SCUBA DIVING

In Merida?s surrounding areas, you?ll find various caves, caverns and sinkholes that are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. You?ll come across spectacular rock formations as you experience the excitement of exploring narrow underground passageways. Cave diving enthusiasts, specifically those using wetsuits and air tanks, will find it particularly exhilarating as they submerge 10 meters (33 feet) below the water?s surface and discover the Yucatan?s subterranean mysteries.

Calcehtok ? This underground tunnel system, which lies 32 km (20 mi) from the town of Muna, is the ideal spot to cave dive in crystalline waters. The underground network stretches 5 km (3.1 mi). To get there, go left at the Km 25 turnoff along the state highway, which is near Merida.

Xlacah ? One of Merida?s biggest sinkholes with a depth of 44 meters (145 feet), it offers perfectly clear waters for scuba diving, cave diving and snorkeling. Lies just 15 km (9 mi) from Merida.

Chak-Zinik-Che ? Offers all the great attributes for scuba diving: it?s 40 meters (132 feet) deep, water visibility is 50 meters (165 feet), and the average temperature is 27º C (81º F). Located 50 km (31 mi) southeast of Merida, near the town of Cuzama.

Kambul ? This spot offers a swimming hole 35 meters wide (38 yards) and it has a depth of 21 meters (70 feet). Some of the surrounding caves are up to 45 meters (148 feet) deep. Underwater, local divers have found shark teeth 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long and they have come across a wide variety of animal species as well, making this the perfect place for cave divers. Located 25 km (15.5 mi) from Merida.

Reserva Especial de la Biosfera Ria Celestun ? Located 95 km (59 mi) west of Merida on a state highway that you can catch near the town of Uman. Has 51,139 hectares (126,313 acres) and a 20-km-long (12.4-mi) estuary, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Campeche. At this biosphere reserve, you can scuba dive and cave dive through an underground system.

Cuzama ? Located 40 km (25 mi) southeast of Merida on a state highway that you can catch in the town of Kanasin. This place has various sinkholes you can visit as a horse-drawn cart takes you along a 7-km (4-mi) path full of underbrush.  Has calm and crystalline waters ideal for scuba diving, cave diving and snorkeling.