While moving down the Yucatan coast I had heard from different sources that diving The Cenotes was a thing to do for the curious diver. As we stopped in Tulum I didn’t wait long until I entered the first dive store to ask what the buzz was all about.
Cenotes is therefore a synonym for one of more than 100 places that exist in the province of Quintana Roo. A Cenote is a natural sinkhole that is created when the roof of a cave in the limestone bedrock collapses and leaves a cavern. These spots have varying depths between 10 and around 100 meters. There are some very beautiful examples of these around Tulum and I was hooked to see it myself.
The places close to the Ocean in Tulum have sweet and salt water from the ocean inside. The two different densities try to mix and create interesting phenomenons inside the place. I booked my 3 tank dive with Infinity2Diving in Tulum downtown. Their staff and equipment was top notch and from the first moment I had a good feeling. I feel sorry that I could not bring better pictures from there. I bought a disposable underwater camera on Cozumel but couldn’t find any in Tulum. You would definitely want to bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to these places.
Our team consisting of 2 divers and our dive master Shannon headed of the next morning to do the following itinerary:
Dive 21 – Casa Cenote
In 3200 psi
Out 1200 psi
Max depth 7m
Dive time 46 mins
Temp 29 C
AVG N/A
Visibility 15-20
Start 10:00
Guide Infinity2Diving / Shannon
Cool reflections, nice open water cenote, halocline (fresh and salt water try to mix) impressive mangrove swim through. Was considered the easiest and most shallow dive of the day but as we had the place almost by ourselves the dive was very rewarding.
Dive 22 – The Pit Cenote
In 3200 psi
Out 900 psi
Max depth 31m
Dive time 34 mins
Temp 25 C
AVG N/A
Visibility Infinite
Start 12:35
Guide Infinity2Diving / Shannon
Breathtaking entry (literally). I had a panic attack when going down due to missing indication of descend speed which used a lot of my air. Cleared mind right after that and enjoyed the rest of the dive. Hydrogen sulfide cloud at the bottom and one of the clearest waters I’ve ever seen. Other divers seemed almost flying. Infinite visibility. Got cold after a while due to 2,5mm wetsuit. Should have asked for a 5mm instead.
Dive 23 – Dos Ojos / Barbie Line
In 3200 psi
Out 1500 psi
Max depth 8
Dive time 42 mins
Temp 25 C
AVG N/A
Visibility infinite
Start 14:20
Guide Infinity2Diving / Shannon
Nice shallow cavern system with plenty of water reflection stalagmites and stalactites. Nice ending for a perfect divers day. Incredible color. Felt cold again due to too slim wetsuit.