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How safe is Mexico and how safe is Isla Mujeres?Despite what you see on the news, Mexico is a safe place to visit and for the most part, limited to drug related violence. Definitely safer than some of the countries that depict Mexico as unsafe. Most of the trouble happens at the boarders, as it does in many countries, which is about 3000km away. As long as you respect the local rules and law and don`t look for trouble, trouble will not look for you. Isla Mujeres is even more secure than mainland Mexico. Our little island feels safe to walk around anytime of the day or night. But like anywhere, always be smart, just as you would at home and follow a few simple, common sense precautions; Do not walk alone in unlit areas Use official taxis Keep valuables in a safe place Do not keep valuables out in the open, especially down the beach. Leave them at home Do not purchase illegal substances, this is the main reason for most crime in Mexico
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How is the internet on the island?There is internet in most restaurants and coffee shops. Selinas has a co work area with high speed internet. Generally, if you are renting outside accommodation, you are likely to have internet included but verify this beforehand. Home internet is notorious for being slow. If you are are doing a PADI SCUBA Course and need to complete your self study, most eLearning courses will allow you to download sections and work offline when required but you can always come and sit in Pocna or Selina for free wifi access.
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What is the best transportation from Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres?If you're traveling to Isla Mujeres from Cancun Airport, the quickest transportation option is to combine a taxi and a ferry ride. In just 40 minutes, you can reach the Puerto Juarez Ultramar ferry terminal, and then it's a short 25-minute ride to the island. You can pre-book taxis or mini busses for larger groups and know that you will have the transport waiting for you and already paid for. Alternatively you can also catch the ADO bus right outside the airport which will take you to Cancun bus station and from their take a taxi to Puerto Juarez Ultramar Ferry Terminal.
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Will I be able to use my phone and how much will it cost?Check with your carrier but generally it is not cheap to use foreign cell phones here. However, if you use Wi-Fi, there are many areas available. We would recommend turning off your data roaming or buying a local chip for your phone which can be purchased for around $400pesos or a local cell phone (around $25USD).
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Getting the ferry from CancunGetting a ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres offers several convenient options. The main ferry companies operating this route are Ultramar and Naveganto. Ultramar is the most popular and provides frequent departures from three terminals in Cancun: Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas, and El Embarcadero. The ferry ride is approximately 15-20 minutes, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and scenic views. Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminals, with prices generally around $15-$20 USD round trip. Naveganto, a smaller operator, also offers reliable service from Puerto Juárez, often at a slightly lower cost. Both companies ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, making it easy for travelers to access the beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere of Isla Mujeres.
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Do I need a visa to stay in Mexico, and how long is it for?USA, Canada, Australia, and most European citizens will receive entry visas for up to 6 months upon arrival. Citizens from other countries should check with their foreign office or the Mexican Embassy to verify entry permits. Extensions may be obtained by visiting Mexican Immigration in Cancun (at the time of this writing), for continuing diving courses.
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Is it easy to get money in Isla and to exchange currency?It generally is not a problem in Isla using the ATMs, although you need to be careful of card cloning, especially particular banks that we can caution you about. We can help point you to the safer accessible ATMs, but you should always be careful, as you would in any country. That said, ATMs are the best way to withdraw money at the current exchange rate. Verify with your bank about local charges that they will enforce. Some countries offer travel cards which are a cheaper and better way to withdraw money and avoid exorbitant home country fees. Western Union exists on the island and money can easily be sent in this manner. USD is easy to exchange and we would recommend traveling with this as a preferred currency. Other currencies can be exchanged in Cancun. Be careful of cash exchange in the airport as you might not get a fair exchange rate. Exchange a minimum until you get to the island. Passports are required at most places to exchange money
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What do I need to bring when scuba diving?The equipment you need to go scuba diving is included in the cost as a courtesy on all our recreational courses, however, you will be a lot more comfortable and stand out from the average diver having your own, familiar equipment. If you are taking a professional course, you are required to have your own equipment or you can hire from the dive center at a fee, this information will be provided to you prior to booking, you can also look it up on the individual course page. Everyone should also consider having the following when preparing for a scuba diving trip with any dive center, it's important to remember that scuba diving can be physically demanding, and safety should always be a top priority. Certification card and/or Dive Logbook, if you hold previous certifications and experience. Medical statement: If you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to dive, you will need to provide a medical statement signed by a doctor. Swimsuit and towel: You will be spending a lot of time in the water, so make sure to bring a swimsuit and a towel to dry off. Ecofriendly Sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun while on the boat or during surface intervals. Don't forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. On your dive we will provide water and light snacks.
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Can anyone go scuba diving?Yes, anyone can go scuba diving, but there are certain requirements and limitations that should be kept in mind. Age: Most scuba diving centers require participants to be at least 10-12 years old, depending on the location and the type of dive. Health: Scuba diving requires a certain level of physical fitness, and some health conditions may prevent individuals from participating. People with heart problems, lung conditions, or ear issues should consult with a doctor before diving. Swimming ability: While you don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to scuba dive, it is important to have basic swimming skills and be comfortable in the water. Training: Before going diving, you need to complete a scuba diving course from a certified instructor. The course will teach you the necessary skills and safety procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. Certification: Once you complete the scuba diving course, you will receive a certification card, which you need to present to dive centers before diving. Keep in mind that different levels of certification are required for different types of dives. Overall, scuba diving is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by people of many ages and abilities. By following the necessary precautions and guidelines, anyone can experience the beauty of the underwater world.
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My partner is not a diver and is coming with me. Is there anything else to do for the non-diver or family?There is so much for them to do to occupy their time. Selinas offers many activities for a small fee that they may join in on. We have a pool to relax by at the center or the famous North Beach is just a short walk away. They can also stop by our Tours and Travel desk for organised tours or just some quick advice.
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I have not dived in a long time. What can I do?If you have time before leaving for your vacation, we recommend a Reactivate which will refresh all information that you learnt in your Open Water Diver course (Link here). You will then have a quick quiz, in water skills and two dives with the dive center to help you get comfortable back in the water. If you have already left and are short on time, then we can do a quick refresh with you, although this does not go into as much detail as the Reactivate, nor does it issue a card as the Reactive, it will mean that we are able to assess and refresh some practical and in water skills before taking you diving. There is a charge for this service. If you are doing a course or a multiple day package, we will include the quick refresh free.
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What are the levels of PADI certification?
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What is the diving like on Isla MujeresIsla offers an incredible variety of dives and some incredible seasonal delights. At different times of the year we have Loggerhead turtles mating in the strong currents off South Point, Eagle rays forming large schools around the shipwrecks, Sailfish and Whale sharks. This is apart from the normal diving that we do in one of the best islands for dive training where the water is warm, visibility up to 30mt, coarse sand and very little current in our local reef, Manchones. Ideal for any professional training you need to do.
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What happens if the weather is bad?If the weather is bad and the port closes then a full refund will be given if no skills have been completed. If you have already completed part of the DSD with an instructor, then refunds will be given in accordance to the amount of work completed.
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Can I start on any day?You may start on any day as soon as all appropriate paperwork and medical has been completed and if the weather permits
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What can I do when I am not diving, or the weather is bad?Isla is an amazing island with so much to see and do. We have listed a few in our website for you to view, check out Taste of Isla or you can visit our tours and travels desk for further assistance. You could also just hang by the pool, go to the beach, enjoy the nightlife a little or study ahead while relaxing under a palm tree. If you can`t find anything to do, we are happy to advise you.
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Are PADI fees included in the price?For all recreational courses, everything is included. For professional fees, PADI application and membership fees, these are paid directly to PADI and are clearly stated in our prices and fees page.
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Do I need special equipment for my course?As a professional, you should have your own set of personal equipment and are considered essential. You may purchase before arrival or while on the island. For your recreational courses, equipment will be included free of charge. For the professional courses, there will be a fee and responsibility for any loss or damage will be worn by the student STANDARD EQUIPMENT Fins, mask, and snorkel BCD with Low Pressure Inflator (LPI) Primary regulator and alternate air source Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) and depth gauge Computer or RDP Wet suit (a full 5mm is recommended) Whistle INSTRUCTOR (mandatory equipment required for the IDC) Timing device (computer or watch) Compass Surface Marker Buoy (SMB or DSMB) Dive knives are prohibited in Isla Mujeres so are not required RECOMMENDED Pencil and underwater slate Dive light Computer Pocket mask Weight belts, weights and scuba tanks are included at no extra cost. In the event of loss or damage, the student will be held accountable. A charge of $40 USD will be imposed for loss of any weight belts.
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What is the full PADI learning pathway?
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Are PADI training materials included in the price?It depends on what course you are doing, whether you are doing recreational or professional and whether you are doing package courses. For a clear description of all courses and what is included, please check the course or package you are interested in or feel free to talk to a member of the team, who will be happy to answer any questions you have.
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Can I become a Dive Master or Instructor if I have never dived before?Yes, we have a package that includes all courses, or you can take each course individually. To begin your Dive Master course, you need to have completed your Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and Emergency First Responder. No experience is necessary to start but you should allow yourself plenty of time to comfortably complete your courses and have some fun dives in between. To assist with this, we offer a free extension of two weeks to your dive master, either before or after the course. Many candidates complete their IDCs successfully, directly after finishing their Dive Master certification while others elect to wait and gain more experience before proceeding. It is a personal choice based on your confidence, ability, and maybe economic and time constraints. Please download our pdf file to understand all prerequisites on all courses.
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Is it possible to work after the course?We wish we could employ every professional that successfully completes their training with us but, unfortunately, this just is not possible. Our team have been together for years and have experience from around the world. We do, however, assist you in CV applications and if you complete your IDC and MSDT internship with the dive center, we will give you a valuable work reference. With our contacts and experience, we can help guide you to find your perfect place to work.
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