tmassey
Contributor
Hello!
My family and I are considering a trip to Mexico. Diving is a big part of it, but so is the family. So I’m looking for some suggestions.
Diving: I’m the only diver. I’m a baby full cave diver, and caves are at the top of the list. I’m also an avid shipwreck diver. Reefs tend to bore me after 30 minutes, unless it’s Molasses Reef in full sun. Big aquatic life are interesting. But caves and (significantly penetratable) shipwrecks are a must.
Famly: It’s me, my wife, 11 year old son and 6 year old daughter. They will not be diving. We are all reasonably fit, but not athletes. They will need things to do. We are not big beach people: a day or two, but not much more. My son is interested in ruins and similar things. My wife only tolerates museums, and the kids only last maybe 3 hours in them. Local experiences are also important to us. We are a homeschool family and education is important for all of us.
Food is big for us: not just eating, but buying and making. Markets, street food, cooking (even cooking classes?). Not expensive and fancy restaurants: the more local and approachable the better.
Transportation: we are not interested in renting a car. If we can get a 20” bike for the 6 year old, bikes would be a fine option: we all ride, and even the 6 year old is good for 5+ miles. Buses are fine as long as they’re safe — even the crazy local versions. Taxi if we have to, but budget is always an issue.
Lodging: with four people, we find AirBnB type things to be a useful option. One bedroom places with a couch or futon are effective: and we will use a kitchen. Fancy is completely unnecessary. Hotel rooms are anti-useful: expensive, small, no kitchen, etc. We appreciate local, and even funky, but do want clean and safe.
So... does this give you some ideas?
Sight unseen, my first thought is downtown Tulum. Near caves, near quality dive shops with cave guides, affordable food and lodging options. But I don’t know anything about the rest of my list. What about the rest of the family and items on my list?
From what I see, Playa del Carmen might have more going on family wise, but seems to be more expensive. We’re hoping for two weeks, and that means cost matters more. It also seems to be farther from the caves.
I know there are places in between them, but I know nothing about them. Is there some place I’m missing that would be better?
Are there dives besides caves I should consider? They’d have to be world-class for me to value them over caves. A good shipwreck could do it, but a reef would have to be *stunning*.
Any other experiences my family and I should not miss? We want to avoid “tourist traps” but are up for a wide variety of local experiences.
Thank you for your help!
My family and I are considering a trip to Mexico. Diving is a big part of it, but so is the family. So I’m looking for some suggestions.
Diving: I’m the only diver. I’m a baby full cave diver, and caves are at the top of the list. I’m also an avid shipwreck diver. Reefs tend to bore me after 30 minutes, unless it’s Molasses Reef in full sun. Big aquatic life are interesting. But caves and (significantly penetratable) shipwrecks are a must.
Famly: It’s me, my wife, 11 year old son and 6 year old daughter. They will not be diving. We are all reasonably fit, but not athletes. They will need things to do. We are not big beach people: a day or two, but not much more. My son is interested in ruins and similar things. My wife only tolerates museums, and the kids only last maybe 3 hours in them. Local experiences are also important to us. We are a homeschool family and education is important for all of us.
Food is big for us: not just eating, but buying and making. Markets, street food, cooking (even cooking classes?). Not expensive and fancy restaurants: the more local and approachable the better.
Transportation: we are not interested in renting a car. If we can get a 20” bike for the 6 year old, bikes would be a fine option: we all ride, and even the 6 year old is good for 5+ miles. Buses are fine as long as they’re safe — even the crazy local versions. Taxi if we have to, but budget is always an issue.
Lodging: with four people, we find AirBnB type things to be a useful option. One bedroom places with a couch or futon are effective: and we will use a kitchen. Fancy is completely unnecessary. Hotel rooms are anti-useful: expensive, small, no kitchen, etc. We appreciate local, and even funky, but do want clean and safe.
So... does this give you some ideas?
Sight unseen, my first thought is downtown Tulum. Near caves, near quality dive shops with cave guides, affordable food and lodging options. But I don’t know anything about the rest of my list. What about the rest of the family and items on my list?
From what I see, Playa del Carmen might have more going on family wise, but seems to be more expensive. We’re hoping for two weeks, and that means cost matters more. It also seems to be farther from the caves.
I know there are places in between them, but I know nothing about them. Is there some place I’m missing that would be better?
Are there dives besides caves I should consider? They’d have to be world-class for me to value them over caves. A good shipwreck could do it, but a reef would have to be *stunning*.
Any other experiences my family and I should not miss? We want to avoid “tourist traps” but are up for a wide variety of local experiences.
Thank you for your help!
