You have saved the money, packed your bags.....now; make sure you do not spoil your own fun. Traveling to a foreign country can be an exciting and rewarding experience rich in learning the customs and traditions of the people who live there. The trip should be properly organized and prepared. The more information you know the less chance of having problems.

You will only be rewarded by planning ahead. Why miss diving a cenote because you have not done your homework? You could miss out on one of the most beautiful experiences simply because you forgot a small entrance fee.

Take only what you need for traveling. Most people take far too much. It becomes a hassle and a burden carrying unnecessary items. And it could prove more costly. Keep it simple.

Plan ahead, be organized, gather information, and pack wisely. Take a few extra minutes to plan and you will be rewarded with a great vacation and wonderful memories.

Here are some suggestions when planning a trip to the beautiful Riviera Maya.

IDENTIFICATION

The most important point. You can not travel abroad unless you have the correct identification and and traveling papers. A visa is not required for most visitors to Mexico U.S. citizens are now required to have a passport. You can get one that is valid for ten years in the United States. It is wise to make photo copies of your documents and keep them in a safe and secure place. You should always leave a copy at home with a friend or relative. Upon arrival you will be required to submit a tourist paper or card. This is a duplicate form which asks you for your complete name, address, place of birth, nationality, and form of transportation into Mexico. It is simple to complete. Warning: Do not lose your copy of this document as you will be required to present it before leaving Mexico. Keep it in a very safe place. If you lose it, it can become a problem with Mexican immigration, and cause you delays in departure. You will also be required to complete a "declaration form" for Mexican customs. This form asks you to "declare" any items that may be subject to a 30% import tax. The form will clearly outline items you are allowed to bring into the country. This should not be a problem for traveling divers.

Driver's license If you are planning to rent and drive a vehicle you must carry a valid driver's license from your home country. It is legal to use a foreign driver's license in Mexico.

Logbook and Certifications Just because you look and act the part does not prove your qualifications. Bring your logbook and certification cards to verify your experience level. It takes the burden off the dive operation that will be serving your needs and helps maintain professionalism within the diving community. More and more dive operations are requiring their staff to check diving history and competence level.

PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER

The climate of the Riviera Maya falls into three seasons. The winter season (November - March) is mild to warm through the day and cool during the evenings. April, May and early June are hot and dry. Mid-June through late October is the rainy season. One moment it is nice and sunny the next moment rainy and cloudy. The rains are nature’s way of air conditioning. The clouds block the direct daylight and the rain creates a rather cool and comfortable temperature. Expect humidity; however the constant breeze of wind off the Caribbean Sea is a real benefit. This keeps temperatures pleasant and enjoyable. Rarely does it get balmy hot and muggy. Most people wear shorts, T-shirts and sandals. The best advice for anyone hiking in the jungles, good hiking boots for the rugged paths. Insect repellent for mosquitoes during summer and early fall is strongly recommended.

EAR INFECTIONS

Two out of every ten people who enjoy swimming and diving in the beautiful cenotes, may suffer problems with ear infections. Algae blooms, sensitive ears, or not being acclimated to the “new” area may be contributing factors. “Listen” to your ears, if they hurt, there’s a
problems.....take care of it.

CENOTE FEES

No land is "unowned". Most of the cenotes are owned by Mayan families or ejidoes. A nominal fee of 50 – 200 pesos is your payment to enjoy these beautiful sites. Several of the families or ejidoes have made access to the cenote easier, more comfortable for personal hygiene, and more secure.

THEFT

The human spirit can be warm, friendly, honest and gracious. The vast majority of the people who live in the Riviera Maya certainly fit that code of ethics. Unfortunately, because of the huge influx of people (from all around the world) and those less fortunate there comes the occasional problem. Theft. Be careful. The key to prevention: do not provide an opportunity. Lock it, hide it or do not bring it!

CONTAINERS and BAGGAGES

There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination and picking up a battered bag that was once your luggage! Why risk putting your lights, cameras, regulators, gauges.....etc in anything but a rigid container? Ice chests, plastic foot lockers, Action Packer's or other similar boxes can protect your valuable gear. Suitcases can be used for clothing and other non-breakable items. Utilize wetsuits, towels or clothing to wrap around objects that can potentially break. Soft side suitcases and dive bags should only be packed with items that are not at risk of being damaged.

Go light. Most airlines allow only two checked bags and one carry-on. They are becoming more and stricter. 50 lbs. or 20 kilos each is usually the maximum weight limit. Packing more will cost you an extra $25.00 - $45.00 per item. That should motivate you to keep it light. Always verify the current baggage allowances and extra charges with the airlines or travel agent.

DIVE EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST

• Mask
• Buoyancy Device with power inflator
• Fins
• Back plate or soft pack harness
• Booties
• No Snorkel is necessary unless planning to open water dive
• Wetsuits For cenote/cavern dives, long sleeve shortie suits minimum or 5 mm full suit For cave diving it is suggested 5mm or 7mm full suits with hoods
• Regulators
  • For cavern diving, the standard open water regulator system is fine
  • For cave diving you will need two first stages, each a second stage
  • One pressure gauge is sufficient unless using side mounts or stage diving systems
  • One second stage should have a minimum length 7 foot/2.3 meter hose
  • For stage diving, bring the necessary additional regulators with pressure gauges
• Gauges
  • Personal preference regarding computers, depth gauges and timing devices/watches
  • Most Cave/technical divers use a minimum two computers
• Reels/Spools
  • For cavern and cave instruction, reels are usually provided with the course
  • Bring sufficient reels/spools to obtain your objectives including primary, safety, and jump/gap reels or spools
• Lights and Batteries
  • A minimum of two backup or safety lights
  • Bringing a spare light can be wise
  • Bringing extra batteries adds more weight and those can be purchased locally
  • Primary lights are both heavy and fragile, Packing with care is demanded
  • It would be smart to bring extra bulbs, lens cover, switches, boot covers and battery connectors
  • Because of multiple dives within a day, an extra battery for your primary light is very wise
• Slate with pencil, Directional arrow markers & clothes pins, Decompression tables
• No gloves are necessary
• Extra mask a smart choice
• Optional Items
  • Bolt clips or all items that need to be secure
  • Tools to make minor repairs/adjustments is advisable
  • These items might also be handy- Surgical tubing, Plastic tie-wraps, Stainless steel bands with "D" rings for stage diving

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Clothing
  • Shorts and T-shirts are the standard for a tropical environment
  • Outdoor shoes or hiking boots with socks
  • Long sleeve shirts, pants and a light jacket during months of November through March
  • During warm months long sleeve shirts may help protect against mosquitoes
  • Nice clothes for travel and going out
  • Bathing suits
  • Hats will protect your head from the sun.
• Toiletries
  • Tooth brush with paste/gel
  • Personal soap, Shampoo
  • Razors and shaving cream or electric shaver
  • Deodorant
  • Contact lens solution
  • Lip balm
  • Aspirin
  • Skin conditioner
  • Solution against ear infections
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications as required by personal health
  • First aid travel kit
• Cameras This is a personal decision based on your interest level. Remember to consider special care in packing and keep it safe from theft.
• Money By far, the easiest way to ruin a trip is to lose or have your money stolen. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted in Mexico. Keep in mind taxes and extra credit card charges are added. ATM's are available at banks in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. Budget for your trip very well and plan a little extra for the unforeseen exceptions that could potentially occur. Exchanging U.S. dollars for pesos is very easy at the money exchange booths located in most public areas such as the airport and hotels. U.S. dollars are always accepted anywhere in the Cancun - Tulum region.

Consumer Taxes

Mexico has a value-added tax called the Impuesto de Valor Agregado (IVA). By law the tax must be included in prices quoted to you. It should not be hidden and be added afterwards.

Telephone

Mexico has recently deregulated the telephone service throughout the country. There are now competitive companies emerging and the
Government no longer controls the industry. The Mexican Riviera has both cellular and hard line service. The easiest way to make a
call is to buy a phone card and insert into the pay telephone. Puerto Aventuras, Tulum and Playa del Carmen have “public call stations”. Here an attendant will dial your number for you and provide a booth with phone for privacy.Ladatel call stations have blue handsets and small liquid-crystal displays and are clearly marked with the word Ladatel. Calling instructions are placed on the phones in English and Spanish. From a Ladatel phone you can dial long-distance calls to any place in the world. With lower fares than operator - connected calls. You must have Ladatel tokens or debit cards to use this system.

Newspapers

Four english language newspapers are available. The Mexico City News is distributed throughout Mexico where tourists gather. USA Today, the Miami Herald and the New York Times are available daily in Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.

Food

Because the Riviera Maya attracts a wide international audience, foods from the cuisine varies. With the Mayan heritage rich throughout the Yucatan, the most popular dishes prepared include the main staples of chicken (pollo), pork (puerco) and fish (pescado). fruits and vegetables are plentiful, healthy and excellent.

If you interested in some of the traditional types of foods available, the following are examples.

• Pollo Pibil is chicken marinated in achiote sauce, sour Seville orange juice, garlic, black pepper, cumin and salt. This is then wrapped in banana leaves and baked
• Substitute pig and it is called Cochinita Pibil
• Poc Chuc is slices of pork marinated in sour orange juice, cooked and served with a tangy sauce and pickled onions
• A more traditional pork dish is Frijol con Puerco which is pork, black beans, tomatoe sauce and rice
• Another hearty dish is Puchero which is a stew made with chicken and pork, carrots, cabbage, squash (marrow) and sweet potatoes
• For seafood, the most common is Pescado Frito - fried fish and Langosta - lobster
• Ceviches are seafood conocotions made of raw seafood such as conch or fish marinated in limejuice, tomato sauce, chopped onion and cilantro
• Beware of the Yucatan resident chili known as Habanero. This stuff is wicked and will burn your heart out. Make sure your tongue is made of steel

Your visit to this incredible and beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico can be fun, exciting and a vast learning experience. There is so much to do and see no matter what your personal interest or taste. Just be sure to think and plan it out. Organize properly and be prepared. This will make a big difference in the success of your visit to the RIVIERA MAYA of Mexico!