cabo san lucas

[orca125]

ok guys I am trying to book a family vacations where I can get some diving in, now we own a time share vacation rental so that part is fine but, I am having a time with information on mexico locations I know everyone on this board has been to coz.. but does anyone know about the other places in mexico like cabo san lucas or rosario beach. ( good dive ops) even cancun. thanks

 

[DocVikingo]

A search of the board archives (http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?) reveals the following threads on Cabo San Lucas:

http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?searchid=190250

This should get you started.

DocVikingo

 

[Gagal]

Have been to Cabo a few times. Dove with Amigos del Mar...they are good folks! If you have a day, then dive CAbo Pulmo....great fun! Watch out for the guys selling stuff in the Marina...don't buy!

Restaurants that are good and reasonable: Felix/Mama's(www.felixcabosanlucas.com)--breakfast, lunch and dinner The Office--breakfast, lunch and dinner Shrimp Factory--dinner. There is a local little newspaper that also tells about the restaurants in the area.

 

[oreillyk]

Hi Guys - I am heading to los cabos in a couple of weeks - iover the past year I seem to have developed sea sickness (was never a problem before!) I could not even do the second dive of the day! Anyone know if the water is rough in los cabos? Trying to decide if it is worth dragging my equipment. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

 

[Kat]

Take your equipment & some Dramamine.

 

[DocVikingo]

If you're going to take a medication, a recommendation of "Dramamine" doesn't cut it. This drug has been demonstrated by research to be a danger to the diver.

Here's an updated version of a piece from my Jan/Feb '00 "Ask RSD" column in "Rodale's Scuba Diving" that explains why & hopefully provides some useful information:

"Sea sickness, which shows wide variation in susceptibility among individuals, is not yet fully understood. It is believed to occur when portions of the brain tasked with maintaining balance receive input from the eyes, inner ear, muscles and joints that is inconsistent and unexpected over an extended period of time.

Prevention is a first step. Avoid fatigue and get adequate rest. Eat modestly, avoiding greasy, fatty, acidic and spicy foods. Don't skip breakfast, but stick to bland foods like toast, rolls and cereal. Go easy on tea and coffee, and very, very easy on alcoholic beverages. When on the boat, don't get overheated--stay under a sunshade, don't put on your protective suit until necessary, and get in the water as soon as possible. Search out a spot low and in the center where motion is minimized, face forward, focus your eyes on a fixed object on the horizon or elsewhere, avoid unnecessary neck movements and stay out of exhaust fumes. Do not go below, read anything or look through binoculars. If you must vomit, do so freely, but not anywhere on the boat, and especially not in the marine toilet.

There are plenty of medications available, and you may wish to discuss this with your physician. Among those reported to be the most effective are meclizine and scopolamine. Prescription strength meclizine commonly comes as Antivert. Scopolamine can be delivered through a transdermal patch, Transderm Scop, orally, and as a gel. The gel reportedly works faster, but not as long as the patch. Scopolamine is okayed by DAN with a trial run topside. Occasionally Phenergan is recommended. It can cause very serious drowsiness, however, and is sometimes prescribed in combination with a stimulant to counteract this. The above drugs are prescription only and have reported side effects, most commonly dryness of the mouth and drowsiness. They may also cause blurred vision, dizziness and even confusion in some users, and it is recommended to carefully discuss their use with your physician, give them a trial run prior to use in conjunction with diving, and take them only according to instructions.

Over the counter (OTC) drugs include Bonine (meclizine), Dramamine (dimenhydrinate; not recommended due to demonstrated adverse effects on alertness & performance both topside & at increased atmospheres of pressure), Dramamine II (meclizine; advertised as a "less drowsy" formula. As this implies, be aware that some individuals still do experience some degree of drowsiness) and Triptone (Same active ingredient as original Dramamine, so draw your own conclusions) . A British drug, Stugeron (cinnarizine), has been mentioned by several sources as an effective treatment (Have seen a recent research piece suggesting impairment at higher doses), but it is not yet available in the US. Those diving in such places as Mexico & the British Virgin Islands can find it. Many report these OTC medications most effective if taken at bedtime the night prior to diving, with a second dose about an hour before diving, although recommended dosage amounts should of course not be exceeded. These medications often cause significant dryness of the mouth. Stay very well hydrated.

Considering more "natural" remedies, ginger is frequently mentioned, which can be taken in powdered, crystallized or root form (recommended preparations), or as ginger snaps, ginger ale, or tea. Just make sure they contain actual ginger and not just artificial flavoring. As heartburn with the use of ginger has been reported, also pack an antacid. Others swear by wrist straps, such as 'Sea Bands,' usually wooden or plastic balls on elastic bands which are placed so as to exert pressure on an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. There are also 'artificial-horizon' glasses. Even aromatherapy has been tried, with a combination of mandarin, peppermint, spearmint and lavender oil being recommended.

In the final analysis, you will need to discover what works best for you with the least risk, side effect, cost and inconvenience. If you take any medications, you should understand their adverse effects and carefully follow directions for use. And remember, there is one safe, sure cure: 'Sleep under a tree all day.' "

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards,

DocVikingo

 

[metaldector]

Is a nice little resort town. The diving is fun, but not fantastic. If your there when the sea lions are too that a great dive. The sandfalls are interesting. You'll dive on the Sea of Cortez side of the harbor. The Pacific side is usually very rough. You can rent everything you need from Ameigos Del Mar or from any of the other numerous dive companies. Check the search on this board for cabo san lucas. I've posted pictures there once before. Go, dive and have fun!

 

[DocVikingo]

In follow up to metaldector's suggestion to search the board archives, also made & demonstrated in post #2 above, I discovered that my hot link to those threads wasn't functional.

Here is one that should work:

http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?searchid=215661

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Gagal]

As far as the meds for seasickness.....don't go and try a drug that you have never taken before!!! If you can, try Dramamine (dimenhydrate) 1/2 tab maybe, or half-tab of Dramamine II to see what it does to you personally as to side effects. If you have never tried the scopolamine patches...I would not recommend slapping one on and heading out on a dive boat. As for phenergan, try before you leave....there can be some nasty side effects to some people. What if it does make you drowsines....too late then. Being under 60 feet of water with an unknown possible drug reaction would not be a safe suggestion. The dramamines can be tried before you even leave the states!

 

[Kat]

Side effects from medication can vary from one individual to the next. It's an excellent suggestion to try the medication on a non-diving day to see how the side effects, if any, effect you.
I have never had any problems taking Dramamine 'Less Drowsy Formula' (Meclzine Hydrchloride 25mg. per tablet) when diving.

However: Results may vary depanding on the individual.