CENOTE DIVING: exploring the 'Hidden World'

Cenote. Pronounced say-no-tay.

Cenote Route Mayan Riviera

Cenote scuba diving in the Yucatan belongs on every diver's bucket list. Dropping into these ancient, crystal clear limestone caverns is unlike anything in the ocean, and it is the kind of dive you never forget. The team at Manta Divers Cancun put this guide together to introduce you to that hidden world. Manta Divers Cancun is here today to introduce you to this hidden world. Cenote diving in Cancun is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in the water here, and it is easier to arrange than most people expect.

What is a cenote, and how were they formed?

The Yucatan Peninsula was once underwater. As the marine life and corals died, their remains fell to the bottom of the seabed, which compacted over many years, eventually forming a limestone layer approximately 1 mile thick. During the last ice age, the sea level dropped, and the Yucatan Peninsula became exposed. Over time, what once was a reef became fertile soil and eventually developed into a tropical jungle. Rainfall trickling into the porous limestone over time caused further erosion, creating vast caverns and caves. When the roof of an underground cavern or cave structure collapses, BAM, you have a cenote opening!

What scuba certification do I need to dive in the cenotes?

There are so many accessible cenotes to choose from, each one varying in depth, structure, and complexity. This means that some are suitable for novice divers. Even if you are not the most experienced diver, divers entering the cenotes should have decent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the surrounding fragile environment.

Some destinations offer “Try Dive” style programs in very open cenotes. That said, cenotes are still an overhead environment, and it is important to be honest about what you are ready for.

At Manta, our cenote cavern dives are for certified divers. If you are not certified yet, we recommend starting the right way in the ocean first and building comfort before heading underground. Here are the best starting points:

• Discover Scuba Diving in Cancun (beginner experience, ocean)

• PADI Open Water Training (get certified, then cenotes)

An example of an open cenote

Is cenote diving cave diving or cavern diving? What’s the difference?

Diving in the cenotes as a recreational diver is a form of cavern diving. During a cavern dive, while you are swimming in an overhead environment, you are always within sight of an entry or exit point, and you can see natural light.

Cave diving is different. Cave dives go deeper into these systems, move beyond the daylight zone, and require specialized training and equipment.

The difference between a cavern and a cave

What Will You Actually See Down There?

Diving in the cenotes is incomparable to diving in the sea or a lake. Here are some examples of what you can witness:

• Stalactites and stalagmites: mineral-deposit formations created over immense time

• Spectacular light displays: beams pouring in from the surface

• Halocline layers: a shimmering layer where freshwater and saltwater meet

• Sulphur clouds: hydrogen sulphide from decomposing organic material

• Fossils: shells and sea life preserved in limestone

The best thing about diving in the cenotes is that you can witness all of this with ease due to the outstanding visibility.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Is it safe?

Cenote dive guides are trained to dive in this particular environment. They have specialized training and equipment to increase safety. Before your dive, your guide should provide a thorough briefing on safety procedures. You will notice that the rules are more conservative than when diving in open water. While no diving activity is entirely risk-free, following the instructions of your guide will increase safety and enjoyment for the entire group.

A few simple habits make a huge difference in cenotes:

• Move slowly and stay neutral, the environment is fragile

• Keep good spacing, silting affects everyone

• Do not touch the formations, ever

• If you bring a camera, keep it clipped and do not chase shots

Ready to plan your cenote day?

Signing up for your first cenote dive may feel a little daunting, but you won’t regret it. The enchanting tranquility of this hidden world will stay with you long after you surface.

For the cenote tour overview, start here: Cenote cavern diving from Cancun page.

For questions, use our contact page: Contact Manta Divers

If you are building a full week of diving, you can also browse everything we do here: Scuba Diving with Manta

See the full trip details on our

Dive and snorkel with Manta Divers, Cancun.

Call (800) 659-0712 · Info@mantadivers.com · mantadivers.com