Dive Site: Tak Be Luum

About Tak Be Luum

Cenote Tak Be Luum, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, is an exceptional cavern dive that forms part of the vast Sac Actun underwater cave system, one of the world's largest. It lies approximately 54 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen and 19 kilometers north of Tulum. The site is renowned for its extraordinarily unique formations, often described as bubble-shaped or cartoon-like, which completely cover the walls, ceiling, and floor throughout the dive, a feature not typically found elsewhere. It is also distinguished by the frequent presence of the elusive, eyeless Mexican blind brotula, a pale pinkish-white fish adapted to its perpetually dark environment. The dive follows a large, circular path around the open water section of the cenote. This is a shallow dive, with depths ranging between 4 to 8.5 meters, though average depths are around 4 to 6 meters. Divers will encounter large silt dunes, and at the beginning of the dive, a thin layer of hydrogen sulfide clouds can be observed in these depressions, creating an eerie, misty effect. The cavern line often crosses through sections of open water, ensuring divers remain close to the surface, despite the overall dark conditions. While marine life in cenotes is generally not abundant, Tak Be Luum offers a high chance of spotting the endemic blind brotula, which is a rare sight in daylight zones. Tetras, cichlids, and catfish are also present. The site is characterized by low light conditions and shallow depths, making precise buoyancy control essential due to the presence of easily disturbed silt. Sunscreen, cosmetics, and insect repellent are prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem. This is a challenging dive that requires advanced certification and proven excellent buoyancy skills due to the shallow, dark, and silty environment, closely resembling cave diving conditions. It is typically a one-tank dive, often combined with a second dive at another nearby cenote like Taak Bi Ha. Divers generally meet in the morning for gear and paperwork before heading to the site.

Dive site facts: Tak Be Luum

Depth

4–9 m

Current

No current

Entry

Shore / dayboat

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Cenote, Reef

Region / port

Mexico

Coordinates

20.3297° N, 87.3276° W

Conditions & Currents

As an enclosed cenote environment, Tak Be Luum does not experience typical ocean currents or tides; conditions are still. Water movement is minimal. The dive begins from a well-constructed platform leading into the shallow water, and divers proceed on a guided circuit. A negative entry is not required. Visibility is generally excellent in cenotes, though in Tak Be Luum, the presence of fine silt on the bottom demands exceptional buoyancy control from divers to prevent silt-outs that could significantly reduce visibility. There are no thermoclines mentioned for this shallow site. The challenge stems from the low light, close overhead environment, and the need for precision to avoid disturbing the bottom, rather than strong currents, making it suitable only for advanced divers.

Liveaboards diving Tak Be Luum

These liveaboards may visit Tak Be Luum on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nautilus Explorer

Mexico

25 guests44.8 m

$230/day

Valentina

Mexico

20 guests38.1 m

$430/day

Rocio del Mar

Mexico

20 guests33.5 m

$392/day

Nautilus Under Sea

Mexico

19 guests32 m

$261/day

Nautilus Belle Amie

Mexico

32 guests44.8 m

$299/day

Quino del Mar

Mexico

20 guests36 m

$392/day

Nautilus Gallant Lady

Mexico

12 guests35.36 m

$332/day