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The area around Tulum (120 km south of Cancun) is almost entirely cut up by karst formations, underground rivers and cenotes, many of which have access to the sea. Most caves are open for diving and are accessible even to beginner divers. The excellent technical base of local dive centers, a large number of experienced instructors and guides, a variety of hotels, villas, numerous restaurants and bars - all this has made Tulum a world center for cave diving. We organize specialized tours to Mexico for cave divers, and also regularly conduct cave courses here in TDI, IANTD, NSS-CDS and UTD systems.
The area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is home to more than 70 underwater cave systems. Currently, several thousand kilometers of underwater tunnels and labyrinths have been discovered and explored. Tens of thousands remain unexplored.
The largest cave system in the world
The largest cave system in the world
The caves of Yucatan break all world records not only in duration, but also in the size of stalactites. One of the most amazing features of Mexican cenotes is the presence of a hallocline. An optical effect of amazing beauty occurs at the junction of the salt water of the Caribbean Sea and the fresh water of the cenotes. Divers from all over the world choose the Yucatan cenotes for cave diving and training. Most cenotes in Yucatan have convenient entrances, clear water, comfortable temperatures (25-27 C), there are no strong currents or great depths.
From Tulum, the capital of cave diving in the Yucatan, the caves are only 15-20 minutes away. Most cenotes are privately owned and diving requires payment of a small fee - usually $5 - $10. Some cenotes are equipped with convenient entrances, changing rooms, toilets, tables for equipment and platforms for entering the water. The average depth of cenotes is 12-15 meters. This allows you to spend significant time underwater without the risk of decompression. This is especially convenient for those who come to Yucatan to take cave courses. The shallow depth allows you to spend several hours every day in the caves, doing exercises and honing your cave skills.
Water clarity and visibility are excellent all year round. In most cases, you will be able to see as far as your underwater light can shine. Surface weather has little effect on diving conditions, as it does in other cave diving areas in the world. The water temperature in the Yucatan cenotes is higher than in most other cave systems in the world and averages 25 - 27 C all year round. The underwater caves of Yucatan are very diverse. Each system has its own special and unique atmosphere and structure.
Diving in grottoes (caverns) in recreational mode
Diving in grottoes (caverns) in recreational mode
Most of the cenotes in Tulum have spacious cavern areas that are available for recreational diving. Cavern diving does not require special cave training. Good buoyancy skills are sufficient.
Approximate program of a cave tour to Mexico
Approximate program of a cave tour to Mexico
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun. You can fly via Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Havana or on a direct charter flight from Moscow. A representative of our company will meet you at the Cancun airport. Handing over a rented car (minivan or jeep), navigator, and all necessary instructions. Transfer to a private villa or hotel in the Tulum area (110 km, 2 hours). Accommodation.
Days 2 - 8: Cenote diving program. For certified cave divers - rental of double divers and dives with cave guides in the "full cave" mode. For recreational divers - cavern diving. Daily - 2 dives. For those interested, it is possible to take cave courses using the NSS-CDS or UTD systems (by prior application). Usually the day will start at 7 am, breakfast, at 8 – departure to the caves. Return around 4 pm. One evening you can also explore the ruins of the ancient city of Tulum, built by the Mayans on 14-meter-high coastal cliffs in the 12th century AD.
Day 9: Early morning transfer to Cancun. 2 dives in the underwater sculpture museum. The museum has a unique collection - more than 400 sculptures - this is the largest such installation in the world. In the evening return to Tulum.
Day 10: Rest day. Excursion to Chichen Itza and Coba. Inspection of ancient Mayan temples: the Temple of the Jaguars, the Temple of Kukulkan, the ball stadium, the sacred cenote. Buying souvenirs. If necessary, you can order a Russian-speaking guide. In Cobe, you will be able to climb the highest pyramid of the Yucatan Peninsula, which offers a beautiful view of the valley. Entrance tickets and services of a Russian-speaking guide are paid additionally (upon prior request). Lunch - at one of the restaurants in Chichen Itza. In the evening return to Tulum. Farewell dinner at the villa.
Day 11: Transfer to the airport. Renting minivans. Flight home.
The program presented here is an example. You can choose the class of accommodation, the number of dives, and the duration of the trip at your discretion. Group discounts, commissions for agents, clubs and instructors are provided.
NSS-CDS and UTD Cave Courses
NSS-CDS and UTD Cave Courses
The underwater cave systems of the Riviera Maya offer unusually beautiful, but at the same time dangerous and challenging dives. To enjoy them fully, you need to undergo training according to the standards of international cave federations. The most respected training programs are developed by the National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS), IANTD and UTD (Unified Team Diving).
We offer training starting from the basics of technical and recreational diving, as well as all levels of cave courses from Cavern and Basic Cave to Full Cave. We also provide Cave Scooter and Advanced Sidemount Cave courses (certified by NSS-CDS and UTD).
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