Why dive the Cenotes?
There are many different Cenote dives to choose from, you can easily be entertained for an entire dive vacation!
Each cenote is different and offers something special to see or experience! Diver beware.... you may become addicted
Here are some reasons why we love diving in Heaven Under Earth so much
Formations
Formed drop by drop formations typically take around 100 years to grow just a few centimeters!
When stalactites join with stalagmites they form a column
Some of the formations found in the cenotes are several meters long!
Sunbeams
The sun makes fantastic displays of light as it shines on the surface of the water
Refraction creates the illusion that the light bends as it hits the mirrorlike surface
Rainbows can be seen if you look up at just the right angle
Halocline
This phenomenon occurs when there is fresh water and salt water in the same body of water.
The cool fresh water sits on top of the warmer salt water due to buoyancy differences.
When we mix the layers we get a blurry effect which will be sure to amaze you!!
Fossils
Hydrogen Sulfide Clouds
Organic matter that falls into the cenote slowly decomposes creating Hydrogen Sulfide gas that becomes suspended in the water
The tree branches and milky like clouds create a spooky effect and a dive experience like no other
Underwater Photography
Photographers unite!
If photography is your game you better charge your batteries and come with an empty SD card
Photo opportuinities are simply unlimited
Reflections
Cenotes are protected from wind and have a barely detectable current so we often get picture perfect reflections from the mirrorlike surface
This creates stunning reflections that are sure to amaze!
Air Domes
When the ceiling of the cave or cavern is above water level we get an air pocket called an air dome
In some cenotes we can surface in these air domes and possibly see some resident bats, or birds
Visibility
Crystal clear waters are one of the things that makes cenote diving so inviting
Filtration through the floor of the rainforest combined with barely detectable currents allow sediment to settle to the bottom and stay there
Ancient Artifacts
Once upon a time the cenotes we dive in today were dry
Skeletons of sloths, foxes, other animals and even humans have been discovered (some dating more than 9000 years old)
Pottery and other tools have also been discovered
Scenery
Its not just what's inside that counts... each cenote is different from the outside too
Cave Diving Entrances
The permanent cavern line that we follow for our dives often lead the way to cave diving sites of the area
We often see warning signs reminding us not to enter unless certified
Sometime we see cave divers heading in to explore