Cenote cavern diving as a beginner

[jimmy2times]

Hi all,

I'll be in Yucatan for a couple of weeks, and I'm really intrigued by the cenotes.
I've never done scuba diving but I've been freediving since I was little.

I have a few questions to help me decide what kind of activities I should consider:

1) Does it make sense to get the Open Water certification during the trip and then immediately go to the cenotes with a guide? Or would you consider it irresponsible?
2) Are there cenotes that are particularly suited for a beginner?
3) Would I miss out a lot if I limit myself to snorkeling and freediving? Which cenotes should I choose for that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[TSandM]

I am a strong advocate of the Cenote tours, but not for rank beginners. I think it would be a waste of good vacation time to spend several days in a diving class, as well. There are a number of cenotes that have good snorkeling tours. NoHoch has snorkeling and swimming, as well as a zip line. Pet Cemetery (although I've heard it's gotten horribly expensive) has a huge cavern that they light, and so does Caracol. There are great opportunities to see the splendor of the pools and ceilings without having to be on scuba.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

I'm another who thinks the cenote tours are The Bomb, and a great idea.

But not for rank newbies. You need to have decent buoyancy, and know how to kick without silting up the place first.

 

[Seya]

I have taken my non diver wife on some amazing snorkeling tours they are great. And why not get your OW now then next time you vist hit up the cenotes underwater

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

 

[Bob DBF]

A buddy of mine did a lot of free diving in the cenotes during his last dive trip.

Get certified, you will love the extra time underwater, I sure did.



Bob

 

[jimmy2times]

Thanks everyone for the really helpful answers.
I guess I'm going to do some freediving, take at least one scuba diving class, and then decide whether I want to get certified there. No cavern diving for now.