New Security Measures for Isla Mujeres Ferry System

Be prepared for “red light/green light” security procedures prior to boarding the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  Starting April 1, 2019, passengers will be subject to a random search of their belongings using the antiquated system once very popular at the Cancun airport–push the button and get a red light, your belongings are searched prior to boarding.  Get a green light you are good to go.  Authorities are contemplating using the same procedure when taking the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Cancun.

Colectivos Becoming Unsafe?

Use caution when choosing to take a colectivo/combi in the Riviera Maya; there has been a recent report of a robbery of a driver/passengers in the route from PDC to Puerto Aventuras on a Saturday night around 9:15 p.m.  Three individuals reportedly stopped the vehicle on the pretense of wanting transportation, got inside, then threatened to use force/guns if valuables including cell phones/purses, etc. were not handed over.  The robbers got away, so if they were successful once they may decide to do the same crime again.  Others may also see this as a quick way to make money and follow suit.

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VIP Fleet Added to Compete With Uber

Cancun’s Union of Taxi Drivers has started their own private transportation service called VIP Fleet.  It is meant to compete with Uber which recently began services in the Cancun area.  VIP Fleet will be using digitally metered vehicles and will be charging by time and distance rather than mileage or artificially inflated rates.  A “user fee” of 15 pesos will automatically be added to every fare.  All vehicles used are 5 yrs. old or less, have A/C, and are supposedly in excellent condition.

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Akumal Road Blockade?

I just came back from Akumal the first part of December and did not encounter this, but word has it that the beach access road into Akumal has been blocked due to a protest which is currently going on. The protest is being staged by locals who are against the new proposal to charge a fee (USD $12 p/p) to enter the beach area.  This is interfering both with tourists who are staying elsewhere and want to snorkel at Akumal Bay and with those who are staying in the area in a condo or other rental.  Check back for updates!  In the meantime, here is a link to an article which explains a bit more about the situation.

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ADO Bus to Tulum a Great Way to Save Some Extra Cash on Your Mexico Vacation

During my recent stay at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya , I decided that I wanted to be more adventurous this trip AND save money, so I took the ADO public bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum to see the ruins.  ADO’s are “first class” buses in Mexico and very comparable to American Greyhound buses with comfortable seats, strong A/C, an on-board bathroom, and small movie screens to help pass the time; however, programming is in Spanish.  There are two ADO terminals in Playa, 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez which is right downtown, and the other is at 12th Avenue and Calle. 14 which is further north in town.  From my prior research on the Trip Advisor Playa del Carmen forum, 5th Ave. and Benito Juarez sounded like my best departure point to get to Tulum, so I took a quick cab to Playa from the resort (USD $6).

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