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Snorkeling the Cenotes

         You don't need to be a diver to enjoy the crystal clear cenotes. These incredible windows to the underground can easily be explored by snorkelers. Proper equipment allows the snorkeler not only to see, swim and breathe in the water, but also provide a level of comfort and confidence which changes this alien world into a friendly and familiar place. There four basic pieces of equipment that provides the opportunity to see these extraordinary cenotes; mask, fins, snorkel and buoyancy vest.

THE MASK - you cannot see underwater unless you have some type of air space between your eyes and the water. The eye is designed to see through air because it is less dense than water.

Goggles were first designed and used but had problems with pressure squeezing around the face causing pain and risk of injury to the eye and surrounding area. By using a bigger air space that includes the nose, it is possible to exhale into the mask and equalize the pressure inside with that from outside. With a flexible and comfortable skirt, the mask provides the clear vision to safely view the underwater world.

The mask should have the following features:

• LENS. Should be tempered glass or safety glass.
• SKIRT. Flexible silicone material that will not rot or discolor from the sun. It should have a double seal for better fit and comfort.
• NON-CORROSIVE BAND.
• STRAP. Must be adjustable and can lock in place. Should also split or be wide enough at the back of the head.
• NOSE POCKET To be used to squeeze the nose for equalizing pressure inside the ears and sinuses.
• MASK FIT There is an incredible amount of different facial contours.

So, there are many masks to choose from to match the mask skirt and your face.

CORRECTIVE LENS several options are available. Consult your eye doctor for the best type to correct your vision with your mask.

FINS AND FOOTWEAR - Propulsion through the water is the next important step. Your range of movement, speed and efficiency (depending on strength and endurance) are dramatically improved when using fins. Fins provide power and enable you to swim greater distances and longer periods of time without getting tired. There are two basic styles, the full-foot and open-heel. The full-foot fins fit like a pair of shoes and come in the same standard sizes as shoes. Open-heel fins come in sizes ranging from x-small, small, medium, large and extra- large sizes and come with an adjustable heel strap that hold the foot in place. These fins are designed to be worn with wet suit boots. As with the mask, the materials, designs and features vary. Fins manufactured today are designed with synthetic material with choices from polyurethane, thermoplastic, graphite and composites. These materials make them light in weight and are offered in a variety of colors. Be careful not to expose fins to intense heat as they can warp. Some fins float and some sink. Probably the best characteristic and a good compromise is a fin that is close to being neutrally buoyant. Fin length and flexibility depend on your physical capability and experience level. The larger the surface area of the fin the more water you can push.

For most people, good flexibility is easier to handle and provides the snap in your fin stroke to propel you through the water. Te choice between open-heel and a full-fit fin will all depend on your interest level. For most casual snorkelers, the full-foot fin is less expensive, lighter to carry and performs the job. For scuba diving, the open-heel fin with adjustable strap is the preferred choice because of the amount of drag and weight necessary to swim through the water. Proper size and fit are important for comfort and performance. Like choosing a mask, finding or using the correct fins for you is a personal decision. Be sure they are comfortable and are appropriate for your size and strength.

THE SNORKEL - A snorkel allows you to keep your face in the water while swimming and enjoying the sights. This provides the snorkeler many hours of relaxation with less exertion and weariness.

When selecting a snorkel consider both comfortable fit and low breathing resistance. Mouth pieces vary in size and flexibility. If it does not fit it will cause much discomfort and possible sores. Breathing resistance is influenced by tube length, tube shape, and bore size. The ideal snorkel has a gentle curve, a smooth interior bore, and short tube. If you have a long tube, you create greater resistance and a larger dead space especially difficult for the smaller diver. Some snorkels have one-way drain valves at the bottom of the tube.

For some divers, it may be worth trying as they can make it easier to clear the snorkel at the surface. Do not be fooled by snorkels that have fancy gimmicks or devices located at the top as they will probably increase resistance or may cause more problems. Keep it simple.

THE SNORKELING VEST - This safety tool can control your buoyancy at the surface if you are less buoyant or perhaps become tired. The vest should fit like a bib and provides the snorkeler with the appropriate lift at the surface. The inflated vest minimizes the energy used while swimming, keeps the lungs higher and breathing easier, and keeps the snorkel higher above of the water.

USING YOUR SNORKELING EQUIPMENT

Just because you now have the proper equipment for snorkeling does not guarantee enjoyment and success. Knowing how to make a safe entry and exit from the cenotes, using the mask, snorkel, fins and snorkeling vest and performing surface dives, separate those divers who will have fun from others who will be uncomfortable.

Entering and exiting the water should always be through the easiest and safest way! Fortunately, at most of the cenotes the land owners have built platforms and/or ladders to meet these primary goals. Be sure to look before climbing down or jumping into water so not to injure or harm other divers or yourself from potential hazards.

Your mask should be snug but not tight. When warm air condenses inside the mask and cool water surrounds it, the lens can fog and impair your vision. To minimize this problem coat the inside lenses with anti-fogging solution or spit saliva into the mask and rinse it out. At the surface or standing up, clearing the mask is simple by just lifting the bottom of the mask with your thumbs and allowing the water drain out.

Breathing through the snorkel is different from normal breathing. The first method involves three basic steps. First, clear the snorkel by blasting a quick, sharp burst of air through the tube. Beware; a second short blast may be required for any remaining water in the tube. Breathe slowly. And finally, hold your breath in case you need to blast again for clearing. You will get into a repetitive routine of clearing, breathe and hold. A second method of clearing is called the expansion method. From depth, approaching the surface, tilt the head back far enough for the snorkel to be pointing downward, and then exhale a small puff of air into it. The air expands as you rise to the surface forcing the air out of the tube.

Some basic rules apply for using fins. Avoid walking on land with the fins or you may just trip and fall. If you must walk a short distance, play it safe, always shuffle backwards. Never exit the water with your fins on. Always carry the fins out of the water. The fins serve as an extension of your body and allows you to move through the water smoothly and with less effort. Several different kicks can be applied in different situations. The flutter kick is the most common and often used. Keeping your legs straight and toes pointed, the knees bend slightly kick your legs at the ankle at a relaxed pace back and forth, the fins will move naturally. The motion should be slow and powerful, applying the full use of the legs with fins kept in the water. Do not use your hips or kick with your knees. Another type of motion is the dolphin kick which uses the whole body. The legs are kept together and the body moves in a wavelike motion. This kick takes a little practice but can be fun and have a graceful feel. The third kick is the scissors kick which is a variation of the flutter kick. The diver must almost be placed on the side. The kick is glide-and- kick motion but with a much greater power stroke and separation of the legs. The kick is repeated but with a pause to create the glide result.

The snorkeling vest should be kept inflated in order to swim relaxed and efficiently. It will keep your snorkel high atop the water and allows you the opportunity to rest on the surface when necessary. When you need to free dive to observe anything underwater be sure to deflate the vest. When returning to the surface, raise your arm to avoid any collisions with other divers, boats or objects, clear your snorkel and orally inflate the vest.

A surface dive allows you to go down to look at fish or objects. Two types are: the head-first dive and the feet-first dive. The head-first dive is a face down position. Bend at your waist so that the upper body forms a right angle to the legs. Then, lift the legs out of the water and the weight will push the body downward like a pile driver. The feet-first dive is not popular to use in the cenotes as it is primarily used in kelp beds or any place where freedom is limited at the surface.

CONTAMINANTS

Concerns with harming our precious and fragile eco-systems in the cenotes and the caletas should be the primary responsibility for every individual who uses these wonderful places. The use of body lotions, insect repellents and other substance placed on the body before swimming is forbidden. Please take a shower or avoid using these products totally before going to the cenotes. Any foreign intrusion can potentially alter the balance of nature and have a negative impact on the health of the cenotes.

Snorkeling the beautiful cenotes and caletas in the Riviera Maya will be a rewarding experience with so much to see and learn. There are a few companies and several dive stores that offer exciting snorkeling excursions to the popular cenotes and caletas. Some offer lessons or professional advice for those who have no or limited experience with mask, fins, snorkel and vest. It is an inexpensive way to witness an entirely special world. Try it; you will thoroughly treasure the adventure.

Steve Gerrard lives in the Puerto Aventuras marina resort.  He has been safely teaching cave diving for twenty five years.  His favorite activity is underwater cave photography using the NIKON 100 digital camera with a Light & Motion Titan Housing using Ikelite strobes.  He is the author of the famous guidebook titled - THE CENOTES OF THE RIVIERIA MAYA and soon to be published  CENOTE DIVING - SAFE & FUN.   You can contact Steve at:

stevegerrard@cavediver.com  or  www.steve-gerrard.com