Cenote Ponderosa


Useful Information

Location: 25 km south of Playa del Carmen, 3 km south of Puerto Aventuras.
Open: All year daily 10-17.
[2008]
Fee: Adults USD 5.
[2008]
Classification: KarstCenote
Light: bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Cenote Ponderosa.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

17-SEP-2006 freediving world record by Christian Redl.

Description

A huge opening with some stone stairs leads to the sweetwater of the cave river. Cenote Ponderosa is connected with Cenote El Coral (Coral Cenote) by a mostly 10 m wide and 101 m long underwater tunnel. There are little speleothems, but extremely clear water and numerous small holes in the ceiling which allow sun rays to enter the cave. The dive through this tunnel with its bright sunbeams is extraordinary.

In 2006 the professional freediver Christian Redl crossed the 101 m without diving gear in 1:16 minutes. This was a new world record. For security reasons normal divers were positioned at 33 m, 50 m, 66 m und 90 m, which could have provided air if necessary.