Diving in Cenoten Carwash & Angelita (23.02.2022)

Get out of bed, Cenote Diving Day 2 is on and today there are two highlights on the program that make getting up early easier. Like yesterday, we stroll to the meeting point in the immediate vicinity of a shopping center. While waiting for our guide Mel, we watch the hustle and bustle in front of a (breakfast) snack stand, where there are tacos of all variations, served under branded Coke umbrellas and plastic chairs, marketing at its best...

Mel is here and we drive about 15 minutes to the first spot, the Cenote "Carwash", where we arrive punctually at the opening at 09:00. Cenotes are places where many interests come together, bathers, snorkelers, divers or creatives, like today a small film shoot with lightly dressed ladies and a six-pack boy, who romp through the water, also fun to watch while we prepare our equipment. Dive #1 takes us to depths between 8 and 15 meters and a mix of underwater plants, spectacular rock formations and even a "house" crocodile. The play of light from the morning sun creates unreal atmospheres underwater and creates a very special atmosphere. Thanks to the underwater camera and Kathi's photography skills, we were able to capture some impressions. We think the pictures can give you an idea of how spectacular it was for us underwater.

After such a dive, you need something to collect and process the many impressions, but there was not much time for that, as we had to move from this cenote to dive site #2. What remains are unforgettable impressions and many great pictures. We stay in our wetsuits (garbage bag on the seats in the car ensures dry seats) and pack everything compressed on the loading area of the pickup for our next destination Cenote Angelita. During the around 20-minute drive, Mel briefs us again on this special place. After we did very well in the last three dives together, we are allowed to go down together today to a depth of up to 35 meters to see a special spectacle.

Arriving at the cenote, we skillfully pack our equipment for our last cenote dive on this trip. As mentioned, we have about 35 meters of depth for this dive, and at around 27 meters we cross a "cloud of mist", a mixture of hydrogen sulfate (hydrogen sulfide), which is about 3 meters thick and suddenly confronts us with zero visibility and a very strong odor. Under the layer of mist, there is absolute darkness (the mist completely absorbs light from above), a very special feeling when diving through... We collect incredible impressions and again great pictures, this time Kathi and I take turns taking photos. We think the photos can give an impression of this very special experience, we will also publish one or two videos on social media (unfortunately not possible via blog). Overall, we have to say that all four of us felt surprisingly good, no nitrogen narcosis, panic attacks or anything like that, just pure enjoyment.

During lunch after diving, where it traditionally tastes the best, we had a very special visit. A small puppy and two kitten babies were the highlight during the meal and provided additional feelings of happiness. Charged with lots of positive energy, Mel brought us back to Tulum. Unlike yesterday, we continued straight to the beach today. A great apartment was waiting for us where we will relax for the rest of the day and all day tomorrow. On the way, we made a stop for grocery shopping, but our plan to mix margaritas on the beach for the rest of the day was thwarted because it felt like we couldn't find orange liqueur/triple sec anywhere in Tulum.

But we didn't let that take away our good mood, and once we arrived at the little paradise right by the Caribbean Sea, we had to start with a good round of "1800" Tequila blanco to toast to this successful day. We spent the rest of the day relaxed in the sun and cooked together in the evening. Steak, guacamole, sautéed vegetables, and grilled cheese were on the self-cooked menu, and so we ended the evening with good music and tequila.

The daily two:

Insight:

The main reason for fatigue after a dive is usually the increased nitrogen content in the body. In depth, it is also called "nitrogen narcosis". The deeper you dive, the more nitrogen is dissolved in the blood. The higher partial pressure of nitrogen changes the electrical properties of nerve cells and creates a narcotic effect, to put it simply.

Moment of happiness:

The little puppy that appeared after diving for lunch and especially made the ladies' hearts beat faster.