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Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ page answers common questions about diving in Tulum, including cenote diving, cave diving, training requirements, safety standards, and booking policies with Wolff Diving.

Find answers to common questions about diving with Wolff Diving Tulum

General Questions

Where is Wolff Diving located?

Wolff Diving is based in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and operates throughout the Riviera Maya.

We provide professional guiding and technical diving training at some of the most spectacular cenotes in Akumal, Playa del Carmen, and along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

What languages are available for diving and training?

Wolff Diving offers professional diving and training services in English and Spanish.

Clear communication is essential for safety, especially in Technical and Cave diving. For other languages, please contact us in advance to arrange a specialized instructor.

Is diving equipment included or available for rent?

Yes, high-quality technical and recreational diving equipment is included and available for all Wolff Diving tours and training courses.

We specialize in Backplate & Wing systems and Sidemount configurations, all maintained to strict safety standards. You are also welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer to train with your personal setup.

Is diving equipment included or available for rent?

Yes, high-quality technical and recreational diving equipment is included and available for all Wolff Diving tours and training courses.

We specialize in Backplate & Wing systems and Sidemount configurations, all maintained to strict safety standards. You are also welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer to train with your personal setup.

Do you offer guided cave diving in Tulum?

Yes. We offer guided cave diving for certified cave divers.

guided cave diving in Tulum

Booking & Reservations

How do I book a dive or training course with Wolff Diving?

You can book a dive or training course with Wolff Diving by contacting us directly via WhatsApp or email, and we recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability.

Booking your cenote tour or technical training is simple, especially for specialized cave courses that require advance planning.

How far in advance should I book my cave training or cenote tour?

Guided cenote tours in Tulum should be booked 3–5 days in advance, while IANTD Cave and Technical training courses should be reserved 2–4 weeks ahead.

This is especially important during the high season (November to April), as it ensures instructor availability and allows sufficient time for required pre-study and equipment configuration planning.

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What is the Wolff Diving cancellation policy?

Wolff Diving offers a full refund for cancellations made 7 or more days before the activity, a 50% refund for cancellations made 3 to 6 days prior, and no refund for cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. To manage our small-group logistics and instructor schedules, we adhere to the following Cancellation Policy.

  • Full Refund: Cancellations made 7+ days before the activity.
  • 50% Refund: Cancellations made between 3 to 6 days before.
  • No Refund: Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice.

Diving Requirements

What certification do I need for Cenote and Cave diving?

Cenote cavern diving in Tulum requires Open Water Diver certification, while cave diving beyond the cavern zone requires at least an Intro to Cave certification from a recognized agency.

  • Cenote Cavern Diving: A minimum of Open Water Diver certification is required. You will always dive within the light zone and under the direct supervision of a Full Cave Guide.
  • Advanced Cenotes: Some locations (like The Pit or Angelita) require Advanced Open Water due to depth or specific buoyancy demands.
  • Cave Diving: Entry beyond the cavern zone requires an Intro to Cave as minimum (IANTD, TDI, or equivalent of a recognized agency) and proper technical configuration.
View guided cenote & reef dives

Do I need a medical clearance for diving or training?

All divers must complete a standard medical questionnaire, and a physician’s signed medical clearance is only required if any medical conditions are declared.

Your safety is our absolute priority, and we strictly follow internationally recognized medical standards:

  • If you answer "Yes" to any condition on the form, a physician's signed clearance is mandatory before entering the water.
  • For Technical and Cave courses, we highly recommend a recent medical check-up due to the physical demands of the training.

*We follow the WRSTC and UHMS medical guidelines to ensure the highest safety standards.

What is the minimum age for diving and courses?

The minimum age for diving with Wolff Diving is 10 years old for Junior Open Water programs, 15 years old for cenote cavern tours, and 15 to 18 years old for Technical and Cave diving, depending on specific IANTD standards and parental consent.

Age requirements strictly follow IANTD training standards and local safety protocols:

  • Recreational: 10+ years old for Junior Open Water.
  • Cenote Cavern Tours: 15+ years old minimum.
  • Technical & Cave: 15 – 18 years old, depending on specific IANTD standards and parental consent.

What are the water conditions in the cenotes?

Cenote diving in Tulum typically offers over 100 meters of visibility and a constant water temperature of approximately 25°C (77°F) year-round.

These stable conditions make cenotes some of the most spectacular dive environments in the world. In many dive sites, divers experience the halocline, a visually striking natural phenomenon where fresh and saltwater layers meet, creating a shimmering effect often described as “flying through air.”

Equipment & Safety

What specific diving equipment is provided?

Wolff Diving provides full professional-grade technical diving equipment, including DIN regulators, backplate and wing systems, Nitrox tanks, and dedicated cave lighting.

All equipment is meticulously maintained and configured to meet technical cavern and cave diving standards:

  • Regulators & BCDs: High-performance DIN regulators (long hose configured) and Backplate & Wing systems for optimal trim and stability.
  • Exposure Suits: 3mm or 5mm wetsuits to ensure thermal comfort in the constant 25°C (77°F) cenote waters.
  • Tanks & Gases: Aluminum 80s as standard (Steel available on request) for Sidemount or Backmount configurations, with Nitrox available.
  • Lighting: Powerful primary LED canisters and reliable backup lights, essential for overhead environments.

What is your instructor-to-student ratio?

The instructor-to-student ratio for cenote diving in Tulum is a maximum of 4 divers per guide, and a maximum of 3 students per instructor for Technical and Cave training, in accordance with IANTD standards.

These ratios ensure the highest safety standards and personalized attention for every diver:

  • Cenote Guided Tours: Maximum 4 divers per guide, ensuring better control and a more intimate cavern experience.
  • Technical & Cave Training: Maximum 3 to 4 students per instructor, depending on the course level, following strict IANTD standards.
  • Private Sessions: 1-on-1 private instruction or guiding is available upon request for maximum focus.

What safety measures and emergency protocols do you follow?

Wolff Diving follows strict international cave and cavern diving safety standards, including conservative gas management, on-site emergency oxygen, Full Cave–certified instructors, and mandatory pre-dive safety procedures.

Safety is the foundation of Wolff Diving, and all activities in overhead environments follow rigorous international protocols:

  • Gas Management: We strictly apply the Rule of Thirds for cave diving and conservative gas planning for all cavern tours.
  • Emergency Equipment: Every expedition includes Emergency Oxygen (DAN kits) and specialized First Aid on-site.
  • Expert Guides: All instructors are Full Cave Certified and trained in specialized Rescue and Oxygen Administration.
  • Planning: Comprehensive pre-dive briefings, bubble checks, and S-Drills are mandatory before every descent.

Payments & Refunds

What payment methods do you accept?

Wolff Diving accepts cash (USD and MXN), major credit and debit cards, and bank transfers, with a deposit required to secure diving and training bookings, especially for Cave and Technical courses.

To make your booking process as smooth as possible, we offer several flexible payment options:

  • Cash: We accept USD and MXN (Mexican Pesos) at the daily exchange rate.
  • Digital & Cards: Major credit/debit cards and Bank Transfers (Wise, PayPal, or Zelle options may be available upon request).
  • Secure Booking: A deposit is typically required to secure your specific dates, especially for Cave and Technical courses.

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my spot?

Yes, Wolff Diving requires a 30% deposit to confirm all bookings, with the remaining balance due on or before the day of your dive or course start date.

This deposit guarantees instructor availability and logistical planning for your activity.

  • The remaining balance is due on or before the day of your dive or course start date.
  • For Technical and Cave diving courses, we recommend full payment in advance to streamline the registration and pre-study process.

What happens if weather causes a cancellation?

If unsafe weather or environmental conditions require a cancellation, Wolff Diving offers a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.

One of the greatest advantages of cenote diving is that it is rarely affected by surface weather or wind. However, safety always comes first.

  • You will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no additional cost.
  • We never compromise on safety. If conditions are not 100% safe, we will notify you as early as possible.

Still have questions?

We're here to help! Contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.