The way to the swiss syphon and beyond
When arriving in Mexico, my first priorities are of practical nature, finding an apartment, buying a car and getting my visa sorted out. But inbetween all this boring stuff I still managed to get some dives in.
I focus on getting to know one Cenote at the time. I start with Jailhouse, I have been diving here years ago, but I forgot all the navigation.
Cenote jailhouse (also called Muknal Syphon) is part of the larger Ox Bel Ha system. The cave has 2 distinct atmospheres, the shallower part is very dark, with black walls and black formations. The deeper part below the halocline, in the salt water, on the otherhand has extreem blue water with white walls.
First I spend several dives finding the Swiss Syphon and the different ways to get there, then Several dives upstream to find my way to and around the blue tunnel. Blue tunnel says it in the name, it is a deeper tunnel with the bluest water, with small little airpockets in the ceiling, wich if you use your light in a certain ways, you can create a kind of discobowl effect.
The Swiss Syphon, is also a passage in salt water layer of the cave has incredible formations paired with the blue water is absolutely stunning.
I had the carthography map, but I didn't have a stick map (map with the lines). This makes finding your way to a destinct area a bit trickier, especially with the dark nature of the cave. But on the otherhand it makes it more fun in my opinion, as it gives a bit of a vibe that you are trying to find a treasure based on a pirate map.
Now I am familiar with the cave within swimming distance of the entrance, I bring out the DPV and venture a bit further. I make it upstream to cenote of the sun. A cool DPV ride, with a short ride through the blue salt water and through some cool black formations in the shallower fresh water part. Since I am doing the dives on my rebreather, I don't have to worry about running out of air, I can spend a lot of time trying several jumps, taking notes and just in general taking my time, also I do not get any deco. Sidewinder for the win :)
Whenever you find yourself in Mexico, and looking for a cool cave you won't forget, let me know and I'll take you to Jailhouse.
I added a little video from the Swiss Syphon to give you an idea.
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