Cave Diving Training In The Cenotes Of Mexico

Mexico is a dream destination for passionate cave divers, and we couldn’t resist! Our love for this thrilling pursuit led us to settle in Playa del Carmen, the heart of cave divers’ heaven, where we dive daily in the stunning cenotes.

If you’re an adventurous spirit eager to explore overhead environments, our Cave Diving Training in Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, is your gateway. The Yucatan is home to the world’s longest underwater cave systems and offers endless exploration opportunities. At Deep Dark Diving, we share our passion by guiding you through the cenotes with a strong commitment to safety and conservation.

Cave diving is challenging yet incredibly rewarding, and Cenotes offer ideal cave diving training conditions. [Find out more about the advantages of dive training in Mexico].

Be warned—cave diving in Mexico is addictive! But with our focus on safety, you’ll be in good hands as we share our passion. Check out our training programs to start or continue your cave diving journey.

CAVE DIVING TRAINING IN MEXICO

CAVERN

Start your cave diving adventure with the TDI Cavern Diver course. Master essential skills, tackle challenges, and explore the cavern zone safely. This course is your first step into the world of cave diving

INTRO TO CAVE

Cave Diving Training In The Cenotes Of Mexico

The TDI Intro-to-Cave Diver course enhances your skills for diving beyond the daylight zone. You’ll master line navigation, zero visibility, gas management, and emergency procedures, all while learning to manage the risks of overhead environments.

FULL CAVE

The TDI Full Cave Diver course sharpens your skills for navigating the challenges of deep cave environments. You’ll master passing restrictions, complex navigation, zero visibility, and emergency procedures, all while managing the specific risks of cave diving

SIDE MOUNT CAVE DIVER

For Cave divers who wish to practice Safety Protocols in Side Mount

You are a trained cave diver, making the move to sidemount cave diving

ADVANCED CAVE DIVING TRAINING IN MEXICO

RAZOR SIDEMOUNT CAVE

Full Cave dives with complex navigation, restrictions and extended penetration. Learn Razor-specific skills and the modern approach to cave diving in Side Mount. This challenging training is a strong foundation for all levels of cave diving.

CAVE DECO DIVER

cenote cave diving -cave diving Training - Mexico

The Deco Cave course is intended to train divers in decompression strategies and emergency management for cave
diving

STAGE CAVE

As an experienced full cave diver, you might find two tanks limiting your penetration and dive time. Our stage cave course teaches you to extend your penetration with stage cylinders, allowing for longer, further, and deeper explorations. with increased safety

DPV CAVE

The TDI DPV Cave Diver course refines your skills for using a Diver Propulsion Vehicle in caves. You’ll master advanced navigation, gas management, and emergency procedures while tackling the unique challenges of DPV use in overhead environments.

CAVERN INSTRUCTOR

The first level of overhead training, the TDI Cavern Diving Instructor Evaluation, takes a serious look at the candidates’ cave diving skills, professionalism, and teaching abilities. On your way to Full Cave Diving Instructor

CAVERN DIVER CERTIFICATION

The TDI Cavern Diver Course is the foundation of the extensive Full Cave Diving Training Program and opens doors to further enrich your cenote diving experiences.

Contact your instructor and follow their advice. Choose your configuration and your gear wisely. There are many equipment options, but some are more performant than others and will help you improve core skills for cave diving and technical diving training.

The times and duration for the Cavern Diver Training are given as an indication of the minimum required standards. When you engage in technical diving, we expect full proficiency in all aspects of cavern diving before receiving your certification.

With your cavern diver certification, you can Consider advancing your skills with the Intro to Cave Diver Training or even pursuing the ultimate challenge of Full Cave Diver training in Mexico.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent
Provide proof of an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
Proof of 25 logged dives

DURATION

3 Days minimum
Total bottom time: 80min
6 hours Theory + elearning*

*TDI e-learning at your own pace before the start of your training

QUALIFICATIONS

Daylight zone
1/3 of single tank or 1/6th of dual tanks
Penetration max: 61m/200ft from surface
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression dives
No restrictions
Single continuous guideline
No removal of life support
Qualified to enroll in Introductory Cave diving course

GEAR

Single cylinder or Dual cylinders
Regulator
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
2 battery powered lights
2 Computer or bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
3 directional + 3 non directional markers

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 dives min
Academics*
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

e-learning
Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

ACADEMICS

Policy for cavern diving
Gas management
Psychological Considerations
Equipment considerations
Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Physiology
Cavern environment and conservation
Problem-solving
- Emergency procedures (Air share, light failure…)
- Equipment failure
- Silting conditions

LAND DRILLS

Properly deploy a guideline
Properly follow a guideline with eyes open and closed (simulating loss of visibility)
Team Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Team dynamic

SKILLS

Body posture/trim
Buoyancy control
Positionning
Communication
GuideLine use (deploy, follow with eyes opened and closed)
Propulsion and anti-silting techniques
Gas management,
Emergency procedures,
Propulsion techniques,
Line and reel utilization,
Equipment management in various conditions and environments.

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden,
Cenote Kukulkan
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Chikin Ha
Cenote XTabay,
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Chac Mool
and more…

INTRO TO CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION

After experiencing cavern diving and venturing into the world of overhead environments, it’s time to elevate your diving skills with the TDI Intro to Cave Diver Course in the Cenotes, the best training ground in the world located in the heart of the longest cave systems in the world! Throughout all cave diving training, safety remains the utmost priority. You’ll learn to assess potential risks and make informed decisions, including when to abort a dive if unfavorable conditions become.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent
TDI Cavern Diver Certification or equivalent
Proof of 25 logged dives
Sidemount Diving Certification, Razor Sidemount Certification or Intro to Tech certification

DURATION

3 Days minimum
Total bottom time of 100 minutes
4 hours Theory*

*TDI e-learning at your own pace before the start of your training if not completed for your Cavern Diver Certification

QUALIFICATIONS

Penetration to 1/3 of a single cylinder or 1/6th of double cylinders
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression diving
No restrictions
Single Continuous guideline
No removal of life support

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Chac Mool/Kukulkan
Cenote Chikin Ha/Xtabay
Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Carwash
and more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount or Backmount
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
3 directional + 3 non directional markers

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 Intro to cave dives min
Academics*
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

e-learning
Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

ACADEMICS

Policy for cavern diving
Gas management
Psychological Considerations
Equipment considerations
Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Physiology
Cavern environment and conservation
Problem-solving
- Emergency procedures (Air share, light failure…)
- Equipment failure
- Silting conditions

LAND DRILLS

Properly deploy a guideline
Properly follow a guideline with eyes open and closed (simulating loss of visibility)
Team Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Team dynamic
Lost or broken line scenario
Team separation

SKILLS

Fine tuning all skills learned during the Cavern Diver Course
Line handling and line protocols.
Buoyancy control techniques
Environmental awareness.
Communication skills
Lost or broken line scenario
Team separation scenario
Safe cave diving experience
Emergency scenarios

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden,
Cenote Kukulkan
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Chikin Ha
Cenote XTabay,
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Chac Mool
and more…

FULL CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION

The TDI Full Cave Diver Course is the third stage of overhead environment dive training.

You already hold a Cavern Diver certification and Intro to Cave Diver certification, then you are ready to engage in the final step of becoming a Full Cave Diver.

During the Full Cave Diver training, you will learn advanced cave dive planning and in-water execution. In particular, you will learn complex navigation techniques, then safely navigate from the mainline to the side passages while performing performing jumps, gaps, traverses, and circuits. You will also pass restrictions and penetrate deeper into the cave systems as you start managing the rule of thirds.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
Minimum certification as a TDI Introductory Cave Diver Certidication or equivalent.

DURATION

5 Days minimum
Total bottom time of 240 minutes
6 hours Theory*

*TDI e-learning at your own pace before the start of your training if not completed for your Intro to Cave certification

QUALIFICATIONS

Penetration to 1/3
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression diving (unless Deco Procedures certified)
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Chan Aktun Ha
Cenote Dos Palmas
Cenote Naharon
And many more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount or Backmount
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Spools for Jumps and Gaps

WHAT’S INCLUDED

8 Full cave dives min
Academics*
Tanks (with 21% or 32%)
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

e-learning
Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

ACADEMICS

Policy for Cave Diving.
Gas Matching Procedures and Management to Include Dissimilar Volumes
Psychological Considerations
Equipment considerations
Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Swimming Techniques
Physiology
Cave Environment and conservation
Problem-solving
Accident Analysis
Review of Dive Tables and Decompression Theory
Cave Diving Etiquette

LAND DRILLS

Properly deploy a guideline
Properly follow a guideline with eyes open and closed (simulating loss of visibility)
Team Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Team dynamic
Lost or broken line scenario
Use of safety reel in Team separation procedures
Jumps, Gaps and Ts

SKILLS

Pre-dive planning
Equipment check, and equipment matching
Bubble check
Line handling and line protocols
Use of line markers
Buoyancy and trim control
Environmental awareness
Communication skills
Air share (eyes open and using touch contact)
Replace mask while in contact with guideline
Referencing as back-up navigation
Anti-silting techniques
Perform jumps and gaps
Lost or broken line
Team separation
Safe cave diving
Emergency scenarios

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden,
Cenote Kukulkan
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Chikin Ha
Cenote XTabay,
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Naharon
Cenote Xunan Ha
and more…

SIDE MOUNT CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
Minimum certification as a TDI Side Mount certification AND Full cave Certification or equivalent.
Min 25 Full cave dives
Own an approved Side Mount system

DURATION

5 Days minimum
Total bottom time of 240 minutes
6 hours Theory*

*TDI e-learning at your own pace before the start of your training if not completed for your Full Cave certification

QUALIFICATIONS

Penetration to 1/3
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression diving (unless Deco Procedures certified)
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Chan Aktun Ha
Cenote Dos Palmas
Cenote Naharon
And many more…

GEAR

Sidemount cylinders
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Spools for Jumps and Gaps

WHAT’S INCLUDED

8 Full cave dives min
Academics*
Tanks (with 21% or 32%)
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

e-learning
Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

RAZOR SIDE MOUNT CAVE DIVER CERTIFICATION

The Razor Side Mount Cave Diving Course allows you to experience the freedom and flexibility of diving Side Mount in a cave at its best.

The Razor harness and wing combined were designed by expert cave divers and cave explorers Steve Bogaerts and HP Hartmann, cofounders of Go Side Mount.

Years of experience and hours of side mount cave diving and cave exploration led to the Razor Side Mount System development. And along with it appeared the necessity of developing a cave course program to be taught by experienced cave diving instructors committed to high-quality standards: certified Razor cave instructors.

Deep Dark Diving is proud to be part of the team of Razor Cave Instructors (Géraldine Solignac, Razor Side Mount Instructor) and to be able to share that knowledge with you and share all the fun that goes with it.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
Minimum Razor Sidemount Diver certification
Own personnal Razor (can be purchased through Deep Dark Diving)

DURATION

8 Days minimum (Comprehensive Cave Diving Training)
Total bottom time of 420 minutes
12 hours Theory*

*TDI e-learning at your own pace before the start of your training if not completed for your Intro to Cave certification

QUALIFICATIONS

Penetration to 1/3
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No deccompression dives unless Deco Procedures certified – Razor Cave and TDI Deco Procedures can be taught concurrently.
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave with the exception of the stage cylinders

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Chan Aktun Ha
Cenote Dos Palmas
Cenote Naharon
And many more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount
2 Regulators
Full Razor Side Mount System including Pouch
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Helmet
Hand mount recommended

WHAT’S INCLUDED

16 Razor Side Mount cave dives min
Academics*
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

e-learning
Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

ACADEMICS

Policy for Cave Diving.
Gas Matching Procedures and Management to Include Dissimilar Volumes
Psychological Considerations
Equipment considerations
Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Swimming Techniques
Physiology
Cave Environment and conservation
Problem-solving
Accident Analysis
Review of Dive Tables and Decompression Theory
Cave Diving Etiquette

LAND DRILLS

Properly deploy a guideline
Properly follow a guideline with eyes open and closed (simulating loss of visibility)
Team Communication (light and hand signals, touch contact)
Team dynamic
Lost or broken line scenario
Use of safety reel in Team separation procedures
Jumps, Gaps and Ts

SKILLS

Pre-dive planning
Equipment check, and equipment matching
Bubble check
Line handling and line protocols
Use of line markers
Buoyancy and trim control
Environmental awareness
Communication skills
Gas share (eyes open and using touch contact)
Replace mask while in contact with guideline
Referencing as back-up navigation
Anti-silting techniques
Perform jumps and gaps
Lost or broken line
Team separation
Safe cave diving
Emergency scenarios
Regulator switches with one hand
Usa of the Back up bladder
Bungee replacement
Other Razor specific skills…

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden,
Cenote Kukulkan
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Chikin Ha
Cenote XTabay,
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Minotauro
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Naharon
Cenote Xunan Ha
and more…

Razor 4 is out! Contact us to get yours!

CAVE DECOMPRESSION DIVING CERTIFICATION

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
Full cave Diver Certification
Stage Cave Diver certification recommended
TDI Nitrox Diver or equivalent – Adv Nitrox recommended
Own personnal Cave Diver Gear (can be purchased through Deep Dark Diving)
Satisfactorily complete the TDI Advanced Nitrox Course e-learning
Satisfactorily complete the TDI Decompression Procedures Course e-learning

DURATION

3 Days minimum
4 Deco Dives minimum
4 hours Theory

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduates will be qualified to conduct decompression dives in the cave environment only utilizing 100% oxygen to accelerate decompression
Maximum Depth 30m/100ft or 40m/100ft with END < 100ft with Trimix
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave (except stages and Deco tank)

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Yaax Chen
Cenote Dos Palmas
Cenote Naharon
Cenote Nohoch Na Chich
And many more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount or Backmount
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Stage cylinder
Stage regulator (first and second stage + pressure gauge)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Helmet

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 decompression cave dives min
Academics
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment
O2 for decompression, Trimix (for student and instructor)

ACADEMICS

Overview of Decompression Safety Stops Compared to Required Stops
Physics
Physiology
Equipment considerations
Decompression Options
Tables vs Computers
Dive Planning
Procedures (staged deco, gas switch, back gas break)
Emergency Procedures

LAND DRILLS

Analysis and labeling of decompression cylinders
Dropping decompression cylinders
Retrieving decompression cylinders
Gas switches

SKILLS

Drop deco cylinders
Calculate and communicate deco obligation
Perform staged decompression ascents
Retrieve deco cylinder
Gas switches
Emergency Procedures
Adjusting ascent profile on the fly
Decompression Regulator failure
Lost decompression gas

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden,
Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Naharon
Cenote Cocom
and more…

STAGE CAVE DIVING CERTIFICATION

The TDI Stage cave diving course is for certified and experienced full cave divers who want to explore further into the cave with stage tanks. It requires efficient gas management and due to the extended time at depth, possibly different gas mixtures. The course covers handling the extra tank, gas management based on team configuration, and team communication during dropping and retrieval procedures, with emphasis on team positioning and awareness.

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
TDI Full Cave Diver certification, or Razor Cave Diver certification or equivalent
Own personnal Cave Diver Gear (can be purchased through Deep Dark Diving)

DURATION

3 Days minimum
Total bottom time of 90 minutes
4 hours Theory

QUALIFICATIONS

Penetration to 1/3
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression diving (unless Deco Procedures certified)
No restrictions
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Xtabay
Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Chan Aktun Ha
Cenote Naharon
And many more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount or Backmount
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Stage cylinder
Stage regulator (first and second stage + pressure gauge)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Helmet

WHAT’S INCLUDED

3 stage cave dives min
Academics
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment

CAVE DPV DIVING CERTIFICATION

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 18
Certified as a TDI Stage Cave Diver or equivalent
Own personnal Cave Diver Gear (can be purchased through Deep Dark Diving)

DURATION

3 Days minimum
Total bottom time of 90 minutes
4 hours Theory

QUALIFICATIONS

Single DPV*
Max depth: 40 m/130 ft
No decompression diving (unless Deco Procedures certified)
No restrictions
Continuous guideline
No equipment removal in cave (except stages and DPV)

* DPV Cave divers should gain experience before attempting to plan and execute complex DPV cave dives that would require the use of a back-up DPV

TRAINING CENOTES

Cenote Eden
Cenote Taj Ma Ha
Cenote Taak Bi Ha
Cenote Yaax Chen
Cenote Dos Palmas
Cenote Naharon
Cenote Nohoch Na Chich
And many more…

GEAR

Dual cylinders: Sidemount or Backmount
2 Regulators
Buoyancy compensator device (BCD)
Stage cylinder
Stage regulator (first and second stage + pressure gauge)
Exposure suit
Masks and fins
2 Line cutting devices
2 Safety spools
1 primary reel
1 primary light
2 battery powered back up lights
2 Computer/bottom timer
Slate/wetnotes + pencil
6 directional + 6 non directional markers
Helmet

WHAT’S INCLUDED

3 stage cave dives min
Academics
Tanks
Weights
Transport to the dive site
Oxygen on-board
Drinking water

NOT INCLUDED

Pick up
Cenote entrance fees
Certification Fee
Equipment
DPV Rental

CAVERN DIVING INSTRUCTOR

CONTACT US FOR CAVE DIVING INSTRUCTOR RATINGS

PREREQUISITES

Minimum age 21
Open water instructor in active teaching status for at least 1 year
TDI Nitrox Instructor or equivalent; a TDI Full Cave certification or equivalent (NACD or NSS-CDS)
Provide proof of at least 100 full cave dives
Teaching min 4 TDI courses and assisting with a minimum of 1 complete TDI Cavern Diver course with 1 active TDI Cave Diver Instructor
Recommendation from a TDI Cave Instructor with which the candidate has assisted in cavern training
Own Full Cave Equipment

DURATION