Cenotes - A Dive For Non-Cavers?

[Vercingetorix]

I have a little over 50 dives, all in lakes/quarries except one; so I am very inexperienced in the sport (certed Jan 07). I'm interested in diving in the cenotes around Cancun.

I am not cave or cavern certified. And, while I realize there are no SCUBA Police, is it safe for a non-caver to dive these when led by an experienced guide from one of the LDSs or SCUBA businesses there?

The write-ups make the dive seem like it should be no concern for a non-cave diver. But, IT IS AN OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENT. I would prefer to get cavern-certed, but Dallas, Texas is not known as a cave-diving Mecca.

Your thoughts.

[chicken]

I did it and then read "diver down", probably won't do that again.

[Byte Me]

Any decent shop would keep you on Cenote dives that are kosher for non cave cert divers. I did Dos Ojos - Bat Cave and Barbie line last year with Playa Scuba and had a BLAST. Luis, our guide, was fully fitted with doubles and all the requisite equipment.

[snagel]

I've done a couple of the cenotes around Cancun. The guide I've had is completely outfitted with doubles and reduntant systems. However, we did get back in some overhead environments. I would say "most" of the time I could see light, but maybe not right overhead.

My suggestion, do what your comfortable with. There is plenty to see where you are fairly close to the surface light. If you are uncomfortable going further, tell them. It is something you need to experience and no you don't "have to be" cave certified.

Check out some of my Mexico pics from Mexico for some snap shots of the cenote.

Snagel

[Vercingetorix]

Snagel, I loved the photos. Thanks for sharing. I noticed that you started your Mexico gallery with a young girl in a bikini. Is this your method to ensure the visitor continues with your gallery? <LOL>

I noted that the divers wore either shorty 3mm or full 3mm; so, the water temp is warm?

[Zeagle Eagle]

You don't need a cave cert'. If you are comfortable night diving then you will love the Cenotes. I say go for it!

[aperkins]

I am not cave or cavern certified, and I thought the Cenotes were super safe.

[Vercingetorix]

Zeagle_Eagle and aperkins, Thanks. I'll add cenotes to my list.

[Byte Me]

Forgot I had a handful of pictures from my trip through Dos Ojos as well, they're mixed in with some Coz pictures.

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

It was a great experience and when we get down there - which we try once a year - I'll definitely dive a Cenote!

[Byte Me]

Originally Posted by snagel

I've done a couple of the cenotes around Cancun. The guide I've had is completely outfitted with doubles and reduntant systems. However, we did get back in some overhead environments. I would say "most" of the time I could see light, but maybe not right overhead.

My suggestion, do what your comfortable with. There is plenty to see where you are fairly close to the surface light. If you are uncomfortable going further, tell them. It is something you need to experience and no you don't "have to be" cave certified.

Check out some of my Mexico pics from Mexico for some snap shots of the cenote.

Snagel

Snagel, who'd you dive with in the Cenotes?

Also, according to my dive log, minimum temp in the Cenotes was 75F, although I wasn't cold wearing a 3mm full suit.