FAQ
What is a cenote?
A cenote is a sinkhole, or an area where the limestone bedrock has naturally collapsed to expose the groundwater below. The Yucatan Peninsula contains an estimated 10,000 cenotes, many of which are accessible for divers and snorkelers to enjoy!
What is the difference between a cavern and a cave?
A cavern is an overhead environment defined by being the natural light zone of a cave entrance.
The local cavern diving limit is a maximum of 60m/200ft from open water, and natural light will be visible at any point on a cavern dive. A cave is any point beyond the cavern zone, out of view from natural light.
Do I need a scuba certification to cavern dive?
Yes!
Even if you have tried diving before, cavern safety standards do not permit non-certified individuals to dive in an overhead environment. You must complete an Open Water course and get certified before doing a cavern tour. If you’re already a certified Open Water diver, no additional training is required to participate in a cavern tour, just a solid grasp on buoyancy control. Some cenotes are reserved for Advanced certified divers due to their depth and/or difficulty.
How long will our tour last?
Cavern tours typically last 5-6 hours depending on cenote location and number of divers. Open Water and Advanced course training days may last up to 8 hours depending on speed of progress and group size. Discovery Dives usually last 4 hours.
What's included in the pricing?
Tour and training prices include all rental equipment, tanks & weights, cenote entrance and/or
boat fees, transport to and from Tulum Centro, and lunch/drinks for the day. Additional
GoPro/camera fees may be required at select cenotes and are not included in pricing. Enriched
air (nitrox) may be included for an additional charge of $7 USD per tank. Restrictions may apply
to Group Trips.
How many divers will be joining?
The maximum group size for cavern tours is 4 divers per guide. We maintain this limit for PADI certification training and Discovery Dives as well, to ensure quality attention and personalized service. For groups larger than 4, additional dive guides or instructors will be added.
What’s the best cenote to visit?
All of them!
It’s difficult to choose a favorite cenote as they each offer their own special formations and features. Whether you’re seeking amazing light displays, mystical hydrogen sulfide layers, fascinating aquatic life, or ancient Mayan artifacts, every site contains unique wonders. Let us know what you’re most excited about experiencing and we can customize the perfect cavern combination.
Can I dive in both the ocean and the cenotes?
While it’s always a possibility, we highly recommend that certified divers embrace the opportunity to experience an environment you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. Plus, Cavern Tours aren’t affected by rainy weather or rough seas - there’s no canceled boats or bad visibility in the cenotes! The Yucatan peninsula is unique in providing so many recreational cavern diving sites, you don’t want to miss them while in Tulum.
Can we go further into the cave?
Only if you’re cave certified!
The Yucatan peninsula is home to the world’s top 5 longest flooded cave systems, meaning there’s endless kilometers of underwater cave to explore. Cave training is an extensive process requiring proficiency with a 2-tank configuration, expertise with buoyancy, trim and positioning, and mastery of safety drills and navigation skills. For more information on guided cave dives or cave training, please contact us directly.