Experts in Cave, Sidemount & Tech Diving
GUIDED CAVE DIVING
High-quality guiding for certified cave divers
We offer high-quality cave diving guiding services for certified cave divers, in a relaxed yet professional setting. Our guiding is intended for divers who are already trained and autonomous, and who want to explore the Riviera Maya cave systems with an experienced local team.
Since 2005, we have accumulated thousands of cave dives in the region, including advanced penetration and exploration dives. This long-term presence has given us an in-depth understanding of local cave systems, conditions, access, and logistics, which we are happy to share with visiting cave divers from around the world.
Guided dives include both well-known systems and lesser-dived sites, depending on diver experience, objectives, and conditions. The focus is on well-planned, efficient, and conservative cave dives, rather than on rushing profiles or collecting sites. All dives are conducted with safety as the primary consideration.
We accommodate certified cave divers across a wide range of experience levels, from recently certified cave divers to those planning advanced, stage, or multi-stage decompression dives. Guiding is available for all open-circuit configurations.
Why Choose CDT Mexico
At CDT Mexico, cave guiding is provided by active cave instructors with more than 18 years of continuous diving and exploration in the area. Guiding is approached with the same mindset we apply to training: careful planning, realistic limits, and respect for the environment and the dive team.
Our familiarity with the local cave systems allows us to manage access, timing, and site selection efficiently, while adapting each dive to the divers’ experience and objectives. The atmosphere remains relaxed, but expectations remain professional. This is guided cave diving conducted by people who spend most of their time training cave divers and instructors.
Why Dive With a Guide
Guiding allows certified cave divers to access unfamiliar cave systems efficiently and safely, without spending valuable dive time dealing with local logistics, access constraints, or navigation uncertainties. Local knowledge becomes particularly valuable when dives involve more complex navigation, longer penetrations, or sites that are less frequently visited.
The role of the guide is not instructional. The guide plans the dive, manages logistics, leads navigation, and contributes to maintaining appropriate safety margins. Each diver remains fully responsible for personal skills, gas management, buoyancy, propulsion, and team awareness. This is not “follow-the-leader” diving, nor is it a substitute for training.
What to Expect Beyond the Dive
Guided diving with CDT Mexico includes more than time underwater, but it is never presented as a packaged experience. We provide detailed briefings, site overviews, and navigation context, helping divers better understand the systems they are diving.
Outside of the water, we assist with practical logistics such as site access, transportation, and scheduling. When appropriate, we are also happy to discuss equipment choices, local considerations, or possible training paths for divers who wish to progress further after their guided dives.
With CDT Mexico, guiding is not about adding excitement or spectacle. It is about creating the conditions for clean, controlled, and meaningful cave dives in an unfamiliar environment.
Equipment Readiness
Proper equipment preparation is essential for safe and efficient cave diving. All divers must arrive with functional, appropriate, and well-maintained equipment and be fully comfortable using it independently.
Key expectations:
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Primary equipment should be owned whenever possible
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Equipment must be correctly configured and familiar
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Divers must be able to manage equipment without assistance
Rental Equipment
Limited rental equipment is available.
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Available for rent:
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Regulators
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Primary and backup lights
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Backmount wings and backplates
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Finger spools and reels
Not available for rent:
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Dive computers
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Fins, masks, hood, nor boots
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Exposure suits
Divers are responsible for ensuring all rented or personal equipment is appropriate and familiar prior to diving.
Sidemount Equipment
Sidemount systems are highly personal and configuration-dependent. Owning a sidemount system is strongly recommended.
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Renting a sidemount system typically requires up to half a day for setup and adjustment
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Sidemount systems can be purchased through CDT Mexico if needed
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A sidemount system setup service is available for a flat fee of 100 USD
Health & Medical Fitness
Divers are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to dive.
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A medical questionnaire can be provided if needed
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A physician’s clearance may be required based on medical history
Cave diving environments are physically and mentally demanding.
Fatigue, stress, and task loading are inherent to the activity and must be managed by the diver.
Accommodation & Transportation
Choosing suitable accommodation is an important part of preparation.
Recommendations:
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Staying close to the training area reduces fatigue and commuting stress
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Please review the map to understand our location
Transportation:
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Pickup and drop-off are provided in the area between Puerto Aventuras and Akumal
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Pickup outside this area is not available
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Taxi transportation can be arranged at the diver’s expense
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Divers may also rent a car independently, although staying with us simplifies logistics significantly
Stay & Dive Packages are available for streamlined logistics.
Practical Preparation Tips
To ensure productive and efficient diving days, divers are strongly encouraged to:
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Arrive rested and hydrated
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Avoid scheduling flights immediately after training
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Plan buffer days when possible
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Ensure all equipment is serviced and familiar
Prepared divers gain more from the experience.
Important Confirmation
By booking guided cave dives, divers confirm that they have reviewed the guiding description, logistical requirements, and expectations outlined on this page.
Guiding rates, deposits, and cancellation policies are detailed separately.
Next Steps
​Guiding rates are presented separately to keep this page focused on the nature of the service itself.