"Cenotes" Yucatan MX

Cave and Cavern Diving

There are thousands of cenotes or openings to the underground cave system on the Yucatan peninsula.  One of the largest systems, the Yucatan is home to some of the worlds best cave and cavern diving. There are many sites to choose from and with any experienced guide the caverns and caves are easily accessible.

Click here for pictures from numerous sites.

Directions: From Cancun travel south on the main highway towards Tulum. There are many cenotes along the way however set up your travel, stay, and dive guides prior to departure for exact directions to the individual site. Each cenote is clearly marked. Dos Ojos is approximately 15 minutes south of the town of Akumal.

Recommendations: Strongly recommend Luis Leal for Cavern or Cave dives at www.100percentdiving.com. Luis is an outstanding guide for both fresh water and saltwater dive excursions with impeccable integrity. ( Id let him take my kids diving) He is also a small shop owner and has the only shops onsite at Dos Ojos and Tajmahal. This will save you time and money. Both Luis and his sister Marina are great people, they can work with any diver whether you are new open water certified or a full cave, you will have a great time! regardless of where you are staying, they can arrange day trips or full vacations from Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen or Tulum. Look them up or swing by and say hello tell them Chuck and Leslie from Alaska sent you!.

Conditions: Temperatures vary from 70F to 80F so plan on being a little cooler then the reefs. Most dives are fresh water and some have both fresh and salt. Buoyancy control is important a good guide will be able to help you with the exact weight. You will be surprised how little weight you need. (listen to your guide) Jungle temperatures tend to be hotter then the coast, bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan top make a day of it playing with the jungle wildlife.

Level of experience: Any level. Great for snorkeling, cavern diving or full cave. If you are going to cavern or cave dive you must have a guide. rates are inexpensive with the right guide. Plan on at least 100 bucks for 2 dives.

Visibility: AMAZING! you wont even know your in the water. The visibility is so clear you will feel like your flying. Prismatic Light beams bounce and bend forming incredible light shows. Salt water and Fresh water haloclines separate adding an incredible phenomenon.

Entry and Exits: Each site is different some are very easy to access with wood stairs and docks. Others may have stairs or even ropes to repel into. It all depends on your experience and adventurous spirit.

Recommended Shop: With out a doubt I wouldn't dive with anyone but Luis and his sister from 100percentdiving.com A small family outfit, they own the only two shops onsite at Dos Ojos and Tajmahal. Very experienced, safe and courteous you wont meet better people in Mexico. Luis is an avid caver and a fountain of knowledge on the systems, the country its culture and history.

Wild Life: Cave fish, eyeless fish, shrimps, white crabs etc. The wildlife isn't the attraction. 60,000 year old stalactites, stalagmites, cave paintings from the ice ages and human/animal remains from BC periods can be found. This is an amazing dive you cant miss if you are in he area.

Comments: Having dove for the last 15 years I began to lose interest. Working with students and diving daily started to lose its luster. Then in 2006 I met Luis while staying in Akumal after a trip to Cozumel. He introduced me to this new world and I have been hooked ever since and return every year. This is a must if you are in the area. It doesn't matter what your experience is you will enjoy it and will be in awe when diving in a place inhabited thousands of years ago. Email me if you have any questions and be sure to check out Luis at www.100percentdiving.com

Submission by:
Chuck Lindsey chuck@deep-descent.com To view photos click here