THE NATURAL WONDER OF MEXICO
The famous cenotes of Yucatán in Mexico are the entrances to the largest underwater cave systems in the world. There are at least 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatán and these mystical sinkholes have captivated divers from around the globe.
Warning sign at Cenote Tajma Ha: The slight blur in the image is because we are at the halocline layer
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to dive and explore the cenotes of Yucatán’s cave systems and with every dive, I am reminded why I find them so enthralling. Exploring the cenotes allows me to escape the ordinary, to immerse myself in a world of wonder, and to be humbled by the magnificence of Nature.
A VISUAL FEAST
These crystal-clear, freshwater sinkholes are nestled within lush greenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for every dive. As I descend into the depths, the sunlight penetrates the water, casting mesmerising rays that dance on the cave walls. The vibrant hues and intricate speleothem formations – accumulations of mineral deposits over time – create a surreal underwater landscape and a visual feast that leaves me in awe every time. One cannot help but be spellbound by the sheer beauty of the cenotes.
PEACEFUL ESCAPE
Unlike the bustling world above the surface, the cenotes are a peaceful escape into a world untouched by time, as all external noises fade away, replaced by the gentle lapping of water and the sound of my own breath. It is a meditative experience, allowing me to embrace the solitude and find a sense of calm that rejuvenates my spirit.
DELICATE ECOSYSTEMS
The cenotes are also home to unique and delicate ecosystems. As I descend into the cenotes, the occasional freshwater turtle and schools of curious fish like guppies and mollies often greet me. In the dark cave passages, blind catfish, blind cave eels, and marine crustaceans like shrimp and isopods can be seen. In some cenotes, even crocodiles are found. Deeper in the caves, I often see delicate stalactites and stalagmites adorned with ancient fossils. Every cave is its own wonder, and some stalactites and stalagmite formations are amazingly beautiful. In some cave passages, I see evidence of previous human habitation, like ancient fireplaces and animal bones, even human remains.
WATER VISIBILITY
In the Yucatán cenotes, the fresh water sits above salt water that seeps in from the ocean. Where the waters meet is a mixing zone called a halocline, an interesting phenomenon where visibility is slightly limited. Otherwise, cenote water is usually very clear, as the water comes from rain water filtering slowly through the ground, and therefore contains very little suspended particulate matter. Sometimes in cenotes with heavy vegetation, heavy rains can cause tannic runoff from land into the water causing the water to be tea-coloured, although visibility remains clear.
Sometimes the cave entrance from the cenote is just a small passage
GATEWAY TO THE UNDERWORLD
The cenotes hold profound historical and cultural significance for the Mayan civilisation. These natural formations were considered sacred by the ancient Mayans, who believed they were gateways to the underworld. So, diving the cenotes is not only an exploration of the natural world, but also an immersion into a rich tapestry of history and culture.
LICENCE TO DIVE
To dive the cenotes, divers must show proof of cave diving certification from a recognised technical dive training organisation. TDI, IANTD and GUE are some of the organisations that provide basic and advanced cave training in Yucatán. Cave diving is challenging and not for the faint-hearted. The training is demanding and strenuous. I completed both my GUE Cave 1 and Cave 2 certifications with Zero Gravity Dive Center, a Global Underwater Explorers dive center and dive training provider based in Puerto Aventuras, south of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán’s east coast. My choice for GUE cave training was an easy decision as I’m already a GUE-trained diver, holding a GUE Technical 2 dive certification.
THRILL OF THE UNKNOWN
Unlike open-water diving, cave diving involves exploring intricate and complex cave systems, sometimes navigating through narrow passages and restrictions. The thrill of venturing into the unknown, surrounded by total darkness, and the anticipation of what lies ahead, is an adrenaline rush unlike any other. Each dive presents its own challenges and rewards, testing my skills as a diver and often pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone. It is a constant reminder that there is always more to discover, both in the world around us and within ourselves.
Stalagmites in Cenote
Nohoch Nah Chich
AN EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
Diving the cenotes of the Yucatán is an experience that combines natural beauty, tranquility, biodiversity, history, culture, and adventure into one remarkable journey. The allure of these mystical sinkholes lies not only in their physical grandeur but also in the emotional and spiritual connection they foster with their divers. It is an experience that holds a special place in my heart as I continue to unravel the mysteries of the cenotes, one dive at a time.
Text and Images by BK Chin
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