Buoyancy control and proper propulsion techniques are the fundamental skills that separate competent cave divers from truly prepared ones, yet they're the areas where even experienced technical divers struggle most. Mastering lung capacity management for precise positioning and developing muscle memory for different kick cycles must happen before entering overhead environments.

Timing your cenote dives in the Riviera Maya isn't just about avoiding crowds — early morning entries preserve fragile formations like the Pit's wispy cloud while seasonal sun angles dramatically affect light penetration depths from 15 to 32 meters. Understanding how time of day and time of year impact specific cave systems is essential for experiencing these underwater environments at their most pristine and visually dramatic.