 | GROUNDHOG TALES |
Mexico - Playacar by John & Elaine Thorton | |
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November 2002 Elaine and I went to the Playacar resort area of Mexico for some R and R and our first experience at salt water diving. Not that we have a ton of experience with dive operators or diving in general being newly certified divers, but we had a great time just the same. Thanks to
Groundhog training. The Playacar resort area sits directly across from Cozumel on the mainland of the Yucatan peninsula. Access is through the Cancun airport and a short bus ride down the road ( 30 minutes ) The town is relatively new and it's purpose used to be the ferry access to Cozumel island ( where the diving is fantastic ) We stayed at the Riu Palace and it is a conservative resort with a Royal York atmosphere and it seemed fitting for the 20th wedding anniverserary that we were celebrating. There are 4 other Riu resorts right there and they all boast terrific food and unlimited beverages with different theme styles . Diving was done with Scuba Caribe. Scuba Caribe They were on site and reasonable. They have several areas to dive locally and they will set up dives on Cozumel but these are a full day and are minimum 2 tank dives. The local dives are $39 US plus equipment , the equipment appeared quite good and they had just recieved new regulators and 3 mil suits ( I saw them unpacking them ) Deep , wall , shallow and night dives are all available from the resort , there was another dive operator reccomended by the resort who picks you up by car and uses a dock entry to their boat ( a bit easier than a shore wade in and ladder climb ) they were slightly more expensive and we did not use them. There are numerous dive operators on Cozumel but if you stayed on the mainland , the Ferry cost of $16 US round trip adds up quickly and I think you should stay on Cozumel at that point. We saw an abundant reef filled with life , the Tortugas ( turtle reef ) was the most spectacular with Nurse Shark and Hawks Bill Turtles , Morays both Green and black and white , but unfortunately there were no bicycles or families of Skunks for a pampered holiday that does not focus on diving this is a superb spot. If you want to do a dive every day then a package is available from scubacaribe to save some $$$ Other points of interest are the Ruins and Xel Ha snorkle park where Cenote empty and blend with Salt water for some interesting sea life ( less than 1 hour south of Playacar by car ) but the entry fees and driving costs would more than cover another Scuba dive at the resort .... My pal the turtle was at 65 feet munching on breakfast when he paused to pose for the photo. If you are considering a Riu resort and want to ask a question , feel free. Email Here. John 
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