The
unique dive experience
The Yucatan peninsula was originally under the ocean and the region's
limestone foundation is fossilized coral beds and ocean floor. There are
no above ground rivers in this area, all of the ground water sinks through
the porous limestone and travels to the sea in underground rivers. Parts
of the limestone weakened over time and collapsed, leaving sinkholes filled
with water - a cenote.
During the ice ages, portions of the underground rivers
dried up and water dripping through the limestone left mineral deposits
in beautiful formations. Decorations - stalactites and stalagmites - formed
in the caves and caverns, and were covered with water when the rivers
began flowing once again. Specially trained cave divers enter these cave
systems through the cenote entrances.
Cavern tours - open water divers
Open water divers can go in groups of 4 with a certified
cavern guide. Divers wear their normal open water gear, but unlike cave
divers, cavern divers always stay within sight of natural daylight.
There are cavern certification courses, and unless you take one you should
not dive in any cavern without a qualified guide.
On a cavern tour, diving in the calm crystal clear water
makes it feel like you are flying through the air. The water is either
fresh or mixed with salt water, depending on how close you are to the
ocean. Almost any dive shop in the area will take you on a cavern tour
in a cenote.
Aquaworld offers the opportunity to explore one of the largest underground cavern systems. Aquaworld’s expert guides will lead the way to ensure you have a safe and unforgettable experiences in the famous Chac-Mool cavern. Transportation is provided from Cancun or from your Riviera Maya hotel.
Don't
go without a guide
If you are a certified open water diver, you can dive in
a cenote cavern with a qualified guide. Most area dive
shops, including Cyan
Ha will take you diving in a cenote if you are certified for open
water diving.
Anyone can snorkel in a cenote, but you should never dive in a cenote,
cavern or cave unless you are certified to do so or have a certified guide
with you.
People die from scuba diving in caverns and caves
without training. See the National
Association for Cave Diving or the cave
diving page for more information.
You can see the inside of some caves without getting wet. Just South
of Akumal is Aktun Chen, a dry cave you
can tour. There is a sign for the cave on the right, and a large sign
on the left for DIF, a government run camp.
Take care of your ears
after swimming so you don't get sick
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