Afraid of Water or Don’t Know How to Swim? You Can Still Have a Magical Underwater Portrait Photoshoot in a Cenote!

Hulnara doesn’t know how to swim at all and she looks like a pro

You Don’t Need to Be a Swimmer to Have Beautiful Underwater Photos

One of the most common comments I read is,
“Your underwater portraits are stunning, but I’m scared of the water.”
Or…
“I don’t know how to swim; can I still do a cenote photoshoot?”

If you've ever thought that, this post is for you.

Let me reassure you: you do not need to know how to swim, or be fearless in the water, to have a breathtaking underwater photoshoot with me. In fact, many of my clients can’t swim or arrive feeling nervous about getting in. And guess what? They leave with unforgettable photos and an empowered sense of achievement like Serena shares in the link below.

Why You Don’t Need to Know How to Swim

Underwater portrait sessions are more about floating, breath work, and gentle movement than actual swimming. You’ll be guided every step of the way:

• You’ll never be alone. A trained safety assistant is with you at all times, supporting you and ready to intervene at the first sign of discomfort.

• We begin with breathing exercises and some exercises close to the surface, always holding onto something for stability. You have time to practice until you feel you are ready!

• My safety assistant will tow you around the cenote with a floating ring when we need to move from one place to another.

• We shoot in shallow cenote water or near stable areas, so you’ll always have something nearby to hold onto if needed.

• Most importantly, the shoot moves at your pace; there’s zero pressure to perform or go deeper than you want to.
  

We shoot in shallow cenote water or near stable areas, so you’ll always have something nearby to hold onto if needed.

Worried About Your Fear of Water?

That’s completely natural.

Water isn’t our natural habitat, so fear is valid. But what I’ve witnessed time and time again is this: those who face that fear, feel incredibly proud and joyful. Before they even see the final photos, they already feel transformed by the experience.

I can’t guarantee that you won’t feel fear—but I can promise you this:

I’ll be right by your side, giving you all the tools, guidance, and support you need to move through it, even with the jitters. And more often than not, that fear quickly shifts into excitement.

It's more than a photoshoot. It’s a moment of personal bravery, and many clients tell me it's something they'll remember forever.

What If I Can’t Put My Head Underwater?

That’s okay!

You don’t need to go to deep to create beautiful underwater portraits. Some of the most magical shots happen just below the surface, where light plays beautifully with reflections.

You’ll always feel supported, and there’s no risk of drowning. You’ll be in crystal-clear freshwater, and you'll be guided gently through every step.

I know that the idea of putting your head underwater can feel intimidating, but think of it like this:

The sensation of being wet isn’t unfamiliar. What’s different here is the freshness and the soft pressure of the cenote water around you, like a gentle hug from nature. It may feel new at first, but it’s not harmful. There’s no need to worry about water in your ears or nose; your body will quickly adjust, and many people describe it as calming once they surrender to the experience.

Some of the most magical shots happen just below the surface, where light plays beautifully with reflections.

What About Water in My Eyes, Nose, or Ears?

Unlike ocean or pool water, cenote water is fresh, clear, and gentle. It's not harsh or irritating, and most people are surprised by how comfortable it feels.

If you’re worried about opening your eyes underwater, don’t be. You can start slowly, and if you choose not to open them, that’s totally fine. In fact, closed eyes often give the portraits a soft, dreamy look.

“But I Don’t Know How to Pose!”

You don’t need to.

Underwater, you’re not expected to strike model-perfect poses. Instead, I guide you to connect with your body, and the gentle flow of the water.

The movement becomes natural, like a soft dance and it often surprises my clients how effortlessly they move. With my direction and the water’s support, your beauty and uniqueness will shine through.

Besides that, the flowing fabrics and dresses you’ll wear are not just beautiful, they actually help you pose. They give you something to move with, to play with, making your movements feel more graceful and intentional.

Underwater Portraits Are for Everyone

Whether you’re drawn to this experience out of curiosity, artistic expression, or simply to challenge yourself, you’re welcome here.

You don’t need to be a model, swimmer, or water-lover to create something truly special. All you need is the desire to try.

In the end, this is more than just a photoshoot in a cenote. It’s a moment of transformation, confidence, and reconnection, with yourself and with nature.

You'll walk away with more than stunning underwater photos, you'll leave feeling stronger, freer, and more beautiful than ever.

Ready to Dive In?

Let’s create art together in a magical cenote in Riviera Maya, no swimming skills required.

Book Your Underwater Portrait Session Today!