Caves in Mexico are more than geological formations – they are living history, natural wonders, and fragile ecosystems hidden just beneath our feet. Over the years, I’ve not only spent countless hours diving in the submerged passages of Quintana Roo’s caves, but I’ve also joined community efforts like cenote cleanings in Playa del Carmen. I have also dived and explored some of the urban caves underwater. These experiences constantly remind me how unique this region is, and why its history of exploration deserves to be told.

Mexican cave exploration began in the early 19th century with documentation of cave fauna and flora in central Mexico. The aim was not to explore the caves themselves, but to collect new specimens, which were then published in travel reports and in texts about archaeological finds. Speleology as a discipline was born later, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the first biospeleological research was carried out in northern Mexico.

Research in the caves in Yucatan began in the 1960s. In 1962, with the founding of the Association of Mexican Cave Studies (AMCS), based in Austin, TX, an organization was established that initially focused on collecting data, particularly from the caves of northern Mexico. 20% of the Mexican territory consists of karst, which provides ideal conditions for formation of caves; over time, the federal state of Yucatan has emerged as the center of speleoarchaeological and speleoanthropological activities. It was only in the 1980s that interest in exploring the caves in Quintana Roo began, which was also facilitated by the improved accessibility with the expansion of Cancun. In 2001, the AMCS became an official project of the National Speleological Society (USA).

Underwater Cave Exploration in Quintana Roo

The caves in Quintana Roo have existed for millions of years and were always known to the local population. However, the first serious exploration and mapping efforts only began in the early 1980s. Since that time, the Quintana Roo Speleological Survery (QRSS) has collected documentation of several hundred kilometers of submerged cave passages. These efforts established the area as a unique karst aquifer, unparalleled in size on Earth. Currently (updated for 2024) 8 of the 10 longest underwater cave systems of the world are located within our area.

The first caves explored were those with easy road access between Puerto Aventuras and Tulum. Today, much of the remaining virgin caves can only be reached with long penetration walks into the thick jungle where remote cenotes innvolve significant logistical challenges. New cave systems have also been explored and surveyed in the South in the Muyil area and in and around Playa del Carmen and more North.

Explorations not only extend the known cave length but also contribute to our understanding of groundwater flow, aquifer vulnerability, and the importance of these systems as drinking water reservoirs for the entire region.

Dry Caves

In recent years, the exploration of dry caves has also progressed tremendously. Surveys and mapping projects continue to give us detailed information about these systems.  The data can be viewed on the QRSS page, and some maps are accessible via the AMCS. Excursions to dry caves are offered commercially by a few specialized organizers. In addition there are also some of partially flooded caves that can be visited by non-divers, offering a spectacular insights into the underground world.

Some of these caves – flooded and dry – are also of archaeological significance, containing ancient Mayan artifacts and human remains that provide clues to rituals, burials, and prehistoric settlement of the region.

Urban cenotes

Since 2018, Cenotes Urbanos, a volunteer initiative led by speleologist and biologist Roberto Rojo has ben active as a citizen science project. It began with the goal of cleaning and redignitying cenotes within the city limits of Playa del Carmen. Over time, the project grew into an ongoing systematic research and mapping effort of cenotes and caves in the urban area.

Many maps have already been created, and the group has developed into a vibrant community, also hosting social events and presentations such as Nights of the Underworld alongside other activities.

This project is raising public awareness about cenote conservation and urban water management, emphasizing how closely life in Playa del Carmen is connected to the fragile underground ecosystem. Without cenotes, there is no paradise.

As a recreational diver, come and visit the cenotes on a guided cavern tour, or dive deeper into the systems as a certified cave diver. But you don’t need to be a diver or explorer to experience this hidden world.

If you’d like to see something truly different during your time in the Riviera Maya, consider visiting some of the spectacular dry caves nearby, or simply take a walk through Playa del Carmen with fresh eyes and discover cenotes right in the middle of the city. Cenotes open a window back into time, allowing you to glimpse the natural and cultural history hidden beneath our feet – and once you’ve seen them, you’ll never look at this region the same way again.