Other marine life
Morelet's Crocodile
Crocodylus moreletii
A mid-sized freshwater crocodile endemic to the Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Delisted from the most threatened categories after decades of recovery and assessed Least Concern in 2012. In the Riviera Maya, divers meet them at open, mangrove-fed cenotes — most famously the resident crocodile at Casa Cenote, and smaller, shyer individuals in the Carwash lagoon.
- Max size
- Up to about 3m; the Casa Cenote resident is roughly 2m
- Habitat
- Freshwater and brackish mangrove channels, lagoons and open cenotes of the Yucatan; not found in the enclosed cavern passages
Best places to dive with Morelet's Crocodile
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Resident year-round at Casa Cenote and Carwash; sightings depend on where the animal happens to be that day rather than any season. Not present at the deep or enclosed cenotes.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Casa Cenote Diving — Complete Guide to the Cenote — Koox Diving
Note on the data: Panchito, the resident crocodile at Casa Cenote, is habituated to swimmers, and there is no barrier or enforceable signage at the site. Guides brief divers to keep distance — do not corner or bait him.