Chempita Cave System Beneath the Jungle of Cozumel

Chempita Cave System (Jade Cenote) – Cozumel Cenote Cave

Cenote Chempita, also known as Jade Cenote, is located in the southern interior of the island of Cozumel, not far from the village of El Cedral. Access to the cenote itself is restricted and typically only available through organized tour groups. Entry into the underwater cave system requires a scientific permit, which limits the number of dives that take place within the cave.

A Deep Cave Beneath the Jungle

Chempita is unusual among the caves found beneath the jungle of Cozumel. Many of the island’s underwater caves occur at relatively shallow depths, generally ranging from approximately 15 to 60 feet (4.5 to 18 meters). Chempita, however, drops quickly and reaches much greater depths. Within the cave system, depths of approximately 160 feet (48 meters) are possible, making it one of the deeper cave environments known on the island.

Exploration at Depth

During one of the dives at Chempita, a lead was investigated at the end of the exploration line at a depth of approximately 135 feet. The passage appeared to continue through a very small opening. Passage through the restriction was achieved, but unfortunately the small passage did not lead to additional cave beyond.

The story of exploring caves beneath Cozumel’s jungle is described in Rob Neto’s book Beneath the Jungle of Cozumel.

Geological and Cave Data

Location: Southern interior of Cozumel
Geology: Limestone karst formation
Cave Type: Submerged karst cave system
Approximate Depth Range: 15–160 ft (4.5–48 m)
Water Type: Freshwater lens over saltwater intrusion
Formation Process: Dissolution of limestone bedrock
Primary Access: Tour access to Jade Cenote, scientific permit required for cave
Exploration Status: Limited exploration due to permit restrictions

Limited Exploration

Because of the permit requirements for diving within Chempita, exploration of the cave has been limited.

Despite the restrictions, the cave remains an important part of understanding the underground karst landscape beneath Cozumel and the network of submerged passages that exist beneath the island’s limestone foundation.

location of chempita cenote cave system beneath the jungle of cozumel

Several of the caves documented on this site were explored during efforts to better understand the underground landscape beneath the island of Cozumel.