![\"Cave](\"http:\/\/www.scubashooters.net\/underwater-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/cave-diving-1-1.png\")
Dispelling misconceptions revolving cave diving not being a viable and safe\u00a0dive choice for the average recreational diver.
\nAre there recreational cave diving sites available in Mexico? Christian\u00a0Llewellyn discusses diving some of these cave systems from a resent trip to\u00a0the Yucatan peninsula.<\/p>\n
I\u00a0can still remember my\u00a0first happy trip to Mexico\u00a0and the joy of receiving\u00a0my first temporary certification\u00a0diving card. Finally\u00a0I was ready to explore underwater\u00a0and really push\u00a0my boundaries. That was\u00a0until my diving instructor\u00a0asked me if “I Would\u00a0like to go Cenote diving at\u00a0the weekend?” My initial\u00a0thought was that cave diving\u00a0was dangerous, and\u00a0not really a great pursuit\u00a0for a novice diver. However\u00a0once I entered the\u00a0gateways to the Yucatn’s\u00a0underworld I had no regrets\u00a0with my choice. On arriving to Chac mool I was impressed to see well organised kitting\u00a0areas, with purpose built tables, on site toilets, a caf\u00e9 and a large seating\u00a0area. Gone were the days when there was only the jungle and the cenotes. WORDS and PICTURES by Christian Llewellyn<\/em><\/p>\n Continue<\/span> to r<\/span>eading the [Part 2<\/a>]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nUnderneath the Yucatn\u00a0Penisula run three of the\u00a0longest water systems in\u00a0the world. Controlling the\u00a0location of human settlement in this area for thousands of years. The Mayan\u00a0people could only access this precious water through sacred entrances called “Cenotes” This was a path into the underworld, and was filled with their gods\u00a0and spirits. They are formed through the Combination of subterranean cave\u00a0ceilings collapsing and the gradual erosion of the limestone bed. Which has\u00a0created a magical world with caverns, tunnels and mystery<\/strong>.
\nFor divers news and information on cave diving has sometimes revolved tragic\u00a0stories of cave systems taking lives, or terrible hazards that were encountered\u00a0by untrained divers. Creating for some a belief that professional cave divers\u00a0should only undertake this endeavour and that an average diver should stay\u00a0away at their own peril. Of course you should never dive passed your experience\u00a0<\/strong>level and never enter a new environment without the correct training.<\/strong>
\nSuch cave training is available throughout the Yucatan to the highest levels,\u00a0but if you simply want a glimpse at this magical world do not worry. As there\u00a0are safe and visually stunning cenotes to dive around the Playa Del Carmen\u00a0area for any average diver who has good buoyancy skills and a bit of confidence.<\/strong>
\nOn my recent return visit to Mexico I had the pleasure of following guides from “Phantom Divers”, who are based in central Playa Del Carmen (If you want\u00a0easy access to all the dive sites on this peninsula then chose Playa Del Carmen\u00a0as your base) Phantom Divers have a charismatic team of enthusiastic divers\u00a0full of local knowledge. They can offer you numerous cenotes based upon your
\nlevel of experience. I wanted to check out\u00a0the entry-level dives and was advised to choose two sites. The first would\u00a0be Chac Mool. Then for a more advanced dive to a sinkhole called Muyai-Ha.<\/p>\n![\"Starting](\"http:\/\/www.scubashooters.net\/underwater-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/cave-diving-1-2.png\")
<\/h3>\nChac Mool: Dive site one.<\/h3>\n
\nDetailed maps of all the caves were in place for well-organised dive briefings\u00a0explaining all necessary safety procedures. This covered everything\u00a0you would need for a safe and pleasurable dive. Including:
\n\u2022 The route through the cave system, following the line and staying\u00a0within the light zone.
\n\u2022 Enforcing good air consumption management skills by using onethird\u00a0of air going in, one-third of your air to exit and leave one-third as a\u00a0reserve.
\n\u2022 Torch use and giving signals.
\n\u2022 Equipment check.
\n\u2022 Your positioning and style of fin kick best suited for cave diving.
\n\u2022 Good buoyancy skills (As not to hurt any of the fragile topography\u00a0underwater).
\n\u2022 Focus points and entry\/exit procedures.
\nInstantaneously as you descend into this ethereal world and look back at\u00a0the light hitting the surface. You can understand why the Mayans believed\u00a0that these pools and caves were truly spiritual.<\/strong> You observe breath-taking\u00a0silhouettes of divers effortlessly floating through the clear water, with\u00a0light shards dancing in the background. The maximum depth on the dive\u00a0was no more than 40ft \u2013 12m and following the guideline you will have an\u00a0excellent dive profile with easy access to the light zone at any time. You are\u00a0able to see all the stalactites, stalagmites and the stunning visual panoramas.
\nThen at around 30ft – 9m you descend through a metre layer of what\u00a0seems to be like jelly, but it is actually where the deeper saltwater meets\u00a0the fresh water. A weird sensation for the senses, as visibility is definitely\u00a0an issue if you stay at this level. However once though it the crystal clear\u00a0water reappears. Of course everyone is safety conscious here, and thereunderwater signs showing the forbidden tunnels leading you further into\u00a0the cave system and the perils of entering them without the correct gear\u00a0and training.<\/p>\n![\"Cenote](\"http:\/\/www.scubashooters.net\/underwater-life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/cave-diving-1-3.png\")
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