Riviera Maya – this portion of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula was once a collection of small fishing villages. Starting from Puerto Morelos at the north and stretching south all the way to Punta Allen. It is perhaps one of the most visited tourist destination amongst avid travelers visiting the western Caribbean Sea. This hot spot offers the perfect amalgamation of cultural experiences, shopping, dive opportunities and last but not least, adventure. Scuba diving in Riviera Maya is popular amongst the amateurs as well as the hardcore scuba divers and landlubbers alike. For cave divers, this region is legendary, but everyone can explore some of the light beam-filled caverns in Riviera Maya. Whether it's nightlife, scuba diving, or quiet tranquil beaches, Riviera Maya has something for everyone.
Riviera Maya is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Parallel to the coast, you find the Mesoamerican Reef, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, and after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia the longest on the planet. With the island of Cozumel at a stone’s throw, you can imagine what a great dive destination Riviera Maya is! Here are three items that are always important to inspect prior to your scuba diving in Riviera Maya.
1.SKILL #1: CHECK TANK VALVES – When you and your scuba partner have geared up, check with your dive master whether or not you have put on your gear correctly. When your partner lifts one leg in figure 4 to put on a fin, it is always polite to hold his or her tank valve with one hand to steady them and at the same time check that the valve is fully open. With your other hand, you can grab the boat railing for support. Then your partner can grab and check your tank valve while you put on your fins. This keeps both of you steadier, reminds both of you to open your tank valves fully without wasting any of your precious dive time.
2.SKILL #2:DOUBLE YOUR GAUGE CHECKS – Once in water, many of us don't check our gauges. By far the most common cause of low-air or out-of-air emergencies is simply the failure to check gauges often. Whenever you think of checking your gauges, signal your buddy also to check the same and vice versa. Whenever the two of you make eye contact, for whatever reason, let that be a reminder to check gauges. Whenever you notice anyone checking gauges, check yours. It costs nothing but only a few seconds!!
3.SKILL #3: PRACTICE STOPPING YOUR ASCENT – While ascending the only skill many divers never master is Buoyancy Control (BC). As a result, most of them ascend more quickly than the recommended 30 feet per minute. Many divers are unable to control their ascent rate at all even when slow ascent is most important. To keep your ascent rate in control follow the below-mentioned tips:
• Pause Before You Begin To Ascent: If you reach on time, check the gauges, establish neutral buoyancy. Check the gear. Ensure that cameras, lights, etc. are clipped in or otherwise put away.
• Keep a check over you and your buddy's ascent. As you both begin to ascend, not only monitor your own ascent rate indicator and control but also keep a check over your buddy's ascent rate. If he starts rising above you, tug his fin as a gentle reminder to slow down. Your buddy should also follow the same.
How To Ascend Slowly?
1. Prior initiating your ascent, establish neutral buoyancy.
2. Kick start your ascent not by adding air to your BC but by kicking to overcome neutral buoyancy.
3. Always keep the ascent indicator in plain sight by keeping your one hand free so as to hold it in front of you throughout the ascending journey.
4. As you ascend, ensure that you and your buddy look over each other's shoulders so that you can enjoy a 360-degree view of your surroundings.
5. Remember that if you are at deeper depths and are wearing a thicker dive suit, the suit will compress as you go deeper which decreases buoyancy. When coming up, you may have to let air out of your BC in order to maintain a neutral buoyancy.
No doubt the team of experts on your private dive yacht charter will be there to help you have the best experience of scuba diving in Riviera Maya, but, when you are participating in an even, you should also be aware of all the important items relating to a great dive. Keep these tips in your mind when you go on your next scuba diving vacation in Riviera Maya.
