Maya Palms Scuba Frequently Asked Questions:

General Questions

Q What water temperatures should I expect?
A Water temperatures range from the upper 70s in the winter to as high as 85 degrees in the summer.
Q What are the average dive depths?
A There are a lot of sloping walls and second-step walls, allowing divers to choose their own profiles. While the wall goes down below 1,000 feet, some of the best reefs and fish life are in 25 feet of water or less. Deep dives are usually between 100 and 130 feet, but these depths are not necessary as there's lots to see above 60 feet.
Q What is the typical daily dive schedule?
A We try to vary the diving. Most days we explore the reefs to the north and south of Maya Palms or in the nearby freshwater cenote, Cenote Azul. The schedule depends on weather conditions, the size of the group, and divers' requests.
Q What is the local diving like?
A The worlds second largest Barrier Reef lies at our doorstep just 400 yards off shore! We take divers to the inshore reefs both north and south of the resort, which has a unique spur and groove coral formation with deep canyon grooves. Water depth inside the shallow reef is 6-30 feet (meter), with depths on the outer barrier reef ranging from 30 to over 200 feet. Visibility varies with weather conditions but is generally between 60 to 100+ feet. The shallow reef is fantastic for snorkeling, and kayaks are available for doing shore diving. You can even obtain a Kayak dive specialty in one day.
Q Is rental gear available?
A Yes, we have Mares and Sherwood BCs, regulators, dive computers, and wetsuits for rent $10per day per item, as well as masks, snorkels, and fins $10 per set.
Q Is night diving available?
A We schedule night dives on our inshore reef once or twice a week. $65 per diver.
Q How hot will it be?
A The climate in the southern Yucatan is definitely warm, with winter temperatures generally in the 80s and summer temperatures in the 90s, however, there's almost always a sea breeze that makes it comfortable along our coast. And, our villas are air-conditioned , so you can get out of the heat.
Q Are bugs a problem?
A There are few bugs. We have a fairly steady sea breeze along our coast, which tends to keep the bugs down, and they're really no problem when the breeze dies down. While this doesn't happen often, you'll want to bring repellent for the times when it does.
Q What about rain?
A The wet season runs from May through October. Short daytime showers are typical during this period, but generally they don't hamper diving. The dry season runs from November through April, hurricane season from August through November. The average incidence of hurricanes in this part of the Yucatan is once every ten years.
Q When are the sea conditions optimal?
A Diving the Barrier Reef is year-round much as it is in Cozumel. During the winter occasional northerners blow in. which can affect the diving for a few days. Summer months generally have light winds and provide optimal sea conditions. March and April are our windiest months, but we still dive everyday. Water temperatures over the course of the year range from the upper 70s in the winter to as high as 85 degrees in the summer.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS:
Q What is the best way to get to Maya Palms from the U.S.?
A Most of our guests fly into Cancun, which is serviced by most major carriers. Ask us about charter rates from your city. If available we can write your tickets cheaper than on a regular carrier. It is recommended to rent a car at the airport, and drive to Maya Palms. All major car rental agencies are represented in Cancun airport. Having your own car gives you more freedom of movement. If you prefer not to drive. Our 15-passenger van will pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to the resort. ($100 per person round trip). Must be arranged in advance. .
Q Are car rentals available?
A Yes, and this is the recommended and most popular way to get to Maya Palms. Car rental from all major agencies is available at Cancun airport, and all major cities in Mexico. We can assist you with this.
Q How long will it take me to drive to Maya Palms?
A Drive times to Maya Palms are; from Cancun airport: 3.5 - 4.5 hours. From Playa del Carmen: 3 - 4 hours. From Chetumal: 2 hours
Q What are driving directions to Maya Palms?
A The drive to Maya Palms is all via paved roads (except for the last couple kilometers of beach road, which is easily negotiable). From Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Akumal, head south on main highway 307 towards Chetumal. Be sure to fill your gas tank at the Pemex in town of F. Carrillo Puerto as this is the last fuel stop en route to Maya Palms. Continue south on 307: a few miles south of the small town of Limones, turn left on the road marked by the green over the highway sign "Mahahual." Follow this road across the mangroves (look for the giant jaribu storks along the way) until you reach the military checkpoint at the first intersection (about 45 kilometers from the turnoff from the main highway). The checkpoints are searching for guns and drugs and do not present a problem for tourists. Turn right (south) at the checkpoint and follow the road about 17 kilometers towards Xcalak. At Km. 17 you'll see a sigh for Punta Herradura; turn left and go a couple km. till you reach the beach, then turn left. Go north up the beach road about 3 km. until you reach Maya Palms. .
Q Is the airport at Mayahual operating?
A The airport is completed and is open, but no commercial airlines currently provide service. The airport is open to any guests with private planes, and it is possible for small groups to charter flights into Mayahual.

RESORT QUESTIONS:
Q Can we drink the water?
A Our reverse-osmosis tap water is safe to drink, (Bottled water is always recommended) and pure water is supplied on the dive boat. However, it is not safe to drink tap water in this part of Mexico in places outside of Maya Palms Resort.
Q What about electricity and air conditioning?
A All our power is produced on site by our generators, and our rooms and buildings are all air-conditioned. The electricity in our outlets is standard 110 volt current, which powers ceiling fans and lights as well as small personal appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, computers, etc.
Q Is there Internet access?
A Internet access through our broadband satellite is available for a fee of $10 per day.
Q What types of rooms do you have?
A We have both ocean-view rooms along the beach and garden-view rooms overlooking the hotel grounds. All are air-conditioned and have an adjoining private bath. Most have two full size beds; a couple have king bed and an additional fold-out sleeper sofa.
Q Do you have safe deposit box?
A Yes
Q Do you have a swimming pool?
A Yes, we have a large, freshwater pool overlooking the beach.
Q What water activities are available?
A SCUBA, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Shelling, Fishing, and Old Fashioned Beachcombing.
Q Are your beaches crowded?
A No,our beaches are private and secluded. One of the few places left where you can have the beach to yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a very exclusive resort. Access to Maya Palms Resort is not permitted unless reserved.

RESERVATIONS: 1-888-843-3483
Call toll free Mon-Fri 10am-7pm(cst) Sat 10am-4pm