Cenote Car Wash (Aktun Ha) - Yucatán Cenotes

Gerombong, when the conditions are right, is one of our favourites in Lombok. The entry can be a bit of a scramble over rocks, so we’d only go if the sea is flat, otherwise it’s a non-starter. But if you get in, you’ll find a site that offers a lot. We love how it’s basically two distinct reefs, separated by a gentle slope of rock, each with its own personality. The big draw for us is the small cavern. It’s not a deep penetration, more like an overhang you can peek into, but the light plays beautifully off the walls inside. Look closely for those little surprises; we’ve spotted Freckled Anglerfish tucked away there, almost invisible against the rock. Out on the reefs, the Staghorn coral is a dominant feature, forming intricate structures where you’ll see schools of Glassy Cardinalfish shimmering, and if you’re patient, the tiny Shimada’s Pygmygoby darting in and out. Deeper, we’ve come across sizeable Gorgonian fans, and seen big snappers cruising past. It’s a site that rewards a slow pace, letting you really appreciate the smaller, often overlooked creatures. We’d say it suits divers who enjoy exploring nooks and crannies and have an eye for macro life, provided they don’t mind a bit of a rock scramble to get in.

Location

Yucatán Cenotes, Mexico, North America

Coordinates

20.274200, -87.486300

Type

cave

Marine Protected Area: Playa Tortuguera X'cacel-X'cacelito