Chapter 1: Diving into the Depths

Peering down at the water's surface towards the cave entrance in February 2024, I took a leap into the mysterious underworld. With the bright sky above and azure waters below, I splashed into the cenote's deep cave entrance. As I swam towards the light, I sensed the mingling of freshwater and saltwater, tasting the salt as I surfaced. Below me lay a unique cave system teeming with life forms that are found nowhere else on Earth.

Cozumel, Mexico, is the largest inhabited island in the country, with rich cultural and geological ties to the Yucatan mainland. The island is home to numerous cenotes, which are impressive water-filled caves that served practical and cultural purposes for the indigenous Mayans, and still do today. On the mainland, these cenotes are crucial sources of fresh water.

Located just a short distance from the beach, the spectacular cenote El Aerolito captivates visitors. At its surface, it holds freshwater, but just beneath lies a layer of saltwater. This stunning oasis is where I found myself swimming.

Although I had seen signs warning of crocodiles in previous travel photos, I noticed the sign was absent this time. I learned that the mangroves had grown dense, preventing crocodiles from accessing the area for years. Online sources indicated that the crocodile chatter was outdated, and I felt confident facing this natural wonder without concern for an unexpected encounter.

The cenote, however, is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Schools of small fish darted around my legs, thriving in the brackish waters. Yet, the true magic lay beneath the surface, hidden within winding tunnels where fascinating echinoderms reside, some of which are endemic to this unique environment. While I didn’t expect to see these creatures firsthand, I was determined to celebrate their existence through my artwork.

Chapter 2: The Hidden Life Below

Far from the light and the surface world, remarkable echinoderms thrive in the shadows. I had no expectation of encountering these creatures in person, yet I wanted to convey their wonder through my art. I created watercolor paintings of three starfish species native to this habitat.

The fragile brittle star, Ophionereis commutabilis, has adapted to cave life, losing much of the pigmentation typical of its open-water relatives. With its pale form and slender arms, this species was first documented in 2019 and displays intriguing light-sensitive behavior, retreating from the illumination of cave divers.

Another species, the pentagon-shaped sea star, Asterinides folium, has not yet been classified as a distinct species. Its snowy, textured body starkly contrasts with its oceanic counterparts, which are typically darker in hue.

Finally, the largest starfish in these caves is Copidaster cavernicola, known as the Cozumel cave sea star. Distinguished by its vivid red and peach tones, this species retains more pigment than the others but is still unique to this cave system. First described in 2010, it exists only in this subterranean environment, which has been characterized as a hidden estuary.

Since I couldn’t observe these remarkable creatures firsthand during my visit, I relied on footage from Blue World TV, which provided invaluable insight into their appearances, allowing me to create my watercolor sketches. I highly recommend this channel for anyone interested in marine life, though I am not affiliated with them.

In a side note, I used a non-toxic children's paint set while my kids were nearby, realizing afterward that the Crayola watercolors were meant to be extra washable. I struggled to achieve the desired pigment saturation compared to my usual, more professional materials. Although I prefer higher-quality paints, I understand the need for safety around children.

El Aerolito cenote is a sanctuary for rare and delicate life forms that exist nowhere else on our planet. The area has been designated a "Natural Protected Area" by the Mexican government. Despite the nearby golf course, I hope this cenote remains undisturbed. While the broader body of water may appear unremarkable from the road, the crystal-clear depths leading to the intricate underwater cave system are a true hidden treasure, cherished by locals as a swimming spot.

Throughout history, cenotes have held profound significance for the Mayan civilization, symbolizing the intersection of life and the underworld. These portals to subterranean realms are exceptional. Cenote El Aerolito stands out even among caves, and may the sea stars thriving in its dark, saline depths find eternal sanctuary here.

Scuba Diving at San Miguel de Cozumel 2022 with the Cozumel Dive Academy, Drift Dives & a Shipwreck.

Night Dive of 8/17/23 - Cozumel's Enigmatic Underwater Universe!