FAQ ABOUT CAVERN TOURS
What is a cavern tour ?
Cavern tours, often referred to as "cenote tours," are essentially "cavern trust me dives." This means that guest divers are not trained to perform these types of dives independently. Instead, they rely on the expertise and guidance of a professional guide.
How did it start ?
Cavern tours began in the late 80s as a promotional effort to introduce cave diving. At the time, the Riviera Maya was largely undeveloped, with Playa del Carmen being a small fishing village without a main road. Cave divers and explorers, who faced financial challenges, started taking sport divers from the popular Cozumel to explore these natural wonders. This not only showcased the beauty of cenotes but also promoted the sport of cave diving.
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What is a cenote ?
Cenotes are natural gateways to underground rivers, formed from thousands of collapsed cave ceilings. The Mayans called them “Dzo-not,” now known worldwide as “cenotes.” These collapses, known as sinkholes, occur over millions of years through a slow geological process, creating stunning, water-filled formations.
How safe is it ?
Cenote diving has demonstrated impressive safety records over the past two decades. By adhering to strict safety rules and limitations, divers can explore the famous cenotes with an experienced cave diver, even without being cave-trained. The large size of the area's caverns and specially laid guidelines ensure divers remain within a safe distance of the exit and the daylight area, making these dives remarkably safe.
Can I get stuck or lose visibility during a cavern tour ?
Cavern dives are conducted in very large passages, where there is ample space for crossing and turning. In these expansive passages, it is virtually impossible to lower visibility to zero or get stuck. This makes cavern tours safe and manageable, ensuring an enjoyable experience for divers.
Where can I do it ?
The Riviera Maya is one of the few places in the world where recreational or sport divers can safely explore the stunning underwater caves without requiring specialized training. This region offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of cenotes and cavern diving, guided by experienced professionals.
What can I see during a cavern tour ?
During a cavern tour, divers are immediately struck by the crystal clear waters and their endless visibility. You'll be mesmerized by the fragile calcite formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and gigantic columns. The waters exhibit amazing color and texture changes due to varying contents of salts, calcium, and other minerals. The rocks, stained by millennia of contact with minerals, sulfuric, and tannic acids, add to the visual splendor.
Sunlight filtering into the translucent waters creates dreamy curtains of light descending to the bottom of the caverns, sometimes over 30 meters deep. You may encounter hydrogen sulfide layers forming thick white clouds, giving the sensation of flying above them. The distinct layers of salt and fresh water, which refuse to mix, create an incredible layer-cake effect with differently colored waters.
Who can guide ?
Any local Open Water Instructor who is also a certified cave diver can claim to be a guide. However, it's obviously better to rely on a highly trained professional who knows the area extensively. There are many operators in the area, with varying levels of legality and qualification. Prices can vary greatly, and the offers may seem similar. When choosing your operator, the level of training and experience of your guide should be your primary concern.
What is the guide/client ratio ?
Each guide can guide a maximum of 4 divers.
Who can do it ?
Any certified Open Water Diver aged 18 or older with good buoyancy control can participate. Additionally, 15-year-olds can join if they are diving with a parent or guardian.
Is it difficult ?
Having good buoyancy control is essential. You need to avoid bouncing and dragging fins on the ground for your safety and to preserve the fragile cave systems. It is not difficult as long as you are a competent diver with decent skills.
What kind of equipment do I need ?
You'll need your regular recreational diving equipment, excluding snorkels, gloves, and knives. We will provide you with the necessary lights if needed.
Can I take pictures ?
Yes, clients are allowed to take pictures during the tour. However, the guide cannot take pictures, as their primary focus is on guiding. Some landowners may charge a fee to bring a camera onto their property. Additionally, you have the option to hire a professional underwater photographer to capture your experience.
What should I take to the dive site ?
Aside from your dive gear, bring the minimum essentials. This includes a towel, personal hygiene items, and perhaps your cell phone for taking pictures. It's advisable to carry a small amount of MXN Pesos for small purchases and entrance fees at the dive sites. Avoid carrying excessive amounts of money or valuables that you don't really need. Additionally, chemicals such as repellents and sunblocks are strictly prohibited.
How do we go to the dive site ?
We will pick you up at your hotel and transport you to the dive site in a pick-up truck. At the end of the tour, we'll drive you back to your hotel for a seamless experience.
How long are the tours ?
At CDT Mexico, we prioritize a relaxed and unhurried experience. Tours usually start at 8am and finish between 2pm and 4pm, depending on the distance to the chosen dive site. Enjoy the pleasure of diving with a small operation that values taking things slowly and doing them right, free from tight schedules and rushing.
Which amenities do we find on the dive sites ?
Access to the majority of dive sites is easy and convenient. Most cenotes offer simple yet sufficient facilities, such as concrete tables to assemble your gear, safe stairways if necessary, and sometimes even toilets or snack bars. We are always happy to provide detailed information about specific dive sites upon request.
Is there cell phone coverage on the dive sites ?
Cell phone coverage varies depending on the dive site. Approximately half of the dive sites have network coverage. We are happy to provide specific information about each dive site upon request.
Can I eat/buy food on the dive sites ?
Yes, you can eat at every dive site. However, only some sites serve food, while most do not. It's always a good idea to bring your own snacks and water just in case.
Can I take my own food on the dive sites ?
Yes, you can bring your own food to the dive sites. We will be happy to organize it for you on request! Please note that alcoholic drinks are not allowed.