If you will be taking an ADO bus anywhere in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, make sure to bring your ID. Due to the flow of migrants from central American countries throughout Mexico, identification is now required prior to boarding. If you don’t have an ID, you will not be allowed to take this type of transportation throughout the area.
Want the typically cheaper option of Uber while in Cancun? This transportation service will once again be available starting June 6, 2019 after being suspended for over a year. While a Mexican federal court ruling is responsible for its reinstatement, cab drivers and their representatives vow that the fight is not over, so Uber availability may once again change. Don’t be surprised to see more blockades and physical resistance by the local cab drivers.
Typical crowds at the Crash My Playa events, courtesy Crash My Playa
What is sargassum?
Although my first response to this question is “irritating and a potential vacation disaster for beach lovers”, here’s a scientific explanation to the phenomena we all hate to see when we visit Cancun/Riviera Maya. Hope this helps answer questions about where it comes from.
Jungala Luxury Waterpark
I found a FB (Facebook) page which gives satellite information on the sargassum situation in Cancun/Riviera Maya. Given the satellite pics, there is a huge amount of brown algae headed into the Riviera Maya area in the next few days. If you want to keep track of this type of information, you will need access to Facebook. In the FB search box/bar, type in Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancún. Hope this helps for those of you wanting into about the algae situation prior to your vacation.
Here’s a new map of the Barceló Maya Grand Resort with the addition of the new adults-only section (Barceló Maya Riviera) which is scheduled to open Dec. 2019. 850 rooms, four pools, five restaurants, five bars, a new convention center, plus access to the rest of the entire resort. I’m going late Feb. 2020 and staying in a swim-up suite–can’t wait to see it and the rest of this great resort. I have my favorite hangouts which I discovered on my trip here July 2018, and looking forward to adding more favorites to my list!
I found a very helpful blog, Two Expats Mexico, which is chock full of great info. Here’s a video they put out on how to avoid being scammed while visiting Mexico–I thought it gave some very necessary reminders. What do you think about the info Paul presented?
Grupo Xcaret officially opened its newest park, Xavage, April 15, 2019. It is located approximately 5-10 min. south of the Cancun airport and is intended for ages 5 and up. The park includes six major activities including kayaking (Crocodile), an intense ropes course (Howler Monkey), zipline (Hawk), fast jet boats with wild careening turns of up to 180 degrees (Dragonfly), white water rafting (Barracuda), and an SUV/large jeep traversing various obstacles (Puma).
Ultramar Ferry, courtesy visitroo.com