We somehow were able to communicate enough to pay our 'entrance fee'. We had a little hike through a wooded trail. On the way we passed some locals homes (a good lesson for our children), better known here as shacks. It was a bit uncomfortable, but we felt safe. When we arrived to the clearing, the sight was not something we have seen before. Now it wasn't dramatic, but unique nonetheless. We all stood around just taking in the sight, not quite sure what to do next. A young couple found their way there too. The water was amazingly crystal clear- you could easily see the small fish swimming and the large rocks below. The water was refreshingly cool, especially considering the summer heat. Then my youngest daughter said, "What are we all standing around for? Let's jump in!" Well, the rest is history. The water was beautiful and clean. Another couple came and 'played' in the adjoining section. They demonstrated what the ladders up against the rocks were used for--to climb up to the top and jump in...crazy!! What great fun we had!

On the tour we took, we went to Ponderossa and Grand cenotes. At Ponderossa, we jumped off a 20-foot cliff into the water below. At Grand Centote, our guide found a red-eared slider tortuga (turtle). We also dove under water and came up in an underground cave. Cenotes provided fresh drinking water for the Mayans.

Our guide was very friendly and told us lots about the Mayan culture, including the fact that Mayans would toss young virgins into the cenotes to appease the fertility gods! A great tour, very educational and fun.

I jumped in - and it is cold. I mean freezing! But the water is so light - it is like swimming in a bottle of Evian, if that makes any sense. The hole, I found out, is 180 feet deep!!!!

The most incredible sensation though is that cold water covering your body. It is so refreshing!

Try it if you get a chance - it is something I will always be happy that I did.

This was probably the most exhilarating dive I have ever done. The sites were incredible with tremendous amounts of stalagmites and stalagtites. The fresh water cave system is crystal clear and depths range up to 60 feet. You go through the system with a very qualified guide who takes his job very seriously for safety sake. My wife snorkeled in the gorgeous pools of water above us.

As you head down Highway 307 towards Paamul, you'll see handpainted signs for cenotes. You'll find not much more than an opening in the earth. Once you climb inside, you can swim in this underground cavern and check out a wide variety of aquaitic life. These cenotes are linked to a vast underground network of rivers that lead to the ocean, making it possible for fish of all sorts to find their way there, even to cenotes as far inland as Coba. (The road up to Coba has about three cenotes that I recall.) One well known cenote is in the city of Valladolid, about two hours west of Cancun, on the way to Chichen Itza. Well worth the experience if you are adventurous.