Most divers are familiar with Cozumel's huge coral formations, precipitous drop-offs, great diving. But mention the mainland of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and people associate it usually with one spot - Cancun, the place for baking in the sun and partying. The reality of course is that the Yucatan offers an immense variety of pleasures and adventures both above and below the sea. There are quaint Mexican villages lost in time, traditional markets with shoppers still in native dress, awe-inspiring Mayan historic sites spanning centuries of advanced culture, a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna, and unique diving ranging from freshwater Cenotes to endless offshore spur and groove reef formation swarming with fishes, and dotted with wrecks dating back to the "conquest" of the new world.This coastal region south of Cancun has come to be known as the Riviera Maya. Slated by the shrewd Mexican tourism authority for 15,000 guests rooms, the area is host to everything from charming boutique hotels to monstrous (in my opinion at least) multi-thousand room vacation complexes. While good diving facilities are easily accessible along the coast, this region caters to a much broader range of tourism options than most dive-dedicated destinations. As such, the Riviera Maya is a great vacation option for families, and those couples where one is a diver while the other rolls their eyes at the thought of "another dive vacation."
Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa Del Carmen has become a gateway to this Riviera Maya experience. Overlooking a beautiful while sand beach, this vibrant and rapidly growing town is a 45-minute car ride south of the Cancun airport or a quick ferry ride over from the island of Cozumel. Totally unique in its own right, the atmosphere, flavor and overall vibe of "Playa," is much different from that of Cancun or Cozumel. Many people first visit Playa as day-trippers from these big-sister cities. Those who appreciate Playa del Carmen's laid-back charm and exceptional tourism values are pleasantly surprised and often come back to explore more of the Riviera Maya.
 Yucatek Divers & Hotel Casa de Gopala Valid for travel May 1 - June 30 -and- September 1 - October 31, 2013 Price is per person based on double occupancy, and includes 14% hotel tax | |||||
4-night Cenote Special -- from $413
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7-night Cenote Special -- from $635
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Airfare to Cancun is additional. No meals are included. Cenote entrance fees are additional, payable by the diver in Mexico. Rental gear is not included, but is easily arranged at additional cost. Packages are subject to availability and subject to change. Please contact Island Dreams for details. | |||||
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 Yucatek Divers & Hotel Casa de Gopala Valid for travel June 1 - August 31, 2013 Price is per person based on double occupancy, and includes 14% hotel tax | |||||
4-night Whale Shark Special -- from $535
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7-night Whale Shark Special -- from $791
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Airfare to Cancun is additional. No meals are included. Rental gear is not included, but is easily arranged at additional cost. Packages are subject to availability and subject to change. Please contact Island Dreams for details. | |||||
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Casa del Gopala Hotel - Lodging in Air-Conditioned Room Spring 2013: Valid May 1 - June 30, 2013 |
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| Prices per person, based on double occupancy | with 2-tank boat diving | non-diver | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 nights lodging / with 2 days of offshore boat diving | $260 | $110 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 nights lodging / with 3 days of offshore boat diving | $372 | $147 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 nights lodging / with 4 days of offshore boat diving | $483 | $183 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 nights lodging / with 5 days of offshore boat diving | $595 | $220 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 nights lodging / with 6 days of offshore boat diving | $707 | $257 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Prices are per person, based on double occupancy in a/c room, and are subject to change. Diving packages are based on offshore diving. Cenote and cave diving options available at additional charge. |
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Yours in diving, Ken Knezick - Island Dreams Travel
Photos provided courtesy of Yucatek Divers and Casa del Gopala.
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Please note: All pricing, itineraries, and trip inclusions represented herein, are subject to change without notice.
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