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What is a Cenote Riviera Maya? There are different answers to this question:
- A swimming pool of crystal clear water
- An entryway to a below ground stream system
- A Mayan spiritual room where the real world and also the spiritual abyss fulfill.
The entire river system on Riviera Maya runs through miles of underground caves. Because this region is mostly limestone, water seeping into the porous rock occasionally causes the earth to give way. The sink-hole-like opening to the water below is called a Cenote.
Some Cenotes appear like small ponds
Some Cenotes appear like small ponds; the water level with, or just below, the forest floor. But more often, gaping holes will have you staring into a dark abyss where you can jump into an ancient cavern complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and even bats if you’re lucky.
Modern day divers have discovered jade, silver, bones, and pottery in some Cenotes which leads archeologists to believe the Mayans sacrificed on these sites to the gods, probably to Chaac, the rain god. It is rumored that some of these caverns witnessed human sacrifices, most evidence points toward more mundane rituals.
Yucatan’s Riviera Maya is quite arid
Yucatan’s Riviera Maya is quite arid and Cenotes are natural wells providing an endless supply of life-giving water. So on a practical level, it’s easy to understand why the Mayans would revere these pristine pools. On a deeper, darker level, just try diving deep under the surface and looking into the enormous black hole that leads off to who-knows-where and you will understand why such fear and mystery surrounds these other-worldly gifts to the Yucatan.
If you plan a trip to go diving in Cenotes in Riviera Maya, you should expect that your trip will begin with a four wheel transfer down a narrow jungle road through palms and ceibas and copal trees. Cenotes are beautiful and lost in the jungle, away from civilization, you feel as though you are walking into another world. In fact, the Mayans believe cenotes are entrances to Xibalba, the underworld, a place that is neither heaven nor hell, but leads to the afterlife.
Most dives in Cenotes are cavern dives
Most dives in Cenotes are cavern dives as opposed to cave dives. In a cavern dive, the divers never leave sight of the light coming in from the entrance. A guideline should run for the entire dive, giving you a point of reference because the silt on the bottom of the cavern get stirred up and decrease visibility.
Your project to dive in Cenotes Riviera Maya should therefore include a dive master who is well acquainted with the area.
Contact Alberto at cavediveit@gmail.com to organize your dive in the best way.
