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Cenote Yax-Chen

Yax Chen, meaning "green pond" in Mayan, is a captivating open cenote within the Ox Bel Ha system in Mexico. With an average depth of 5-7 meters, this cenote's bottom is adorned with delicate shells, sediment, and vibrant algae, making it a visually stunning dive site. The presence of large boulders provides areas where divers can comfortably stand and take in the beauty of their surroundings.

When it rains, a mesmerizing phenomenon occurs - the tanic acid creates a colorful thermocline on the surface of the water, adding an extra touch of enchantment to the dive experience. Yax Chen is encompassed by a picturesque landscape of mangroves, creating a lake-like atmosphere that enhances the overall serenity of the site.

Exploring the depths of Yax Chen opens up a world of aquatic wonders. Divers can spot an array of fascinating creatures, including tarpon, blue crabs, small crocodiles, and various species of freshwater fish. This diverse marine life adds a sense of excitement and discovery to every dive.

For those interested in diving at Yax Chen, it is important to note that the visibility typically reaches up to 14 meters, allowing for a clear and immersive underwater experience. The maximum depth of the cenote is around 8 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, Yax Chen welcomes all levels of divers to explore its captivating underwater realm.

Located in close proximity to Cenote Tulum, along Carretera Tulum - Punta Allen in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Yax Chen invites divers to embark on an unforgettable journey into the mesmerizing depths of Mexico's natural wonders.

Diving Conditions Score for Cenote Yax-Chen

6.6
Above Average

Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Cenote Yax-Chen

Depth

8m

Visibility

14m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced

Weather Conditions for Cenote Yax-Chen

Wave Height

1.28m

Wind Speed

16 m/s

Water Temp

29.3°C

Visibility

29.54km

Cloud Cover

100%

Wave Period

5.9s

Air Temperature

28.6°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Cenote Yax-Chen
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Cenote Yax-Chen

Best time to dive: 13:00 with score 6.829633333333334/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.28m, Wind 17.5 m/s.Best night dive time: 20:00 with score 6.394533333333334/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Cenote Yax-Chen: 06:00
Sunset at Cenote Yax-Chen: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Cenote Yax-Chen are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
13:00

Score: 6.8/10
Waves: 1.28m (5.75s), Wind: 17.5 m/s

🌞
Safest Overall
17:00

Score: 6.8/10
Waves: 1.26m (5.75s), Wind: 19.1 m/s

🌙
Best Night
20:00

Score: 6.4/10
Waves: 1.26m, Wind: 21.1 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Cenote Yax-Chen
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Cenote Yax-Chen

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for Cenote Yax-Chen

Winter

Avg. Score: 9.4/10

Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.

Best Months for Cenote Yax-Chen

January
Score: 9.5
November
Score: 9.4
December
Score: 9.4

Ideal Conditions for Cenote Yax-Chen

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

27.0°C / 80.6°F

June

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

13.5m / 44.3ft

November

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

1.3m / 4.3ft

January

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Cenote Yax-Chen

Cenote Yax-Chen shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with July being the warmest month (27.9°C) and January the coldest (20.0°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.3m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). October is usually the driest month with 0.7mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 23, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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