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-   -   Playa Del Carmen -May (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/playa-del-carmen-may-1177335/)

Maax66 Jan 5th, 2017 08:13 AM

Playa Del Carmen -May
 
Hi,
I am travelling from Sweden to PdC two weeks in May
I am going to take open water certificate, ( recommendation of of a good and " Eco touristy" dive center?
And I would like to hear all tips, do's and dont's
I want to go to Tulum, se ruins, cenotes ;-)
Just fire away with ideas
Thanks a lot
Marie

SambaChula Jan 5th, 2017 09:28 AM

PdC can be pretty touristy. especially along the main street(s).
Tulum is more to my liking. Best beach!

Ruins (by bus or colectivo):
Tulum
Coba
Ek Balam
Chichen Itza
Uxmal
Ruta Puuc ruins

Lots of cenotes everywhere.
Valladolid is charming. Merida too, but bigger.

Snorkel with turtles and rays in Akumal.
Float the Mayan canals in the Sian Ka'an biosphere.

sf7307 Jan 5th, 2017 09:49 AM

We're thinking about Tulum in March. How bad are the mosquitoes, really (we'd stay in a hotel with air-conditioned rooms)?

SambaChula Jan 5th, 2017 11:24 AM

We have gone to Tulum more than once in the fall. (Not in May, so can't comment on that time of year.) The posada we stay in has a central courtyard filled with trees and shrubs. Occasionally I have to either go put on spray or retreat into the room, if I've been sitting outside eating lunch or reading. Otherwise, walking around town or stopping at a bar/restaurant (day or night) or on the beach, can't remember feeling any, and I'm a magnet. Haven't been since Zika became a concern though.

sf7307 Jan 5th, 2017 11:28 AM

At my age, I'm not worried about Zika! Thanks for the response (sorry for the aside, OP, I hope this helps you too).

jamie99 Jan 5th, 2017 12:01 PM

I'm not a diver but most of my friends who dive go to Cozumel which is known for its diving. Plenty of dive shops there to take lessons from.
I would recommend you do the elearning at home so you do not waste valuable vacation time. Check the PADI site for info.

Maax66 Jan 6th, 2017 04:40 AM

Thanks all, yes I am a referral , so I did training and theory in Sweden, its just the exam left �� However I dont want to take part in dive centers who exploits or stresd animals or nature ,so if someone knows centers that ia taking good care of nature please let me know ����


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