Cenotes Around Tulum

[Houston Squid]

I just returned from a fantastic Cenote dive experience. In two days I was able to dive 6 different Cenotes in this order:

Angelita
Gran Cenote
Temple of Doom (Escleto or Calavera)
Carwash
Dos Ojos
Dream Gate

I dove with Jeff and Gosia of Tulumscuba Diving.

Jeff has been in the area exploring caves since 1999. He's very active in the cave community and has discovered and laid new lines in many miles of undiscovered cave routes.

Gosia has been exploring and diving there there for a couple years. Before here she was leading dives in Cabo Pulmo.



Here I am with my buddy and Gosia, standing near the opening of Dreams Gate.

I'll admit, I'm much better at taking pics of pretty fish, but here are a few of the shots I took while there.

Here I am at Carwash:



This is my friend Mike hovering over the "island" in Angelita.



Not sure which one this was:



Looking back at divers and snorkelers at Gran Cenote:



This is just the algae layer at the entry/exit of Dreams Gate. It doesn't reflect the Cenote at all. Once you are in the cavern it becomes incredibly clear. The stalactites and stalagmites are breathtaking.



Looking back at the entry point at Dos Ojos:



I can't say enough good things about Jeff and Gosia. They were incredibly thorough and patient with us. It was my friend's first time, and mine as well.

They gave great dive briefings, and we always felt secure about what we about to experience. Of course there are no ways to explain the sheer beauty and jaw-dropping excitement around every corner.


You can contact them at: tulumscuba@gmail.com. I don't think they have a detailed website, but I do know they have a Facebook page.

 

[TSandM]

Of course there are no ways to explain the sheer beauty and jaw-dropping excitement around every corner.​

Okay, the bug bit you. Are you signed up for your cave class yet?

 

[Houston Squid]

Okay, the bug bit you. Are you signed up for your cave class yet?

Haha! I'm unlikely to go Cave, but I'm pretty sure my friend will.

My friend knew Gosia from her Cabo Pulmo days, and plans to go down there for 7 more days and start the process of getting the Cave Cert.

I enjoyed it no doubt, but at this point not ready to commit the time and money.

We'll see.

 

[reddiver970]

Looks awesome, I will be there June 2nd, cant' wait.

 

[Houston Squid]

Here are a few more pictures



The above is the view looking back up the hydrogen sulfate.



Not sure about the location above, but it's pretty typical.



Our guide Jeff leading us out.

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View attachment 125059

An important sign to read and heed.

 

[dfx]

Ok, so why's that one called carwash?

 

[reddiver970]

Ok, so why's that one called carwash?

The locals used to wash their cars their

 

[wknight0691]

Hi so glad you enjoyed the cenotes,,, just one small point though,, I think that you'll find most instructors in the area now consider Dream Gate to be classed as a cave, not Cenote and so many will not take guests there.

 

[Houston Squid]

Hi so glad you enjoyed the cenotes,,, just one small point though,, I think that you'll find most instructors in the area now consider Dream Gate to be classed as a cave, not Cenote and so many will not take guests there.

I was told of the tug-of-war going on over this. I don't remember the rule exactly about distance from openings to exit or light, 40 meters or something like that to keep it a Cavern dive.

What I do remember is there are several places where it was much more difficult as far as controlled buoyancy goes. There were tighter places where you had to worry about bumping and silting. Thinking about those two things, all while concentrating and breathing perfectly made it go to more of a sport than a sightseeing pleasure dive.

The ride, and road to get there alone are reason enough for some less motivated to put it on the list

 

[rongoodman]

Here are a few more pictures


Our guide Jeff leading us out.

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Never mind, I think I can see his left tank behind his knee. (The angle initially made it look like he was in a single tank.)