Cenote Diving Requirements
Everything You Need to Know Before Diving Mexico's Cenotes
Planning your first cenote dive? Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced diver, understanding the requirements will help you choose the perfect cenotes for your experience level.
Do I Need Certification?
Yes, for cenote diving. But we can help you get certified!
Cenote diving requires scuba certification. The level you need depends on which cenotes you want to explore. Most cenotes are accessible with Open Water certification, while deeper cenotes require Advanced certification.
Requirements by Level
Open Water (OW)
Most Cenotes Accessible
With Open Water certification, you can dive in the majority of cenotes including the most popular ones.
- Min age: 15 years
- Max depth: 18m / 59ft
- Recent dive experience
Cenotes: Dos Ojos, Chac Mool, Tajmaha, Jardín del Edén
Advanced (ADV)
Deep Cenotes (30m+)
For deeper cenotes with spectacular features like light rays and underwater phenomena.
- Min age: 15 years
- Max depth: 30m / 98ft
- Deep diving experience
Cenotes: Angelita, Carwash, El Pit, Zapote
No Certification?
We Can Help!
Not certified yet? We offer courses to get you diving in no time.
- Try Scuba experience
- Open Water course
- Advanced course
Contact us to start your diving journey!
Been a While?
Refresh Your Skills
If it's been more than a year since your last dive, a Scuba Refresh is recommended.
- Skills review
- Confined water practice
- Get back in the water!
Quick refresher before your cenote adventure.
Time Since Last Dive
Less Than 1 Year
If you've been diving within the past year, you're ready to go!
- OW certified: Fun dive cenote, reef dives
- ADV certified: Fun dive cenote, wreck dive, Bull Shark (min 10 dives logged)
More Than 1 Year
Been a while? We recommend a Scuba Refresh to review your skills and build confidence before cenote diving.
- Quick skills review
- Confined water practice
- Then you're ready for cenotes!
Learn to Dive With Us
Start your diving journey in the Riviera Maya
Open Water Course
Get your first diving certification in the beautiful waters of Playa del Carmen.
- 3 days of training
- Theory & pool sessions
- Open water dives
- PADI certification
Advanced Course
Ready to go deeper? Get your Advanced certification and unlock more cenotes.
- 2-3 days
- 5 adventure dives
- Deep & navigation training
- PADI certification
Try Scuba
Not sure if diving is for you? Try it first with a supervised experience.
- No certification needed
- Min age: 8 years
- Max depth: 12m / 39ft
- Full supervision
Scuba Refresh
Been more than a year? Get your skills back with a quick refresher.
- Skills review
- Confined water practice
- Half-day program
- Ready for cenotes!
Physical Requirements
Beyond certification, you should be in good health to dive safely:
- Basic swimming ability
- No serious heart or lung conditions
- No ear problems or sinus issues
- Not pregnant
Medical Questionnaire: All divers must complete a medical form before diving.
You Bring
We provide all diving equipment. You just need:
- Certification card
- Swimwear
- Dry clothes
- Hat & sunglasses
Everything else is included—full dive gear, cenote entrance, food, and transportation.
Ready to Dive?
Whether you're certified or want to learn, we're here to help you explore the cenotes.
