This is one of our all time favorites.
Situated in the heart of the Ruta de los Cenotes, the Zapote cenote, often referred to as "Hell Bells", offers a mystifying diving experience. Divers are captivated by the cavern's unique bell-shaped formations hanging from the ceiling, some as large as 2 meters in diameter. With a depth reaching up to 57 meters, it challenges even the most experienced divers. The cenote boasts crystal-clear waters, granting visibility up to 30 meters. Recent explorations have unveiled fossils and prehistoric remains, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient history.
As divers descend into its depths, they're greeted with a surreal underwater landscape – the enigmatic bell-shaped stalactites, Hell Bells, that have evolved over millennia. Ranging from tiny to massive, these formations are a spectacle to behold and are exclusive to this cenote.
The water in the Zapote cenote is a mix of fresh and salt water, creating a halocline effect. This phenomenon is visually mesmerizing, as the merging of these waters produces a shimmering, dreamlike distortion, challenging divers' perceptions of depth and distance. The clear waters allow for outstanding visibility, but the depth and halocline effect necessitate good buoyancy control.
Mix of Fresh and Salt Water
Zapote cenote
Bell-Shaped Stalactites