CAVERN DIVING OVERVIEW



Diving in a cenote cavern is an unforgettable experience. Cenotes, which are only found in this part of the world, offer certified recreational divers the opportunity to explore something different!


To allow recreational divers to safely experience the wonders of this underwater world without becoming cave certified and equipped, the diving community has made the cavern dive distinction. Almost all cavern dives can be performed by divers holding an open water certification, basic, one star, or any equivalent first level certification.


We offer a big variety of cenotes cavern tours in the area between Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum...each cavern having its own personality filled with subtle variety and astounding beauty!


All cavern dives are safely guided by one of our professional guides in the “daylight zone” of solid overhead in line with internationally accepted cavern standards. Our guides are full Cave Diver certified by a recognized agency and are either Open Water Diver Instructors or Divemasters, with hundreds of dives in the local environment. They are knowledgeable and experienced in the local cenotes systems above and below the ground.


Adhering to international standards, we never exceed the ratio of divers to guide which is four to one.


If you enjoy diving and are in the area then you should not miss the opportunity to try a cenote cavern dive…and if you like it you may even want to take a cavern or cave diver certification course!



GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED
FOR SAFE CENOTE CAVERN DIVING





As with any other activity, there are clear and distinct limitations to cavern diving and it is of prime importance that divers be well aware of the limitations imposed and strictly adhere to those limits at all times.​

  • Never exceed the ratio of divers to guide which is 4:1 (4 single tank divers conducted by a guide with double tanks);
  • Divers shall not dive deeper than they have been previously certified. The maximum depth for cavern dives is limited to 100 ft/30 m;
  • Dives must begin with a minimum visibility of 40 ft/12 m. This distance is determined by the ability of the diver to clearly recognize and acknowledge a lighted hand signal;
  • Divers must always stay within the “daylight zones” of the underground river system…though it is not necessary to have view of the physical opening to the cavern, clear view of ambient light radiating through that opening must be plainly visible;
  • Maximum penetration is limited to 200 ft/60 m from where you can surface and breath air without the aid of scuba equipment;
  • Divers must remain within the no-decompression limits of the dive computer;
  • No restrictions (narrow passages)…at all times, two divers must be able to comfortably pass through the area next to each other;
  • Divers must maintain a continues guideline (life line) to open water as a visual reference…never go beyond the cavern line areas;
  • Diver must be equipped at least with one light (the sun or daylight is considered as the cavern diver’s primary light source);
  • Never make a cavern dive at night. Without natural light, a cavern becomes a cave and access is restricted to only those divers with cave training.
  • Follow the instructions of the guide provided during the dive briefing. Instructions include topics such as air supply management by the “rule of thirds;" communication with light signals; the ideal horizontal position and kicking techniques to avoid silting; the use of the proper amount and placement of weights; the “diving on a line” team system; the distance between the divers and their general behavior; safety procedures; environmental respect and conservation.






CENOTES… THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA!





The Mayan considered cenotes to be an entrance to their “underworld” or

“Xibalba” where their gods live and their spirits reside after death…


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Av. Gonzalo Guerrero, Akumal, 77780, Quintana Roo, Mexico


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