Cenote and camera's?

[RDRINK25]

I read some sites that cameras are not allowed? What about a gopro it has no flash and being the only reason I can think of them being banned?

 

[Dhboner]

I have heard of dive ops not wanting cameras on cenote dives because a distracted diver, especially one who doesn't have his buoyancy and trim dialed in, can do serious damage to the stalactites/stalagmites.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

Thats a DANG! I only dive to take pictures and Cenotes were on my bucket list. Too bad.

 

[rongoodman]

I read some sites that cameras are not allowed? What about a gopro it has no flash and being the only reason I can think of them being banned?

Just check with the dive op beforehand. I doubt the owner of the cenote would care one way or another.

 

[ibj40]

I've taken a camera (not a big one, mind you, but one in a housing with no external strobe) on every cenote dive I've been on (I think the count is up to about a dozen), and never even heard a question before now.

 

[TSandM]

Judging from the reports I've read, I would say a very large number of cenote tour divers take some kind of camera with them. Whether they should or not is debatable, but certainly anyone with a lot of diving photographic experience, who is capable of maintaining their buoyancy and awareness while using and adjusting the camera, should be able to do photography on the tour. There are many really lovely opportunities to take shots of the light effects coming in from the open water.

 

[scubamarketing]

I've been to ~15 different cenotes and never was told I couldn't take a camera. While taking my cave course, I was told by my instructor I couldn't, but haven't seen signs at any of the cenotes I've been to. Again, probably just up to the guide.

 

[Mike]

I have heard of dive ops not wanting cameras on cenote dives because a distracted diver, especially one who doesn't have his buoyancy and trim dialed in, can do serious damage to the stalactites/stalagmites.

Pretty much it.

I haven't heard of any cenote owners banning cameras, the only bans on them I've seen are from specific dive ops and the reason is above.

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

I don't mind if our divers take their cameras, so long as their buoyancy and trim are good. I usually request that a diver make a couple ocean dives so we can assess their buoyancy skills. After that, we can advise whether or not they should being taking pictures while negotiating through a cenote.

 

[Beyond_Diving]

Some cenotes (Chac Mool comes to mind) have a sign that states cameras are not allowed... However, it is really up to the shop and ultimately the guide to allow a diver to carry his/her camera during the dive(s). Personally, I don't mind if my divers have cameras as long as (like Jason said) their buoyancy and trim are up to par. If there is 1 diver within the group that has a camera, I place him/her as the first person behind me to make sure he/her will not stray from the group trying to get the "perfect shot".