Nohoch Nah Chich
A historic cave on Rancho San Felipe, about 2 km west of Highway 307 between Akumal and Tulum, whose name means 'giant bird cage' in Maya. Its shallow (under ~9 m) passages are densely decorated, including the Heaven's Gate formations and the section called Disneyland. Explored by CEDAM divers from 1987, it was connected to Sac Actun in 2007. It is above all a cave diving site; the system reaches 71.6 m in the Blue Abyss.
Facts
- Region: Mexico – Riviera Maya Cenotes
- Area: Akumal – Xel-Há (Dos Ojos)
- Depth: 0–9 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: low
- Type: cave
- Coordinates: 20.29861, -87.40361 (approximate)
- Highlights: heavily decorated shallow passages with stalactites and stalagmites, halactites (upward-pointing spurs), Heaven's Gate formations and the 'Disneyland' section, air dome with wooden deck at ~240 m upstream, historic exploration site, now part of Sac Actun
- Unverified: Existence of a recreational cavern line and the current fee are unconfirmed; the coordinate is for the system, not necessarily the entrance.
- Tips: Primarily for certified cave divers: the main line and side lines are full-cave diving. A recreational cavern line was reportedly opened in November 2024, but this could not be confirmed, so ask operators before planning an Open Water visit. Site fee is paid to the landowner (an old guide quotes 150 MXN; check current).