best caves in Mexico?

[whodunit68]

ok...being a fairly new cave diver (just got apprentice), I've decided I want to make my first go at Mexico. I hear Akumal is the place to go. Is that right? If not, where would you go? What's the best time in the next 3 months? I am looking for 7-10 days there of nothing but pure cave diving if I can. I'll mix in a reef dive or two just for kicks.
If yes, who would you recommend to go with?
What are the not-to-miss caves? I will not be scootering (apprentice) and have limited experience.

BTW, if you're looking for a reason to visit Mexico, let me know and I'd be glad to have someone tag along (except RN :) ).
I do see the other thread but that's specific to Playa and frankly, I don't even know if Playa is in the same place. Feel free to tell me to RTFPT (Read The Frickin' Previous Thread) :) ...
Steve

[Mart]

Tulum has the largest number of cenotes close by, and also some of the best ones. You could try Robbie's new hotel, they offer packages including dives.
http://www.xibalbadivecenter.com/prices/pricelist_detail.asp

[phillip1]

Yes I agree definitely Tulum is much closer to almost all of the caves and is a really cool laid back town too with tons of super good restaurants.
I have been there 3 times and I always stay at Hotel Residencial la Mariposa which is 35 bucks/night, cable tv, ac and super quiet and safe and really nice rooms.
As for caves there are way too many, I would consider hiring a guide as this will save you the hassle of finding places, fills it just makes life way easier and you will get to see more caves that way.
I recommend Kim Davidson (kimdavidsson@hotmail.com), a really cool guy who is also a highly experienced guide and explorer and he knows all the caves very well.

[CaveBuddy95]

Hola Steve,
Like the previous posts, I could also recommend Tulum. No long drive to get wet and as Phillip said, food is great!
Akumal is not bad, it also give your best half the opportunity to chill out in the sun on the beach. But maybe u come alone, so Tulum is the place.
Enjnoy and looking forward to your trip report or maybe see u down there!

Cheers

[FW]

For a first trip, I would check http://www.cavedivemexico.com/

[phillip1]

Actually I just got back from a 2 week trip in Tulum and aside form insane diving also had insane eating sessions every day too, gained some weight but was well worth it,lol..

[HeloDriver]

I second Akumal. I would make sure to hit Dos Ojos, Grand cenote, Car wash and if you can the Pit is a fantastic dive as well.

Have a great trip!

Charles

[LCF]

When are you planning on going, whodunit? We have a group of divers going down in mid-November through the first week of December. We rent a condo in Puerto Aventuras, which is kind of on the north end of the strip of caves, but quite close to the fill station, which makes logistics easier. I don't know at this point how many people are coming down and where they are all going to stay, but there might be room in the condo for another person (it comes out $50 a night for four, and $40 a night for five.)

It's a good idea in Mexico either to have a guide for a while, or hook up with some folks who know the area. Navigation can be confusing (some of the mainlines start quite a ways back, and unlike Florida, the caves aren't generally tunnels, so you can wander quite a bit finding lines) and just finding the sites and understanding how to pay the fees and so on would be a bit bewildering if you were on your own, I think. (It would have been for me.)

I've only dived at the Cave 1 (Intro) level -- so no jumps -- but my favorite systems are Dos Palmas, NoHoch, and Naharon (Cenote Cristal). NoHoch is your classic, ultra-white, maniacally decorated Mexican cave. Dos Palmas is very different downstream from upstream -- downstream is smaller, very decorated, and a little silty, and upstream is a series of large rooms with "windows" between them. Naharon is black cave, very decorated but it's sometimes hard to see that.

At any rate, if that time frame works, I'm sure we can set you up with a buddy for a couple of days (even if it's me). Otherwise, I'd highly recommend either Dennis Weeks of Aquanauts or Steve Bogaerts as guides -- both good people, good instructors, and very familiar with the area.

[whodunit68]

wow some terrific information, thank you. I'm just trying to catch up with this all - and got some PMs with even more info - THANK YOU.


When are you planning on going, whodunit?
Honestly, lcf, I'm planning a trip within the next 3 months to use some vacation. It really is pretty open about when - I'm flexible.


We have a group of divers going down in mid-November through the first week of December.

Maybe then :) ...


At any rate, if that time frame works, I'm sure we can set you up with a buddy for a couple of days (even if it's me). Otherwise, I'd highly recommend either Dennis Weeks of Aquanauts or Steve Bogaerts as guides -- both good people, good instructors, and very familiar with the area.

Fantastic. Steve Bogaerts I certainly know the name. I don't want to impose on anyone who would be "stuck" with an Apprentice or showing the "ropes" as would be in this case. However, I'd very much welcome the opportunity to meet new folks especially those I'd likely run across in some cave somewhere. This would be very high on the cool factor indeed.
Steve

[FFdiver]

I second Akumal, small nice, and close to the cenotes. Nohoch is also my Fave!!! Followed closely by Caracol. Most people don't want a guide, but down there its a big help. Another to possibly contact is Sergio Granucci.



sergio@www.labnaha.com

[LCF]

Well, I'm going to be the only one of our group still diving at Cave 1 limits, and I LIKE showing people around, so don't worry about that.

[whodunit68]

It would be a pleasure. This is a very interesting option. If the spot is available, let's discuss details.
Thanks again,
Steve

[cmalinowski]

Well, I'm going to be the only one of our group still diving at Cave 1 limits, and I LIKE showing people around, so don't worry about that.
Plus Lynne speaks just enough Spanish to talk to the locals and get them to like you... or not dislike you :)

Lynne (and Peter) is/are great to go on trips with. Wish I was making that one, but it's just not in the cards. Spring in Mexico sounds nice :)

Chris

[whodunit68]

Plus Lynne speaks just enough Spanish to talk to the locals and get them to like you... or not dislike you :)

Lynne (and Peter) is/are great to go on trips with. Wish I was making that one, but it's just not in the cards. Spring in Mexico sounds nice :)

Chris

Unfortunately, I speak enough to get myself into plenty of trouble. I'll probably take the 5th for the entire trip - it's safer.
Thanks for the tips.
Steve

[Slüdge]

I speak enough English to get myself into trouble most places I go.

[whodunit68]

I speak enough English to get myself into trouble most places I go.

no one said anything to me about having to speak English. That's a whole new problem/challenge for me.

[LCF]

whodunit, the more I read of your sense of humor, the more I think you'd fit right in in November :)

[whodunit68]

lcf, I survived cavern and intro with Rob (RN). Need I say more?

[RN]

It's more like I survived it with you... ;)

[whodunit68]

It's more like I survived it with you... ;)

ha ha...and yet another weekend cometh, some how. oy vey (there's how you spell it :) ).

[RN]

What can I say? I need to support my habit somehow... :)