Theme: The Adventure Tour of Mexico Country: Mexico Languages: English & Spanish Unit of Currency: Mexican Pesos Locations: Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum Year: 2017 Bucket list: Swimming with whale sharks
Join Me in Mexico!
This adventure tour is starting in July! There is only 1 exclusive tour date! After having an incredible time during my travels in Mexico, participating in a motorcycle side-car trip, venturing around Central America, and integrating with cultures and marine life all over the world, I am stoked to come back to Mexico!
Since this is a tour focused on adrenaline, education, and conservation, only biodegradable suntan lotion may be worn! I will have a supply myself and could easy provide when in need; however, there will be stores where biodegradable specified suntan lotion may be purchased. We want to continue the beauty of Mexico and its inhabitants, especially the whale sharks and sea turtles that we will encounter on these expeditions!
Exclusive Offers:
1st offer: Refer your friends/family and once they book with my tour company, International Travelingmarinebiologist, I will give you $50 USD for each person that has booked and paid for the tour! This compensation will be paid 5 days after that particular tour that is referred is finished.
2nd offer: The individual with the most referrals (8+) gets a free adventure tour of his/her choice!
Official Tour Dates:
July 10th-July 17th (8 days)
July 18th-July 25th (8 days)
July 26th-August 2nd (8 days)
The Adventure Tour of Mexico kicks off with its first tour on July 10th with 8 days packed of adrenaline, conservation, education, and loads of fun! For my personal world tour, “The Voyage of Discovery” it highlights all the above, and I am stoked to bring these elements into hosting my own group tour!
Route: Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, & Tulum!
Day 1
Everyone will arrive Monday in Cancun, Mexico, where we will meet at hostel Quetzal (or hostel of my choice). Hostel Quetzal does fill up quickly! If Hostel Quetzal is unavailable for our tour dates, we will be staying in another hostel and I will let you know which hostel that will be at the time of the booking.
After getting settled in, we will have a very chill and relaxed meet and greet session, with dinner and drinks.
Day 2
Whale sharks anyone?!? This is perhaps one of the coolest excursions that Mexico has to offer! After breakfast at the hostel, we will head to the dock where our 0700 boats awaits. I cannot stress enough how amazing this whale shark expedition really is!
For the next few hours, we will be snorkeling and swimming with some of the biggest giants in the sea! Whale sharks! This happens to be migration season, so be prepared for incredible encounters! The best months to go on this expedition is from June-August! Lucky for us, we will be there when whale sharks populate the ocean!
Being a Marine Biologist, we will respect these creatures and certainly watch out for their tail when they are moving through the water! Abruptly, whale sharks are known to quickly maneuver to the left or right and swing their tail forcibly behind them! I will be making sure that NO ONE gets hurt!
Day 3
A tour to Mexico would not be complete with visiting Mayan ruins! We will be going to Tulum to spend a full-day tour exploring this magnificent landmark from both land and water! The Caribbean’s turquoise blue ocean welcomes our arrival!
After taking in Tulum’s views from shore, we will board a motorboat and snorkel the reefs nearby. These reefs are filled with colorful tropical fish, corals, rock formations, sea turtles, stingrays, and remarkable clear visibility! It is the Caribbean! ;)
To end this full-day tour, we will travel to the Yucatan and snorkel in a cenote, engulfed with thousands of stalagmites and stalactites!
Day 4
Cancun itself as a lot to offer! This day we will spend the day exploring Cancun and Isla Mujeres! Cancun has always been one of my favorite beach destinations – from the souvenirs, to the white sand beaches, to the ice cold beers, blue tranquil waters, etc.
We will get a Catamaran and check out Isla Mujeres! Do not be surprised if we see whale sharks on our way to the island! Also on the agenda: snorkeling!
Day 5
Most of you know that I am a Marine Biologist and Marine Mammal Scientist! Today’s excursion will give you an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a Marine Biologist and Marine Mammal Scientist! Here, we will snorkel, research, and discover 3 of the world’s 7 sea turtle species on the Sea Turtle Exploration tour!
Day 6
We will be headed to Playa del Carmen! There’s even a “surprise” event that I have planned and will be a fantastic wrap up to a very adrenaline-filled holiday!
Day 7
Our holiday has sadly come to an end, but I have a feeling that many of you will be back to explore more of what Mexico has to offer! Here we will depart from Cancun to catch our flights out of Cancun International Airport. For those of that want to stay longer or travel more in Central America, I can certainly help with any planning that you may need!
Included in the Tour:
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- All accommodations
- All meals, breakfast and dinner – most lunches are included with excursions
- Transportation costs – boat, bus, and shuttle
- Whale shark expedition, cenote snorkeling, catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres, Tulum full-day tour, and beach days
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Not Included in the Tour:
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- Flights – I suggest going on cheapflights.com to find the best deals
- Visas on arrival and fees for departure
- Alcohol
- Souvenirs
- Travel Insurance – As mentioned below, this is part of the requirements for these tours
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Recommendations:
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- Mosquito repellent (DEET is best)
- Suntan lotion – MUST be biodegradable!
- Shower shoes
- Dry towel (perfect for a bath towel)
- Comfortable sneakers (for adrenaline activities and exploring Mayan ruins) and flip flops (to put on after snorkeling excursions)
- Carry on-sized luggage (smaller luggage is better for modes of transportation)
- Small flashlight (Always come in handy)
- Sense of adventure
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Requirements:
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- Travel insurance – I recommend World Nomads, they have great plans including an explorer package! You can even secure insurance on your personal belongings! Please provide proof of insurance on your arrival.
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Tour Prices:
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- $1300 USD- Deposit of $650 USD is due to book a spot on tour, and an additional $650 USD is due 5 days before the tour starts. If you are part of my very own “World Adventurers” Facebook group and my mate’s Tommy’s “Backpacking Central America” Facebook group, you will get a discount of $100 off the tour. This service is through Paypal. Important: If you are unable to make the tour date, then we can discuss a partial refund, full refund, or other options. Please refer to the Q&A portion of this post.
- Book through PayPal, select the payment and date of the tour, and then you will receive an invoice with your order.
- Email my personal account – jrbenford0518@gmail.com (0518 are all numbers) and we can discuss further payment.
- Leave a comment to this tour page, but please remember to email me so that I have your email address for my records.
- Message any of my social media platforms – Facebook and Twitter are best.
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Questions & Answers for the Tours:
- Is this the right tour for me?
If you have a keen sense of adventure, adrenaline, conservation, education, and fun then this is the absolute best way to go! It is encouraged to be over 18, and is suitable for a first time traveler, a world traveler (like myself), or one that has completed a handful of trips.
- Am I tour group material?
I will admit that I was part of my first group tour in March of 2015 traveling in El Salvador and Guatemala. I love meeting new people, sharing common interests with others, and above all else, exploring foods & cultures. I was nervous at first to join a group tour, but realized that on occasion, it is nice to travel with others and not plan my own itinerary. My experience after the tour is what has led me for the past year contemplating to run my own tour groups around the world. I love educating others and am a huge adrenaline junkie. I hope that my tours will persuade you in either trying your own first tour group out for size or adding another tour group to your CV.
- The total amount of people in the tour?
The tour will consist of no more than 11 people, 12 including myself. All modes of transportation can hold up to this amount, with luggage, so I wanted to keep the groups personal and small enough to fit into a pub.
- You mentioned adrenaline activities, what is the proper attire for this?
The best gear to wear for adrenaline activities are sneakers (able to hike in), non-tight fitting shorts, capris, or pants, and shirts (I recommend button down shirts that have mosquito repellent built into them). As an advocate for anything travel related that you can purchase, try REI for dry towels, mosquito repellent, clothes, shoes, flashlights, etc.
- Is it best to carry credit cards, ATM card, or cash?
After traveling around the globe, I find myself carrying all 3 methods of payment. In Mexico, there are ATM’s, please remember to let your bank know that you are traveling outside the country, along with the dates, and the locations where you will be at. Some places will take American dollars, while others only want Mexican pesos. And other places will take cards.
- What is the climate in Mexico?
The weather is going to be hot, sunny, and anxiously awaiting your favorite tank tops, board shorts & flip flops. Mexico is known for its quick rain showers throughout the spring and summer months. At night, it is best to bring a long pair of pants and a long sleeved tee for cooler evenings.
- What if I have an emergency and cannot make the tour?
As soon as you notify me of an emergency situation and/or that you cannot make the tour, then depending on the date you can get a partial or full refund.
- What other tours are you planning this year?
As I just finished my first official tour last month in Costa Rica, I cannot tell you how stoked I am to host this adventure tour in Mexico! And, with my love for Central America, I am definitely in the process of planning more trips within this region. Spoiler alert: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica (more destinations for adrenaline)!
- What qualifies you as an expert in Central American travels?
I have spent the last 7 years touring the world. I always find myself submerging, plummeting, diving, abseiling, hiking, etc. into the vastness of Central America’s jungles, lakes, and oceans. In between my career as a Marine Mammal Scientist and my own world tour of driving my Jeep around the world, “The Voyage of Discovery,” I have made time to explore many of Central America’s countries and cultures. From the conservation projects I worked in Guatemala and Costa Rica, to the adrenaline activities all within this region, and the educational lessons that were taught to children in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, my love affair for Central America is deeper than I had ever envisioned. Central America is the perfect hub for sunshine, molding great friendships, eating local foods, breathing in the wildlife and beauty of each region, and overall just having a brilliant time exploring each country. I will admit, the only country that I have not visited is Panama. I hope to change that soon!
- What to expect with the whale shark tour?
Having completed this excursion myself, I found it something like I have never done! As stated above, we do need to respect these gentle giants and keep a safe distance from them and their tails. You will have the opportunity to swim next to them safely and comfortably. Anytime you feel that you are getting to close, stop swimming – this will allow them to swim past you, which then you can head towards the boat or watch them from a more comfortable distance. This experience is unlike any other! With the tour in July, we are in their main migration month, which should include many whale sharks in the area! If you are too afraid to jump in the water with them, you can remain on the boat. In addition, if you want to get in the water slowly, I can help a handful of tour members each get in at their own pace. The most important thing is your safety!
Zika Virus Update:
- After all these years of traveling and not running a tour company, why are you doing so now?
- The Zika virus is obviously an issue, how are you equipped to handle this virus during your travels?
The Zika virus is the newest public health threat, especially to pregnant woman. I am advising women who want to be pregnant this year, or are already to pregnant to NOT join my tour. Central America is vast with jungles, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and cities. From my personal travels, I always get bitten – ask any of my good mates that have ever traveled with me! After working and trekking around Africa for several years, I was on a Malarone fix. The truth is that the symptoms are horrible, but getting malaria is not something that I particularly want. With that being said, I have never gotten malaria or any diseases from mosquito, because I have a few simple rules that I follow. The prevention methods, in my opinion, that works best:
A) Deet – it is very strong, but it fully does its purpose. My recommendation is 95-100%, and this works best. When applying deet or any kind of mosquito repellant, always place it over your clothing, squirt at the cuffs of your pant legs, and ALWAYS avoid eyes and mouth. This process takes if going slow, 10 minutes. It still amazes when I met travelers on jungle paths and/or next to waterfalls and they do not have any mosquito repellant on. It is better to be safe than sorry! Mosquito bites itch like crazy, believe me, before I was that traveler who did not put on mosquito repellant. After 500+ bites and days worth of headaches and itching, I soon realized that that I need to be more cautious (and travel savy).
B) Long-sleeved mosquito repellent clothing – I cannot tell you how many of these long-sleeve shirts and long pants I have stashed away in my drawers at home, but needless to say, there is an incredible variety, ranging from colors and thickness. There’s even long-sleeved shirts (I have a few) that come with mosquito repellent and SPF 50. These long-sleeved shirts and pants are perfect for hiking, adrenaline activities, night out, etc. I am a huge advocate for mosquito repellant clothing, because you never know when you’re going to be partying on an infested island of mosquitoes!
C) Avoiding being outside at dusk – Every entomologist will tell you that this is the worst time to be outside, when traveling in mosquito areas. Once the sun goes down and the breeze calms, then this is the time that the female mosquito is the most active. I avoid being outside at dusk like the plague, and always make sure that if I do want to be a rebel and head outside, that I deet up, grab a long-sleeved shirt, put on pants, deet one last time, put on sneakers with long socks, and venture out. I cannot promise that my tour members will not get the virus, but I can reassure you that the prevention methods that I have mentioned really do work! I have been all over the world and have never gotten a virus/disease from mosquitos!
- Why should I join you in Mexico?
I could give you a million and one reasons why you should join me on this adventure tour; however, I believe that a photograph is worth a thousand words. Here are a handful of photographs for persuasion!
Here’s a look at your guide exploring the Best of Mexico:
I never knew whale sharks could be experienced off the Cancun side of Mexico, so this post was very informative. I’ve been wanting to do such an excursion for q while now!
Hello Bruce! Great to hear from you! Thank you for stopping by! Glad that this post was enlightening! I urge you to come along for the adventure! Whale sharks main migration in Mexico is from June-August!
Rumor has it if you snorkel/swim with whale sharks, once you jump out of the water instead of drying off, place a UV black light close to your body and enjoy all the microorganisms! Absolutely incredible to see! *Jessica
This looks like it’s going to be so much fun – love all of the photos!
Thank you Jessica! Definitely join one of my adventure tours! Safe travels in the meantime! P.S. I will let you know when I am in Toronto for my Jeep world tour, “The Voyage of Discovery!” Would love to meet up! *Jessica
This sounds incredible. My adventurer is away for the next three months but perhaps we can catch a different trip.
Hello Elise! Thank you for checking out the post! Would love to have you and your adventurer along for a tour! Enjoy your summer! *Jessica
Amazing adventures what you organize! Beautiful pictures and sites, I hope i could join in the future one of these trips.
Much love Jessica from Morocco /Switzerland.
Ali
Thank you Ali! I appreciate the positive feedback! Would love for you to come along on one of my adventure tours! Safe travels! *Jessica