Diving 'The Pit' in Mexico

By Jacqui Brooks, 23rd March, 2012

Mexico

Ever since seeing David Attenborough's Planet Earth, I have been obsessed with the idea of diving the underwater cave systems in Mexico - the cenotes. Last summer I got my chance.

The day I went to dive I must admit that I did question what I was doing slightly when I heard the names of the different cenote dives such as the 'The Pit' and 'The Temple of Doom' but I decided to dive right in.

Diving the cenote known as 'The Pit'

I had been warned that 'The Pit' was challenging. A 30-minute truck ride down a boulder ridden track led to, well, another boulder ridden track. But this one was slightly too narrow for the truck so my guide and I got suited up. The driver very kindly offered to carry my BCD and tank muttering 'very far, very difficult'… I was not feeling confident!

After 15 minutes of very unsteady ground, I noticed an opening in the jungle, and cautiously approached what I suspected to be The Pit and peered over the edge.

I hate heights so the 10m drop that confronted me was not welcome. As I felt mild panic welling inside me I heard my guide shouting 'jump, jump'. 'Here?' I replied, preparing to fall to which the response was a shrieking 'nooo'. So I moved a little to the left which was perfect apparently and in I jumped.

Diving The Pit in Mexico was the dive of my life

Once inside The Pit it looked a long way up! My gear was lowered to me and down we went. It was immediately clear (no pun intended) why this dive is so famous. Visibility so good it felt like swimming in air; glittering stalactites and shafts of beautiful light penetrating down from the opening above (and the odd human bone for added effect!). There really is nothing like it.To date I can safely say that diving The Pit in Mexico has been one of my favourite dives. For me it has everything - adventure, remoteness and sheer underwater beauty. One tip though: try and avoid the after-dive snack of local green chillies. Stick to biscuits.

To date I can safely say that diving The Pit in Mexico has been one of my favourite dives. For me it has everything - adventure, remoteness and sheer underwater beauty. One tip though: try and avoid the after-dive snack of local green chillies. Stick to biscuits.

Would you like to experience diving The Pit in Mexico like Louisa? Get in touch and we'll help you fulfil it!

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