Diving in Casa Cenote, Tulum with “Pancho” the Crocodile

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Ever wondered what it’s like to scuba dive in one of Tulum’s most famous cenotes? Casa Cenote is an open-air cenote that snakes through dense mangrove forests, perfectly caught between the ocean and jungle. 

As one of the most popular places for snorkeling and scuba diving around Tulum, our experience diving Casa Cenote was amazing! 

This dive is particularly great for beginners and is a hotspot for discovery dives. 

We were able to practice our dive skills while also getting the chance to explore its crystal clear water and see wildlife like small schools of fish – and Casa Cenote’s friendly, resident crocodile, Pancho.

In this guide, I share my experience doing a discovery dive of Casa Cenote!

The Complete Guide: Casa Cenote, Tulum

Casa Cenote, also known as Cenote Manatee because of the manatees that used to flow into the cenote from the sea, is a large, open-air cenote that weaves its way through the jungle.

The best way to see it is with a drone to get an idea of its size and proximity to the sea on the other side of the road.

Casa Cenote’s depth is around 6-8 m or 20-25 ft, and our dive lasted for around 45 minutes (25 to go up, about 20 to come back with the current).

Things to do at Casa Cenote:

• Scuba diving (great for first-timers)
• Snorkeling and swimming
• Paddleboarding

Before or after your dive, you’ll notice bizarre currents just offshore if you walk across the street and look at the sea. This phenomenon is because Casa Cenote is connected to the sea, and the mixing of freshwater and saltwater creates a unique ripple in the water.

You can also snorkel and swim for leisure in Casa Cenote, but having scuba-dived in it, I believe the best view is underneath the surface, not on top.

The thick, mossy roots of the mangroves hang down and create a unique perspective from below. There’s also aquatic and sea life, such as barracudas and crabs, that we saw!

If you’re observant, you’ll also notice a thin yellow string that disappears into the cave’s darkness during your dive. That’s where cave divers enter farther into the underground cave system, stretching hundreds of miles below the surface in and around Tulum.

If you want to take your GoPro or Osmo Action in Casa Cenote, there is an additional $500 peso fee to use it.

Is there a crocodile in Casa Cenote?

Yes, there is a crocodile in Casa Cenote!

I know this might put some of you off from going alone, but the Croc is known to be swimmer and diver-friendly.

Pancho, or Panchito (for little Pancho), the crocodile has been known to surprise many snorkelers and divers in Casa Cenote!

But let me tell you, we felt entirely safe.

As we neared the end of the cenote in the jungle, we surfaced for a moment to turn around and see Pancho resting on the side of the mangroves.

I don’t think the crocodile in Casa Cenote is interested in attacking anyone. But it’s definitely the closest (and most vulnerable…) I’ve been to a wild crocodile. It definitely added a new level of adrenaline to our dive!

The first time we dove in Casa Cenote, our dive instructor brought us to the surface to see him. Initially, it was a bit scary, but he doesn’t seem to bother you if you don’t bother him!

How to get to Casa Cenote near Tulum

Casa Cenote is located 10-15 minutes north of Tulum on the road to Cancun. There isn’t a sign off the highway indicating it, so you should put it in your GPS. You’ll turn off the highway onto a typical dirt gravel road.

Be careful; this road is FULL of bumps and huge potholes, so go slow if you have a rental car (as we did). It will take extra time to get there because of the road conditions.

You’ll swing left and continue past the security gate as you approach the coast.

The security gate is there because Casa Cenote is in a semi-private residential area. You will pass by a couple of dozen lovely houses on your right.

Soon enough, you’ll see signs for Casa Cenote and the restaurant. Parking is free, and there are bathrooms inside the dive shop and restaurant.

Discovery Diving in Casa Cenote

David, our private diving instructor, is the one we booked for our discovery dive tour in Casa Cenote.

Paul and I had previously dove (just once), but my sister and her husband hadn’t. So we also had Saul, David’s scuba diving assistant, there to help prepare the gear. He also guided them during their first dive. Afterward, my sis and I did a second dive on the Tulum reef with just David.

After these discovery dives, I completed my PADI Open Water certification in Tulum!

Most other dive shops in Tulum offer discovery dives to Casa Cenote. They are all pretty similar in price and experience with each other.

I bought my Beuchat scuba mask from Infinity2Diving in town and recommend them for outings!

If you are interested in diving Casa Cenote, feel free to email me or drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to pass along David’s contact info. His rates are competitive and fair, and he is an excellent freelance divemaster with years and years of experience. He is also a skilled cave diver if you’re interested (and certified) to do that as well.

Tips to Prepare for Your Dive in Casa Cenote

If it’s your first scuba diving, then know you’ll have an absolute blast in Casa Cenote.

It’s a great and easy introduction to scuba diving. The water is clear, there are no waves, and it’s not too deep.

When you go, make sure to take a day bag with you.

Pack it with extra water (snacks and water are usually provided by your dive shop or instructor) and the essentials like a towel, cash, camera, etc.

You’ll want to wear a comfortable bathing suit since you’ll be wearing a wetsuit on top.

For guys, wear your underwear/briefs because you need something tight underneath your suit, unlike most men’s swimming shorts, which are loose-fitting.

It can be hard to equalize your ears on your first dive.

To help with this, drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your dive. Water helps keep your sinuses open and unclogged.

You will have an easier time to equalize as you descend. Your instructor will teach you all the basic steps and hand signals of diving, so you don’t have to worry. 🙂

Last but not least, don’t go scuba diving on your last day of vacation in Tulum unless your flight departs in more than 18 hours (more is better).

Also, avoid alcohol before and after for a better experience!

Other Great Cenote Dives Around Tulum

Diving Casa Cenote is a wonderful experience, but it just scratches the surface of the incredible dives around Tulum! 

Another popular Tulum cenote for diving is Cenote Dos Ojos.

Named for the fact that this cenote looks like two eyes from above, Cenote Dos Ojos is another great dive for beginners.  

This cenote has crystal-clear water and stellar visibility, and you’ll stay near the surface, all important factors for newbies.

There are two different dives in Cenote Dos Ojos: the Barbie Line and the Bat Line. No matter which you choose, you’ll get to see beautiful rock formations and even bats!

If you already have your Open Water certification and are a bit more advanced in your scuba-diving journey, both Cenote Angelita and Cenote Calavera make for an incredible experience. You’ll get the chance to see a halocline, where saltwater and freshwater meet, in both of these cenotes.

Just south of Tulum, Cenote Escondido is another favorite you’ll need your OWC for, but it’s well worth getting certified. This cenote doesn’t get as many visitors as the others and has caverns to explore and schools of fish.

You can also find a full list of my favorite Tulum dive spots and different dive shops in my Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Tulum!