What to take to Mexico?

[MikeH]

I'm heading to Mexico in less than a week for my first trip there for cave diving(going with Connie)....anything out of the ordinary I may need to take?

So far I have wetsuit/booties, fins, bp/harness, lights, couple of spools, regs, computer, clothes, couple pairs of shoes, and bug spray.

Mike

[RH]

2 bottles of pepto would be a good idea.

[Me]

Mike, sounds like you and I will be there with Connie the same week. No need for Pepto if you will be only eating at DeRosa's, which is just about 100% forgone conclusion. There is nothing else close by other than a few other resorts within walking distance.

There will be periodic stops at a mini super for munchies, but a few pkgs of microwave popcorn in your bag if you like is a good idea for the after dinner evening munchies.

Connie cooks breakfast for us each morning and the DeRosa cooks do our lunch and dinner. Pop is part of the pkg, beer is extra. (if that hasn't changed) Bottled water is in abundance too.

You may want to bring a snorkel with you if you would like to snorkel off the beach after returning for the day. We've done that a few times and have enjoyed it.

You might also consider a small piece of tarp or heavy plastic for a drop cloth. Most times there isn't anywhere to pull off the wetsuit that isn't sandy or crudy. You'll be assigned a double-wide milk crate to store your gear for the week. This will be loaded on the flatbed or van each day. I've been known to stand in it to change....but have since added a small drop cloth to my kit.

This will be the 5th year for my buddy and me. We really enjoy going with Connie.

If I think of anything else, I'll post again.

Lori

[crazyduck]

Chocolate chips…

Watch out for the tequila (should be damn good.)

If you go to certain restaurants do not eat the hot sauce. (Seriously.)

Pick up prescription drugs for the friends at home- they sell great full strength ear drops, anti-biotics and great vanilla.

You taking baby (your new rebreather?)

Have fun and if possible pictures of diving and a report would be rockin.

[MikeH]

Mike, sounds like you and I will be there with Connie the same week.

Cool. I'll be down there Dec 11-18. Thanks for the info...I'll throw a tarp in the bag. I don't own a snorkel....so I'll probably have to forgo the snorkeling. I may do some beach diving after returning for the day if there's anything to see...or do some kayaking.

Look forward to meeting you there. Just look for the guy that looks like a bum wearing a NACD hat when you get to Cancun airport. I get in pretty early(1125 or so), so I may be sitting at the bar having a few cold ones while waiting for the 1500 pickup.

You taking baby (your new rebreather?)

Nope, I'll be diving OC. The RB is still new to me...so I'd rather just stick with OC and enjoy the sights. Everybody else will be on OC, and the dives are shallow enough that there's no deco...so CCR wouldn't give me any real benefit.

Mike

[Al]

There are a lot of really short jumps, so some of those little spools would be useful. Some of those line cookies are good to have too, as there are also a lot of T's.

Things like bug spray are expensive in the touristy places but cheap in the big department store in Playa Del Carmen (name starts with CH, it is right at the intersection of 307 and the main drag in PDC). The ATM there doesn't charge any fees. I get the best exchange rate at the ATM (your bank may vary).

We always take chloroquine when we go down, and carry Cipro.

We'll be down the 16th through 26th, just driving around diving on our own. If we run into folks from Derosa, we'll be sure to stop anfd say hi.

[Bill Rotella]

See you there Mike.

[caveswimmer]

Consider:

1. Booze for your ears. The bacteria count can be high in some of the systems. I received a serious ear infection at Pond DeRosa last year.

2. Take a small mat to stand on while gearing up. Keeps the sand off your gear.

[Gary]

If you go to certain restaurants do not eat the hot sauce. (Seriously.)

I'll second that - and whatchout for the spicy "mexican eggs" breakfast.

Most places/hotels/vendors don't take credit. Bring lots of Traveler's checks and patronize a changer that gives fair exchange rates. I was told many resorts will give you only 7-10 pesos on the dollar when I was there while the exchange rate was more like 11 to the dollar.

Most places don't accept traveler's checks. American bills are fine but you probably get a better exchange dealing in pesos most of the time. Exchange frequently at the changers to keep some cash money handy.

[Mart]

Don't take popcorn, chocolate chips or any oher food, as it is illegal to bring these into the country. It could cause you to spend your holiday at the border

ciao, mart