Riviera Maya Information: Safety Tips in Riviera Maya

Many people ask us how safe is it to travel to Mexico ? Is it safe Cancun, Riviera Maya , Playa del Carmen, Tulum & Costa Maya ? Mainly all this destinations are a safe travel destinations, but you should always follow these safety tips when you explore the area. 

Follow this tips for travelling to Mexico.

The local Mayan people are some of the kindest, warmest people in the world. And what you can found are the expats, displaced workers and visitors that are drawn to this area who are often attracted by a common thread of morality – the Mayas' decency and rich sense of humor.

Nevertheless, as at any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended in public areas.

General safety tips to help you stay safe in Riviera Mayas's amazing areas

1. Do not underestimate Caribbean weather. Check the weather 10 day forecast in Riviera Maya before you go into the outdoors for the period you will be gone.

2. Take advice from people who know the area you are planning to visit, especially locals and Mayan Explore.

3. On the Natural attractions, Tulum and Costa Maya use a Biodegradable Repellent. Do not use normal repellents since it affects the ecosystem. Biodegradable repellents are sold in many places in the area.

4. Try to use a Biodegradable Sun block especially on the Natural attractions, Tulum and Costa Maya.

5. Leave a detailed trip plan behind including a "panic" date.

Safety in the beach

Swimming in the Mayan Riviera is safe since we have the second-largest coral reef barrier in the world protecting the shore. Nevertheless, the undertow can be dangerous, but if you swim according to the flag system you should have no fears about enjoying the beautiful crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

• Green Flag – The water is completely safe for swimming, but use common sense.

• Yellow Flag – The water is somewhat rough, so swim with caution.

• Red Flag – The water is very rough. Swim with extreme caution, and stay near the water's edge.

• Black Flag - Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.

Safety tips for Fishing and boating in Riviera Maya

Do tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Even if the weather is fine in the morning it does not mean that it will stay that way all day. Check the weather forecast or ask a local before you leave. If the clouds darken and start to gather, it is a good idea to head back.

Do not stand up in a boat. Always wear a lifejacket when you are going out in a boat. Make sure there is plenty of space for each person on the boat.

Safety tips at the caribbean sea:

1. Think safety: Knowledge and planning reduce risk and increase enjoyment.

2. Bring the necessary equipment. Your equipment must be in good condition and easily accessible.

3. Respect weather and sea conditions. Only go out in your boat when it is safe to do so.

4. Follow the rules of the sea. Rules regarding right of way, speed and correct lighting must be adhered to.

5. Use life vests or buoyancy devices. Everybody on board must have a certified life vest or similar.

6. Make sure you are rested and sober. The blood alcohol content limit when driving a boat is 0.08 (8mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood).

7. Show consideration. Safety, environment and well-being are a common responsibility.

8. Beware about protecting the coral reef

Safety tips in the Cenotes

When visiting the cenotes, consider yourself a special visitor. Show respect and be gentle while walking around and diving into the cenote. Do not disturb or damage anything by walking on it or swimming through it. The formations, biological life, archeological history and any loose deposits are ther for our interpretation and enjoyment. Swimmers, snorkelers and divers should leave the cenote the exact same way they find it.

The land, trees, and all plant life serve as an integral function of the cenote's survival. Irresponsible behavior on the part of casual visitors, swimmers, snorkelers or divers will force the closure of the cenotes and deny access to the pleasure they provide.

Snorkeling

• Use fins – In order to improve your speed and efficiency. Proper size and fit are important for comfort and performance.

• The snorkeling vest – This safety tool can control your buoyancy at the surface if you are les buoyant or perhaps become tired. The vest should fit like a bib and provides the snorkeler with the appropriate lift at the surface

• The mask – You cannot see underwater unless you have some type of air space between your eyes and the water. The eye is designed to see through air because it is less dense than water. Goggles were first designed and used but had problems with pressure squeezing around the face causing pain and risk of injury to the eye. The mask should have the following features: Lens – Should be tempered glass or safety glass. Skirt – Flexible silicone material that will not rot or discolor from the sun. NON CORROSIVE BAND. Strap – Must be adjustable and can lock in place. Nose pocket – To be used to squeeze the nose for equalizing pressure inside the ears and sinuses.

• The snorkel – A snorkel allows you to keep your face in the water while swimming and enjoying the sights.

Cavern Diving

• NEVER DIVE ON YOUR OWN

• Any scuba diver who plans to dive a cenote should understand the difference between a safe cavern dive and an open water dive.

Open water simply means any body of water using SCUBA which allows a direct ascent to the surface. A cavern dive in a cenote means diving into an overhead environment which des not allow a direct ascent to the surface.

• To safely dive the cavern zone the scuba diver must either be trained or certified as a cavern diver or participate in a cenote dive with a qualified professional diving guide.

• The international scuba diving training agencies such as PADI, NAUI, SSI, FMAS, YMCE, PDIC, make clear that NO OPEN WATER INSTRUCTOR may take a student into any type of overhead environment.

• Most cenote dive locations have a permanently installed rope which serves as a great psychological reference.

• THE CAVERN DIVING COURSE – It's important to have this certificate. It requires a minimum of two days of training developing the minimum skills and knowledge for safe cavern diving. The course describes the dangers involved in cave diving. It also covers planning, environment, procedures, techniques, problem solving and other specialized needs.

Safety Diving tips in Mexico

1. TRAINING – Before pursuing cavern or cave diving, please seek proper training and know your limitations.

2. GUIDELINE – Always use a single continuous guideline from outside the cave and throughout the cavern or cave system.

3. AIR/ GAS – Always use al least 2/3'rds of your beginning air/gas supply to EXIT the cavern or cave.

4. DEPTH – Do NOT dive DEEPER than the limits of your training and experience.

5. LIGHTS – Always use a minimum of THREE LIGHTS per diver. For cavern diving, the sun and at least two battery powered lights.

The Law

The following are considered federal offenses in Mexico:

• The possession, transportation or sale of all drugs, whether they be chemical or natural

• The possession, transportation or sale of any type of archaeological relic or historical treasure

• The sale or purchase of an endangered animal or plant species, or derived products thereof, including birds, lizards, marine turtles, monkeys, deer and others on a very long and stringently-enforced list

• The destruction, removal, or mistreatment of any marine coral

Always check the weather

Even if the weather is fine in the morning it does not mean that it will stay that way all day, especially in the Caribbean. Check the weather forecast or ask a local before you leave.

Emergency phone numbers in Riviera Maya

• 066 – Fire, Police, AmbulanceLeave a detailed trip plan behind including a "panic" date.

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