Tag Archives: riviera maya
Daylight Saving Time in Cancun
Mexico observes Daylight Saving Time on a different schedule than the US and Canada. Also, different states within Mexico change their clocks on different days. Confusing? Let me help explain.
Starting in 2010, the border states of Mexico with the US change their clock the same as the US does. The Mexican cities and states are:
City, State
Acuna, Coahuila
Anahuac, Nuevo Leon
Juarez, Chihuahua
Matamoros, Tamaulipas
Mexicali, Baja California
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
Ojinaga, Chihuahua
Piedras Negras, Coahuila
Reynosa, Tamaulipas
Tijuana, Baja California
| US and Border States of Mexico | ||
| 2012 | 11 March 2012 | 4 November 2012 |
| 2013 | 10 March 2013 | 3 November 2013 |
| 2014 | 9 March 2014 | 2 November 2014 |
| 2015 | 8 March 2015 | 1 November 2015 |
This was done to facilitate the commerce between the US and the Mexican border states. Here in Cancun, for the 3 weeks between the time the US changes and we change, it is confusing and chaotic. Some travelers to Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a difficult time figuring out their flight times. Here in Cancun we are on Central Standard Time (CST), but for those 3 weeks between time changes we are an hour different.
Now, for the rest of Mexico, including Cancun and Riviera Maya.
| Cancun & Riviera Maya Mexico | ||
| 2012 | April 1 | October 28 |
| 2013 | April 7 | October 27 |
| 2014 | April 6 | October 26 |
| 2015 | April 5 | October 25 |
I hope this information helps you understand the Daylight Saving Time differences between the US and Mexico.
Newsy bits about Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Quintana Roo to host World Environment Day.
The festivities for World Environment Day this June 5th will take place on a great stage: the natural landscapes of Quintana Roo. The celebration will be televised to over 180 countries around the globe and according to the Environmental and Natural Resources Secretary, Juan Elvira, Quintana Roo has already prepared the richest natural habitats of Xcaret for the occasion. The scenic beauty of Quintana Roo during World Environment Day shall serve as an incentive to become aware and conscious of the effects global warming can have on the planet.
Plaza Forum: Much more than a great place for shopping
With the same festive spirit of Cancun, Plaza Forum transforms itself into an entertainment stage going beyond its commercial mission with permanent performances in the lobby and consolidating its place as a leading attraction for its visitors. Committed to the conservation of the environment and to the natural habitat of Cancun, Plaza Forum has also joined forces with Rainforest Cafe. Together, they will bring the children of Cancun the event “Healthy Planet”, as part of their responsibility of educating the new generation about taking care of the planet.
Cancun takes charge of continental boxing
Everyone awaits the participants of the First American Continental World Boxing Congress to take place in Cancun on June 3-7. Hundreds will restructure the 4 federations of this sport and will elect their new board of directors. The presence of Jose Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Confederation, at the hotels Royal in Cancun and Gran Caribe Real “where the conference will take place” will reaffirm Cancun as the Caribbean capital of emotions.
Amstar DMC Mexico receives award in Beijing
Amstar DMC Mexico’s work in promoting the country as a tourist destination for the Chinese was awarded the Bronze medal at the Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award Ceremony in 2009, under the “marketing” category. The award ceremony took place this past April in Beijing during the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market, organized by China Outbound Tourism Research Institute, in order to recognize the international tourism entities, that with its excellent products and services, stimulate the growth and development of the tourism market in this nation. This annual award, which started in 2004, reaffirms the leadership of Amstar DMC Mexico, specializing that every tourist entering the country has the opportunity to experience something unforgettable.
Cancun travels on wheels towards US cities
On June 23rd the Roadshow 2009 will roll into San Diego and Los Angeles for a two day visit courtesy of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau and Global Incentives Management, DMC. The participants will share banquets with groups of 30 to 40 meeting planners from each city, to which a mini-trade show with the participation of hotels and service providers to Cancun, will be placed. The show will be a multimedia presentation about the exclusive possibilities Cancun offers travelers and tourists.
Dolphins at the Pino Suarez subway station
Dolphins jump in the corridors of the Pino Suarez subway station, as travelers walk along a path of 14 display windows that the institute Via Delphi has put in place as part of the Investigation of Aquatic Mammals AC. The exposition, “Dolphins in the Subway”, gathers groups of dolphins in the most unimaginable places and is made possible through the support of System of Collective Transportation, and the Government of Mexico City, in order to surround the terrestrial tunnels with marine life, bringing users of the subway system the interesting existence of these intelligent and organized mammals.
Congress to contribute towards the progress of tourism industry education
Adding new academic resources for the development of professionals, collaborators, and university students that are competent and efficient for the tourism industry is the objective of the Second Human Capital Congress of the Mexican Caribbean, taking place on June 24th and 25th in the halls of the Cancun Center. With the participation of 18 specialists from the University of the Caribbean, University Anahuac of Cancun, and Interamericana University of Puerto Rico, as well as from entrepreneurs committed to the objectives of the event, this conference proposes to improve even more so the perfect, globally recognized hospitality industry of Quintana Roo and Mexico, that is already something to be proud of.
With thanks to the Cancun and Visitors bureau
Cancun and swine flu
This is a rough translation from today’s Novedades Q Roo. A Cancun news paper. Basically it says there are no reported cases of swine flu in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or the state of Quintana Roo.
There is a case of influenza, but not porcine Felix
April 28 2009 | 22:27
By Idalia Carrillo / SIPS
Chetumal, Q. Roo .- In Chetumal was the first case of influenza type-A ‘(stationary) in a patient 20 years old, said Gov. Félix González Canto, who noted that Quintana Roo is still free of swine flu.
He added that the 50 persons who were taken the sample, 32 have a negative test result within the State Health Laboratory.
At a press conference, Gonzalez Canto, confirmed that patients diagnosed with influenza type A was reported in the General Hospital of this city, but was discharged and therefore asked the citizens to maintain calm at this news “The patient is now at home in a recovery phase,” he said.
He said that the patient is receiving treatment with analgesics antitérmicos, without the supply of antiviral drugs.
He reiterated that so far no case of swine influenza in the state and potential of the 32 submitted, 31 have been dismissed as only one was positive with influenza type A seasonal.
But minutes later the head of the Sanitary Jurisdiction number one Toledo Arturo Miranda, revealed that the samples are analyzed for a total of 50 people, at least 18 more tests are underway at the Public Health Laboratory .
Accompanied by the secretary of Health, Azueta Juan Carlos Cardenas, the president said that the state quintanarroenses should be quiet and attentive to the information arising from the State Committee for Security in Health, to ensure that as much as Quintana Roo with 120 doses of specific antiviral to attack the swine flu, if it occurs.
Felt that this amount of dose is sufficient to meet an emergency and said it is verifying the effectiveness of this medicine.
First economic impact
He acknowledged that the sector is the first economic impact on several flights from Spain, Germany and other parts of Europe, and confirmed that the shipping company Carnival Corporation cruise arribarÃan canceled 12 to Quintana Roo, eight of which went to Cozumel.
He indicated that the estimates show an economic impact of one percent of Gross Domestic Product as a result of the ban on concentrations of more than 80 people in public places and tourist sites.
In this regard, the Governor said that the important thing now is to ensure the health of the population it does not give importance to the economic question, and post-contingency and if necessary, devise strategies for economic recovery.
He said that before the rumors of the presence of virus in Playa del Carmen, where the death of a person, the patient reported symptoms that are different from those of influenza. “There was no sign that the person had respiratory disease, had vomiting before dying, multiple organ failures, but there are elements in this moment to say that is related to the swine influenza,” he added.
Gonzalez Canto said that although no case of swine influenza, preventive actions should be taken more precise, why we were canceled every massive events.
“First there must be an emergency suspension of these activities, when the country is in stage four is to take strict and stringent measures in the state but have the status that no swine influenza virus,” he said.
Upcoming Events in Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Sacred Mayan journey 2009 crossing in Xcaret
Be a part of the… Sacred Mayan journey 2009… be a part of the history
May 21,22 and 23, 2009
The Journey is done in the traditional Mayan canoe, leaving from Polé, modern-day Xcaret, for the island of Cozumel, and returning to Playa del Carmen, the ancient port city of Xaman Há.
Twenty-five canoes are hand made using an ancient Mayan model and 300 oarsmen from the communities of Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen prepare with intense training.
The Crossing is a total of 50 kilometers (30 miles) roundtrip, which is some 5 to 6 hours of free rowing for each trip over the 420-meter deep Cozumel Channel. The south to north current running at 2 to 4 knots requires great physical strength and endurance to navigate, making for a risky crossing for the oarsmen.
The Sacred Journey project was born with the determination to, year by year, recover one of the most significant traditions of the ancient Mayan people of this region: The ritual crossing of the Channel to Cozumel to worship the goddess Ix Chel. Starting in 2007, this historical re-enactment seeks to revive interest in the Mayan civilization and strengthen the cultural ties of the area’s inhabitants.
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Cancun will host the 2009 “Juego de Estrellas” ( All Stars Game) of the Mexican Baseball League
Cancun, June 5th-7th, 2009 More info: tigresqr.com
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Eleventh Elizabeth Norman Sutton Charity Golf Tournament
June 8, 9 & 10 at Playa Mujeres Golf Club
The Eleventh Elizabeth Norman Sutton Charity Golf Tournament organized by Royal Resorts is scheduled to take place in Cancún, June 8 – 10 at the prestigious Playa Mujeres Golf Club. This annual event brings together amateur lady golfers from all over the Yucatán Peninsula and Mexico, the United States, Canada and Asia.
The tournament honors the memory of Elizabeth Sutton, wife of Richard D. Sutton, one of the Royal Resorts developers. A Cancún resident for 20 years, Mrs. Sutton was a keen golfer and philanthropist always looking for ways to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. After her death in 1998, her family and friends decided to found the Elizabeth Norman Sutton Charity Golf Tournament to support worthy causes in the Cancún area and to date more than $300,000 US has been donated to local charities and institutions. This year, $40,000 US will be donated through this event.
Donations have been given to organizations such as Instituto Quintanarroense de la Mujer, the Home for Abandoned Children, MESE Street Children Protection program and the Center for Victims of Domestic Violence. The principal beneficiaries in recent years have been the Cancún General Hospital and Grupo Desafio de Quintana Roo A.C. Cancer Awareness Program. The General Hospital has been able to purchase muchâ€needed equipment for the pediatrics, trauma and physiotherapy departments. Grupo Desafio has provided more than 4,100 free mammograms and 150 ultrasounds for women unable to afford these medical expenses.
This is the eleventh anniversary of this popular sporting event, which is now the second most important tournament of its kind in Mexico, and organizers expect to surpass last year’s record turnout. Local women, the majority of whom are from Cancún and Mérida, pit their skills against fellow Mexican players from the states of Queretaro, Tabasco, San Luis Potosà and Veracruz among others, the United States and international opponents such as Sophia Chung, the 2008 winner from South Korea.
The tournament is played according to the British Stableford Rules. Apart from the overall winner and the winners of Flight A, B, C and D categories, prizes are also awarded for the straightest drive, the longest drive and the closest to the pin registered for each day’s play.
Playa Mujeres Golf Club is an 18â€hole par 72 7,218 yard course located 20 minutes to the north of Cancún. Designed by Greg Norman, it is skillfully designed to test players. The setting is spectacular, with sweeping views of the mangroves and jungle, the Caribbean and the Chacmochuch Lagoon. Four holes overlook the beaches and several others have testing water hazards and bunkers. Colorful wildlife such as herons, ibis and even crocodiles are regularly spotted.
Playa Mujeres is also the first Mexican golf course to be endorsed by the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWG).
Players can register for the tournament and book accommodation by calling: 1â€800 930â€5050 ext. 2504 in the US and Canada or 01â€800 712â€0544 in Mexico. Eâ€mail: golftournament@royalresorts.com Check www.suttoncharitygolf.com for tournament updates. All entries must be received by May 31, 2009.
Thinking about living in Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
Medical Insurance for Expatriates
Robert H. Page, MD and Curtis P. Page, MD are authors of the MEXICO: Health and Safety Travel Guide and the Healthy Traveler Regional Series. For more information visit medtogo.com
Needless to say, the Mayan Riviera is rapidly becoming a magnet for a growing number of offshore retirees looking for their own share of paradise. But even in paradise, planning for possible major medical expenses must be taken as seriously as it would back home.
Many expats think that moving in with their health policy from home is enough. After all, any major medical situation could be treated back there and the local system would be exclusively for “minor†issues. This logic works fine as long as a “major medical issue†actually permits traveling back to your home country for treatment. In most cases that is simply not recommendable, if not impossible.
Ok, so your health insurance policy covers international “emergency†claims and you are aware that the Mayan Riviera is finally being brought up to world standards regarding hospital services. But, what does “international coverage†really mean? Sometimes it is a reimbursement cover (e.g. you pay first and then the insurance company pays you) capped up to a relatively small amount. Sometimes, it is a cover for “network†hospitals. In these cases, out-of-network facilities usually imply important limitations in cover. Are the local hospitals members of your policy’s network? What are your policy’s policies regarding international events? Are air ambulance services included in your plan?
If answering these questions does not leave you a good impression of your once-beloved health policy, it does not mean that it is a bad one. It just indicates that it has been designed for your country’s local market. And yes, Mexico is cheaper than home…but receiving emergency medical attention at one of Mexico’s top hospitals will not be easy on the pocket.
The ideal solution does not entail that you purchase a brand new policy better adapted for Mexico: proper health care does not come cheap in Mexico, neither do health policies. Thus, doing so will only mean that you will be paying twice as much for health coverage.
Ideally, your current plan should be complemented with an INTERNATIONAL HEALTH POLICY that works as a “top-up†cover (after a certain amount, usually 10,000 to 20,000 USD, have been spent on your “basic†plan, which makes this option very reasonably priced). International health policies are those that offer similar services regardless of where the claim is taking place, even home! They also include air ambulance services should evacuation become medically necessary.
Obviously, for those without any cover, these policies can be purchased with lower deductibles (e.g. 250 to 5000 USD) that will make them very useful both here and at home (or anywhere your travels take you). If you are someone who visits for relatively short periods (e.g. up to 3 months), you may want to consider getting a TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY. Good travel insurance plans must make direct payments to hospitals worldwide and not rely too much on networks (who will decide where to go in an emergency?).
Your best bet is to contact a local insurance agent. He or she should be able to assess your needs and recommend you the most appropriate alternatives according to your budget and lifestyle.
More Health & Safety Articles are available at CancunMX.com
Delphinus welcomes 2009 with 11 new baby dolphins
•Worldwide record number of births.
•Second record: 100% de survival of the 11 pups born.
•It has been confirmed that 11 females are pregnant and will be giving birth in 2009
Delphinus, the chain of dolphinariums, closes 2008 with an unprecedented number of births in the industry of dolphin aquariums in the world: 11 successful births throughout 2008 and the dolphin pups are in great health so far. The births took place in January, February, March, April, September, November and, on December 5th. the last male dolphin expected for this season was born, attaining a
100% survival of the calves born in 2008 marking an unprecedented number among dolphinariums and aquariums in the whole world.
Francisco Cordova Lira mentioned in a press conference that “this is the realization of our company’s sustainability philosophy because we are ensuring that future generations will have the same opportunity we have to live with a marine species such as dolphins and, in contact with them we can evaluate our role in the conservation of each form of life in our planet. We congratulate ourselves that
the capture of wild dolphins is prohibited and that the breeding of dolphins is the only way that a company like ours can be expanded and offer this opportunity to the public. Actually, I can confirm that we have 11 pregnant females and we expect them to give birth in the fall of 2009… “ said proudly Francisco Cordova, Chief Executive of Delphinus and President of Instituto Via Delphi para la Investigación de los MamÃferos Acuáticos, AC. (Via Delphi Institute for the Investigation of Marine Mammals).
Interesting information regarding the dolphins’ breeding program:
• Delphinus veterinary team monitors the ideal moment for dolphin females ovulation using ultrasound.
• Breeding groups are formed with receptive males and females for mating.
• 2 months after fertilization, veterinaries confirm the pregnancy using ultrasound, which will last 12 months of gestation.
• During pregnancy, veterinaries enrich the pregnant female diet with vitamins and other supplements to achieve the best possible development of the future calf.
• As of the tenth month, pregnant females stop interacting with the visitors and wait for the moment of birth under their veterinaries’ supervision.
• Birth lasts 45 minutes in average, from the moment the dolphin’s tail fin shows until the little one breaths for the first time.
• Once the dolphin has been born, the mother will last between 6 to 8 hours to push the placenta out. Regularly, the calves are not breastfed until this occurs. The pup weighs 14 kilograms in average at birth.
• At birth, dolphin pups have little hairs similar to dogs or cats whiskers. It is thought that these
hairs are tactile, because they help them find their mothers breasts to get the their milk.
• The pup must be breastfed before 14 hours to receive the colostrum, the first nutrient-rich milk, but mainly, rich in maternal antibodies that will help fight the viruses and bacteria present in its environment.
• In order to ensure the pup’s healthy development, it remains next to the mother until the age of 2, in spite of the fact that at this age it is almost the size of an adult dolphin. This contact is
fundamental, since the mother will teach the calf everything it needs to know in order to survive in the ocean. In the case of dolphins in bordered natural environments, such as the case of Delphinus, the calf will learn faster through the mother’s example the husbandry behaviors for the care of its health as well as for the interaction with human beings.
In order to match a dolphin’s birth video, visit: http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=sbqlb3QlFI0
Delphinus, a 100% Mexican company, leader in creating experiences with dolphins and example of sustainability for the whole world.
With Gracias to the Cancun Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Book Delphinus for Dreams Cancun, Xel Ha, or the Riviera Maya with Susan in Cancun susanincancun@cancunandrivieramaya.com and recieve 10% Off!
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2008
The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival will be held November 27-29, 2008 at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.
This year’s performers are:
November 27: Pepe Moran, Beaujean Project, Aguamala, and Hector Infanzon
November 28: Iraida Noriega, Earl Klugh, and David Sanborn
November 29: Luca Littera, Sacbe, Billy Cobham, and Fourplay
Performances begin nightly at 8pm. Admission is FREE!
Mamitas Beach Club
Calle 28 Norte, Manzana 10, Lote 8
Entre Zona Maritima y 5ta Avenida
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
For more information, please contact Mamitas Beach Club at +52 (984) 803-2867, or visit the official website for Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2008.
2009 Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotel Rates now available
If you are looking to book a Hotel, Susan in Cancun and I can help you. If you have anything in particular you would like to check, you may ask here or via e-mail. We have Very Favorable rates for the Palace Resorts. 
Also, through our Mexican Partners International Travel Consultants, we have rates for all localities in Mexico and Guatemala.
Keep in mind, our rates Always include IVA Tax. Sometimes on the internet you’ll see great rates, but just before you book, 12% is added on for taxes.
Additionally, for Cancun we offer the CanDo Cancun Map & Guide, the 2 for 1 Cancun Dining Card, and 50% offf Round Trip Airport transfers. Tim
Grand Coco Bay Playa del Carmen Promotion
Located just 30 miles south of Cancun, Grand Coco Bay is the perfect compliment to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of this world renowned tropical paradise. Nestled on a lengthy stretch of beach, just a short walk from the picturesque town of Playa del Carmen, you will enjoy our personalized service, the privacy you desire in a resort destination and the entertainment of one of the best night life’s the Mayan Riviera has to offer.
$ 113.00 USD PER SINGLE ROOM PER NIGHT IN AN ALL INCLUSIVE PLAN
$ 150.00 USD PER DOUBLE ROOM PER NIGHT IN AN ALL INCLUSIVE PLAN
$ 219.00 USD PER TRIPLE ROOM PER NIGHT IN AN ALL INCLUSIVE PLAN
2 MINORS UP TO 12 YEARS FREE OF CHARGE SHARING THE ROOM WITH THEIR PARENTS
BOOK RESERVATIONS PERIOD: OCTOBER 1 TO NOVEMBER 15, 2008
TRAVEL PERIOD: NOVEMBER 01 TO DECEMBER 13, 2008
PROMOTION CODE: CVI07
Please contact Susan in Cancun for Reservations www.cancunblog.info
Please remember, all our prices Include all taxes and fees. The price you see is the price you get.
New on Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Forecast for the Riviera Maya including Sunrise, Sunset, and Moon Phase
Check it out: Click here. Tim
