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Dive Review of Maya Diving in
Cozumel and the Mexican Yucatan/Riviera Maya

Maya Diving, Apr, 2008,

by Greg Liebman, IL, US ( 2 reports). Report 4008.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments I went to Tulum specifically to dive the Cenotes. After some research, I contacted Maya Diving, because they had a reputation for having the best Cenote guides. They have three facilities, their primary one being at Dreams Resort, another at Hotel El Crucero, and a small shop on the main drag in downtown Tulum.
I have to say that my first impression of their Dreams operation was not a favorable one. It is located in a huge resort with hordes of snorkelers, kayakers, first-time divers, classes and looky-loos all competing for the attention of their overwhelmed morning staff. It didn't help that the sea was rough and all their morning dives were canceled. My traveling companion was required to have a check-dive to assess buoyancy control because he hadn't been in the water for over a year. A good policy, but one that kept us from diving for two days while the seas calmed.
Once we got that over with, though, things improved considerably. Our first two dives were at Dos Ojos with "Budgee", a knowledgeable and very likeable retired British Navy guy who obviously has a passion for the Cenotes. The next several days we spent with Will, a Kiwi who, like Budgee, clearly prefers the Cenotes to the reef, and he spent alot of time explaining the unique underground environment and went out of his way to take photos that he then shared with us. The staff clearly appreciates folks who are serious divers, and they work very hard to give you the best they have to offer once you become familiar to them. Each of the Cenotes is very different, but I would definitely recommend Angelita, a deep (35M) nearly cylindrical dive very unlike the others, with a sulphur cloud that you have to pass through--totally obscuring your vision briefly, and creating a very surreal environment. Also not to be missed would be Calaveras and Tajmaha for their unique lighting from holes to the above-ground. All in all, the Cenotes exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend them to anyone not prone to claustrophobia or uncomfortable in dark or overhead diving environments. I would also heartily recommend Maya Diving for the professionalism and camraderie of their diving instructors and guides--tell Will and Budgee that I sent you!

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Caribbean, Indonesia, Philippines, Red Sea
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas no currents
Water Temp 25-25°C / 77-77°F Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 0-0 Ft/ 0-0 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile ?
Enforced diving restrictions Cavern diving restrictions are similar to, but more specific, than standard night-diving.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles None Whales None
Corals 1 stars Tropical Fish 1 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 1 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments I didn't take a camera, because I wanted to focus on the diving, but the Cenote environment is exceptionally beautiful and if you are a photographer that can pay close attention to your diving while still taking photos, it would be highly recommended.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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