While you are vacationing on the Caribbean side of Mexico, you would most likely be on the Mayan Riviera. If in case you did not notice there are very few to no lakes on the landscape. Geographically speaking, the land of the Riviera Maya is made up lime stone, this is very porous rock so when it rains the water has no where on the ground surface to collect so it goes strait down into an underground river system. This river system is made up of hundreds of small and very large caverns, caves and tunnels that twist and turn and eventually drain into the ocean.

Now after thousands of years of this river system running under the surface of the land, it erodes the limestone. When the surface layer of the limestone has nothing to support it, it will collapse causing a crater looking shape. These craters are filled with water as they are a part of the underground river system. This water has a current to it, as well as small fish and other aquatic life, just like any other river habitat. These craters or sink holes as some refer to them, are called "Cenotes" in spanish.

Cenotes offer the Mayan Riviera tourist a few different recreation options. The activity most people think of is Cenote diving. This activity see's experienced scuba divers take two tanks and drop down into one of the many popular Cenotes as an entry point to get into the caves and caverns. Much of the under ground river system has been mapped out, but its not easy to follow thus the need to have a qualified guide.

Another popular activity people like to do in Cenote's, is snorkel. There are some Cenotes that still have the stalactites and stalagmites in tact so you can easily investigate the very interesting world of caves and try to picture what is was like thousands of years ago. While snorkeling, don't be surprised to see many different kinds of fish and other beautiful rock formations.

Many people looking at a Mexican vacation rental along the Mayan Riviera look forward to these Cenotes as an escape from the heat, to just simply cool off. The water in Cenotes is fresh and cool which might be a nice change from the hot beach and salty ocean water. Some Cenotes are free but the larger and more interesting ones will require an entrance fee. Also, the more commercialized Cenotes will rent you a mask and snorkel if needed. I would suggest bringing a water proof flashlight, towel and water saddles if you have some.

Spending your days discovering the many different Cenotes along the Mayan Riviera is just one of the many freedoms you can enjoy by having a Mexican vacation rental, instead of staying at an all inclusive resort. If you want to find out where the Cenotes are located, either do your research on line or when in Mexico ask at a local dive shop. They will be happy to help you.