Cenotes and Cave-vs-Cavern

[MauiScubaSteve]

Somehow I read the OP's last paragraph differently than you, but isn't that the nature of these discussions. Not everyone will have the same perspective on the subject but we are supposed to have an intelligent discussions flowing with the differing perspectives of the participants. I have fun and learn through spirited intelligent debate, but others seem to take debate as a personal attack.

Are there formal (PADI, SSI, NACD, etc) or generally accepted parameters that differentiate cavern diving from cave diving? Or was that just the operator trying to rationalize why it's OK to take inexperienced divers into a cave for a buck? Or maybe both?

I have been trying to keep the discussion to REAL definitions of cavern diving according to Cave Diving Agencies and the other topic in the OP; guided cavern/cenotes diving. If you were able to stay on topic and answer legitimate questions from other members then I would have no issue with what you post.

I think the original poster's question was only very partially about the formal definitions of and distinctions between cave and cavern, and much more about whether the cenote tours, being that they are in true overhead, were justifiable or safe.