Chamber of secrets

1. All photos by Kurt Amsler 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

The cenotes of the Yucatán in Mexico are among the most fascinating systems of caves in the world, in which intriguing topographic formations combine with astonishingly clear water to make the perfect photographic subject matter. For underwater photographer Kurt Amsler, capturing images of the caves was a challenge not to be missed

Following the last ice age 8,000 years ago, the oceans filled the cave systems. In places, the level of water was lower than the ceiling of the caves, leaving pockets of air. Over time, the cave ceilings above these domes of air collapsed, leaving sink-holes which now provide access to the caves

Picture 4. At the Chac Mool cenote a diver reads a sign which warns cavern divers against going any further into the cave system. Cave diving is dangerous without the correct training and equipment

Picture 6. Divers use reels and lines to guide them through the cave system. They also carry several torches in case their main one fails. Inset, a diver leaves a cylinder of air for use upon his return.

Picture 8. Light penetrates from above at the entrance to the sinkhole; below and inset, before the last ice age, when the caves were dry, stalactites and stalagmites were formed by dripping water – it takes approximately 100 years for one inch of growth.

Cave diving requires excellent buoyancy skills, in order to avoid the fragile cave formations, which although beautiful are potentially dangerous should they collapse.

The caves were formed when the ocean level was low. Rainwater combined with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to create carbon acid, which over time dissolved the porous limestone eventually carving out the cave systems.

Picture 13. A diver enters an area of the cave system above sea water; below left, a pair of divers carefully make their way through the cave system, their way is lit by a strobe.

Do it yourself

While cave diving requires a considerable amount of training, cavern diving is available to qualified sports divers. There are a number of dive centres in the cenotes region, which is a 90-minute drive south of Cancún. You can get to the area by bus or rental car from Cancún and some dive centres will arrange transfers and accommodation.

Hidden Worlds is one of the largest centres and offers cavern diving at cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes). A two-tank dive costs US$90 (approximately £50). For more details email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or see the website http://www.hiddenworlds.com. Flights to Cancún vary in price, so keep an eye out for cheap deals, for more details contact British Airways on 0870 850 9850 or see the website http://www.britishairways.com