Cenote Yax-Chen
Protected Area
Playa Tortuguera X'cacel-X'cacelito
Why dive here
With 417+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, bull sharks, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Cenote Yax-Chen offers some of Yucatán Cenotes's richest reef diving.
Yax-Chen, meaning 'green pond' in Mayan, offers a different kind of cenote experience. It’s an open-air cenote, part of the Ox Bel Ha system, feeling more like a tranquil lake surrounded by mangroves than a typical cavern. The average depth here is 5-7 meters, maxing out at 8 meters, with a bottom of delicate shells, sediment, and algae – so good buoyancy is key. You'll often spot tarpon, blue crabs, and various freshwater fish. After rain, the surface often develops a vibrant, tannic thermocline, a cool visual effect. We’d suggest this spot for newer cenote divers or those looking for a relaxed, unique freshwater dive without the overhead environment.
Typical Cenote Yax-Chen Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
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Conditions
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