Mexican Expertise Needed

[scubamon]

Hello SB Friends,

I am looking for some guidance on a potential quick trip to Mexico. I have very limited time and would like to be as economical as possible. I am looking for recommendations for operators, lodging, locations, timing, anything.

I am planning to be in Mexico for 3 nights some time in the Summer, June through August, to catch the Whale Sharks. I will have 2 full days, on which I would like to do two things:
1- As many dives as possible
2- Snorkel with Whale Sharks

I was assuming that Whale Sharks will take 1 day, with the other day to dive. Maybe a dive on whale shark day, too??? I am likely flying into Cancun, was considering either staying in Cancun or possibly Isla De Mujeres. I have been to Playa and Cozumel, so I have some understanding of the area. I am a newly certified diver, but in good shape and learning quickly. My wife may come along, so any recommendations that include a good beach to lay on are also appreciated.

Thanks to all of you in advance for your help, this community was very helpful in my research on Cozumel and also pursuing my certification. Thanks!

---Wes

 

[Tony&Trudie]

Also being a newly certified Diver, I could not have been more satisfied with Enrique and his dive operation on Isla Mujeres. Additionally he does Whale Shark tours with his brother and has a dive operation. He has a instructor named CJ from Wisconsin who was awesome. The diving around Isla was easy and beautiful, he is located near north beach which I am sure your wife will love, everything on the Island is easily to get to.

We stayed in Cancun as we were there with a group and took the Taxi to the Ferry Dock at Puenta Juarez, the UltraMar Ferry runs every 15 minutes, and once you exit the ferry dock you can walk to Enrique's Kiosk, it is located at the El Tigrena Restaurant, which has Awesome food.

You can contact Enrique at uayab13@hotmail.com

Happy Diving!

 

[Pez de Diablo]

Find an operation on Isla Mujeres.

 

[CaptEsteban]

Yep, go to Isla Mujeres. Not as crowded as Cancun or Cozumel. Plenty of rooms at very reasonable prices. I'll have to find a link to a good place & post it later. Here is a website with a " question & answer " forum that can help you. Capt. Tony, among others do the Whale Shark trip. Since you are newly certified, the dives is better suited for you. I have seen more " critters" diving out of here than in Coz.

Isla Mujeres .info Q&A Message Board List


Hotel added;

http://www.bucaneros.com/english/index.htm

 

[Ed Hatfield]

With only three nights and wanting to spend one day with the whale sharks you may want to stay in Cancun. I don't think you will be able to do the whale shark excursion and dive the same day. I used EcoColors Tours and left from the docks just north of Cancun. The day was exhausting and I slept like a log that night. The diving from Isla Mujeres and Cancun will be the same (same sites). I have never used him but have heard good things about Ben at Mayan Aqua Dive. I stay in Playa del Carmen so my info may not be as helpful as others. You've got lots of time to plan so maybe try to squeeze in an extra couple of days and come south. The diving is better (PDC, Coz & cenotes). EcoColors will still pick you up in PDC for the whale shark excursion. FYI - be careful when getting prices on the whale shark tours. I paid 150US$ but some of the others on the same boat paid as much as 230-250US$. There were 4 of us so I used that as leverage when talking price. I also booked direct with EcoColors and not through a dive shop (who would take a %). Good luck and I hope the trip happens for you.

 

[annlaur]

For such a quick trip, I'd strongly recommand staying on Isla Mujeres.

It's very easy to get to : from Cancun airport, take a cab or shuttle to Puerto Juarez, then a ferry to the island (it's a 20 minute boat ride). Porters with tricycles will carry your luggage from the pier to your downtown hotel for a few bucks. Taxis wait near the ferry dock too.

Isla Mujeres is small, about 5 miles long by less than 1 mile wide, but most everything is located "downtown", which is on the North end of the island.

Within easy walking distance, you'll find a very beautiful and popular beach (Playa Norte aka North Beach), which your wife should enjoy. Many hotels in all price ranges, restaurants, shops and a fun nightlife. And of course dive shops.
Lots of friendly people (locals, expats, tourists), good live music, bars…

As far as lodging goes, there are new AI resorts on North Beach :depressed:, as well as the very romantic (and expensive) Na Balaam hotel and the really cheap (great location, lots of fun but not romantic at all) Poc Na hostel. And many other options in between within a few blocks.
The summer months are hot so, depending on your "heat tolerance", you might want to book a room with AC.

If your plane lands after 11 pm, or if it departs early in the morning, though, you will have to stay in Cancun, as ferries don't run round the clock.
I can't recommand a specific place in Cancun, but you'll probably want to stay on Zona Hotelera, which is the long stretch of beach resorts, and book a place close to the dive shop you plan on using. Cheaper hotels can be found in downtown Cancun, but then you have to take a bus or taxi to get to the ocean.

Useful links :
Ferry schedules
Poc Na hostel

 

[ltowles]

Let me add my vote for Isla Mujeres and Enrique. My wife and I spent a week diving with Enrique this summer and he was fantastic. We'd sit down with him and talk though options and find just the right dives for the day, other times we'd just tell him to surprise us.

The island has anything from very shallow reef dives, to several wrecks at the 100ft level, and even some spectacular night diving. The island is also so much nicer, and less commercial than Cancun.

Do a search on the boards for Enrique, He has many other fans. It's how he found him.

Louis & Liz

 

[carolsarinah]

How did you find Enrique??

 

[dive pro]

To design your own dive package, whaleshark snorkeling and even lodging, call toll free www.cancundiving.com
, I would recommend come in June, after July 15 the hotels get a little expensive due to official High Season
Hope this info is useful, fun dives...

 

[annlaur]

How did you find Enrique??

I know the question wasn't for me, but here's some reviews I found about his op on trip advisor and his website. For full disclosure, I never dove with Enrique as I wasn't certified when I used to live on the island (I think he was working at Scuba Coral back then)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Reviews-Enrique_s_Unique_Dives-Isla_Mujeres

Diving Isla Mujeres - Enrique's unique dives