world's largest freshwater systems
DISCOVERING THE YUCATÁN AQUIFER
better understand its structure, ecology, and long-term environmental importance.
About The Mayas Project
The Yucatán Peninsula hosts one of the world’s largest underground freshwater systems. This project explores the movement of groundwater through cenotes, cave systems, and fracture networks to better understand how this vast aquifer functions. Through scientific exploration and data analysis, we aim to uncover the hidden dynamics that sustain ecosystems and communities across the region.
- Groundwater flow mapping
- Cave and cenote exploration
- Aquifer protection research
Our Mission
Our mission is to pioneer advanced research methods to better understand underground aquifer systems and protect fragile freshwater resources.
Research Methodology
Our research follows a multi-level scientific framework designed to understand the complex groundwater systems of the Yucatán Peninsula. The methodology integrates airborne detection, surface validation, and direct subsurface exploration to build a comprehensive model of the aquifer system.
Airborne Investigation
Drone-based aerogeophysical surveys, LiDAR mapping, and thermal analysis identify fracture systems and subsurface structures that control groundwater flow.
Surface Validation
Field investigations confirm structural patterns detected from airborne surveys and identify natural access points such as cenotes and karst formations.
Subsurface Exploration
Technical cave and underwater exploration allow direct observation of water-bearing structures and the collection of samples for scientific analysis.
Timeline & Strategic Outlook
MAYA is a long-term exploration program that evolves through discovery, scientific collaboration, and field research. Rather than following a fixed schedule, progress emerges from geological indicators, new data, and expanding investigation of the Yucatán Peninsula aquifer system.
30+ Years Exploration
For more than three decades Robbie Schmittner has explored the water-filled cave systems along the Caribbean coast.
Where We Stand
The project now focuses on verifying the five major fracture systems controlling groundwater movement.
2026 Research Phase
With support from Rolex, 2026 marks the transition into full-time research and expanded scientific collaboration.
Looking Forward
Exploration will expand toward Belize and Guatemala to understand the broader aquifer system.
Partners & Allies
Investigating one of the world’s largest karst groundwater systems requires international collaboration. The project is supported by leading scientific institutions, universities, conservation organizations and philanthropic initiatives working together to advance research and long-term protection of the Yucatán Peninsula aquifer.
The RSE Team
RSE – Robbie Schmittner Expeditions – is built on decades of operational experience in complex karst environments.
The implementation of a project of this scale requires not only scientific collaboration, but also operational precision, technical resilience, and a deep understanding of local realities.
The Core Team combines strategic leadership, underwater speleology, logistics, technical maintenance, and local coordination. Together, they form the operational backbone of the project.
Robbie Schmittner
Founder & Project LeadFor more than 30 years, Robbie Schmittner has been engaged in cave exploration on the Yucatán Peninsula....
Phillip Lehman
DRSS – Underwater Speleology & Technical Cave ExplorationPhillip Lehman is a founding member of the Dominican Republic Speleological Society (DRSS) and has long...
Rosso Riviera
Expedition Operations & Community LiaisonRosso Riviera is an exploratory diver and oversees expedition operations within the project. A central aspect...
Jhonatan Rivera
Logistics, Transport & Technical MaintenanceJonathan Riviera is responsible for logistical implementation and technical maintenance in the field. He specializes...
Carlos Jimenez
Content & Outreach StrategistCarlos Jimenez is a documentary filmmaker and explorer with over 15 years of experience traveling across Mexico’s...
Dirk Penzel
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Vivien Hotter
Postdoctoral Researcher – Friedrich Schiller University JenaVivien Hotter is a postdoctoral researcher focused on microbial interactions and biological processes relevant...
Dr. Florian Huber
Archaeologist, PhotographerBorn in Munich, Germany in 1975, has been diving since his early youth and studied archaeology,...
Patricia Kambesis
Speleologist & Senior Cartographer – Cave Research FoundationPatricia Kambesis brings decades of experience in cave exploration, documentation, and cartography.
Zdeněk Motyčka
President – International Union of Speleology (UIS) / Czech Speleological SocietyZdeněk Motyčka serves as President of the International Union of Speleology and is a senior figure in the ..
Lee Anne Bledsoe
Associate Director & Research HydrologistLee Anne Bledsoe provides expertise in hydrologic monitoring, tracer study design, and water quality ...
Dante Garcia
Independent Archaeologist – Submerged Cave Archaeology & BioarchaeologyDante Garcia specializes in submerged cave archaeology and bioarchaeology, with extensive experience ...
Gonzalo Merediz
Executive Director – Amigos de Sian Ka’an A.C.Gonzalo Merediz leads Amigos de Sian Ka’an, a key conservation organization focused on the protection...
Alejandro “Alex” López Tamayo
Director General – Centinelas del Agua A.C.Alejandro López Tamayo directs Centinelas del Agua, an organization dedicated to water protection..
Ana K. Celis
Director – Karst Lab A.C.Ana K. Celis leads Karst Lab, a nonprofit focused on karst research, monitoring, and education. Her work ..
Mark Erdmann
Coral Reef Ecologist & Marine Conservation SpecialistDr. Mark Erdmann is a coral reef ecologist and marine conservation expert, currently serving as Vice...
LATEST RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
Insights and findings from our research on underground water systems and the fragile aquifer ecosystem.
Protecting Earth's freshwater resources requires global collaboration.
FIELD EXPEDITION GALLERY
Documenting research expeditions, cave exploration, and field investigations across the Yucatán Peninsula.
