How to Enjoy Riviera Maya, Mexico

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
If you like tropical places you will love Riviera Maya. It's located at the Caribbean coastline of Mexico, just a few miles from Cancun. There are many activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, cenotes, swimming with dolphins, horse riding and guided tours to the jungle, archeological zones as Tulum or Chichen Itza. It's a safe place where you can find sports, adventure, relax, romance, nature and tons of fun.

Steps

1. Consider the many places that are part of Riviera Maya. Some of them are: Akumal, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Coba, Contoy Island, Holbox, Puerto Morelos, Sian Ka'an, Cozumel. You arrive at first at Cancún International Airport, approximately 31 miles north of Playa del Carmen. Riviera Maya has a lot of all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels as well.
2. Choose a hotel. Some hotels are better for couples, without loud music and parties at night, just the beautiful ocean sound at night.
3. Plan to visit Rio Secreto.[1] You can take a guided tour into an underground river with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It's completely safe, you put on a wet suit and hard hat to explore the cave system. You might be underground for about an hour and a half.
4. Swim with dolphins at Delphinus: Besides the dolphin swim experience you also learn a lot about these animals. The best part is when dolphins glide you through the water, and the part of the program where you can freely swim with dolphins and pet them.
5. Xcaret: This eco park (pronounced esh-carette) is near Playa del Carmen (about 30 minutes).[2] You can find some archeological sites, a Mayan village, regional wildlife breeding farms, butterfly pavilion and jaguars and other animals. There are also inlet with clear waters for snorkeling. But one of the attractions is the underground river (don't worry if you're claustrophobic, it's a big space); but you can also try the open river. The ticket price to the park is a little expensive (but worth it). You can eat at the different restaurants around the park; in the evening starts "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular" a Mexican night show, involving Mexico's history, culture and traditional dancings.

Tips

• Many of the activities at Riviera Maya are related with nature or archeology, but you can also enjoy nightlife, bars, beach parties and other activities.
• Buy online, you can save some money.
• Check the weather before you travel.
• Look out for quality programs, don't go for the cheap options.
• Take a lot of photos!
• Give tips at restaurants, or ask if tips included on the price.

Related wikiHows

• How to Plan a Trip to Rocky Point Mexico
• How to Cross the U.S. Border Into Mexico
• How to Survive Mexico City As a Tourist
• How to Time Your Trip to Mexico City

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://www.riosecretomexico.com
2. ↑ http://xcaret.com/

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Akumal, Mexico - A Hidden Gem

For those of you looking for a great getaway, somewhere very few have heard of, look no further than Akumal, Mexico. Situated about an hour and a half or so south of Cancun, Mexico, you will find the small town of Akumal...and the most beautiful bays on the Riviera Maya!

With the tips of fellow Mexico beach lovers from LocoGringo.com, we found all kinds of ways to travel to Akumal economically. First of all, flying out of a smaller airport actually saved us quite a bit. Then, we were able to find a great deal on a condo to rent for an entire week which ended up being only about $350 per couple! We also found a grocery service that allows you to submit your grocery list and they have your room stocked before you arrive. You pay a premium of about 20%, but it is worth the money since you avoid the time of getting groceries locally and taking time away from your vacation. We did not do this and regretted it since we had to drive to Sam's Club in Playa Del Carmen, only to find cheese that would not melt after 5 minutes in the microwave!!! You can also hire someone to fix your meals for you while you are there. For those of you who have someone take care of your condo for you (clean up, fresh bottled water daily, meals, etc.) I would recommend a daily tip along with some small tokens/gifts that you take with you on your trip to give to them as this can go a long way.

We also found a great rental car agency just off of the Cancun airport that was inexpensive AND allows you to avoid the high airport taxes that rental agencies charge at the airport. You have to be careful when driving in Mexico as you need to be sure you understand the money exchange when buying gas, and also be sure to see that the pump is set at ZERO when you start pumping. In Mexico, attendants will pump your gas for you, so just be sure to stand there with them and make sure everything is OK.

There is plenty to do near Akumal as you have the ruins of Tulum nearby, Hidden World Cenotes, Xel-Ha, and you can always grab a ferry to Cozumel! If you are up for a day trip, I highly recommend Chichen Itza. It is amazing to visit and the guides are first rate. Be careful of the drive, however, as the roads are "pot hole city" for most of the trip. If you are up for a casual day, the 2 bays that Akumal has are gorgeous for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just lounging. The name "Akumal" actually means "place of turtles" in Mayan, and it doesn't disappoint. There is a swing bar on the edge of the bay that is great to hang out and makes great drinks. Do not worry about the description, there are actually rope swing seats at the bar for lounging.(LOL)

All in all the trip was outstanding! I believe each couple enjoyed the full week for just over $1,000...for everything! If you can find the time to get away, this is a great "hidden gem" to sneak off to and enjoy a nice relaxing vacation.

How to Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) Diving is a fun, exciting, and relaxing sport. It can be quite dangerous, however, if you do not have the proper training before diving. This guide will help you learn to dive quickly and safely.

Steps

1. Consult your physician to make sure you're healthy enough to take a SCUBA course.
   
2. Find a facility near you that offers PADI-approved diving courses. (Refer to the PADI website in the external links section of this article to find the closest dive course.)
   
3. Contact the facility to find out which personal equipment you will need to own. Most dive courses provide most of the basic equipment but require you to own your own mask, snorkel, *Swim Fins, boots, gloves, and hood. You will also need to purchase your course materials (usually a book and video) and your first dive log book. (The course materials and log book together will usually cost under $35.)
   
4. Purchase the required personal equipment. Most facilities that offer SCUBA courses are also dive shops. Be sure to save your receipts when purchasing your equipment, since many facilities will give you a discount on either the course or on future equipment rentals and air refilling services if you bought your equipment at their shop. The basic personal equipment needed for the course can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, or even more if you buy the fanciest gear.
   
5. Register for an open water diving course. The cost of the course varies from region to region, and may even vary greatly within one area. For example, in Massachusetts you can pay anywhere from $125 to $500 for a PADI open water diving course.
   
6. Usually a PADI open water diving course will include classroom sessions, swimming pool sessions (during which you'll learn to use your equipment in a swimming pool), and open water sessions. Some courses may do all of the water sessions in open water.
   
7. When you've completed the course to your instructor's satisfaction, you will receive your PADI certification card. Keep this card safe, since most dive shops will ask to see your certification card before refilling your air tanks or allowing you to rent equipment.
   

Tips

• If you normally wear glasses, you may need to either wear contacts under your dive mask or purchase a prescription mask. Prescription masks are much more expensive than regular dive masks, but will be more comfortable (and safer) than diving while wearing contacts.
  
• If you aren't sure whether a full SCUBA certification course is right for you, ask the training facility about a "Discover SCUBA" course, which is much shorter and less expensive, but will give you an idea about whether you wish to continue.
  

Warnings

• Always follow your trainer's instructions to the letter. Diving accidents can result in serious injury or death, and most diving accidents are the result of carelessness.
  

Related wikiHows

• How To Choose Swim Fins
  
• How to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  
• How to Defog a Diving Mask
  
• How to Dive
  
• How to Prepare for Your First SCUBA Dive
  
• How to Maximize Your Scuba Dive
  

Sources and Citations

• http://www.padi.com
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Defog a Diving Mask

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It's bound to happen sooner or later: mask fog. Fog is an annoyance and source of frustration for a great many new divers - especially so with new equipment. Here's how to prepare a mask for diving and eliminate fog forever!

Steps

1. Wash your mask in warm soapy water to remove the manufacturer's preservative lubricant. Masks today are made with silicon skirts. Silicon can change color and lose flexibility over time from exposure to the elements. Manufacturers coat the masks with a lubricant to protect this from happening while on the display racks at retail stores. It is this lubricant that is the culprit behind fog in new masks.
   
2. Scour the inside of the lens with a mild abrasive cleaner. [Glass lenses only! Some masks have plastic lenses that will be scratched with this technique.] Soapy water will cut the grease for the most part, but the lens must be thoroughly cleaned in order to prevent fogging. Toothpaste is the best thing to use for cleaning the inside of the lens. Toothpaste needs to be NON GEL type the gel pastes do not contain enough abrasives. Household cleaners can work, but care must be taken to be sure that the mask is completely rinsed before use because household cleaners can irritate or injure unwary divers if allowed to remain in the mask. With circular motion and a little bit of pressure, thoroughly scour the inner surface of the lens with about a dime-sized drop of toothpaste for several minutes. Rinse and repeat 2-3 times.
   
3. Clean the inside surface and rinse before entering the water on the day of diving. If the mask is removed for any reason, either spit (some say beware of this as there are a lot of nasties in saliva that you don't want in your eyes) on the lenses or add commercial defogging drops to keep them clean.
   

Video

Tips

• Don't allow your mask to dry out between dives on days of multiple dives. Drying them out leaves deposits of grit and minerals that allow fog to form more easily.
  
• If you have followed these steps and still have trouble with mask fog, ask an instructor or dive master for tips on how they keep their masks from fogging up. An alternative is to burn the lubricant on the lens away with a common lighter (only glass lenses). Move the flame a bit, so the silicon edges around don't get damaged. Ask someone that did this before, like the shop owner where you are going to buy the mask (let them do it first and then pay). If some soot forms, don't worry. You can wash that away easily.
  
• If your mask fogs underwater, flood and clear it just like you learned in your open water course. Consider that flooding the mask probably makes it steam up easier too. So, you might have to repeat it after you did it once.If it's steaming up every minute, leave just a bit of water in and once in a while look downward while moving your head from side to side. The water under your nose might not be the most comfortable thing, but it's either that or aborting the dive.
  
• A common and cheap technique for keeping a mask clear that is used more regularly is to spit into it and rub the spit in all directions on the inside of the lenses (up and down, left to right). With the spit only give the mask a quick rinse (in and out once), give it a little swing with the hand to remove the drops and put the mask on. It will stay fog-free while you're diving. Best of all, you don't have to buy a commercial mask defogger or you might not have that at hand.
  
• A lot of instructors would now disagree with the above. Human saliva contains over 500 types of bacteria. Over time masks that are spit in tend to grow a black mold around the lens. Commercial defoggers are far from expensive (usually $5-6 a bottle that lasts years on average) and tend to last longer during a dive. Apply a small drop to the lens and smear it around the lens - then rinse off. Voila! A fog free lens without feeling like you're wearing a science experiment!
  
• A mild shampoo (baby shampoo to be precise) is an excellent defogger. Put 1 to 2 drops on the lens and smear it lightly and evenly over the surface, paying attention to the seals. Rinse thoroughly just before you enter the water, if not you might make bubbles on the inside of your mask instead. Works every time! You can also buy a small travel sized spray bottle and put in a few drops of baby shampoo and fill with filtered water. Rub it around and gently rinse with water, gently enough to leave a slight film on the inside of the lens.
  
• If your mask fogs often during your dive it is usually because you are breathing out a little through you nose. Your body temperature is 98.6 and the water temperature is usually much lower than that. This air coming from your lungs being warmer creates condensation after only a few small breaths. Kind of like your car window when the air is warmer on the inside than on the outside.
  

Warnings

• If household cleaners are used to scour the lenses initially, it is extremely important that the mask be thoroughly rinsed before diving. Household cleaners can irritate the eyes and skin and in extreme cases, may cause loss of sight. You're better off using toothpaste.
  
• Avoid using mint-flavored toothpaste; this will irritate your eyes as well.
  
• Only scour the lenses once. After you've removed the manufacturing goop, it is unlikely that you'll get more on the lenses.
  
• Use only light pressure. You don't want to scratch the lenses.
  
• Beware of using spit - there are a lot of bugs in saliva that you don't want in your eyes.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Repair a Broken Scuba Mask Buckle
  
• How to Fit a Scuba Diving Mask
  
• How to Become a Certified Scuba Diver
  
• How to See After Getting Water in Your Eyes
  
• How to Remove Water from Ears
  
• How to Become a PADI Certified Scuba Diver
  
• How to Prepare for Your First SCUBA Dive
  
• How to Maximize Your Scuba Dive
  
• How to Skin Dive
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Defog a Diving Mask. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Protect Coral Reefs when Snorkeling

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Coral reefs are predicted to become extinct within the next century. The coral and marine life on these underwater reefs are exotic and beautiful. If you have never been snorkeling before, it is high time you try it! But be sure to keep these coral-friendly snorkeling tips in mind to help protect this fragile ecosystem.

Steps

1. Do not touch, walk or stand on coral. Even slightly touching or dragging your snorkeling gear over coral can kill an entire colony.
   
2. Do not remove anything living or dead from coral reefs, except recent trash.
   
3. Do not feed fish or other marine organisms. Fish can become dependent on food being given to them instead of naturally foraging for food.
   
4. Be aware of where you enter and exit when snorkeling to avoid stepping on coral.
   
5. Try to step on sand and gravel around the coral without disturbing it.
   
6. Keep your fins from kicking up sand and harming coral. Stirred up sand can block sunlight from getting to the zooxanthellae- the algae living in corals that provides nutrients for the coral through photosynthesis.
   
7. Swim slowly and horizontally. This way you will be able to avoid touching coral by accident and getting stung by marine organisms.
   
8. Swim with your feet, not your hands. Consider wearing a flotation device if you are a new swimmer or are likely to get tired of swimming.
   
9. When on a snorkeling excursion, make sure the boat uses established moorings- anchors and chains can kill corals. Also make sure all garbage is stowed away on board.
   

Tips

• Practice snorkeling as much as you can before entering the water, that way you will avoid accidentally touching the coral or getting yourself injured.
  
• It is good idea to invest in rash guards or wet suits if you are snorkeling with stinging marine organisms.
  
• Educate yourself as much as you can about coral reefs to have a solid understanding of the environment before entering it.
  

Warnings

• Be mindful of stepping on sea urchins, sharp coral or accidentally touching stinging marine organisms.
  
• It is good to be aware of tides and wave action so you don't have an accident while looking down when you are snorkeling.
  

Sources and Citations

1. http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/the_green_lantern/2009/08/reefer_sadness.html
   
2. http://www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/coral_reefs/snorkeling.html
   
3. http://www.cobsea.org/activities/activities_strategic_habitat.html
   
4. http://sailhawaii.com/coral.html
   

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Protect Coral Reefs when Snorkeling. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Snorkel

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

One of the main reasons why people choose to snorkel, is that it can be so relaxing. Just floating and being immersed within the underwater scenery is enough to escape the hurdles we encountered in every day life.

Steps

1. Gain experience using the snorkel. Begin by laying flat on your stomach, just floating and placing your face in the water at about a 45 degree angle. Bite gently on the mouthpiece, allowing your lips to seal around it and hold the snorkel in place. Test the snorkel by taking regular slow breaths through the tube. Breath slowly, deeply and cautiously through your snorkel. No need to panic you can always lift your head above water if you want. Just relax and become aware of your breaths. The sound of your breathing through the snorkel barrel should become quite noticeable.
   
2. Snorkel Clearing technique. While holding your breath, place your head below the water so that your snorkel is immersed below the surface. You should feel that water is entering the snorkel barrel. Next surface your head without lifting it out of the water and quickly exhale forcefully and sharply into the snorkel. This blast method of snorkel clearing will remove nearly all the water from your snorkel. Any small amount of water left can be removed by a second forceful blast. Keep in mind that water can also enter the snorkel even if you don't immerse you head underwater. Sometimes either due to surf conditions or excessive splashing, some water may enter. So one thing to keep in mind is to breath cautiously. By repeating the blast method you should clear any water that enters into the snorkel.
   
3. Master airway control. Sometimes, although you may have some water left in the snorkel, if you inhale slowly and use airway control, you can breath the air past the water until you have enough air for another blast.
   
4. Fin technique.The idea is to keep your fin stroke movements smooth, slow and relaxed. Keep your arms at your sides in order to reduce drag, slow your kick and lengthen the stroke. Your legs should be extended so that the fins are pointed behind you. With your knees slightly bend, kick slowly and powerfully from the hip to make use of your thigh muscles. Avoid kicking with your knees, as this will only waste your energy. The right snorkeling technique is for the power portion of the stroke to be downwards. Kick farther down and less upwards whilst arching your back upward to force your legs downward.
   

Tips

• Swim at a steady comfortable pace to conserve your energy
  
• Streamline yourself as much as possible. Keep your arms at your side
  
• Breathing cautiously through your snorkel, to avoid choking on water that may enter.
  
• Keep your fins below the surface when kicking.
  
• Kick slowly and powerfully from the hip. Avoid kicking with your knees.
  
• Use the downward kick stroke more than upward.
  

Things You'll Need

• 1 mask
  
• 1 snorkel
  
• 1 pair fins
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Snorkel in the Caribbean
  
• How to Skin Dive
  

Sources and Citations

• http://www.scuba-snorkeling-adventures.com/how-to-snorkel.html - Original source, shared with permission.
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Snorkel. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

How to Decide Which Caribbean Island to Vacation In

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

All the islands in the Caribbean are blessed with white sand beaches and sunny days yet each one of them offers a distinct and unique holiday experience. Vacationing in the Caribbean is an easy decision to make but the trick lies in selecting the right island that suits the visitor’s tastes and needs. Here is a concise list of the unique characteristics of some Caribbean islands in order to make the right decision for the perfect holiday.

Steps

1. Select a place with the understanding that all the islands are ideal. All the islands in the Caribbean are blessed with white sand beaches and sunny days yet each one of them offers a distinct and unique holiday experience. Vacationing in the Caribbean is an easy decision to make but the trick lies in selecting the right island that suits the visitor’s tastes and needs. Here is a concise list of the unique characteristics of some Caribbean islands in order to make the right decision for the perfect holiday.
   
2. Sample Nevis. A quiet and peaceful destination, the secluded island of Nevis is ideal for the urban traveler seeking a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many plantations and resorts are tucked away on this beautiful island which has a rich history as well.
   
3. Holiday by the beach. All the Caribbean islands have excellent beaches but Aruba’s beaches are ranked as the most clean and attractive. In addition, the soft surf and water sports also highlight its popularity.
   
4. Enjoy partying. A rocking nightlife awaits visitors at St. Lucia and Jamaica. As the Jamaican sun sets, an all-night party filled with rum and reggae music takes over the island. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are good bets as well.
   
5. Relax. Spa lovers will enjoy the Turks & Caicos is full of luxury resorts and world-class spas. This spa destination offers many signature treatments which can be enjoyed amidst its white sand beaches.
   
6. Have a gamble. Puerto Rico is the Mecca for gambling in the Caribbean and is reminiscent of Las Vegas. The credit for the most number of casinos in the Caribbean however goes to the Dominican Republic.
   
7. Enjoy water adventures. Among the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean is the island of Turks and Caicos.
   
8. Have a game of golf. The golfing experience on the world-class golf courses of Barbados and Jamaica are unparalleled in the Caribbean.
   
9. Try sailing. The calm waters of the British Virgin Islands are perfect for sailing, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
   
10. Eat well. St. Martin has an unmistakable French and Dutch connection with a Caribbean twist which can be experienced through its numerous restaurants. It is also known as the ‘Dining capital of the Caribbean’.
    

Related wikiHows

• How to Snorkel in the Caribbean
  
• How to Enjoy a Carnival Cruise to the Caribbean
  
• How to Enjoy Puerto Rico
  
• How to Travel and Visit Cuba
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Decide Which Caribbean Island to Vacation In. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.