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Certified divers
Riviera Maya
Diving Cenote The Pit and Nicte Ha
5.0★ · 242 Google reviewsThe Pit leaves divers with hundreds of logged dives speechless. A vertical shaft pierced by light beams falling from the surface, with the halocline at around 15 metres and, deeper still, the acid cloud hanging at about 28 metres. Nicte Ha — shallow, full of lilies and roots — is the perfect counterpoint.
What makes this dive different
- The Pit: one of the most spectacular cenotes in the world
- Halocline at around 15 m and the acid cloud at about 28 m
- Vertical light beams from the surface toward the bottom
- Nicte Ha: shallow cavern with lilies, roots and filtered light
- Light lunch included: sandwich and drinks
- Specialist cenote guide, entrance fees and permits included
How the day works, step by step
- Departure. Early departure from Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
- Briefing. Depth plan, gas management, halocline and cavern behaviour.
- Dive 1 · The Pit. Vertical descent inside the shaft, through the halocline at around 15 metres, pausing to watch the light beams. The maximum depth of the dive is 30 metres. The hydrogen sulphide cloud sits at around 28 metres: you reach it and watch it, but you do not go through it.
- Surface interval. Long mandatory interval given the depth profile, with a snack and rest.
- Dive 2 · Nicte Ha. Bright shallow cavern among lilies and roots — ideal for photography.
- Lunch. Light lunch after the second dive: sandwich and drinks.
- Return. Back to the start point. Total duration around 7 hours.
What you will see
- Halocline at around 15 m: visible fresh and salt water mixing
- Acid cloud at about 28 m, seen from above
- Vertical light beams inside The Pit
- Large-scale stalactites and stalagmites
- Water lilies and roots at Nicte Ha
What's included
- 2 guided dives
- Specialist cenote guide
- Entrance fees and permits
- Safety protocols
- Full dive equipment
- Light lunch: sandwich and drinks
What's not included
- Photos and video (service available)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
Requirements
Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) due to depth. Recent experience recommended, or a prior refresher.
This trip needs a minimum of 2 divers. If you are travelling alone you can still book by adding US$107 (MX$1,800), and you dive with a private guide dedicated to you.
This trip needs a minimum of 2 divers. If you are travelling alone you can still book by adding US$107 (MX$1,800), and you dive with a private guide dedicated to you.
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel
- Advanced Open Water card and logbook
- Dive computer (recommended)
- Change of clothes
Gallery
Verified reviews
What our divers say
Real reviews published on our Google Business Profile.
★★★★★
“I had an excellent experience with Scuba & Adventours Mexico starting my PADI Open Water Diver certification. Everything was explained very clearly and all my questions were answered along the way. Instructor René has a real talent for explaining things simply and clearly.”
Alejandro CorresPADI Open Water course
★★★★★
“My first time in the diving world! I'm so grateful because my experience with Scuba was incredible — the support and professionalism of René, Delfina and captain Larry make you feel safe at every step. I'll definitely be back with them to certify.”
VictoriaLocal Guide · 28 reviews
★★★★★
“I did the Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses and it was an excellent decision. The service was great, my guide Rene was incredible — always attentive and giving me techniques to build confidence underwater. The most exciting part was diving with bull sharks and dolphins!”
Delfina FernándezOpen Water + Advanced
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How deep do you dive at The Pit?
The maximum depth of our dive is 30 metres, which is also the limit of the Advanced Open Water certification. The trip profile runs from 7 to 30 metres across both cenotes.
Do you pass through the acid cloud?
No. The dive reaches it — it sits at around 28 metres — and you watch it as part of the environment, but you do not go through it: below the cloud is technical diving territory, outside the scope of a recreational trip.
What is the acid cloud?
A layer of decomposing organic matter floating at around 28 metres that looks like dense smoke. Together with the halocline at 15 metres and the light beams coming down the shaft, it is the image people remember most from The Pit.
Why is an Advanced certification required?
Because the profile goes below the 18-metre Open Water limit and demands good buoyancy control and gas management.
Can I dive The Pit as my first cenote?
You can, but we recommend starting with Dos Ojos: it is shallower and brighter, and lets you get used to the cavern environment before going deep.
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- The best cenotes for diving in the Riviera Maya, one by oneEight cenotes, eight different dives. Which one suits your certification, what you want to…
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