I did a recreational with Xico DC which included 2 dives with Felipe as my guide. He was calm and made me feel at ease. For some reason I was nervous but he had a relaxed way about him that set me right. The dives… Read full review Show less
I did a recreational with Xico DC which included 2 dives with Felipe as my guide. He was calm and made me feel at ease. For some reason I was nervous but he had a relaxed way about him that set me right. The dives went great. The water had more current than what Id experienced before but Im still new & it was all good. The boat crew was very helpful and attentive. Id definitely dive with Xico DC again. The staff there are very helpful too.
Update:
I went on with other instructors (Santi & Morgan) to complete my Advanced Cert here adding 6 more dives and then an unforgetable cenote dive. With Xicos great staff, team of instructor's, boat crew, and location, I look forward to seeing what the center looks like after renovations have finished.
Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Taak Bi Lum Diving from Playa del Carmen
A shallow but precision-focused advanced cenote day through highly decorated Taak Bi Lum and Taak Bi Ha. Maximum depth is only about 7 m / 23 ft, but excellent buoyancy, trim, and prior cenote comfort are strongly recommended.
Why choose Xico for this dive
Shallow Does Not Mean Easy
Taak Bi Ha and Taak Bi Lum reach only about 7 m / 23 ft, but depth is not what makes this an advanced route. Delicate formations, multilevel passages, trim, awareness, and precise buoyancy create the challenge.
Taak Bi Lum: Quiet, Clear, and Highly Decorated
Taak Bi Lum combines clear water, cave fish, stalagmites, and a peaceful cavern atmosphere. The route rewards slow movement and attention to fine detail rather than a deep profile.
Taak Bi Ha: Structure, Light, and Precision
Taak Bi Ha adds multilevel structure and strong light effects. It is visually dramatic, but poor buoyancy or fin movement can quickly damage formations or reduce visibility. This is why previous cenote experience matters.
For Divers Ready to Refine Their Cavern Control
This combination is ideal when you already understand cenote procedures and want a more detailed, technical-feeling recreational cavern day without the depth of El Pit, Zapote, or Angelita.
How it works
Check In at Xico
Meet at 08:15, complete paperwork, confirm certification and recent experience, and get fitted for any rental gear.
Drive to the Cenotes
Travel from Xico Dive Center to the first cenote while the guide reviews the route, cavern procedures, and the plan for the day.
First Cavern Dive
Dive Cenote Taak Bi Lum after a detailed briefing, equipment check, and controlled entry.
Jungle Surface Interval
Relax between dives with a sandwich and refreshments while the team prepares for the second route.
Second Cavern Dive
Dive Cenote Taak Bi Ha and experience a different freshwater cavern environment.
Return to Playa del Carmen
Travel back to Xico Dive Center, normally arriving around 15:30, with showers, towels, and lockers available.
Plan your dive
Included
- 2 guided cavern dives
- Entrance fees for both cenotes
- Round-trip transportation from Xico Dive Center
- Professional cavern-qualified cenote guide
- Maximum 4 divers per guide
- Sandwich and refreshments
- All taxes and operational fees
- Locker at the dive center
- Shower and towels at the dive center
Extras / not included
- Standard recreational rental gear
- Site camera fee when charged by the cenote
- Cenote camera fee Some cenotes charge a separate site fee when an underwater camera is used.
Requirements
- Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.
- Excellent buoyancy and trim around delicate formations and multilevel passages.
- Prior cenote diving is strongly recommended.
- Calm movement and strict compliance with the guide and guideline are essential.
Key details
- Meet at
- Xico Dive Center, Playa del Carmen
- Operating days
- Daily
- Availability
- Year-round
- Nitrox
- Complimentary for Nitrox-certified divers on suitable dive profiles, subject to availability.
- Minimum booking
- Runs with one client
- Cenote combination
- Taak Bi Lum + Taak Bi Ha
More trip details What to bring, check-in and departure information
What to bring
- Certification card or digital proof of certification
- Swimsuit
- Dry clothes and personal items for after the dives
- Your own dive equipment if you prefer to use it instead of rental gear
- Camera-fee cash if you plan to bring a camera and the selected site charges a fee
Arrival / check-in: Meet at Xico Dive Center at 08:15 for check-in and equipment preparation. The trip normally returns around 15:30, with exact timing depending on traffic, site access, conditions, and group pace.
Boat / transport: This is a land-based cenote diving day. Round-trip transportation from Xico Dive Center to both cenote sites and back is included.
Departure details: Meet at Xico Dive Center at 08:15. Return to Playa del Carmen is normally around 15:30. Exact timing can vary with traffic, site access, conditions, and group pace.
Check availability
Tell us your preferred date and diver details. The Xico team confirms the exact trip before anything is booked.
- Direct confirmation from the Xico team
- Diver level and trip fit checked
- Exact trip confirmed before booking
Prefer WhatsApp? Message Xico →
Frequently asked questions
Why can Taak Bi Ha and Taak Bi Lum be demanding if they are shallow?
Depth is not the only measure of difficulty. Delicate formations, multilevel passages, tighter visual spaces, trim, and precise buoyancy can make a shallow cavern route more demanding than a wide deeper site. Control matters more than depth here.
Do I need previous cenote experience for Taak Bi Ha and Taak Bi Lum?
Previous cenote experience is strongly recommended. Advanced certification, excellent buoyancy, good trim, calm movement, and comfort following a guideline help protect the formations and make the dive enjoyable rather than stressful.
What is the difference between Taak Bi Ha and Taak Bi Lum?
Both are shallow, highly decorated cavern dives. Taak Bi Lum is known for a peaceful profile, small cave fish, and formations, while Taak Bi Ha adds multilevel structure and dramatic light. Together they create a detailed, precision-focused cenote day.
Is this cave diving?
No. Xico recreational cenote trips are guided cavern dives in the natural-light zone, following a permanent guideline back to the entrance. Full cave diving continues beyond the cavern zone and requires formal technical cave training and specialized equipment.
What is the water temperature in the cenotes?
Riviera Maya cenotes are usually around 24-26 C / 75-79 F year-round. A 3 mm wetsuit is comfortable for many divers, while people who get cold easily may prefer additional exposure protection.
Can I bring a camera on a cenote dive?
Many cenotes allow cameras, but some charge a separate site fee and individual locations can apply different rules. You must keep excellent buoyancy and avoid contact with formations or the bottom. Confirm the rule for your selected route before bringing a camera.
Do cenote dives operate when it rains?
Cenote trips do not depend on the Playa maritime port being open and light rain normally does not stop the day. Severe weather, road access, site closure, flooding, or other safety and operational conditions can still require a route change or reschedule.







