We sat down with Trip Leader Sean Becker to talk about our upcoming expedition to Playa Del Carmen. While most people go to Mexico for the margaritas (which, to be fair, we will also be doing), Sean is going for something a little more ancient.
We’re talking about Cenotes—the underground river systems that wind through the Mayan jungle. Here is Sean’s take on why diving in a hole in the ground is actually way cooler than it sounds.
Dan: You are running a dive trip to Playa Del Carmen in October of 2026. Give me the bird's-eye view. Why is this a good place to dive?
Sean: We are heading to the Yucatan Peninsula to do Cenote diving. You are literally in the jungle. There is a ton of history and culture involved. You get crystal clear visibility—water so clear it looks like air. You get stunning light shows from the sun beaming through the openings. You see fossils, rock formations, and on some of the more technical dive sites, there are even ancient remains and pottery. It’s a completely different world.
Dan: What level of diver is this trip ideal for?
Sean: This trip is geared towards Advanced Open Water divers or higher. If you are Advanced Open Water, you can take part in the Cavern diving portion—staying within the light zone. For those who are fully Cave Certified, you can obviously push further into the systems. But for the recreational diver, the cavern tours are incredible.
Dan: You’ve been there before. What is the one thing everyone needs to see or experience?
Sean: Honestly? Just the Cenotes themselves. The light shows you get after swimming through a tunnel and entering a large chamber... it is just amazing. If it’s sunny out, the beams of light cutting through the water are unlike anything else you’ll see underwater.
Dan: When we are out of the water, what is the vibe?
Sean: We are staying at the Riu Tequila, which is an all-inclusive resort within walking distance of the main tourist part of Playa Del Carmen. So if we don't want to stay on the resort, we can walk into town, do some shopping, and eat some amazing local food. But obviously, if we eat at the resort, it’s free because it’s all-inclusive. So you have options.
Dan: Sell me in one sentence. Why should I go on this trip?
Sean: A: Because I’m leading it, and I’m awesome. And B: Because it is one of the most unique dive trips in the world. You are getting geology, history, and visibility that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Dan: Okay, controversial question. We also have a trip to Bonaire planned. How does this compare? Why choose Playa?
Sean: The biggest advantage Playa has over an ocean trip like Bonaire is the weather factor. Because we are diving inland in Cenotes, the weather is not going to cancel your dive. You don’t have to worry about blown-out boat days or rough seas. You are protected by the jungle and the caverns. You are diving no matter what.
Dan: If people want to learn more?
Sean: Come join me on January 30th. We are doing an Info Night at the Orland Park shop. Stop by, meet me, see some photos of what we’re going to be doing, and ask any questions you have.
The jungle is calling. If you want to trade the open ocean for the "Cathedrals of the Underworld," this is the trip for you.
Join Sean for the Info Night: January 30th at Dive Right In Scuba (Orland Park). View Full Trip Details Here