Cave Swimming with Bats in Mexico

We peered down what looked like a bottomless pit festooned with giant tropical tendrils. Across the 30’ opening, a tan young man flashes a grin, lets loose a triumphant howl and jumps in. Two seconds later we hear a deep splash with a resonant echo.

This is one way to experience “Cenote de 7 Bocas,” part of a vast network of subterranean rivers and caves, 15 km west of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The park, popular with locals, lies deep in the local jungle. It offers inviting thatch-roofed “palapas” and shady elevated platforms. It provides sanctuary from mid-day heat, and rampant commercialism of Riviera Maya.

You can also descend steep, sturdy, handcrafted stairs into the shadowy world of underground caves. It takes a moment to adapt to the dim light. Stalactites hang from the ceiling. The water is cool and clear. Bright yellow ropes safely lead swimmers from chamber to chamber.

Abruptly, a small, black form darts by, then another and another. Cave bats flit from perch to perch, individually and in gangs. Others remain in fuzzy clumps securely attached to the rocky ceiling. In no way do these bats molest the swimmers.

Exploring the cenote takes a few minutes or all day.  Price of admission is 300 pesos (approximately $15) but can be negotiated.  There is no lifeguard, but swim vests (chalecos) and occasional glimpses of monkeys are included. (Mexico, June 2016)

(This article first appeared in International Living Magazine , June 2018)