Just got back from Isla Mujeres

[4th and 5 4903]

22 hours ago, deft said:

There’s an aluxes on holbox? I’ll check it out because we enjoyed the aluxes on mujeres.

There’s no PA on Holbox. 

[deft 6747]

I’m realizing that now. I don’t think landman and I were talking about the same isla.

[landman 555]

On 3/29/2024 at 12:21 PM, deft said:

I’m realizing that now. I don’t think landman and I were talking about the same isla.

My bad.

[Hank_Hill 17677]

Holbox is the crowded place now? Huh.

[4th and 5 4903]

Back to Isla, twice in 3 weeks. El Varadero mojito, ceviche, guacamole and Cuban sandwich stood out. Some new places that stood out in PN were Los Abuelos and Punto Norte for fish, aguachile, margaritas. New hotel, not recommended, was Playa La Media Luna. Restaurant Samura was all hat and no cattle, avoid the show you’ll pay dearly for. Food is meh.
 

Always a favorite on PN is Palapa Leidy. 

[Innocent Bystander II 8]

Heading back to Isla in June (haven't been since 2018) for a quick Thursday - Sunday run with the wife. Staying at Aluxes this time over Ixchel this go round after reading some of the more recent comments.

Is USA Transfer still the go to for transportation to the ferry?

We usually would rent the golf cart through Ciros. Is that still the play, or just get one through the hotel?

Glad to hear about El Varadero, we always enjoyed going there for a meal.

Thanks in advance!

[deft 6747]

We used aluxes for our cart.

[4th and 5 4903]

On 4/18/2024 at 1:27 PM, Innocent Bystander II said:

Heading back to Isla in June (haven't been since 2018) for a quick Thursday - Sunday run with the wife. Staying at Aluxes this time over Ixchel this go round after reading some of the more recent comments.

Is USA Transfer still the go to for transportation to the ferry?

We usually would rent the golf cart through Ciros. Is that still the play, or just get one through the hotel?

Glad to hear about El Varadero, we always enjoyed going there for a meal.

Thanks in advance!

USA Tranfers or CARM

used Ciros last 2 trips

[SimonBolivar 10673]

On 4/18/2024 at 2:01 PM, deft said:

We used aluxes for our cart.

Same

[wood 10904]

On 7/3/2023 at 2:34 PM, SimonBolivar said:

How is this pronounced btw? I always just say supermercado so I don't butcher it.

Ched - row - ee.

(the 'row' should rhyme with 'cow')

[wood 10904]

On 8/2/2023 at 8:49 AM, midtown said:

Anyone want to or have knowledge of the ability to bring gummies through CUN? 

Nurse likes to take a gummie, send her teen son to bed, put on music and spend a few hours being tied up.

You could hide 'em in the kid's camera bag to get through customs, the way my dipshit dumbass ex-BIL hid pot on my wife's sister's kid (no pics) a few years ago without telling anyone. Told everyone after we got to Cozumel. He thought it was cool and no big deal. I though the kid's dad was gonna break other BIL's neck right fucking there. I know I woulda if it had been my kid.

Edited April 25 by wood

[Hate 20046]

It’s Mexico. Finding weed if you really need it is not a problem. Seriously.

[wood 10904]

2 hours ago, Hate said:

It’s Mexico. Finding weed if you really need it is not a problem. Seriously.

Este.

Heading back in July. Been a while. Can't wait. Got some good news re: the beach. Back in January 2023 I posted the photo below.

On 1/15/2023 at 5:49 PM, wood said:

Damn. I just checked the live webcam for the first time in a long time and I has a serious sad...

I've posted about the beach erosion on Playa Norte before, but got damn, it's really fucking shit up now. Look to the right, right next to Chimbo's. The beach has receded probably another 15-20 just since we weree there in March. Fucking hell.

Then the webcam was down for like a year. Webcam's back now, and so is the beach. Made my day. So we got that goin' for us ... which is nice.

On 2/1/2024 at 1:32 PM, Zepol87 said:

Gf getting her hair braided here so I’m chilling

 

Looks like you were at Oscar's. Good people there.

On 3/28/2024 at 12:28 PM, rage-a-holic said:

Holbox is like a smaller, shittier version of Tulum you need to take a ferry to. And the water is Gulf of Mexico, not Caribbean. 

Go to El Cuyo instead. Unless you enjoy crowds of douchey influencer types, then definitely stick with Holbox.

Edited April 25 by wood

[rage-a-holic 4243]

Mexican policia/NG/FGR/etc have no idea what Delta gummies look like, if they even know what they are. Just toss them in a bag of normal mixed gummies, you'll be fine. 

I carry them around in these.

[StassneyHorn 6429]

We took a bunch of coke in a bunch of capsules and put them in a bottle of other men’s vitamins. wouldn’t do it again, too much stress.
 

If you get away from your wife or kid for approximately 10 seconds some guy or entrepreneurial women will ask you green or white and you shouldn’t have to meet anyone, set it up through the masseuse who jerks you.

[SimonBolivar 10673]

Not Isla or even Quintana Roo, but has anyone ever stayed at Chable Yucatan near Merida? Thinking about doing that for our next trip and it looks like a really chill place.

[rage-a-holic 4243]

1 hour ago, SimonBolivar said:

Not Isla or even Quintana Roo, but has anyone ever stayed at Chable Yucatan near Merida? Thinking about doing that for our next trip and it looks like a really chill place.

I avoid Merida like the plague during the summer. Hot as fuck. Looks like a cool resort though, and less than an hour drive to Uxmal.

[Native Horn 3465]

Got back Saturday from a 4-night stay at Privilege Aluxes.  What an awesome property.  Did all inclusive and drank enough the first couple days to pay for itself.  Hidalgo Street, a quick walk from PA, has plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping so we never did rent a golf cart. The PA beach club is peaceful with good drink service.  Never an issue finding beach chairs under a palapa. The pools inside the PA property were clean and had good service at the swim-up bar, although the music they were playing sucked.  Also had a pool attached to our room, which was fantastic for some skinny dipping.

Used CARM for transfer to and from CUN airport - highly recommend.

Would def go back to PA.

[Biff Tannen 45013]

Going for the first time in August.  What's the deal with whale shark excursions?  Is it snorkel only?  No scuba?

[deft 6747]

It may be tour dependent but all the ones I saw were snorkel only.  They took us for a ride about an hour off shore to where whale sharks where known to do whale shark shit. We hopped in and snorkeled with them.  You don't really get a chance to be there with them long before they dive down again and disappear into the blue.  And you can't see anything there......it's definitely deep to not warrant scuba i'd say.   But if you've already got your gear and cert, why not. 

[rage-a-holic 4243]

4 hours ago, Biff Tannen said:

Going for the first time in August.  What's the deal with whale shark excursions?  Is it snorkel only?  No scuba?

Scuba diving with whale sharks is illegal in Mexico. The only way you can see one during a dive is if they randomly show up, like in Sea of Cortez or Socorro.

[Spoosner 86]

On 6/24/2024 at 10:45 AM, Native Horn said:

Got back Saturday from a 4-night stay at Privilege Aluxes.  What an awesome property.  Did all inclusive and drank enough the first couple days to pay for itself.  Hidalgo Street, a quick walk from PA, has plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping so we never did rent a golf cart. The PA beach club is peaceful with good drink service.  Never an issue finding beach chairs under a palapa. The pools inside the PA property were clean and had good service at the swim-up bar, although the music they were playing sucked.  Also had a pool attached to our room, which was fantastic for some skinny dipping.

Used CARM for transfer to and from CUN airport - highly recommend.

Would def go back to PA.

Do you mind sharing your approximate cost for 4 nights all inclusive?

[Native Horn 3465]

11 minutes ago, Spoosner said:

Do you mind sharing your approximate cost for 4 nights all inclusive?

Roundabout $3,400.  Platinum Privilege Rooftop Pool room.

[landman 555]

9 hours ago, Native Horn said:

Roundabout $3,400.  Platinum Privilege Rooftop Pool room.

This is the only way to go.

[deft 6747]

We did the next down level at PA last year and I feel like it was pretty good deal in comparison thought the private dipping pool would be nice. We had 5 nights in one of the upper beach facing suites with the whole big deck hot tub shebang and it was right around $2400 I think.

We’re doing PVR and flying out on the 5th. If we decide to instead go next year back to IM, I’ll probably go rooftop with PA.

[wood 10904]

Heading back next month. Been seeing shit about a new FMMD - a digital tourist card. Their website is a bit difficult to follow and I've been googling around trying to find more info, but it's kinda a mess. Anyone know if I need to register and pay the tourist tax before arrival in Mx, or can we still just wait until we get there, or wait til we depart like we always have?

I got to the point in the process where I can pay the tax - $20.99 per passport, but I'm thinking I'll just wait, as most online comments I've seen say that they never had to show anything for departure.

Y'all had any experience with the new 'system'?

[Native Horn 3465]

5 minutes ago, wood said:

Heading back next month. Been seeing shit about a new FMMD - a digital tourist card. Their website is a bit difficult to follow and I've been googling around trying to find more info, but it's kinda a mess. Anyone know if I need to register and pay the tourist tax before arrival in Mx, or can we still just wait until we get there, or wait til we depart like we always have?

I got to the point in the process where I can pay the tax - $20.99 per passport, but I'm thinking I'll just wait, as most online comments I've seen say that they never had to show anything for departure.

Y'all had any experience with the new 'system'?

I paid this online before departing from AUS to Cancun.  You link it to your passport # when you pay it.  I was never asked anything else about it, so not sure if it is necessary.  

[wood 10904]

5 minutes ago, Native Horn said:

I paid this online before departing from AUS to Cancun.  You link it to your passport # when you pay it.  I was never asked anything else about it, so not sure if it is necessary.  

Thanks. Yeah that's exactly what I'm afraid of - paying and then never hearing about it again. I guess it might be better to just wait and see, then pay if they make us pay.

I just haven't been clear about whether or not I need to do the process before arrival.

[Native Horn 3465]

2 minutes ago, wood said:

Thanks. Yeah that's exactly what I'm afraid of - paying and then never hearing about it again. I guess it might be better to just wait and see, then pay if they make us pay.

I just haven't been clear about whether or not I need to do the process before arrival.

My girlfriend, who went with me on the trip (no pics), didn't pay it until  day of departure from Cancun. Nobody asked her about it either.

[rage-a-holic 4243]

46 minutes ago, wood said:

Heading back next month. Been seeing shit about a new FMMD - a digital tourist card. Their website is a bit difficult to follow and I've been googling around trying to find more info, but it's kinda a mess. Anyone know if I need to register and pay the tourist tax before arrival in Mx, or can we still just wait until we get there, or wait til we depart like we always have?

I got to the point in the process where I can pay the tax - $20.99 per passport, but I'm thinking I'll just wait, as most online comments I've seen say that they never had to show anything for departure.

Y'all had any experience with the new 'system'?

Mexico is doing away with the FMM cards. When you fly into Cancun, there should be little kiosks designated for tourists to scan your passport (if they're working that day) or someone will stamp your passport. I would avoid any website trying to sell you an FMMD.

[wood 10904]

5 minutes ago, rage-a-holic said:

Mexico is doing away with the FMM cards. When you fly into Cancun, there should be little kiosks designated for tourists to scan your passport (if they're working that day) or someone will stamp your passport. I would avoid any website trying to sell you an FMMD.

Cool, thanks. The new 'E-Gates" where you just scan your passport, right? Yeah I'm just gonna wait and do whatever I need to do when I get there. I'm guessing they're still charging a tax/fee when you depart. Is that right?

Edited June 27 by wood

[rage-a-holic 4243]

21 minutes ago, wood said:

Cool, thanks. The new 'E-Gates" where you just scan your passport, right? Yeah I'm just gonna wait and do whatever I need to do when I get there. I'm guessing they're still charging a tax/fee when you depart. Is that right?

Not sure how they charge the tax, someone that's flown into Cancun recently should be able to answer here (I have a residency card).

[landman 555]

Have been through Cancun 1-2 times a year for the last 5 years and have never paid any sort of fee or tax.  Have heard about it, but never have paid it ourselves.

[4th and 5 4903]

Never once paid and I’ve been there maybe 20 times, twice this year.

[VABuckeye 2472]

The only thing I know aobut the Cancun airport is the damned button you have to press.  Red means stop.  That still there?

[Native Horn 3465]

2 minutes ago, VABuckeye said:

The only thing I know aobut the Cancun airport is the damned button you have to press.  Red means stop.  That still there?

Not in the new-ish Terminal 4.

[rage-a-holic 4243]

1 hour ago, VABuckeye said:

The only thing I know aobut the Cancun airport is the damned button you have to press.  Red means stop.  That still there?

Mexico has pretty much junked that system. I don't think I've seen one anywhere in 3 years. Now it's just airport security that singles people out for bag inspection.

A good hack is to find a family with lots of bags and little kids. Start talking with them as you approach the guards so it looks like you're a part of their group. The guards hate searching big groups with little kids. 

[NeverMarryAStripper 21765]

When I first got my divorce, I traveled quite a bit with my kids to the Caribbean, they were 9 and 10 at the time.  We almost always got selected for bag inspection.

[rage-a-holic 4243]

21 minutes ago, NeverMarryAStripper said:

When I first got my divorce, I traveled quite a bit with my kids to the Caribbean, they were 9 and 10 at the time.  We almost always got selected for bag inspection.

what does that have to do with the Cancun airport?

[wood 10904]

Which one of y'all's boat is this?

https://riviera-maya-news.com/fast-response-not-fast-enough-to-save-burning-isla-mujeres-boat/2024.html

[Biff Tannen 45013]

I’m a mountain person, but yeah, this ain’t bad so far. 
 

 

[Gatorubet 29538]

On 4/24/2024 at 8:42 PM, Hate said:

It’s Mexico. Finding weed if you really need it is not a problem. Seriously.

I keep my headphones, my earbuds, my lightning chargers, my wall plugs in my Pax Era vape pen with the charging cord attached to it all in a clump in my carry-on bag.   The Pax vape batteries are rectangular and very inconspicuous, especially when attached to a power cord sitting in amongst all the other electronic stuff

I throw the little resin pod in my dopp kit with the razor, toothbrush, etc. 

I’ve carried that exact vape pen for three years all over the country to Mexico several times and a couple times to Europe.     I’ve never so much has had anyone look in my bag. 

Even though I’m going through the clear TSA pre-line I keep a gallon freezer bag with all the little 3 ounce lotions and mouthwash so that’s the first thing anyone would see. 

I prefer my vape pen to buy marijuana at one of the cigar places on Hidalgo. Were they always take me aside and ask if I want marijuana.

I’m pretty sure they know that if they start busting people for a joint then the number of Americans will go down there will drop - and they want our money.

[Gatorubet 29538]

good to be back at Playa Norte and two for one margaritas and Baja fish tacos.  The habanero sauce was some combination of painful and orgasmic.

[Biff Tannen 45013]

On 8/4/2024 at 12:10 AM, Gatorubet said:

I keep my headphones, my earbuds, my lightning chargers, my wall plugs in my Pax Era vape pen with the charging cord attached to it all in a clump in my carry-on bag.   The Pax vape batteries are rectangular and very inconspicuous, especially when attached to a power cord sitting in amongst all the other electronic stuff

I throw the little resin pod in my dopp kit with the razor, toothbrush, etc. 

I’ve carried that exact vape pen for three years all over the country to Mexico several times and a couple times to Europe.     I’ve never so much has had anyone look in my bag. 

Even though I’m going through the clear TSA pre-line I keep a gallon freezer bag with all the little 3 ounce lotions and mouthwash so that’s the first thing anyone would see. 

I prefer my vape pen to buy marijuana at one of the cigar places on Hidalgo. Were they always take me aside and ask if I want marijuana.

I’m pretty sure they know that if they start busting people for a joint then the number of Americans will go down there will drop - and they want our money.

Heard “hey man, you smoke weed?  You want the yayo?” multiple times this week. Had a good time overall, but eh, I’ll still take the mountains. And god damn, learn to take credit cards you cheap fucks. 

[Gatorubet 29538]

I have not run into Biff yet, so maybe he’s doing the all inclusive thing and not going down Hidalgo bar hopping with the commoners.

Man, it’s a bit off-putting to see all these technicals running around with machine guns and heavily armed military/police.    Maybe the QuintanaRoo cartel was feeling its oats and kidnapped a tourist here or something, but I do not recall ever seeing such a large armed presence on the island.  

I had the Pod Thai tonight at Asia Carib, and a really shitty old-fashioned. How can you not make an old-fashioned?  I have a suspicion they put club soda in it.   Some asshole bartender in Vegas was pissed I sent my old-fashioned back and went into this argumentative speech about the REAL old-fashioned used club soda.  I told him that 99.9% of the world expected a drink without club soda - see their drink menu - so next time you do something so beverage experimental, check with your customer first. 

My servers here were not assholes so I just finished it and tipped well. 

[Gatorubet 29538]

As I type this the Biffster posted.   if you can break away from your group, I’d love to buy you a drink or 10 - so feel free to send me a message. 

[Gatorubet 29538]

my last post before a shot a tequila and brother Indica puts me to bed:  Why did I put all of the Thai red peppers in the little bowl on my noodles tonight?  

Why haven’t I learned from the previous 300 times I’ve done this before? 

[VABuckeye 2472]

9 hours ago, Gatorubet said:

Man, it’s a bit off-putting to see all these technicals running around with machine guns and heavily armed military/police.  

First time in Mexico?  It's common there.

[Biff Tannen 45013]

9 hours ago, Gatorubet said:

As I type this the Biffster posted.   if you can break away from your group, I’d love to buy you a drink or 10 - so feel free to send me a message. 

I’m already back man. Left the day you arrived I think. Thanks for the offer though. 
 

We rented a beachfront house on the east side of the island, about midway down, so an easy $6 cab ride north or south.  Didn’t do the golf cart thing because of that. Too expensive and didn’t want to deal with parking. Hung out a couple times at Playa Norte (Maya and Guru). Also did the whale sharks, which was pretty rad. 
 

 

 

[Biff Tannen 45013]

18 minutes ago, VABuckeye said:

First time in Mexico?  It's common there.

I realized it was my first time back since I was 17 in Matamoros. I didn’t mind most of it, but was not prepared for the cash only mindset.  It just annoys me because I know they CAN do it, they just don’t want to.