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Cave Diving in Riviera Maya is one of the most amazing activity you can do if you are a cave diver or you want to become one.
You can find of caves where is possible to dive in. Cave access are normally simple and the mazes inside are spectacular , with an endless variations of formations such as stalactites , stalagmites, soda straw, bacon strips , rim pools, stalagtites and columns, clear water, low flow and shallow depth.
Cenotes
Cave Diving along the Yucatan coast was discovered in the middle eighties when cave divers began to dive in the Cenotes (maya word for natural well) . The exploration of the cenotes exploded as more cave systems were found, surveyed and mapped. Every year since than, new caves are found and the number of underwater caves is growing and growing.
Riviera Maya has the world ‘s best caves to dive , the most extended underwater systems , basically a wonderland for cave divers.
General Hazards
Scuba diving in underwater caves present a variety of hazards that you must be prepared to face.
General hazards are: water filled, water temperature and complete darkness because natural daylight cannot penetrate inside the cave.
How to avoid all that? You should carry the right amount of gas based on the rule of thirds or more conservative, fit a proper diving suit to be comfortable underwater for long periods, carry at least three powerful diving lights.
Specific Hazards
Specific hazards include:
- water flow (not in Riviera Maya where there are low flow systems)
- silt , can be very easy to disturb if you are not properly trained in trim and buoyancy techniques
- haloclines can disturb the visibility pretty much , be aware once you dive in.
- mazes , there are some kind of swiss cheese caves involving the cave diver in very complex navigation
- large passageways , can easily create confusion in the direction
- line traps , are not common but you need to check your line to avoid them
- fail to run a continuous guideline, connected to the exit of the cave can result in fatality
- diving too deep
- diving over the personal and certification level limits
- new places without using a map
Sound Advices
Cenote Diving can be pretty safe if you follow the rules. A sound advice is to hire a local guide, so you will be more safe, will enjoy your dive more and the will guide you in the most amazing places you can find.
For non certified cave divers, Riviera Maya caves are the best to receive a top world training in back mount or side mount , you can be tought to all cave diver levels by the best Instructors.
Contact Alberto at cavediveit@gmail.com, who will organize your dive at the best
