 Cenotes
are "sinkholes", in the heart of the Yucatan's underwater
cavern region. It is pronounced 'say-no-tay' from ancient mayan
meaning 'sacred well'.
The northern part of the Yucatan peninsula has
a vast number of rivers that flow underground. Below ground, this
peninsula is covered with limestone and the water carves through
the lime stone forming submerged caves. When a portion of earth
above the river/lake collapses, it tends to stay that way forming
cenotes that are actually windows to the rivers that flow beneath
the ground. You can find big and small cenotes used by the locals
as swimming holes.
Please note
that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the
right of this pages. 
All archaeological sites associated with the
Mayans are located near cenotes. It seems the bigger the cenote
the larger the site. These cenotes played a practical role as
a source of water not only for the population but also for the
indigenous wildlife that made hunting easier. Maya civilization
included these cenotes in their religious rituals.
Cenotes are a unique
opportunity to experience cavern diving and snorkeling at its
best. The best cavern diving can be done at Dos Ojos, Azul and
the Bat Cave. You must be cave-dive certified to dive these underground
rivers since it can get dangerous. Some specialized equipment
are needed to dive them safely.
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