Aktun dive center

My old working place... Unfortunately it doesn't seem to go too well with Aktun dive center these days.

Gunni, my ex-boss, who set up the place, sold it and went looking for new adventures and challenges in sports & travel photography.

The new owner apparently didn't last long, so there's currently no dive center manager, just an hired instructor who doesn't really care about the center's future.


All that is missing is a 'FOR SALE' sign...

One of the compressors is out of order. The jeep gave up, a relic from Aktun's short exploration past, rusting away on the parking lot. One of the vans has no reverse and one of its tires is ready to give up anytime. The other van is slowly falling apart, its rear doors held together with nylon string.

But, they still have some decent doubles and one compressor to fill them. Having my own gear and knowing a handful of cenotes, that's all I need really, besides a ride. And I'm allowed to use one of the old vans (read: monster trucks) if I dare.

Aktun dive center

Located at the entrance of town, on the crossroad leading to the beach, the center, Coba and Playa Del Carmen, Aktun dive center & hotel El Meson are indeed very conveniently placed for cave diving the nearby cenotes - most of them less than a 15' ride away.


The fan rooms are basic but decent enough, though not very charming and rather noisy due to the heavy traffic driving by all day and night.


Besides Gunnar Wagner, the owner and IANTD instructor-trainer, there are two full-time instructors at the moment and one driver-handyman. Plus the hotel management and staff. And they have two jeeps, two suburban vans, two compressors, lots of tech gear for rent and several UW scooters for people in a hurry.

I used to work here as a dive guide & instructor, so this will always be a special place for me...