Cenotes are a place that any diver would want to dive into at least once.
Cenote diving, which allows you to feel the history of the Earth, is very popular among divers as it allows you to enjoy a different view from the ocean, and there are many tours available.
However, cenote diving is not well known in Japan, and there is actually more than one cenote.
This time, we will introduce what you should know before cenote diving, typical cenotes, rules, and how to dive.
Cenotes are natural springs created over a long period of time.
Cenotes, which mean "water of life" or "sacred spring" in Mayan, are natural wells and springs formed by groundwater accumulating in sinkholes, with large limestone caves submerged beneath.
Particularly famous are the cenotes around Cancun, Mexico. There are no rivers on the Yucatan Peninsula, and all the rainwater that seeps into the ground flows into underground aquifers.
The reason why limestone caves, which normally do not form underwater, exist in this underground water vein dates back to the Ice Age.
Originally a long cave formed above ground, the entire cave was submerged due to rising sea levels during the post-glacial period, and became the underground water vein it is today, leaving the limestone cavern submerged in water.
Part of the ceiling of these caves has collapsed, creating an entrance to an underground water vein.
It is said that there are about 5,000 cenotes in Japan, but only about 20 of them are open to the public.
A representative cenote that is also popular among cenote divers
Cancun, Mexico, is home to a wide variety of cenotes, including cave-like and open ones, and they are popular with divers.
Cenote diving has different diving methods and scenery depending on the shape of each cenote.
Some boast high transparency, allowing you to see up to 100 meters ahead, while others allow you to enjoy a mysterious phenomenon called a "curtain of light" caused by light shining through holes, and beautiful forest-like scenery.
Another feature of cenote diving is that it can be fun while diving, as cenotes with long caverns and large limestone caverns can give you a sense of adventure as if you have entered a storybook.
Cenote diving requires a license
Unlike the ocean, cenotes have many underwater caves, which means there are many dangers, such as not being able to surface in an emergency.
Therefore, there are several rules for divers when diving in cenotes, such as only licensed divers are allowed to dive, they must dive with an underwater light, they must be accompanied by a guide, and there can only be a maximum of four divers per guide, and it has become standard practice to join a tour when diving in cenotes.
Even after diving, you need to be careful as there are many small rules to follow, such as turning back immediately if you see a stop sign and following the 1/3 tank rule of 1/3 on the way there and 1/3 on the way back.
The tours are tailored to suit the cenote, and include transportation to the cenote, diving equipment rental, and a guide, so it's easy to join.
You can enjoy cenote diving even if you don't have a license.
Cenote diving is not permitted for untrained divers due to the danger involved, but in fact, trial courses are available for beginners who do not have a license.
The trial course does not allow you to go deep into the cenote, but you can still enjoy cenote diving even without a license.
Also near Cancun is Playa del Carmen, a famous diving base town with cenote diving spots, but you can also enjoy regular diving in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
This time, we introduced what you should know before cenote diving, typical cenotes, rules, and how to dive.
Cenote diving is a great way to experience the history of the Earth.
