Diver Stories

Poncho, Ricardo & Carlos: The Cenote Experts

The guides who know every corner of the underground world

An amazing time diving Dos Ojos with Poncho.

What Divers Say

“An amazing time diving Dos Ojos with Poncho.”
Emily Goddard
Emily Goddard ★★★★★
Google Review • 6 months ago

The Full Reviews

Emily Goddard — Google review
Emily Goddard
★★★★★ 6 months ago

“An amazing time diving Dos Ojos with Poncho. He was a great dive guide, very helpful and gave some great advice about the area as well. Felt very safe and comfortable on our first dives in Mexico and in a cenote.”

PAUL SHELLEY — Google review
PAUL SHELLEY
★★★★★ 6 months ago

“This is is an excellent company to dive with. We dived valentina in 2024, and this year we dived with paulina down to the C23 shipwreck on 01/09/25, her knowledge is a credit to her. Paulina took the time to get too know us and make sure are welfare was paramount. Today 03/09/25 we dived with Ricardo in the Cenote Dos Ojos. Ricardo's impeccable knowledge of the history is undoubtedly what makes this an experience not to miss out on. Once again this company took the time to make sure our welfare and enjoyment was paramount. It doesn't matter whether you're a novice or a qualified diver, please look this company up and give them a try. Paul Shelley.”

Octavio Mesner — Google review
Octavio Mesner
★★★★★ 8 months ago

“If you’re considering cenote diving in Playa del Carmen, The Dive Machine Scuba Shop is simply outstanding. I recently completed 10 cenote dives with them over four days, and every moment exceeded my expectations. Dive Master Knowledge and Professionalism The dive masters I had the pleasure of diving with—Ricardo, Freya, and Poncho—are true experts in cenote diving. Their knowledge of the local cenotes, safety protocols, and cave geology is exceptional. Each briefing was thorough, covering not just the dive plan but also fascinating details about the unique formations and history of the cenotes. Safety was always a top priority, and their calm, professional manner made me feel secure and confident on every dive despite me having no prior experience diving in cenotes. Enthusiasm for Cave Rock Structures What truly set this experience apart was Ricardo, Freya, and Poncho’s passion for the cenotes’ rock formations. Their excitement was infectious—they pointed out intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and the play of sunlight through the water with genuine wonder. Their enthusiasm made each dive a exploration, making the geological features come alive and deepening my appreciation for these natural wonders. Warmth and Personal Touch The Dive Machine team radiates warmth and friendliness. From the first contact to the final dive, they treated me like family. They personalize every experience, taking the time to get to know each diver and tailoring the dives to individual interests and comfort levels. Even between dives, their hospitality—offering snacks, sharing stories, and checking in on everyone’s well-being—created a welcoming, community atmosphere. Final Thoughts After 10 unforgettable cenote dives, I can confidently say that The Dive Machine delivers not just world-class diving, but also an experience filled with passion, professionalism, and genuine care. If you want to explore the magical cenotes of the Riviera Maya with a team that truly loves what they do, ask for Ricardo, Freya, and Poncho—you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to dive with them again!”

Octavio Mesner cenote diving
Octavio Mesner cenote diving
Octavio Mesner cenote diving
Isar Wennberg — Google review
Isar Wennberg
★★★★★ 7 months ago

“Fui solo un domingo con el instructor “poncho” al cenote dos ojos y una maravillosa experiencia la verdad que repetiría sin duda el instructor muy buena persona y muy amable si vuelvo a Tulum a bucear en cenotes acudiré a él sin dudarlo!!”

About TDM Instructors

Various
Max Depth
15-100m+
Visibility
25-28°C
Temperature
5.0 ★
3,800+ Reviews
Cenote TypeCertificationVisibilityMax Depth
TDM Instructors All levels 15-100m+ Various

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Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya

The cenotes of the Riviera Maya are located along the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. These underground sinkholes formed over millions of years as limestone bedrock dissolved, creating vast cave systems filled with crystal-clear freshwater.

The climate is tropical year-round — air temperatures hover between 25-33°C (77-91°F), and cenote water stays a constant 25°C (77°F) regardless of season. This makes cenote diving a year-round activity with no seasonal restrictions. The dry season (November to April) offers the most comfortable weather, while the rainy season (May to October) brings dramatic rain effects that many divers find equally stunning.

The Dive Machine operates from Playa del Carmen, providing transport to cenotes throughout the region. Most cenotes are 30-60 minutes by road. Check diving requirements before your trip.

Other Divers Agree

kyle matz
kyle matz ★★★★★

“First time diving with this dive shop.”

Diana Sch
Diana Sch ★★★★★

“I had a really great experience diving today in the Cenote Dos Ojos.”

Marta
Marta ★★★★★

“Hicimos tres buceos con ellos, a Cozumel con Paulin y a los cenotes Dos Ojos y Chacmool con Alfonso y las experiencias fueron espectaculares.”

Dive With The Dive Machine

Join 3,800+ divers who've rated us 5 stars. Small groups, expert guides, unforgettable cenotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Let us know when booking if you have a preference for Poncho, Ricardo, or Carlos.

All three are certified cavern guides with deep knowledge of Dos Ojos, Angelita, Dream Gate, El Pit, and all Riviera Maya cenotes.

Absolutely. While they're expert-level guides, they're equally skilled with first-timers and nervous divers.

All three are fluent in Spanish and English.

Combined, our cenote guides have thousands of logged cenote dives spanning many years of daily guiding.
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The Dive Machine

SSI Instructor Training Center in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Over 3,800 five-star reviews. Our team of 10+ certified SSI instructors specializes in cenote, reef, and bull shark diving since 2018. SSI certifications are internationally recognized — equivalent to PADI worldwide.