March 15-22, 2002

  Cenotes are sacred to the Maya, who believe they are the entrance to the spiritual world and the place where the Sun God sleeps at night. Found along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, cenotes are water-filled openings leading to a vast system of underground caverns, tunnels and chambers. For thousands of years, these caves had been dry, filled with stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flowstones. In some places, the land above subterranean rivers had collapsed, flooding the caverns while leaving their limestone formations undisturbed. There are over 60 mapped cave systems with more than 300 miles of passageways to explore, offering divers cavern and cave diving options around Riviera Maya. Although special certification is required for divers who want to penetrate caves, no advanced training is necessary for certified divers who want to explore cenotes, since routes always follow tunnels bathed in natural daylight. Five of the largest water filled cave systems in the world are located in this area. The three longest known stalactites are also located in the area's systems.

Riviera Maya has some of the easiest cavern dives in the world. The dives are also among the safest, because of strict guidelines followed by dive operators. Divers must first go on an ocean dive so instructors can observe how comfortable people feel in the water, and if they can maintain buoyancy control. Just one uncertain kick could wipe out stalagmites and stalactites formed over millions of years. Crystal clear water, shallow depths (20-50ft), moderate water temperatures (77F) and little to no current, make it easy for all.

While following your guide single-file through a small crevasse to chambers, you’ll see tunnels and caverns hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. Gliding toward a distinct blue glow, you’ll discover the first of several openings where the roof has collapsed, allowing sunlight to pierce the waters with white laser-like beams. A jumble of twisted vines and roots may dangle in the water. Looking up, you’ll see trees, the sky and floating leaves, a glimpse of reality from the underworld. Snaking through the seemingly endless cave system, you’ll float over white snowdrifts of flowstones and limestone columns, and weave through tunnels carved by time. Although visibility in the fresh water is incredible, your vision can suddenly become blurred, like someone had dumped oil into the water. This is created by saltwater seeping through the porous limestone and mixing with fresh water. If disoriented, you need to only swim a few inches above or below to escape to clearer waters. If surfacing in a domed cavern with an air pocket, beware of awakening hundreds of sleeping bats, causing a commotion of rustling wings and piercing screeches.

The Mesoamerican Coral Reef stretches over 600 miles from the northern tip of Cancun, south to the islands of Honduras. This enormous coral wall is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The soft and hard corals, sponges, and crustaceans, like lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, make up this fabulous marine biodiversity. Both the loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles complete this underwater world. With the clarity of turquoise tinted waters, your diving will be more than inviting. With less than a 10-minute boat ride, you will discover over 30 different dive sites. You will also find the 80-degree water enjoyable throughout the entire year. The boats are located on the beach for easy access, so in no time at all, you are ready to plunge into this incredible world.

Please check back soon, or sign up for our email update list.  We will be adding some more information soon about specific trip options that are available including varying levels of cave and cavern certifications.