Sac Actun cenote, courtesy Trill Travel

Sac Actun is not just a cenote, it is part of the largest underwater cave system in the world (Sistema Sac Actun) measuring 219 miles.  Sac Actun is commonly called “Pet Cemetery”–first explorations of this cave system found animal bones and mammoth fossils which gave the cenote its nickname.  Because Sac Actun is so lengthy and filled with twists and turns, you must take a guided tour when visiting, you cannot snorkel or swim on your own.  Local tour guides are available at the cenote entrance, so don’t think you have to find one prior to arrival.  Sac Actun is also available to experienced divers booked with a diving company for this excursion–a special cave diving certification is required.

Sac Actun is located between Tulum and Akumal just south of Xel-Ha Park.  To get there you have to enter the larger park system of Dos Ojos–if park staff stops you, just tell them you are visiting Sac Actun and they should let you pass without paying an entrance fee, you will be paying at the cenote entrance.  Go past the entrance to Dos Ojos cenote, turn left, and follow the signs to Sac Actun.

This cenote is one of the colder ones with water temperature typically registering at 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  Since tours typically take around 40-60 minutes, you might want to consider renting a wetsuit there if cold water temps bother you.  Equipment supplied with your entrance fee includes a flotation device and snorkel gear; make sure you rent a waterproof flashlight or bring your own since this is a cave cenote with no natural light coming in.  FYI:  Those who experience claustrophobia should skip this cave cenote.

While Sac Actun is popular with archaeologists or those interested in cenote history, it’s not on everyone’s radar, so getting there can be tricky since it’s virtually in the middle of the jungle.  It’s best to hire a taxi driver for several hours or rent a car; while getting to Dos Ojos Park can be easy since it’s right off the main highway, it’s a ways to the Sac Actun entrance from Dos Ojos park entrance.

Here’s a video showing what visiting Sac Actun is like.  Would you visit this cenote?