MINOTAURO

LOCATION:

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE. This isn’t a location for a brand new or intro to cave diver. You will need to be full cave certified to access. The cave can have light to moderate flow… on some days, it’s easy to zip around some corners when going downstream. The cave is decorated and somewhat snug in sections. Getting in, one will be immediately greeted with some tight curving passages, low overhead, and silt. There are speleothems as well as a halocline. Cave varies from being very dark, to very white. There are also several restrictions to be aware of. A primary reel is not needed for entry into this cave. Not a hard cave, but not for training.

WC FACILITIES: Yes

FOOD SOLD HERE: No.

ACTIVITIES FOR NON-DIVERS: Yes. One can picnic or just float around in the open water. You can even bring food to grill on one of the public grills. Plenty of fish to see as well as birds, turtles, and the pack of orange cats who, unfortunately, are used to handouts from divers (don’t do this!) Care… those cats will jump in your truck or open up your coolers to get your snacks!

CURRENT ENTRY FEE: $300 Pesos

SUMMARY: This is one of my absolute favorite caves down here in Quintana Roo. I did my full cave certification check-out dive here back in 2020, so it was nice to revisit it again with more dives under my belt. The location itself is amazingly beautiful and well cared for. It literally looks like a place that came out of a dream, with crystal clear jewel-colored waters that depending on the day, can vary from looking sapphire blue to emerald green. Wildlife abounds in the water from black catfish, turtles, to deeper in the cave, cave louse, and blind crayfish (if you are lucky). Outside the water, one can find various birds, as well as a family of very annoying (or cute, if that is your thing) orange cats that just won’t shut up or leave you alone as they beg for food. If you’re with a non-diving friend, the cenote is a cool and gorgeous oasis away from the Yucatan sun. Though the cenote entrance isn’t very big, there is still room to snorkel or paddle around for a bit. Above ground, the facilities are well-maintained and lovely. It’s also a great place for a picnic or just to chill with a book. The current entry fee is $300 pesos, but well worth it!

DIVE ENTRY VIDEO:

THE CATS OF CENOTE MINOTAURO: