Guided Tec Dives
Overview
One of the main advantages of learning to be a Tec diver is the ability to explore and dive in places where few others have ever been. Xcalak Reef National Park is no exception… as a Tec Diver you will be able to gain access to the breath-taking continental shelf, located in a pristine, protected marine environment in the South of the Yucatan Peninsula. Accompanied by one of our experienced guides you will be able to explore areas of the Marine Park that few others are able.
Our guided technical dives are stage decompression dives up to the maximum depth the diver is certified to. They may be done using one or multiple stages, depending on your level of certification and wishes. A diving day will include one stage decompression dive.
There are several amazing sites to explore so we suggest booking a multi-day technical diving package, including accommodation, to make the best of your vacation and get a glimpse into the spectacular deep dive sites in the Xcalak Reef National Park.
Divers will need to show proof of certification and insurance (must include coverage for Technical dives) as well as provide a Medical Statement with a physician’s approval stating they are fit for diving within the previous 12 months.
A shallow assessment dive or confined water session will be conducted prior to the first decompression dive (included in the package).
Dive Sites
The Xcalak reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest barrier reef in the world. The American Continental Shelf also ends here, giving us a sheer drop-off only a few hundred meters from shore. Since the top of the shelf is formed by the barrier reef itself, we can conduct all of our decompression along the reef—tec diving heaven!
The deep portions of the reef are teeming with life. Once in a while, this region is hit by hurricanes or tropical storms—such as Hurricane Earl in August 2016—that affect the reefs closer to the surface. However, the deeper portions of the reef aren´t affected by the weather at all. There are sponges and coral heads down there that have been undisturbed for millennia and have grown to massive proportions.
There’s also a very good chance of running into pelagic life that are following the Gulfstream current up the coast. Pelagic billfish, such as sailfish, marlin, sharks, goliath grouper and more inhabit the deeper parts of the reef.
Recreational divers often enjoy diving on the reef walls, spur and grove reefs because of the interesting topographical features—it feels like swimming among buildings. Diving off the ledge of the Barrier Reef and onto the abyss gives a whole new meaning to “perspective.” Instead of a 40-meter (120-foot) wall, divers at 100 meters (330 feet) have 100 meters above them and no bottom in sight below—a completely different experience that highlights the tremendous scale of the reef and the ocean (and how tiny we are in comparison).
Even with cutting-edge Technical diving equipment and procedures, we can only access the ocean’s shallowest depths.
Rebreather Support
At XTC Tec Diving, we offer full Rebreather support from our dedicated technical diving facility. At its core is a 90-square-meter (970-square-foot) custom-built room, fully air-conditioned and large enough to accommodate up to eight divers comfortably.
The tec room holds a spacious equipment bench, suitable for Backmount and Sidemount Rebreathers, tank racks and shelves for spare parts and personal equipment, as well as large drying racks for breathing hoses, counter-lungs and other wet equipment.
Directly outside the door are three large, dedicated rinse tanks for rinsing and sanitizing Rebreathers and camera equipment, as well as a hose and an outdoor shower. The training pool for equipment checks and confined water training is only steps away.
Just across the yard, our custom-built blending station supplies diluent fills and high-pressure oxygen to 3000psi/210bar. We always have Sofnolime 797 in stock, and can supply any pre-packed canisters on request. We also have a large stock of 3L steel CCR tanks for Dil and O2, as well as an ample selection of AL40 and AL80 bailout tanks, all with DIN valves.
We have experienced and passionate Rebreather divers on staff, so there is always a knowledgeable guide onsite and available to help you out.
For further information or package offers, please contact us at gotec@xtcdivecenter.com.
YOUR TEC ADVENTURE AWAITS
Quality training in a quiet "off-the-beaten track" location with purpose-built Tec facilities.
