Holiday Report: Diving Mexico’s Cenotes

Diving the Cenotes has been on our ‘wish list’ for years. We first visited the area back in 1992 as backpackers and marvelled at the pristine sandy beaches and cultural history. We did not dive back then, so were unaware of the aquatic wonders of the Caribbean and didn’t even think about venturing below the surface. Many years later, after diving in warm waters around the world, it was time to return. This was made possible, with thanks to Phil.

The Omni Resort is a perfect base. The small beachfront property had everything we needed, including a hot tub in our private garden! The hub of Puerto Aventuras is built around a marina with a range of enclosed pools and the opportunity to swim with dolphins, as well as offering a great choice of bars and cafés.

Dive Aventuras offer daily Ocean and Cenote dives, both a short distance from the base. We wanted our holiday to be relaxing and they were very happy to accommodate our requirements. Our dive days started with a leisurely breakfast, time spent by the pool followed by a two minute walk to the marina. On some days we explored the reefs, on others we were treated to the wonderful variety of Cenotes on offer; Taj Mahal was particularly memorable. Haloclines and thermoclines, together with stalactites and many shafts of daylight piercing the caverns made our underwater sojourn an unforgettable experience.

On dive free days, there’s plenty to do. The Mayan ruins at Tulum are 45 minutes south using the cost effective and frequent ‘collectivo’ system of taxi mini vans. We were amazed to see how much Playa del Carmen had changed in 20 years; far from the sleepy beach front shanty village we remembered.

Our stay was over all too quickly. We felt totally relaxed and pampered in this tranquil, friendly resort. Puerto Aventuras – we’ll be back!

If you would like to discuss a trip to Mexico to follow in Steve and Eileen's footsteps, call our dive team on 0845 130 6980.