OUR WORLD

Excellent snorkeling begins after 30 steps from the casa to the water's edge, then 150 feet from our shore to a wonderful coral head, with a path leading the way. You will encounter an abundance of sea life and numerous coral heads dotting the inside of the reef. The barrier reef calms the ocean so the 500 foot distance to the reef becomes a nursery for many fish and makes for stress free snorkeling and swimming. Within a hundred swimming strokes, you are close to the reef where shark, sea turtles, sting rays, and other exciting sea creatures have been spotted.

We live in a protected National Park and want to live in harmony with this fragile environment. As part of the park, regulations exist to sustain this ecosystem for the future. Current regulations are in our information booklet.

Visitors are required to purchase daily wrist bands when snorkeling, fishing, or diving. They are available through us, or from the park office in Xcalak. Diving and fishing operators also have them available.

If you bring soda or beer from the store, we encourage the purchase of aluminum cans rather than plastic. We also encourage you to refill one water bottle with purified water rather than discarding much plastic.

We depend on Mother Nature to supply and replenish most of our electrical power and water.

A solar array, battery system and backup generator sustain 24 hour electricity. However, appliances that produce heat (clothes irons, electric curling irons, etc.) are strongly discouraged because they drain our energy rapidly. Our outlets operate using 110 volt current.

Our water is collected on the roof and terraces, then channeled into an underground cistern. We encourage the use of water sparingly, although there are no restrictions to make you uncomfortable.

Being in a remote part of the country, Xcalak does not have the conveniences of larger towns or cities. Xcalak does not have a grocery store, department store, gas station, or bank. With planning, you will not miss any of these spots.

Grocery trucks bring fresh fruits, vegetables, and staples to our doorstep 5 out of 7 days per week. They also carry various other staples such as bread, tortillas, eggs, meat, cheese, snacks, and dry goods. During high season, they may run out of specific items so it is advisable to stop at a grocery store prior to your arrival and use the trucks to supplement your menu. There is a Chedraui and a Soriana at Playa del Carmen on highway 307. In Felipe Carillo Puerto there is a San Fransisco. Another Chedraui is in Chetumal. Xcalak has several small tiendas for limited supplies.

The nearest ATM is in Chetumal, 2.5 hours from Xcalak. Stop in Playa del Carmen or Tulum on the way south to obtain your pesos if you have not done so. Banks in Mexico can have lines with more than 100 people on certain days. It is pretty much a cash society. The small businesses in Xcalak do not take credit cards or traveler's checks. Some do not take US cash, only pesos.

The nearest gas station is at Majahual which is 40 miles from Xcalak. So be sure to fill up with enough gas to return to Majahual on your way home. Renting a car is the best way to get to us. It can be done with buses and taxis, but they are tricky and the taxi can get expensive (about $50-70 from Limones to Xcalak). If you have an emergency, several homes in Xcalak sell limited quantities of gas.