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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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Diving in Casa Cenote with “Pancho” the Crocodile

Last Updated: November 3, 2021 · Mexico, Riviera Maya

Have you ever wondered if there were crocodiles in the cenotes in Mexico? Well, up until now I hadn’t seen one in person. But our discovery dive in Casa Cenote changed that! Casa Cenote is a long, snake-like open-air cenote that cuts through the mangroves.

It is one of the most popular places for snorkeling and scuba diving around Tulum. Our experience diving in Casa Cenote was amazing. We were able to practice our dive skills while exploring a crystal clear underworld. We saw several fish, not as many as our Tulum reef dive, but still pretty neat. Oh, and let’s not forget about the diver-friendly crocodile that’s called Pancho!

In this guide, I share my experience doing our discovery dive in Casa Cenote!

Table of Contents show
Guide to Discovery Diving in Casa Cenote
How to get to Casa Cenote
Our Dive Team
Pancho the Crocodile
Tips to Prepare for Your Dive in Casa Cenote

Guide to Discovery Diving in Casa Cenote

drone image of casa cenote mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

View of Casa Cenote across from the street from the sea (Image: Canva)

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 so you can get an idea of its size and proximity to the sea that’s just 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).

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

You can also snorkel and swim for leisure in Casa Cenote, but having scuba dived in it, I truly 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 are observant, you’ll also notice during the dive a thin yellow string that disappears into dark caves. That’s where cave divers enter further into the underground cave system that stretches for 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 $100 peso fee to use it.

How to get to Casa Cenote

casa cenote aerial view

Casa Cenote from above (Image: Canva)

Casa Cenote is located just 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. 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 condition.

As you approach the coast, you’ll swing left and continue straight past the security gate. The security gate is there because Casa Cenote is located inside 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 also in the restaurant.

Our Dive Team

discovery diving in casa cenote

Paul and I with our dive instructor David

David, our private diving instructor, is who we booked for our discovery dive tour in Casa Cenote. Both Paul and myself 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. I am also going to get my Open Water certification soon, so I’ll keep you posted on that experience too!

Most of the 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 and can vouch for the friendliness and passion for diving from those guys. We also saw one of them getting geared up for a dive at the same time.

If you are interested in diving in Casa Cenote, feel free to reach out to me by email 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.

Pancho the Crocodile

pancho the crocodile in casa cenote mexico

Closest we’ve ever been to a croc! 

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. Pancho has been swimming with humans since he (or she?) was a baby.

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 ever been to a wild crocodile. It definitely added a new level of adrenaline to our dive!

Paul told me afterward that, if he had known beforehand, he probably would’ve never agreed to go diving in casa cenote (lol).

What about you, would you dare come face-to-face with Pancho?

Tips to Prepare for Your Dive in Casa Cenote

girl diving in casa cenote

If it’s your first-time scuba diving, then know that you’ll have an absolute blast in Casa Cenote. It’s really 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 is provided usually with 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, make sure to 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 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 the day on your last vacation day in Tulum, unless your flight departs in more than 18 hours (more is better). Also, avoid alcohol before and after too for a better experience!

Is diving in a Casa Cenote on your travel bucket list? 

Before you go, you should also check out these guides and pin the below images for travel inspiration!

  • 12 Epic Day Trips From Tulum You Can’t Miss
  • 9 Awesome Things to Do in Tulum, Mexico
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By: Bri · In: Mexico, Riviera Maya

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Comments

  1. Emilie says

    January 14, 2023 at 8:34 pm

    Hi, this blog is awesome and giving me some great ideas! I would really like to book something with that diving team. Would you mind sharing their info.
    thanks!!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      January 19, 2023 at 10:19 am

      Hi Emilie! Yes, we went with a private instructor whose contact info I provide in this post about diving in Tulum

      Reply
  2. Maria says

    May 31, 2022 at 4:43 pm

    Hi! I love this post about your experience diving. My boyfriend and I are going to be traveling to this area soon and are interested in going diving while we’re there. This would be our first time and was wondering if I could have the contact of your diving instructor or the company you went through. Thank You!

    Reply
    • Bri says

      May 31, 2022 at 8:54 pm

      Hey Maria! Thanks for reading and writing. I’d be happy to send that info along — check your email! Bri

      Reply

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
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📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

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Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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