Desire Resort & Spa - Riviera Maya: Federal Water Sports Fee

UPDATE – MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN CANCUN – RIVIERA MAYA

To protect the quality of environmentally sensitive Marine Protected Areas (MPA), the Mexican government has instituted Article 198. This Federal law requires anyone (exemptions: guests over 60 and the disabled) using recreational or sports activities in or near these protected areas to pay a fee, which are earmarked for the continued protection of these natural attractions.

A $2.00 USD per person/day/site will be charged to visit or use each MPA. This fee may be paid to either a tour service provider or directly to the Protected Area.

The Reef located by Desire Resort & Spa - a Lifestyles experience is a designated MPA. All guests who use snorkel equipment, kayaks, windsurfers, Hobbie Cats, etc. are obligated to pay this fee and must wear a bracelet to serve as proof that they have paid.

Bracelets may be purchased at Desire's Sports and Activities Desk located by the Main Pool. We thank you in advance for your compliance.

Q & A

1.      Are the bracelets multi location and sport. Or are they each confined to a specific location and sport.

 

The Bracelets apply for the following:  For tourism, sports and recreational activities such as cycling, horse back riding, rappel, mountaineering, hiking, high mountain activities, camping, bird-watching, flora and fauna observation, guided and non-guided tours, use of kayaks, rowboats, snorkeling, motorboats and trips in motorized vehicles. The following marine areas charge a fee in the zone of Q.Roo: Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, The Reef of Puerto Morelos, Cozumel Reefs.

 

 2.      IE If I go diving in the morning, will I need a new bracelet to go snorkeling or kayaking in the afternoon?

 

     The bracelets sold for snorkeling, are the same in this area.  You will not need to purchase a new bracelet for the same day!

 

 

3.      If we go to Xel Ha, will we be able to use the same bracelet there and at Desires? 

       

     Yes, the bracelets apply for all the protected areas.

 

 

4. Will we need to get a new bracelet each day? Or on arrival can we pay the $12 for 6 bracelets for the 6 day's we'll be there.

 

The bracelets are good per day, $2 US per person.  You can of course purchase one each day or pay all together for your whole stay.


5. An additional water sport question. Is there someplace at Desire to soak our dive gear? We plan to do several days diving while we're there. I suspect our BCD's and wet suit may start to turn ripe. Though we'll be bringing something to combat the stink; we'll need something to soak the gear in. And I understand you have showers not tubs.

 

The sports and entertainment team can accommodate this request.  We can find a suitable place to soak your wet suits if you do not find somewhere to do this.