitting between the fronds. Keep an eye out for a Southern reef squid darting past. Visibility averages eight metres, which is decent for a shallow bay, but we always try to hit it on a calm day for the best experience. It’s a no-take zone, of course, and the marine life here really shows what a difference that makes.

Location
Yucatán Cenotes, Mexico, North America
Coordinates
20.137500, -87.577800
Type
cenote

Marine Protected Area: Arrecifes de Sian Ka'an

Nearby Dive Sites in Yucatán Cenotes

Nearest Dive Centres to Cenote Angelita

Marine Life in Yucatán Cenotes

Home to 425 recorded species including 340 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 14 other, 13 sharks & rays, 6 crabs & lobsters, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is Cenote Angelita for recreational diving, and what are the main attractions at those depths?
Cenote Angelita offers recreational diving to a maximum depth of 33m, providing an unforgettable experience. The primary attraction at these depths is the unique hydrogen sulfide cloud, which creates an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. This surreal underwater landscape is what makes Cenote Angelita a renowned dive site.
What dive certification level is required to dive Cenote Angelita?
While Cenote Angelita is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive, it is generally recommended for advanced divers due to its unique environment and depth. Divers should possess the necessary experience and training for cenote diving. For more details on this unique site, visit the Cenote Angelita page.
How challenging is the Cenote Angelita dive, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Cenote Angelita is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. Due to its maximum depth of 33m and the unique hydrogen sulfide cloud, it is specifically recommended for advanced divers. Therefore, it is not suitable for beginner divers who lack the necessary experience for such an environment.
What is the best time of year or day to dive Cenote Angelita for optimal light and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive Cenote Angelita for optimal light and visibility. However, the average visibility in this cenote is a clear 19m, ensuring good conditions for exploring its unique features. For general information on dive planning, you might consult when to dive resources, and for specific site details, check the Cenote Angelita page.
What are the typical water conditions, temperature, and visibility like in Cenote Angelita, particularly around the hydrogen sulfide cloud?
Cenote Angelita typically boasts an average visibility of 19m, offering clear views of its unique environment. Around the hydrogen sulfide cloud, the conditions become particularly eerie, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that defines this dive. While specific water temperatures are not provided, the experience around this cloud is a defining feature of Cenote Angelita.
Beyond the hydrogen sulfide cloud, what unique geological features or marine life can divers expect to see in Cenote Angelita?
Beyond the distinctive hydrogen sulfide cloud, Cenote Angelita is renowned for its overall eerie underwater landscape and otherworldly atmosphere. The provided data does not specify other unique geological features or marine life that divers can expect to see. The primary draw remains the surreal environment created by the cloud itself, making it a truly unique dive experience at Cenote Angelita.