There are also multiple amenities available, including changing rooms, two actual swimming pools, and a restaurant, so its very family-friendly albeit a little less natural than the others on this list. Exploring cenotes seriously quickly became one of my favorite activities in the Rivera Maya, and I am confident they will become one of your favorites too. Click on each icon to see more information about the cenote and its entry price. Cave cenotes open up to an underground pool with shallower and deeper areas. People particularly loved to wash their cars here because each new day, all the soapsuds and cleaning products would magically disappear from the cenote! guide in the cenotes of Tulum so you dont get lost. How Often do I Update the Prices of Cenotes? You will be able to snorkel or dive with a guide at both Casa Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos. Book your stay at Wakax HaciendaON THEIR WEBSITEor onBOOKING.COM. BOOK IT HERE. The Calavera Cenote used to be quite unknown and both times I visited, there were only 4 or 5 people. Even though Casa Tortuga means Turtle House in Spanish, dont go looking for turtles because its unlikely youll see one; the name is a bit deceiving on that end! Be aware that if you bring professional photo equipment, like a GoPro or a drone, they may charge you extra. Located just a short drive away from Tulum (and right next to the Car Wash Cenote), Cenote Zacil Ha is one of the most convenient cenotes to visit while youre staying in town. Above the cenote, there is a rainforest walk and spider Prices differ between each cenote and are subject to change. The Pet Cemetery Cenote (or Cenote Sac Actun) might sound creepy but it is actually one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. Always take pictures/video of the car before you leave the rental office to avoid scams (they can happen anywhere, not just Mexico). A colectivo is a shared minivan. Well, dont. Partially submerged tunnels connect the cenote's open-air sections. There are platforms to jump off from and hammocks and lounge areas for hanging out. There is also a wall of lily pad leaves that are fun to explore with a snorkel mask too! Welcome! Eerily poking out of the gas layer are giant dead trees, of which you can swim amongst the branches. They are out-of-this-world, incredible, fascinating, spectacular and should be high up on your Mexico itinerary! I loved the design of the room, you know those white, greatly-decorated rooms that you can find through the pages of design magazines? Km. If youre staying in Tulum, then there are so many amazing cenotes in Tulum just a stones throw away, and it would be a shame not to include these incredible natural wonders in your Yucatan itinerary. memories! You could always rent a car and drive yourself, or hire a driver for the day: Cob is 45 minutes from Tulum, 1.5 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Cancun. My picks would be either Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote or Casa Cenote by bike. Cenotes in Tulum are not free, although you can find some which charge very little fees, like Cenote Xunaan-Ha or Cenote Carwash. Im Crystal! Getting sick from cenote water is considered a bit of an urban legend, but every time you swim in fresh untreated (meaning unchlorinated) water you do run the very real risk of contracting Norovirus. Enjoy cocktails and private dining, free bike rental, yoga lessons and luxury massages as part of your stay we promise you wont be disappointed! The soft sand at the bottom is known to be a great skin exfoliator, but it smells like rotting eggs! Guide To Visiting Alas Harum Agrotourism In BaliTransportation Guide To Morocco BEST Day Clubs In Ubud, Bali. There are two scuba dive routes that can be taken in Cenote Dos Ojos. READ ALSO: 30 Best Things to do in Tulum The Ultimate Guide. I thank you greatly if you do this . Are Cenotes Safe For Non-Swimmers? Many of the larger ones offer walking tours. Cenote Azul is a beautiful open cenote, ideal for families with children and those who are claustrophobic and dont like climbing down into a cave to enjoy the fresh waters of a cenote. The cenote is right across the street from Barcelo Hotels. Best Snorkeling Cenotes Best Scuba Diving Cenotes Best Cave Cenotes Best Free Cenotes Playa del Carmen Cenotes, Tulum Cenotes Map Getting to Cenotes in Tulum Cenote Packing List Where to Stay in Tulum. Theres a rope swing in this open-air sinkhole cenote, you have to wear a life vest because its very deep. Perifrico, 97780 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico. Cenote El Pit is part of the same group of cenotes. You can also jump into the cenotes from a certain height, if you dare! Check out my favorites in this video below! Its quite an experience! monkeys and other animals can be spotted in the trees. Located between Tulum and Coba, Gran Cenote is one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum and its easy to understand why. Some cenotes will require you to shower before entering and you may also like to get a biodegradable sunscreen. Perfect in every way! READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Cenote Cristal & Escondido: All You Need to Know. Some will stop, some wont. Puerto Morelos is halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, If you want to go via public transit you could take a Colectivo or bus to Puerto Morelos (if via Colectivo youll need to transfer in Playa if youre coming from Tulum). is a beautiful cenote that looks like a pristine lake. This is weird because its a cenote close to Tulum center, and quite easy to get to. I also spent one night in the Grand Suite, and this is a great alternative if you want the privacy of your own bathroom or prefer a more traditional stay. Cenote Dos Ojos: Best Cenote for Snorkeling 2. have found a tiny pair of Goggles just as useful for exploring the cenotes. Calle Acceso Etapa H Lote 5 Akumal Norte, 77776 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico. It is all worth it because you can see remains of animal skeletons (if you are into that sort of thing)! Follow me foradventures, tips and a travel show! Read More 3 BEST Supermarkets in Tulum, Mexico in 2023Continue. It's not . Coming from Playa youd be dropped off on the correct side of the highway and would have to cross in order to go home. Laguna Kaan Luumis a wide, bright green lagoon cenote located just outside of Tulum. Clan-Destino Bar is perfectly located on the main beach strip of Tulum. READ: The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. In the other, you are taught about the rock formations and interesting cave geology facts while experiencing slight vertigo caused by the crystal-clear water and the sheer depth of the cave. This beautiful cenote is deep in the jungle and difficult to get to because of how remote it is. That is why some cenotes are perfect for diving and snorkeling, but some are just good for swimming. How do I Know So Much About the Tulum Cenotes? Life jackets and snorkel are included in the price, North of Tulum 17 km (10.5 miles) down Carretera 307 and then taking a left hand turn at Casa Tortuga, There is nowhere to put on dive equipment inside the cenote so divers must walk the short distance while kitted up. Coba km 8, Mxico 180D, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. It has two diving sites frequently explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and the occasional sea turtle. Book your Tulum scooter rental ahead of time by clicking here. You cant visit this cenote without a guide, which explains the high cost of the entrance fee. Gran Cenote is beautiful, but can get very crowded, so make sure you come early in the morning or right before closing time to avoid the big crowds. $200 MXN pesos general entry / $250 MXN pesos scuba diver entry, Toilets, life jacket rental at $20-$50 MXN pesos, 9 km (5.6 miles) from Tulum center on the Highway to Coba (Calle Carretera Federal 109) and turning left, $350 MXN pesos general entry fee / $380 MXN pesos scuba diver entry, Shower and toilet. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts and luxury boutique hotels in Tulum, but if you want to try something different, glamping in Tulum is a fantastic option. Sharks only live in salt water, so you never have to worry about sharks while swimming in a cenote. The cave system is mapped out by reel lines, helping the first-time cavern-diver like myself feel safe navigating these confusing tunnels. This page may contain compensated links. You can bicycle here, and it only takes about 20 minutes, 4.5 km (3 miles) from Tulum town center on the Highway to Coba (Carretera 309), Area to get dive equipment on. In the cooler months though, the temperature of the water in the cenotes is ideal! BOOK IT HERE, Cenote Triple Adventure Tour This Tulum cenote tour will bring you to three different cenotes in half a day, where youll get to snorkel, free-dive and cliff-jump, as well as marvel at the surroundings of each. Honestly, I recommend this option only if youre interested in seeing one cenote, or two cenotes that are located next to each other. Located in Tulum Town, Harmony Glamping features 7 bell tents, each of them with a double bed, and 5 suites. The depth of the cenotes in Tulum varies. The Batcave Line is a lot darker and feels more like a cave dive. One set of remains was first believed to be that of a dog but was later found to be of an extinct prehistoric camel. The other cenote at Caleta Tankah opens up to the ocean. ), youll never get bored at Wakax Hacienda. $50 MXN pesos for a locker and $150 for a kayak. Below, I have posted some of my favorite photos from the cenotes near Playa del Carmen. Im Crystal! Norovirus is a stomach bug that you can catch by swimming in contaminated water. This tour from Tulum will give you the opportunity to visit in one day one of the most famous Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico and get to know the city of Valladolid. If you spend 100 pesos at the restaurant your entrance fee to the Cenote is free otherwise, entrance is 30 pesos. Book your tour of Chichen Itza ruins + a visit to a cenote . Gran Cenote: Best Cenote for Insta Photos 3. Stay with us for the information about the best cenotes in tulum. Plus, because it is mostly open water, its great for beginner divers who need some practice before they head into the Tulum caves. . Loved it so much! Carretera A Tulum Carrillo Puerto KM 200, Tulum, Q.R., Mexico, RELATED ARTICLE How To Swim With The SeaTurtles In Akumal. MORE:See more travel gear I love and use! It got its name because its only a minute or so off the road, so many taxi drivers would stop by to clean their cars in hot, dusty weather. Zamas Hotel: Choose one of the colorful bungalows on the beach at this boutique hotel and wake up to the sound of waves. It depends! Cenote Cristal Entrance Fee: 150 MXN (includes admission to Cenote Escondido).Cenote Cristal Opening Times: 10 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving, Cenote Cristal is one of the cenotes you can visit by joining the Cenote Trail Tour, together with Gran Cenote and Cenote Escondido. Youll start the day with a visit to the Tulum ruins, where youll learn about the history of the Mayan civilization, and then head to the cenotes at Casa Tortuga for a swim. Learning some Spanish will definitely help you barter, but sometimes, you just have to accept that you wont be paying nearly the same price as the locals. Yal-Ku Cenote is a great option for snorkeling, as its waters are spectacularly clear and there are plenty of colorful fish to swim with. This is my second choice for a waterproof headlamp. However, nowadays its a pretty popular one, so get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Coniugazione Documents Dizionario Dizionario collaborativo Grammatica Expressio Reverso Corporate. Report inappropriate content The tropical weather, sandy beaches, great Mexican food and ancient Mayan ruins are enough reasons to buy a plane ticket and visit Tulum ASAP. This place is cool! Take a Colectivo to Akumal from Tulum or Playa del Carmen for 35-50 pesos, and then from Akumal bus stop its about a 30-40 min walk or you can hail a taxi from Akumal Beach (less than 10 min walk from the bus stop) for around 150 pesos. Car Wash Cenote Car Wash Location: Northwest of Tulum, 10 minutes of drive on Highway 107. Restaurante Dos Ojos and Restaurante Juanita near the entrance, North of Tulum 22 km (13.5 miles) down the highway to Playa del Carmen (Carretera 307) and turning left onto Cenote Jaguar Road, $150 MXN pesos general entry / $200 MXN pesos scuba diver entry. Check out the best prices for hotels in Tulum HERE. They can be more or less deep, depending on which cenote you go to. Cenote Azul Entrance Fee: 140 MXNCenote Azul Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. Many of my readers went on this tour and told me they loved it! It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. Swimming in cenotes is something that you can only do here, and that will quickly become your favorite activity in the Riviera Maya. Some of the less popular cenotes are set amongst the jungle with more rustic facilities. Actually, this is a white gas layer, which is caught between the salt and fresh waters. These bones are believed to have been part of the rituals performed by the ancient Mayans in this sacred site. Unfortunately, most of the cenotes are not free in Tulum. Sure, what youre seeing isnt as clear and you cant breathe underwater, but In some cenotes like Cenote Calavera youll see an oily sheen on the top of the water, this is from the sunscreen from all the tourists washing off into the cenote water. almost perfect circle, with boulders tumbling down the sides. That means this postis about the best of the best Tulum cenotes, with insider local knowledge just for you! I was on a search to find out which cenote is the best in Tulum. Compare car rental prices HERE or get a quote in the table down below. Rservez ds maintenant votre voyage en Cancun Au dpart de Cancun : Visite guide d'une demi-journe : Tulum, plonge en apne et CenoteTulum, Yal-ku et Cenote . Kaan Luum Lagoon, 2 Cenotes, Tulum Ruins + Quinta Avenida. There are loads of different types of dive lights out there to choose from but I particularly love headlamps. On the road out to Dos Ojos, you can also drop into the quieter Cenote Nicte Ha which is part of the Dos Ojos park and included in your entrance fee. Cenote Xcanche is located right next to the famous Ek Balam Ruins, which is an archeological site that is commonly visited on a day trip from Tulum or Playa del Carmen. This place has a sister bar owned by the same guys, which is on the beach and has some of the best tacos in Tulum, called Taqueria La Eufemia. to and thought were the best are marked with a heart. The cenotes of Casa Tortuga are perfect for newbies who want an in-depth introduction into the cenotes on a tour. Kaan Luum is a locals secret and if you go in the afternoon, youll probably have the whole place to yourself. If youre doing your own trip to the cenotes you will definitely want to bring your own snorkeling gear. Cenote Siete Bocas (7 Mouth Cenote) runs along the famous Rutas de los Cenotes outside Puerto Morelos. Want to take it a step further and stay at a cenote hotel in Tulum? The Tulum cenotes in the Sac Actun System are highly decorated, with beautiful stalactites hanging from the roofs of the underwater caves leftover from when the caverns were dry. 5 Hour Tulum and Dos Ojos Tour Dos Ojos Cenote Private Tour with Mayan lunch. Update: as of January 2022 Cenote Zaci has been closed for renovations, please check to see if its open again before you make plans to go! BOOK IT HERE, Cenote Dos Ojos Entrance Fee: 350 MXN. Roundtrip transportation from Tulum is included, as well as snacks and water. Yes! From paradise beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, incredible cenotes, eco-friendly hotels & adventures, and a great foodie scene, Tulum offers everything you need [], Cenote Cristal & Cenote Escondido, Tulum: Prices + Info [2023], [] both. The Private Tour to Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Nicte Ha offers transportation from Tulum, as well as lunch and snorkeling equipment. Since Casa Cenote isnt near an overpass, I wouldnt recommend taking a bus or Colectivo because youll have to walk a distance to cross the highway. Buses run directly to Valladolid from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. You really dont have an excuse not to buy one when their prices start at only $250 USD! One of the best day trips from Tulum is visiting the best cenotes in the area. Rather, it takes its name from the three sinkholes which open up into it, which from above resemble the eye sockets and mouth of an enormous skull. You cant get closer to the beach than this!Check out prices and availability for Zamas Hotel.CHECK OUT A FULL REVIEW OF ZAMAS HOTEL. Book your accommodation by using the map belowHere youll find hotels and holiday rentals in Tulum Town; change the location to Tulum Beach if you prefer to stay by the beach. If you have been to any of the cenotes in Mexico, you will know that there are a variety of cenote types: Open Cenotes Open cenotes are like natural, open pools. It leads around an air-filled bat cave, where divers will actually ascend to take a look at the bats and the stunning cave decorations. The cenote tour can take some time, especially if you need to wait for more members before the tour can leave, so make sure you leave at least a few hours to complete the entire route. I visited both Gran Cenote and the Tulum Ruins this past spring and enjoyed both of them! The rooms are packed with beds, but the breakfast is flipping amazing. I personally think this place is a hidden gem in Tulum. best cenotes in Riviera Maya as well as cenotes in Tulum that I didnt go to The bio-diversity in cenotes is fragile and the ingredients of most sunscreens and insect repellants can severely damage the cenotes and harm the fish. If youre coming from Cancun, check out how to get from Cancun to Tulum. Not touristy, get there before the afternoon to avoid tour buses. people have got lost in the many tunnels and drowned inside. I hear you ask Roughly 226 cenotes! Most cenotes will offer showers for this reason, and some will require it to keep the cenotes ecosystem safe from pollutants. Cenote Azul is located on the 307 Highway, about 40km north of Tulum toward Playa del Carmen. Youve probably seen gorgeous pictures like the one above. Snorkel Mask or Goggles: The crystal clear waters of the cenote will make you want to take a closer look at what lurks beneath the surface of the water. Snorkel equipment ($80 MXN), life jacket and locker rental ($30 MXN) available, 4 km (2.5 miles) from Tulum town center on the Highway to Coba (Carretera 309), $300 MXN pesos general entry fee (updated 15th June 2021), Toilet only. (With precaution of the tides, though), Yal Ku Cenote Entrance Fee: 300 MXNYal Ku Cenote Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 5 PMBest for: Swimming / Snorkeling. Unlike many of the other cenotes in the region, cenote Nicte Ha is largely above ground, but its the most magical place to take a swim surrounded by nature. cenotes in Tulum, and you cant really go wrong with any. It is also known as The Temple of Doom possibly due to the appearance of small altars in the wall of the cave, one that contains pottery and bones. Decomposing leaves create hydrogen sulfide and it becomes caught between the fresh and salt waters, creating the illusion of a sandy bottom. Best for: swimming, snorkeling, diving. These Playa del Carmen cenotes are located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, about 20-30 minutes driving down the main highway (Carretera 307). BOOK IT HERE. You can book on Busbud.com. This was one of my most frequently used GoPro attachments in Mexico! Its the perfect cenote to bring your kids to, too! You really dont want to travel to Mexico without a top underwater camera. If youre coming by bus from Cancun or Playa youll likely have to transfer in Tulum. We had already paid the 100 pesos entrance fee and couldnt get a refund. 11. And what caves! Best Cenotes in Tulum 1. In some cenotes there might be small carp and minnows, but nothing that will affect a swimmer. Cenote Xunaan-Ha is one of the most picturesque cenotes you will find, and one of the most secret cenotes in Tulum. Theres a complex with hammocks outside the cenote and the water is very clean. Cenote Cristal is located on Highway 307 going south from Tulum. The opening of the underwater cave is partly covered by giant submerged trees, and with the odd diver darting in and out of the cave; the snorkeling at Car Wash Cenote is some of the most impressive of all! Keep reading for a full restaurant review. If you want to know more about these cenotes, just read the article! Not all open to the public but the best Tulum cenotes are! Definitely to include in your Tulum Itinerary! Cenote Zacil-Ha is an open-air cenote that looks like someone built a swimming pool in the middle of the forest! It is a cenote dive that, if you are adventurous, you definitely should not miss! You can easily visit cenotes on your own, or you can check out this list of the best cenote tours in Tulum. Casa Cenotehas always been one of my favorites even though it is now super popular and busy. There is also a rope swing that you can use to jump into the water in style. Cenote Oxman is in Valladolid, no Colectivos run to Valladolid but you can book a bus at the Ado bus station wherever youre at. Cenote Xunaan-Ha . The amazing cenotes in Mexico are extremely unique in the world and are only found on the Yucatan Peninsula. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 27 Best Things To Do in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide [2023], [] no wonder, Id say. For something a bit more popular, we recommend Gran Cenote, which is located only 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the town of Tulum. However, what the cenote lacks above ground it makes up for it underwater. Under the gas, it is completely dark and feels as if you are floating through a haunted forest. This natural sinkhole or pool gets then filled with rain water and with water flowing through the underground river, to which these cenotes are connected to. Cenote Trail: Caves Visit and Bike Tour Discover some of the best cenotes near Tulum (Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal) all in one day. Its quite a bit deeper than the other cenotes listed above, which makes it the perfect place to try the legendary Yucatan sport of cenote diving (as in jumping) if youre feeling brave enough. From Tulum you can get a Colectivo for about 25 pesos that will drop you off near Corazon, and from there you can walk. Cenote Xunaan-Ha Entrance Fee: 100 MXN.Cenote Xunaan-Ha Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.Best For: Swimming / Snorkeling / Diving. In Spanish, Calavera means skull- a pretty grim-sounding name, right? The visibility is incredible at this cenote, you can see about deep into the crystal clear water, even from the surface! Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the best places to go diving in Mexico and perhaps the world, for first-time cavern divers. From Puerto Morelos you could rent a bike and bike up and down the route and visit all the cenotes, or hire a private driver in Puerto Morelos to take you to all the different Cenotes. Check out some of the shots it took in the cenotes above! The complex cave systems of the cenotes are extremely easy to get lost in, it is not worth the risk. Passionate baby goat cuddler and part-time adventurer, Crystal can often be found doing headstands on the edges of cliffs, taking photos of abandoned buildings or sleeping on deserted islands with dangerous criminals. Laguna Kaan Luum is similar to the Blue Hole in Belize. GoPro underwater cameras are so cheap now and you can use them for loads of different types of photography, not just water. Bring food and at least 2L of water per person, expect to spend at least 1 hour per Cenote + the half-hour bike ride there and back. The entrance fee is $120 pesos. I love adding venture, art, good wifi & even better coffee. My name is Stefania and Im a full time traveler originally from Italy. Cenote Cristal (dont confuse Cenote Cristal with Cenote Cristalino!) Perfect for those of you who arent in the market for a Yal-Ku Cenote is 30km north of Tulum, in Akumal. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. if you want to relax in the sun away from the crowds, this place is ideal. Some cenotes that offer life vests: Cenote Oxman Cenote Suytun Cenote Zaci Cenote Saamal Cenote Oxman Gran Cenote is a 20-30 minute bike ride outside of Tulum past Cenote Calavera on Highway 109. If youd like to be closer to the cenotes in Tulum, you have incredible accommodation options in Tulum. Alternatively, its less than a 10-minute drive to Gran Cenote. READ THE FULL BLOG POST:Cenote Calavera, Tulum : Swimming in the Temple of Doom. If you are looking for famous cenotes in Tulum, the Dos Ojos system has featured in an IMAX Film Journey Into Amazing Caves, the 2006 BBC/Discovery Channel series Planet Earth and parts of the Hollywood movie The Cave were filmed in Dos Ojos. 300 pesos to get in, 200 if youre a Mexican citizen. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole that has been forming for several centuries or thousands of years. Coming from Tulum you can hop a Colectivo in the center for 35 pesos that will drop you off near the lagoon, or a private taxi from Tulum will cost about 250 pesos (tourist price). No restaurant or life jackets, South of Tulum 16.5 km (10 miles) down the highway to Chetumal (Carretera 307) and turning left, Free, just buy something from the bar/restaurant, There are toilets but no showers. Theres a small deck for sunbathing and the walk to the cenote is along wooden stumps through the mangroves. They provide snorkel gear, life jackets, and a guide is included in the price. ktij 3 yr. ago Just returned from Ik Kil! Underwater, there are a large variety of plants and fish which make it the best cenote for snorkeling. You will have to cross the highway via an overpass if youre coming from Cancun via bus. You can buy tickets online in advance, but if you wish to pay on arrival, make sure you bring cash as other forms of payment are not accepted. I have marked on the cenote map where you can get these colectivos. Theres no snack bar here (when I went they only sold beer) so bring water and food if you want to stay awhile. Theres also a waterfall coming from the roof of the cave that goes on and off. While cenotes are certainly beautiful, they can sometimes be a little overcrowded with tourists and visitors, which obviously spoils the serenity of the place somewhat. Nothing super special if youve been to other cenotes in the area, but it makes sense to visit if youre already visiting the more popular Cenote Cristal. By using these links youre supporting my blog so I can keep traveling, and I only feature products I believe in and use myself. Once youre in Valladolid you can walk to Cenote Zaci, its in the town center. You can view dramatic rock formations, play with schools of fish and watch under the crystal-clear waters as the divers cruise through the caves. Cenote Zacil Ha is right next to Car Wash Cenote, so follow the directions above. You can see stalagmites and stalactites, and even swim with small turtles. This custom map of cenotes near Tulum includes all of the It is also commonly referred to as Cenote Manati because (you guessed it) it used to have manatee sea cows living in it. Cenote Calavera translates to skull cenote in English, and the reason it is called this is that the sunlight that pours in through the holes of the cenote looks exactly like a skull at certain angles of the dive.