| DIVING CENOTES |
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Millions
of years ago, the peninsula was covered by the ocean and
during the last Ice Age, the level of the ocean sank.
All the reef and marine life collapsed and many of them
became marine fossils. Rainfall filtered through the ground
and flowing slowly towards the ocean it eventually carved
out huge systems of underground caves and tunnels. Once
these systems were formed, precipitation would carry minerals
into the earth, dripping down the vaults of the underground
caves, forming stalactites and stalagmites that in time
formed incredible rock formations. The word "cenote" is
derived from a Mayan term "D'zonot" which represents a
subterranean cavity that contains permanent water. Cenote
was considered by Mayan people the entrance to their mythical
and spiritual underworld and also was their only fresh
water source in the middle of the jungle.
Cenotes
can be any shape or size, they can appear as a pond, a tiny
shaft, a crack hole or even like a lagoon. Water that flows
into a cenote is called the spring side or upstream area. Water
that flows from the cenote is known as the siphon side or downstream
area. |
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| CENOTES |
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 SAFE CAVERN DIVING
Cavern diving has risks and limitations, it cannot be considered as an open water dive: cavern diving means to dive into an overhead environment and it is not always possible to ascend to the surface as you do in ocean dives.
We stay in the limits of the sunlight, with a maximum penetration of 60m/180ft linear from opening. Most cenotes have a permanent installed rope, which serves as a great psychological reference, if there's not a permanent guideline then the guide can temporarily install a guideline during the cavern tour. The air supply must be managed, when a diver voluntarily enters the cavern zone it is imperative that she/he allows enough air to exit and plan for any unseen emergencies, the classic 1/3 air in and 2/3 air out has been an established procedure since the early 1970's.
The limitations of the cavern dive demands that all the divers exit with a minimum of 1200psi/80bar, NO LESS. Most cenotes have an outstanding visibility (up to 100m/300ft), and water temperature of is around 26ºC/78ºF but it can vary depending on weather conditions.
You can find the typical fresh water marine life, but the main idea of diving in cenotes is to admire their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and the many rock formations that can easily make you think that you are somewhere in outer space. |
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CHAC-MOOL
It is located 16km/10miles south of Playa del Carmen. The 1st
room is relatively big with a lot of light entering from the opening.
In the second room a part of the ceiling has collapsed under an
air dome and divers can surface on it. Through the opening of
the main entrance divers can experience a spectacular laser light
show on sunny days and also in Chac-Mool you will see another
phenomenon, the halocline. With its large rooms and shallow waters
(maximum depth 12m/36ft) this cenote is perfect for beginners
to cavern diving. |
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PONDEROSA
Located 25km/16miles south of Playa, this cenote presents big
rocks covered by plants on the bottom and is home to a variety
of fresh water fish and eels. It is a perfect place for swimmers
and snorkelers, and is also a common spot for diving courses when
the ocean is too rough. The cave has very large rooms and several
daylight entrances and is qualified as easy, being perfect for
not experienced divers. The maximum depth is 14m/42ft. |
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TAJ-MAHAL
It is located 26km//16miles south of Playa del Carmen. This cenote
is part of the same cavern system of Chac-Mool. On sunny days
you may be witness to a spectacular light show. In the center
of the cenote there's a hole, which is located in the heart of
the jungle (diameter 10m/30ft) and divers surface here to admire
the beautiful Mexican jungle. The maximum depth is 14m/42ft. |
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DOS
OJOS
It is located 48km/30miles south of Playa del Carmen. It got the
name "Dos Ojos" because it has two entrances, the first eye which
is the first dive, starts at 10m/30ft and you dive the right side
of the cavern, exactly in the middle of this dive you'll find
a plastic crocodile which is used as a sign and according with
the 1/3 rule, if you don't reach this point with 2/3 of your air
tank then it is mandatory to go back and finish the dive. The
maximum depth for the 1st section is 12m/36ft. The second eye
is much more delicate than the 1st section due to the amount of
fragile stalactites and stalagmites so a good buoyancy control
is highly recommended in order to not disturb the environment.
The maximum depth is 12m/36ft. |
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GRAN
CENOTE
Located 3km/2 miles east from Tulum, it is one of the most beautiful
sights in the area, perfect for snorkeling. This cenote is perfect
for non-experienced divers because of the immense amount of light,
which penetrates the entire cenote. This cenote has plenty of
rooms filled with stalactites for divers to admire. The maximum
depth is 10m/30ft. |
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ANGELITA
Located 17km/11miles south of Tulum is the farthest cenote from
Playa del Carmen. After a 5 minutes walk in the jungle you will
reach the circular shaped cenote which looks pretty unremarkable.
However, there is a spectacular change of views once you start descending.
After a cloud of hydrogen sulfate you will get to the saltwater
which is very dark, giving you the sensation of being in the middle
of a forest during the night. Because the maximum depth is 60m/180ft,
it is only recommended for technical divers who are looking for
a decompression dive in a cenote. |
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