Best dive shop to do cave diving in Mexico?

[ScubaDocER]

When I dove in Mexico I dove with Bil Phillips. Not sure if he's still doing tours. That was back in 2001 I think. I enjoyed the dives and he was a great guide.

 

[b1gcountry]

For a first timer in Mexico, is a guide the way to go?

Tom

 

[TSandM]

I would say that, unless you can hook up with a group of people who know the caves, a first-timer would be much better off with a guide. This is for a bunch of reasons: Some of the systems are rather hard to find (like NoHoch). In some of them, the main line is very hard to find (like upstream Carwash). Some systems aren't even accessible to anyone but selected guides (like Aktun Koh). Logistics can be challenging, if you don't have good information (like finding the fill station, or figuring out from whom you can rent tanks).

None of these things is difficult, if you go with somebody who knows the area, but I think they'd add up to a lot of frustration and lost time, if you came alone.

 

[b1gcountry]

Sounds kinda like Bonaire only with caves. The cave bug has been looking for a place to bite. I might decide to go for it this fall when the MO caves dry up a little more.

Tom

 

[ScubaDocER]

For a first timer in Mexico, is a guide the way to go?

Tom

I would recommend a guide, especially for newcomers to the area. Because most of the caves still have their original formations, buoyancy control and fin kicks become even more important. It may be easier to navigate certain passages with an experienced guide. They also know the best places to make a jump as well as most of the cool side passages. I saw my first halocline in the caves of Mexico. The giude tied off a jump reel and dove straight into it. We followed her in and all I could see were the fins in front of me through the swirling water. We finally entered a room with the BIGGEST stalactite I have ever seen (I think this room was called the Chinese Garden. It's been awhile). I am not sure we would have known where to make the jump had she not been there to guide the way. I understand that the lines may be lain differently in some caves in Mexico compared to Florida. You can of course dive a cave system without one, but having one present allows you more time to actually enjoy the dive and make sure you see the cool sights.

 

[SandyRobinson]

I have friends who booked veteran underwater cave explorer Steve Gerard and just couldn't stop talking about the sights they saw! A quick search of the internet didn't tell me what his company name is, maybe someone else out there can help out with that...

Try www.steve-gerrard.com Also, I have heard good things on Connie LoRe. You may want to visit Cavern, Cave and Overhead Diving Around the World and look under the travel forum. It has some dive, training, and lodging reports for Mexico. Some of the names on this thread are mentioned.

 

[TSandM]

Dennis Weeks (Aquatech), Steve Bogarts (Aztec Diving), or Chris/Danny/Fred (Zero-g) will all show you a fantastic time.

I'm not sure that the Zero G guys will guide for people unless they have Fundies or beyond. I know they won't do cavern tours for people unless they have Fundies. It's a shame, because I'd recommend them all the time if they did -- I haven't dived with Chris, but Danny and Fred are WONDERFUL guides. I think Danny knows every inch of every cave with his eyes closed, and can describe it all!

 

[crd_kats]

I'm not sure that the Zero G guys will guide for people unless they have Fundies or beyond. I know they won't do cavern tours for people unless they have Fundies. It's a shame, because I'd recommend them all the time if they did -- I haven't dived with Chris, but Danny and Fred are WONDERFUL guides. I think Danny knows every inch of every cave with his eyes closed, and can describe it all!

Very good to know. I'm considering a trip next spring and your advice is much appreciated.

 

[trendy]

thanks for the recommendations. where is the best place to stay accommodation wise. am looking into not a hotel type but like a comfortable rustic mexican native place.

 

[bluecrystal]

absolutely agree with KMD....
personal opinion....Steve Bogaerts is one of the best teachers and divers in the world !!