The deep blue
The dark heart.
holachetumal — CC BY 3.0 · holachetumal — CC BY 3.0 · holachetumal — CC BY 3.0 · holachetumal — CC BY 3.0
A wide open natural sinkhole at the edge of Bacalar lagoon, one of the deepest cenotes in the area at more than ninety metres, so its water looks deep, dark blue in the middle and clear turquoise at the shallow edges, where forest trees lean over the water. The cenote connects to an underground water network, and its water is fresh, clean and slightly cool, a refreshing swim in the southern heat. Wooden platforms on its edge lead down into the water, with spots for jumping at the rim. Beside the cenote is a waterside restaurant serving fish and local dishes, and many visitors come for lunch and a swim together. It is quieter in the morning before the groups arrive. Because the middle is extremely deep, weaker swimmers should rent a life vest and stay near the edges. Ordinary sunscreen is banned to protect the water.
The dark heart.
Under the trees.
Lunch after a swim.
Federal Highway 307, about 3 km south of Bacalar town
Yes, with care, as the middle is extremely deep. Rent a life vest if you are not a strong swimmer, and stay near the platforms and edges.