Practical information : Move & Laze around Yucatán Peninsula
Budget & Tips
Don't forget to pack a mask and snorkel in your suitcase or backpack! Snorkeling is one of the great attractions of the peninsula, especially on the Caribbean coast with its beautiful clear turquoise waters, where you can spend hours observing the fish and corals in a thousand colors (remember to bring a UV-proof T-shirt so you don't end up red as a lobster). Snorkeling is free, except when you have to take a boat to reach spots far from the beach. A mask and snorkel will also be very useful to explore the many cenotes! You can of course rent equipment on the spot, but for 5 US$ each time, it is much cheaper to come with your own equipment. For the scuba diving itself (with tanks), the budget is of course not the same! For a two dives trip on two different sites, count between 80 and 100 US$. In cenotes, count around 120-130 US$ (two dives).
The region is also an ideal place to try kitesurfing, especially on the spots of Progreso, Holbox, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cozumel. You can rent equipment on site and take lessons. The best season is from December to May.
If the flat region does not allow climbing, hiking (on foot, horseback or bicycle), is quite possible in many natural reserves of the peninsula. The services of a guide are however essential to avoid getting lost and to discover the local fauna and flora in greater depth.
What's very local
As in all of Latin America, soccer is the most popular sport. Don't hesitate to ask to join an impromptu game in the town square or on the beach. On the other hand, it is at your own risk to try lucha libre (wrestling) or charreada (rodeo), typical Mexican sports!
Your documents please
For diving trips, a certified diver card issued by an approved organization is necessary. Check on your side that the diving center you are interested in has a recognized certification such as PADI.
To be booked
If you plan to come diving during the very high season, it is recommended to book several weeks in advance at the chosen center. To go snorkeling with whale sharks off Isla Mujeres and Holbox, in July or August, take a few days in advance to book.
Tourist traps
Although hotels and resorts often advertise that they have private beaches, all beaches in Mexico are public. In some resorts, especially in Cancún, it is often difficult to access the beach without having to negotiate with the security guards of the hotels located right in front of it, who are not obliged to let you pass on their property to access it...