What snorkeling and scuba gear do I need to bring?
If you don’t own your own scuba gear, you can rent equipment from 72 Aquatics by Paragon Dive Group; make sure to pick it up beforehand. Tanks and trim weights will be provided. Also, please bring a reusable drinking bottle to help reduce plastic use on the boat. Water temperatures vary from the low 60’s to the high 80’s depending on the time of the year. Reach out to our team for the current exposure protection recommendations.
Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, please ensure you bring your passport or passport card. We are headed into Sonora, Mexico and crossing and international border!
What should I pack for the trip?
Pack swimsuits and towels, clothing for a couple of nights out at restaurants, and comfortable boat clothes. San Carlos is a small relaxed beach town.
Is sunscreen necessary?
Yes, sunscreen is highly encouraged. We recommend using environmentally safe sunscreen free of oxybenzone, as it can harm marine life. We carry Stream2Sea products in our store that are reef-safe.
What if I'm prone to seasickness?
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend having remedies such as Bonine on hand. We carry this in the store as well.
Can I bring jet skis or other vehicles?
If you’re considering bringing jet skis or any other vehicles apart from your car, they must have current registration in your name. That being said we really don’t recommend this. We promise we will keep you busy!
What insurance do I need if I'm driving to San Carlos?
If you are driving your own vehicle, we highly recommend obtaining Mexican liability insurance. You can purchase a weekend policy or a year long policy if you planning on visiting a lot.
How do I register for a tourist card?
We will stop at Kilometer 21 after the border to register for tourist cards (FMM), which are free. Please have the form prepared in advance. Bring your passport and a printed copy of the FMM form for submission. You can fill out your FMM application online.
Should I tip the boat crew?
Yes, the boat crew works for tips. If you are pleased with their service, we suggest tipping $15-20 per day, per person.
What about DAN diving insurance?
If you are an Open Water student with us, you are covered by DAN for the duration of your training dives. After completion, you need to actively join DAN for coverage, which is affordable and beneficial for active divers.
Do I need to fill out any waivers?
Yes, please find the digital waiver for 72 Aquatics by Paragon Dive Group for this weekend. Additionally, there will be a separate physical boat waiver for the Piesquita—please print and fill it out to save time.
Do I need to bring Pesos (MXN)?
If you are driving, you will need Mexican Pesos for tolls. Typically, 1000 Pesos (~$50 USD) has covered both ways. You can exchange U.S. cash at the FMM location (Kilometer 21). While lots of places take the USD you will get beat up on the exchange rate. We recommend bringing some pesos down. Most places take credit/debit cards but some are only cash.