The cavern line has been rerouted to avoid the salt water passages and on our last dives there, the visibility was still very bad, so we do not recommend this dive unless you need a fresh-up dive before doing the second dive in the Chac- Mool section or if are a photographer as the light curtain in the open water section especially in winter is still spectacular. Dive Overview KukulkanĬenote Kukulkan has a wide open area where you can get used to dive in fresh water. When we cruise the cavern, we will avoid dipping into the saltwater, but the dive is still very unique and features nice formations and an overall great dive experience. In winter view is clear and the water surface undisturbed by diver bubbles works like a magnifying glass and you litterally can see the birds singing in the trees from a depth of 10m. With the many sunken trees and branches it has a touch of surreal and like a fairy tale. It is an incredible view from below through the cristall clear water and into then greenish sky. In summer you will find the surface water in Chac-Mool cenote up to a depth of 2 m murky and full or micro algae. Halocline can be found at a depth of 11m/ 30 ft. Dive Overview Chac- MoolĬenote Chac-Mool is the closest cenote to Playa del Carmen and still a very busy place. Our rating from ∇ (bad) – ∇∇∇∇∇ (excellent) for cenote Chac-Mool is therefore: ∇ (bad). Also destroying the natural beauty by building concrete platforms and steps in the water which also is changing pH levels of the water at least temporarily. However, cutting off the vegetation that surrounded the cenote, plus opening the entrance areas, so more sun light falls in, plus rerouting run away water from rain, plus water closets, plus poultry farm is very likely contributing to the pollution of the salt water part of the cenote. Many factors may have contributed to an ecological disaster in cenote Chac- Mool and we would need to have more scientific research to determine the exact cause. Īround 10m / 30ft deep, you will experience the effects of halocline, thermocline and a harmless cloud of hydrogen sulfide with varying densities from time to time.Ĭenote Kukulkan does not contain many speleothems but is filled with a great variety of calcite crystals and Pliocene epoch (5 million to 11 700 years ago) shell and coral fossils which you can observe at any depth.Ĭenote Kukulcan has a considerable collection of freshwater – cavern animals including turtles, catfish, cichlids, eels and crustaceans which are commonly seen while diving.Ĭameras of any kind are forbidden while diving, however there is a photographer on site who offers incredible photos and videos at a reasonable price.Open daily, but restaurant closed on Sunday.įacility: toilets, showers, solid tables for equipment at the parking space close to main entrance and Little Brother entrance. When dived early in the morning, you will be greeted with an unforgettable display of dazzling light effects from the sunrays dancing in the crystal clear water that is very similar to northern lights or majestic rays piercing menacing storm clouds.Ĭenote Kukulkan is wide open and lit up with darker areas in the deepest part of the dive, its waters are crystal clear with a year-round temperature of 76F / 25C. Once inside, you will appreciate the vastness and beauty this cavern displays. When in season, sightings of the stunning sacred Mayan bird, the Motmot is very common.Ĭenote Kukulcan offers changing rooms, shower, newly built restrooms and a restaurant and souvenirs.Ĭenote Kukulkan has many tables to set up gear comfortably with short & easy access to the water. It’s a great place to walk around with a camera, the site has many shell & coral fossils over 2.5 million years old littering the ground. The cenote Kukulkan site itself has a few other cenotes and the second dive is usually done in cenote Chac Mool after a short dive through cenote Little Brother. This cavern is the easiest to dive and one of the most beautiful for its mesmerizing displays of sunrays piercing the cool crystal clear water. PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty CozumelĬenote Kukulkan is a little gem nestled in the middle of the Yucatan jungle where many divers experience their first cenote dive.PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |