The Riviera Maya, with its stunning Caribbean coastline along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, is a diver's paradise. But while the coral reefs are spectacular, it's the cenotes that truly capture the imagination. These unique geological formations offer an otherworldly scuba diving experience unlike anything you've encountered before.
Cenotes, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, reveal a hidden world of crystal-clear freshwater, intricate cave systems, and mesmerizing light effects. Many are perfect for cavern diving, allowing you to explore overhead environments while still enjoying the natural light filtering in from the entrance.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya have numerous dive shops to choose from to organize your dive. We selected Dive Machine in Playa del Carmen and were not disappointed. Our guides, Suzanne and Pancho were both amazing and among the best we have dived with anywhere in the world over thousands of dives!
Cavern Diving vs. Cave Diving in the Riviera Maya
It's important to remember that cavern diving differs from cave diving:
- Light Source: Cavern diving stays within the reach of natural light, while cave diving ventures into absolute darkness.
- Distance from Entrance: Cavern divers stay within sight of the entrance, usually no more than 200 feet in. Cave divers, on the other hand, explore deep into the cave systems.
- Equipment and Training: Cave diving requires specialized gear and extensive training, including using guidelines and reels for navigation. You can enjoy cavern diving in the Riviera Maya with a recreational certification, but always with a qualified guide and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Our Unforgettable Cenote Dives: Angelita and Carwash
Two cenotes in particular left a lasting impression on us: Cenote Angelita and Cenote Carwash.
Cenote Angelita: Descending into Angelita felt like entering another dimension. The halocline at 30 meters created a hazy curtain between the fresh and salt water. And then, that incredible cloud of hydrogen sulfide... It was both eerie and mesmerizing, like swimming through a dream. Reaching the bottom and seeing that 'river' of branches and leaves was surreal. Angelita is a dive we won't soon forget. If you're looking for a truly unique Riviera Maya scuba diving experience, Angelita should be at the top of your list.
Cenote Carwash: This cenote surprised us. The name, a nod to its past life as a car wash for taxi drivers, doesn't do it justice. The water was incredibly clear, perfect for exploring the cavern's swim-throughs and admiring the formations. We even spotted a few turtles and some fish, which added to the magic. Carwash was a fantastic dive, offering a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
Beyond the Cenotes: Reef Diving in the Riviera Maya
Beyond the cenotes, we did a dive on the wreck of a shrimp boat at about 30 meters. The strong current required a drop off up current from the wreck with a gradual descent which felt like flying a plane in for a landing. We timed our descent perfectly and explored the wreck inside and out, even finding a magnificent moray eel who has taken up residence inside one of the compartments. Of course, as with any drift dive, we did our deep and safety stops free floating with the current and deployed surface markers to signal the boat captain for pickup.
Of course, we couldn't resist the allure of the Mesoamerican Reef. The second-largest barrier reef in the world, it delivered on its promise of vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. We even had a chance encounter with a sea turtle!
The Riviera Maya truly offers something for every diver. Whether you're drawn to the mystery of the cenotes or the vibrant colors of the reef, you're sure to find an underwater experience that will stay with you long after you've surfaced in this enchanting part of Mexico.
