A little history...

 

Mexico's Yucatan peninsula is low and relatively flat with no surface rivers or streams. However, below the ground run the three longest underground water systems in the world (Ox Bel Ha 180 km; Sac Aktun 172 km; Dos Ojos 82 km) which have directed the distribution of human settlement on the peninsula for the last 10,000 years...the world of the cenotes and underground rivers.

A "cenote" (pronounced say-NO-tay) is a natural sinkhole created where a cave ceiling has collapsed, a window to this spectacular world. Cenotes were the only source of water in the jungle for the Mayan civilization and are considered sacred by the Mayan people. The Mayan considered cenotes to be an entrance to their "underworld" or "Xibalba" where their gods live and their spirits reside after death.

The word cenote is derived from the Mayan word "D'zonot" and refers to any subterranean chamber that contains permanent water. While some cenotes are vertical, water-filled shafts, others are caves that contain pools and underwater passageways in their interior.

A combination of geologic events and climatic change has led to the development of these unique ecosystems. Millions of years ago, the Yucatan peninsula was a giant reef set under several feet of ocean water. During the last ice age, the ocean level dropped (water levels were approximately 300 feet lower than their present day levels), exposing the reef to the surface. The coral died, and jungle grew over the mile thick limestone platform created by the coral reef. Fossils found far inland are proof of this and are commonly seen during a cenote dive.

Massive cave systems were formed by gradual dissolving of the highly porous coral limestone. These caves are called "solution" caves because they were formed by the slightly acidic rainfall dissolving the alkaline limestone. Inside the caves the geological formations such as stalactites, which hang like icicles from the cave's ceiling, and stalagmites, which extend upwards from the cavern floor, which often join to create columns, are a spectacular sight to see. These stalactites and stalagmites number in the millions and range in size from that of a pencil to the size of a big tree.
 

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Personally I love diving the cenotes, they are completely different experience to what one finds on a traditional reef and can beautifully eerie.  Cenotes and the underground cave system continue to be explored by local cave divers and to ensure your safety all cenote guides are full qualified cave divers.  There are many many cenotes to be explored but some of the most spectacular include Angelita, El Pit, Dos Ojos and Grand Cenote.  We will have 2 days diving in the cenotes and will choose some of the most spectacular, hopefully including Angelita and/or El Pit so you can experience the sulphur halocline - don't forget to get sign up for your Deep Diver certification either before or on the holiday to get the best from these dives.

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