Our Chariot
We had to rise EARLY to catch the boat to the mainland.
Masked Riders
Cozumel still had a mask requirement to combat the spread of COVID-19.
First Class
Ben sprung for 1st class tickets - NICE treat!
Smile Dude
How about a little emotion Ben.
Tank Party
We met our Divemaster Mel (on the right), then went to get our tanks for 3 cenote dives.
Chac Mool
The cenotes are all privately owned by Mayan descendants.
Cenote Rules
Cenotes are surface connections to underground water bodies.
Setup
We found a nice location to set up our gear, then....
Hump It
.... we went to see our dive destination (I convinced Ben to carry Mel's tank).
Signs Signs
Are they implying the Mayan Gods will get us if we don't follow their rules?
Our Dive
Our dive consisted of following the white line. The grey section in the back is the halocline - a mix of fresh and saltwater.
Instructions
Mel briefed us on the process of entering and exiting the cenote and how we would confirm we were properly weighted.
Inviting?
Do you think you would have entered if you were a Mayan Indian?
Watch Your Step
The entry was a bit on the slippery side.
Jungle Love
Can you see the turtle on the log in the background?
All Briefed
Let's gear up and do this thing!
No Cameras
The cenote owner does not permit cameras, so they provide a professional photographer who sells photos/video.
Descent
Let's get negative.
Follow the Leader
Mel takes the lead, followed by Ben and then me.
Comfy
Ben looks comfortable on his descent.
OK Rick
I'm OK as well.
Poser
On more pose for the photographer.
Off We Go
Heading across the pool to start our descent into the cavern.
Wrist Light
Ben has his light conveniently strapped to his wrist.
Ben's Pose
Nice Ben pose while starting the descent.
Light of Day
Our dives are cavern vs. cave dives, meaning you can always see the light of day.
Superman
Looks a bit like a superman pose Ben.
Skydiver Pose
That's exactly how it felt because the water is as clear as air.
Close Up
See the cheaters in my mask so I can see my gauges?
Silhouette
GREAT photo of me blacked out against the sun shining through the water.
Sightseeing
Mel begins pointing out fossils (it was an underwater sea millions of years ago) and other things of interest.
No Direct Access
We've reached the point where we're unable to surface directly.
Descending Further
Comfortable position as I continue to descend.
Halocline
A view of us through the halocline (saltwater).
Stop
Ben shares a top side hello with the photographer.
Blurred
Not out of focus, from within the saltwater.
Still Blurred
No issue seeing when diving in the ocean, but the saltwater here makes for an eerie experience.
Final Photo
Our last photo in the Kukulcan cenote - GREAT first dive.
What's This?
Here's the entrance to our 2nd dive.
Little Brother
Little Brother is connected to Chac-Mool, 2 cenote dives in one! The photographer did not join us on this dive, so no photos.
Tajma Ha
After another incredible dive at Little Brother and Chac-Mool we packed up and headed to Tajma Ha.
Dive Shop
We saw the sign but never did find the dive shop.
Emus Crossing
No sign of an Emu either, but Mel did get us some sandwiches for lunch.
Surface View
A panoramic view of our spot above the cenote.
The Network
Someone's done some MAJOR exploring over the years. Tajma Ha is part of a much larger network of underground features.
The Cenote
LOTS to explore on this dive and they allow cameras (for a fee).
Our Access
Here's the access through the jungle to the cenote.
Inviting
Let's get in and cool off!
Could Have Missed It
You may have missed the cenote traveling through the jungle centuries ago.
All Dressed
OK already, let's get in the water.
Happy Diver
I'm ready to get wet!
Our Descent
Ben had the camera initially as we followed Mel through some tight squeezes.
HalOK
I signal OK as we enter a halocline.
Halocline Visible
The transition from fresh to salt water is clearly visible.
Boulder Pass
Swimming over more boulders and through tight passageways.
Rounding the Corner
There's another access to the cenote.
Mirror Image
It can get a bit confusing.
Who Me?
I'm down here exploring the sights Ben.
Bright Rays
I like the forest shadows on the surface.
Exit Stage Right
Do you see the ladder?
Let's Go
Mel's trying to get us to follow but Ben was having trouble clearing his ears.
Let's Surface
We surfaced to allow Ben to clear his ears.
Happy Diver
He looks happy with his vertical dreadlocks.
Jungle Access
I don't think it'd be easy to climb out wearing SCUBA gear.
Back Down
I took the camera from Ben so he could focus on keeping his ears clear.
Light Show
Lights from another group of divers across the cenote.
Blocked
Looks like our path was blocked. Fortunately, we had access around.
Back Down
Our descent to trace our way back to the exit.
Light Sabre?
No Jedi in the cavern, it's the reflection of light coming through a hole in the cenote.
Cenote Gal
Thank you Mel for some VERY memorable experiences.
Back to Civilization
Our tourist photo in Playa Carmen.
Beach View
The surf was much higher here than in Cozumel.
Water Dance
Cool sculpture of two mermaids dancing.
Cool One
We had some time to kill and visited Señor Frog's for a drink and a snack.
Day End
Heading down the pier to catch the water taxi.
Weeded
The wind and the surf sent all the seaweed to Playa (we're OK with that).
Valiant Attempt
Are the buoys to keep the swimmers in or the sharks out?
In the Rear
We were the last two people in line (good thing the waiter suggested we leave).
Our Captain
Our Captain provided safe passage back to Cozumel.