Chac Mool Cavern dive with Cancun Scuba.. opinion on amount of risk?

[TSandM]

To the OP -- The fact that you are asking questions is a good sign.

Chac Mool is a big, open cavern which would be hard to silt out. You would know if the guide tried to take you somewhere you shouldn't be, because you will leave the gold line, and probably pass a big sign that says either "Stop", or "Peligro".

I do think that divers with as little experience as you have should mostly think twice about the cenote dives. They are run with a very good safety track record, but the two times someone is going to get into trouble are if they follow a guide where they shouldn't (and you can control that) or if they cannot cope with a simple diving problem without surfacing, because honestly, in a lot of places, you can't. If you haven't dealt with a flooded mask or a lost regulator or a leak for real, you just don't know what you will do when it happens, which is why I think folks should dive for a while before doing the tours. However, the sites are stunningly beautiful and unique, so unless your trip is jam-packed, I'd highly recommend a tour to the cenotes and perhaps a snorkeling adventure. They're worth seeing.

 

[Cave Chick]

My honest recommendation would be get more experience until you feel comfortable as a diver, then look into spending two days diving the cenotes, find a good reputable instructor and take cavern. This class will allow you to see the beautiful caverns and it will make you a better diver. You'll learn a lot about trim, buoyancy, and streamlining.

 

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

Honestly if you're asking the question, you already know the answer.

 

[Randy g]

Get the training and dives in first................... The Caverns aren't going anywhere.

 

[crosshairs]

I appreciate all your input. Sounds like I may stick to doing the c58 wreck dive near Isla Mujeres. Depths and current seem to be similar to the NC Wreck I did..seems to me like a less risky dive with overhead being the deciding factor. Has anyone done this dive? I hear the current can be stong but I encountered that in NC (along with 8-10 foot seas? on the way back so feel more comfortable than cenote. Anyone have any feedback on the Scuba Cancun Opearation?

Ive dove the C58 numerous times...the current can be strong at times but its nothing to really worry about...... its not so bad as to wash you away..
..Ive also dove Chac-mool and its another good dive.....if your a decent diver you wont have any difficulty with either one

 

[Farback]

I did a cenote dive there a few years ago, and it was one of the best dives of my life. I had confidence in the two DM's, both American ex-pats. I talked with them quite a bit and they were pro's and fully cave equipped. I didn't have any great concerns, but would have very much preferred to be wearing my bail-out pony bottle for a 100% redundant air source. I've switched to a Backpack/wing, with the pony slung, and intend to travel with it in the future. I've always re-configured my rig for single primary with octo secondary in the past when i traveled, but no more, especially of going into overheads, even cenotes.

Like several others have said, I would recommend you get a lot more dives under your belt before you do this. These are very safe, but if anything goes wrong, you'll likely survive but you'll get a good scare which might put you off diving. Take your time.

Kirk

 

[Steve_C]

I appreciate all your input. Sounds like I may stick to doing the c58 wreck dive near Isla Mujeres. Depths and current seem to be similar to the NC Wreck I did..seems to me like a less risky dive with overhead being the deciding factor. Has anyone done this dive? I hear the current can be stong but I encountered that in NC (along with 8-10 foot seas? on the way back so feel more comfortable than cenote. Anyone have any feedback on the Scuba Cancun Opearation?

Did the C58. Supposed to be a hot drop due to current. We dropped. Current essentially zero. Viz way past 60 ft. Probably close to 100 ft. Was a very nice dive. Easy swim through on one piece. Then swam over to the bow section. Saw a school of spotted eagle rays toward the end. As I recall depth was only in the 60s.

 

[Landlocked123]

Thanks to all for the great feedaback. All truly valued. Will stick to the Isla Mujeres Wreck dives for this go around. Cavern certifiaction will be the next step prior to doing the cenotes. Safe diving to all !

George

 

[Mike]

Glad you are seeking info.

As a new diver I'd like to pass on some valuable advice to you ... when it comes to many dive destinations, and especially MEXICO, never choose your dive operation based on prices. You asked about rental equipment and you're asking about safety considerations. Please keep in mind this simple rule - when a dive operation is selling themselves by competing on price they MUST compromise something in order to be the low priced operator. Safety and equipment are typically those two factors they are compromising. Mexico especially is notorious for stiff competition because there are a lot of dive operators, as a result you find a lot of dive operators trying to earn your dollars and often it's through trying to compete on pricing. Don't fall into the trap, seek out your dive operators based on quality, and typically those operators are always going to be the more expensive operators, they have to be because it costs more money to run a top quality operation. In your question about rental equipment, the low cost guy can't afford to turn over his inventory as quickly as the higher priced op. You get what you pay for in diving, just keep that in mind.

Have fun diving!

 

[Landlocked123]

Thanks Mike
G