Cenotes without a guide

[jackass]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I can't seem to find it. I keep reading that you shouldn't dive without a guide, yeah, I get that, but...

I am wondering if it is possible to dive the established Cenotes without a guide/divemaster once you have a certain level of cave certification. Is this possible, to just rent some tanks and head in on your own with a buddy? If so, what certification do you need and where is this possible? Paying 45 dollars a dive is a drag.

Cheers.

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

Absolutely NOT! Not anywhwere here...sorry.

 

[Diver Lori]

Jackass....go to Cavediver.net or the Deco Stop and ask your questions. I have been diving the caves in Akumal for 7 years now, with a guide. But many do it on their own. Someone on those boards should be able to help you out.

 

[Spratman]

First, you'd have to be full cave certified. Then have familiarity with the system. I don't know anyone that would not go with a local guide to get a lay of the land.

Second, you're cutting into to the touristo dollars. I agree with Lori, check out the other sites. Also, check with Min at http://www.h2oprodiving.com. She is full cave and a certified guide. She would have the information, as well. Actually, check with Dennis Weeks at www.diablodivers.com. He's right there in PDC.

 

[GreenDiverDown]

If you are at least cavern certified, then pay your entrance fee and go diving... you don't need a guide. You can dive any of the cenotes that are open to the public... There are plenty of cenotes around Tulum that are available for your use... Grand, Carwash, Temple, etc...

 

[Spratman]

Alrighty then....I stand corrected!

 

[KazInAz]

Stephen is right. If you have your cavern cert. you can dive without a guide. BUT it is hard to rent tanks with only a cavern cert unless you're have an established relationship with a shop down there. I have not used a guide since becoming full certified. Frankly I think you learn the system faster and in greater detail without relying on a guide. When going to a new system we'll ask a ton of questions about the cave first though.
Counting the days till my 10th cave trip!!....(oct 26)

 

[xiSkiGuy]

Absolutely NOT! Not anywhwere here...sorry.

Do you lead cenote dives?

 

[cave heaven]

Hi jackass,

We are NSS-CDS intro to cave instructors living in "cenote country" and authorised APSA (the local diving association) cavern guides.
If you are a certified cavern diver, you may dive the cenotes without a guide but, as KazInAz correctly pointed out, renting tanks may be difficult without a cave certification (in Florida many places have a "no lights" rule, here there is a "no tanks" rule i.e. no tank rentals without cave certification).
Many cavern dives here may be done without guides (if certified as above), others require reels to be deployed since no permanent line exists.
You may complain about the price of cavern diving, but the guide system (provided the guide has taken the APSA course) is for your benefit and enjoyment. The safety record for accompanied cavern diving is incredibly good.
By the sound of things, you've been "hooked" on cenotes, in which case we suggest get cavern certified by a recognised cave agency, it will be one of the best courses you ever take and you will almost definitely improve as a diver, whether you proceed onto further overhead training or not.
We hope to have cleared up a few matters for you.

all the best, dive safely

Ela Bertoni NSS-CDS # 363 & Adam Korytko NSS-CDS # 364

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

Do you lead cenote dives?

I don't personally because I am not trained in Cave. I am the reef specialist for Fantasea Dive. Our Cenote/Cave specialist is Klaus, originally a fighter pilot from the German air force but spent years in the States before moving here some time ago. I've been with him while he does his trip out into the jungle to the cenotes...sort of "quality control" for me as an owner. :14: I , as well as all my guests, have been very amazed and pleased at his service. I feel confident in letting all my guests go with him into which ever cenotes he likes, or they want to see. If you want to see seahorses, I'm your guy, if you want to dive Temple of Doom or another cenote, Klaus is the one!

And I agree about if you are cave certified and have tanks, pay your entry fee and go for it! But I think most people would find it difficult to rent tanks, much less doubles, if you don't have some contacts down here.