Cenotes near Tulum, Mexico - Aug 2014

Cenotes (underwater caves)

Prior to going to Isla Mujeres (to swim with whale sharks), Luke and I spent one day diving some of the cenotes near Cancun.

The water's greenish hue is due to all of the organic matter in the water, plus filtered jungle light.

One of the most interesting aspects of my cenote photos is the sharp angles at which the light is refracted as it hits the water. The reason is, at least in part, the higher density of the organic-matter-filled water.

Cenote (underwater cave) near Tulum, Mexico

Sunlight refracts at odd angles in the waters of cenotes, due in part to the high density and organic material in the water.

Luke's Illumination

Stalactites underwater deep in cenote caves

Roots from trees above this ceiling find their way to fresh water !

A big tree root (from a tree above the cave ceiling) looks much like a tree trunk, and ends in a water-sucking base just beneath the surface.

One of these water-sopping "root-ends". It no longer looks like a root, but its spongey texture and shape is the most efficient way of getting water to the tree above. And unlike regular roots, which spread out in search of water, this one can terminate just below the surface! Very intriguing!

Ruins at Tulum

The old port of Tulum

This little sandy cove was carved out of the rock (see far side) to create one of the major seaports of its time.

More Tulum ruins

Me...among the Tulum ruins

It was 95 degrees and 90% humidity - one of the hottest, most miserable days I can remember (visiting Cancun in August is far from ideal!).

Old, worn remnant of better days...plus some Tulum ruins