Salen turistas en busca de ballenas

Sheila Arias

noroeste.com

30-01-2015

Las ballenas jorobadas llegan a las costas de Mazatlán Fotografía: Noroeste / Iván Lizárraga.

 

MAZATLÁN._ Muy cerca de Ma­zatlán y protegi­das por el ma r, unos enormes visitantes celebran con saltos de ale­gría su paso por el puerto, son las ballenas jorobadas y verlas es una verdadera aventura.

Y es que enero es el me­jor momento para ver a estos mamíferos, aquí en Mazatlán. Son cientos los ejemplares que viajan desde Estados Unidos a las costas del Pacífico mexicano en invierno, y una gran parte se estaciona en este puerto, aquí se aparean.

El investigador Óscar Guzón Zataráin, maestro en Ciencias, es uno de los res­ponsables de Onca Explora­ciones, su misión es acercar a la población a las ballenas jorobadas, pues desde hace años ofrece recorridos de avistamiento y documenta las especies que han llega­do a Sinaloa en los últimos años.

Ayer precisamente guió una expedición más, ahí iba Noroeste.

El viaje inicia en la bahía y se adentra en el mar, en busca de los gigantes sub­marinos.

En el camino se pueden ver delfines y grandes man­tarrayas, libres, en su mundo.

Sin embargo, si quiere ver ballenas hay que ser pacien­tes, subirse a una lancha y viajar entre 5 y 7 millas náu­ticas, y una vez en el lugar comienza la búsqueda.

Lo primero que delata a las ballenas jorobadas son sus "chorros" de agua, que no es otra cosa que el agua que levantan de la superfi­cie al respirar, después su enorme cola dividida, es lo último que entra al mar.

Para volver a verlas, el guía debe buscar en otra zo­na y volver a esperar, pues las ballenas se mantienen bajo el agua entre ocho y 12 minutos y salen para que usted no se canse de asom­brarse.

La temporada de avista­mientos en el Pacífico co­menzó el 15 de diciembre y concluye los primeros días de abril, después las balle­nas jorobadas cruzan fron­teras.

Guzón Zataráin explica que las costas de Mazatlán son áreas de apareamiento y reproducción, ya que han escuchados los cantos del macho, la señal de cortejo; también se pueden ver en parejas y acompañadas de sus crías, muchas de ellas "sinaloenses".

El peso promedio de una ballena jorobada es de 45 toneladas, tiene un color sombrío en su cola, como su huella digital, todas son parecidas, pero ninguna es idéntica.

Las ballenas jorobadas aprovechan el calor y la tran­quilidad de nuestros mares para pasear con sus crías, y si usted es afortunado tendrá la oportunidad de observar­las saltar para instantes des­pués regresar al mar en una danza cadenciosa.

Los ataques

El investigador, Oscar Guzón Zataráin, lamentó que, a pesar que las ballenas jorobadas son un recurso nat­ural en extinción, y parte de la vida económica de muchas regiones costeras, continúan siendo blanco de ataques y agresiones dentro y fuera del mar.

En Mazatlán, dijo, la principal amenaza son los chinchorros, pues quedan atrapadas en redes gigantes, así pueden pasar hasta cua­tro meses hasta llegar a una muerte lenta y dolorosa.

Otros riesgos son los ruidos de embarcaciones y pesca indiscriminada, lo que altera su hábitat.

"Nos preocupa. Aquí lo importante es poner énfasis en la regulación de la activi­dad, ya se empieza a ver el aprovechamiento de la espe­cie, pero se hace con malas prácticas, fuera del marco legal, sin autorización para la observación de ballenas", comentó.

Guzón Zataráin agregó que desde 2010 Mazatlán está reconocida por el Go­bierno federal como zona de avistamiento de balle­na jorobada, y hay normas oficiales que se deben res­petar.

Y para reducir el impac­to a la especie trabaja ya en la propuesta de una zona de protección de ballenas joro­badas en Mazatlán.

"Aquí lo importante es poner énfasis en la regulación de la acti­vidad, ya se empieza a ver el aprovecha­miento de la especie, pero se hace con ma­las prácticas, fuera del marco legal "

LA ESPECIE

* La ballena jorobada per­tenecen a la especie de ce­táceo misticeto de la familia Balaenopteridae.

* Su peso llega a las 45 toneladas y mide entre 12 y 16 metros.

* Son mamíferos acrobáti­cos; los machos emiten un canto que dura de 10 a 20 minutos, su propósito está relacionado al apareamien­to. Así buscan a la hembra.

* Se distribuye por todos los océanos y mares del mundo; llegan a migrar hasta 25 mil kilómetros cada año.

* Pueden vivir hasta 40 años.

* En la parte superior de su cuerpo tienen agujeros de respiración, toman aire para volver a sumergirse.

* Sus crías miden al nacer entre 3 y 4.5 metros y pesan cerca de una tonelada.

* Las ballenas jorobadas alimentan a sus crías con leche materna hasta que cumplen un año, su leche es rica en grasas, más del 60 por ciento es grasa.

Crece turismoHace unos años, los principales intere­sados en ver ballenas jo­robadas eran los extran­jeros, pero eso cambio. Hoy el turismo nacional es el que más quiere vivir esta experiencia.


"Nos buscan muchos de la Ciudad de Méxi­co, Chihuahua y de la comarca lagunera. La aceptación es completa, la gente tiene opciones de ver ballenas en otra localidad del Pacífico, y prefiere verlas aquí", comentó Oscar Guzón Zataráin, investigador.

Y es que la experien­cia es única: viajar en mar abierto con la seguridad de ver ballenas joroba­das, para muchos no tiene precio.

El investigador es responsable de Onca Ex­ploraciones, una empresa mazatleca que ofrece paseos ecoturísticos, entre ellos, el avistamien­to de ballenas jorobadas. Lo que comenzó en 2006 y 2007 como un plan piloto se convirtió en una oferta que "engancha" visitantes.

Aseguró que esta temporada esperan au­mentar 10 por ciento su actividad.

Legalizarán la "entrega" del Acuario

Liliana Zamora

21-01-2015

noroeste.com


Con miras a prepararlo legalmente para una posible concesión, el Cabildo discutirá en sesión extraordinaria reformas al decreto de creación del Acuario Mazatlán.

Después de un primer acercamiento entre las comisiones de Gobernación, de Concertación Política y Transitoria del Acuario, el Regidor Loar Susek López Delgado, coordinador de la Comisión de Gobernación, explicó que el interés es adecuarlo a las condiciones actuales y al momento que vive el organismo paramunicipal.

"Se busca una reforma para que tenga personalidad jurídica para cualquier situación que le represente. Es una manera para que podamos estar en condiciones y caminar, si así toma la decisión el cuerpo edilicio y el Presidente Municipal, que podamos transitar hacia una concesión, efectivamente".

Los artículos que se pretenden reformar y que serán votados en los próximos días son el 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 y 14.

López Delgado recordó que la última modificación se realizó el 21 de enero de 1991, por lo que es necesario adecuarlo para proyectos futuros como el Parque Central, que promueve el empresario Ernesto Coppel Kelly.

"Por supuesto que sí se está preparando en un esquema legal, a como podemos estar preparándolo para adquirir una inversión federal o municipal, simplemente lo que estamos haciendo es preparándolo legalmente y blindándolo para que no haya ninguna demanda o problema a terceros", añadió el edil.

"De hecho, dentro de este decreto también se está planteando hasta dónde está el terreno del Acuario, y que ya no se tenga que agarrar más lo que es el Bosque de la Ciudad, con miras a tener el Parque Central. Ya está delimitado, pero lo vamos a sustentar muy bien en papel porque está todavía suelto".

En 2006 hubo una modificación al artículo 7, pero para añadir a más integrantes al consejo. Lo que ahora se pretende es que cada consejero pueda nombrar a su suplente en caso de ausencias.

La semana pasada, David Cristóbal Álvarez Bernal, socio director del Bufete Álvarez y Asociados y presidente del Consejo Directivo de Acciones Colectivas de Sinaloa A.C, aseguró que el Ayuntamiento no puede concesionar el Acuario porque el terreno fue dado en donación. De hacerlo, el Ayuntamiento, y específicamente los servidores públicos que "alcen la mano" para votarlo a favor, serían acreedores a faltas administrativas y penales.

Mazatlán-San Blas Nature Tourism Route Considered

by Maureen Dietrichon 
16 Jan 15
mazmessenger.com

San Blas, Nayarit: The Secretaries of Tourism for Sinaloa and Nayarit met yesterday to work on establishing a nature tourism route between Mazatlán and San Blas with emphasis on the migratory bird population, and culminating with the International Festival of Migratory Birds held in San Blas, Nayarit each year.

Approximately 428 species of migratory birds congregate in San Blas, one of the most important bird reserves in the world.

(from Noroeste)

No New Baseball Stadium, says Governor

by Maureen Dietrich

9 Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

 

Culiacán: Sinaloa Governor Mario López Valdez said yesterday that following the sale of grupo Modelo there will be no new baseball stadium in Mazatlán.

He told media the land for the stadium located beside the Convention Center in the Marina had already been purchased but with the sale of the company the philosophy had changed.

The Governor said he also understood Mazatlán’s Venados baseball team was to be sold and depending on the new owners they would see (if the project would continue).

(from Noroeste)

Aquarium Shark Tank Could be Open by Easter

by Maureen Dietrich

8 Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

Fraught with construction and technical errors, the shark tank remains empty

In July, 2010 the construction of a shark tank at Mazatlán’s aquarium began. At that time, the Sinaloa government announced the tank would be open to the public at the end of that year or beginning of 2011. Fraught with construction and technical errors, the shark tank remains empty and has become a thorn in the side of both the Sinaloa and municipal governments.

Yesterday at a closed door meeting, Mazatlán Mayor Carlos Felton and Secretary of Public Works, José Luis Sevilla, agreed to move the project forward saying they see many positive aspects for the project and ways to solve current problems.

Including, they announced, a meeting with a technician today who investigated the installation and operation of the tank’s life support system to diagnose what is missing and how much it will cost to make the tank operational. With luck, said the Mayor, there will be sharks in the tank by Semana Santa (Easter).

And although the Secretary of Public Works stated there are no funds in the municipality´s budget for the project, the Mayor assured media Sinaloa Public Works has money earmarked for the aquarium and the Secretary of Tourism may have some remaining funds to contribute.

Municipal councilmen Humberto Becerra Batista, coordinator of the Comisión de Urbanismo, and Esperanza Kazuga Osaka, pointed out they were not included in the closed door meeting and called for transparency saying although they have insisted on being given information about the project they have not received any explanations.

What they have noticed, said Becerra Batista, is a project poorly executed which has not been explained to them. They want transparency and an accounting and called on the Sinaloa Auditor General´s office to follow up.

 (from Noroeste)

Aquarium Plans new Penguin Habitat and Dolphin Pool

 by Maureen Dietrich

12 Dec 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Jorge del Rincón Jerero, director of Mazatlán’s aquarium, said on Wednesday that the growth of the aquarium should not stop if they wish to continue to be an important tourist attraction in the port.

In the case of the incomplete shark tank begun four years ago, he advised the search for funds continues and should be available next year.

What he wants to do in 2015, he told reporters, is renew the aquarium with new shows, upgrade the 34 year old building, install a penguin habitat where the botanical gardens are presently located and build a dolphin pool.

He estimated that by the end of December, 330,000 people will have visited the aquarium this year. 

(from Noroeste)

Artwalk Celebrates 10 Years!

by Maureen Dietrich

20 Nov 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Tourists and locals peruse the Artwalk display at Casa Etnika in Centro Historico.

‘Open Studio,’ ‘Camino del Arte,’ ‘First Fridays,’ and now simply ‘Artwalk’ all refer to the free self-guided tour of artist studios and galleries in Mazatlán’s Centro Histórico which has evolved over the past 10 years becoming one of the favorite cultural events of ‘the Season.’

Initiated as a once a year event based on my experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically San Jose and Oakland, the first Open Studio tour in Mazatlán had 12 locations and 22 artists. Although it was attended by just a handful of expats and even fewer locals, we were encouraged to continue for two more years as the number of participants and visitors gradually increased. Over time, however, we realized that Mazatlán’s tourism could support this event once a month versus once a year which led us to inaugurate First Friday Artwalk (Camino del Arte in Spanish), November through May.

In her studio, artist Glen Rogers explains her technique to interested art lovers.

Artwalk is a visual feast, a roving street party from studio to gallery within a 10 block area of Mazatlán’s Old Town with its colorful ‘tropical neo-classical’ architecture. During the tour, visitors have a rare opportunity to see inside these historic buildings while visiting artists in their homes, studios, shops and galleries. Paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, stained glass, fine art jewelry and mixed media works in every style imaginable await behind each door. This is an opportunity to talk with the artists about their work, learn about their technique and inspiration, purchase an original to take home, or just enjoy the moment. At most locations, refreshments are offered and sometimes music or special events.

Friends make a night of it, choosing which locations to visit and strolling the streets with map in hand, perhaps visiting 5 or 6 locations then having dinner and drinks at one of the local restaurants. From an artist’s perspective, the exposure is priceless – I’ve had some of my best commissions and sales through the contacts that I’ve made. And I always enjoy meeting folks and sharing my art and my passion about prints and printmaking.

The arts are notorious for bringing a city to life and Mazatlán has undergone just such a revival over the twelve years that I have lived here. Artwalk, with its focus on the visual arts, has contributed to an exciting lineup of cultural activity. With support from Cultura and local businesses, coverage by the New York Times, Alaska Airlines’ Nextstop.tv, a Value Award by Westjet’s Up! Magazine, mentions in travel blogs and cruiser magazines, Artwalk continues to attract good artists, galleries, and art lovers to the area.

This year’s tour features 23 locations (marked by colorful banners and balloons) and represents 48 artists including Mexicans, U.S. Citizens and Canadians. The dates are: November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, March 6, April 10 (2^nd Friday due to Semana Santa), and May 1.

To celebrate our 10^th year anniversary, Artwalk will be hosting an exhibition and party at Casa Haas on Tuesday March 3, 2015 and will feature artwork by over 100 artists who have participated over the last 10 years!

Visit the website: www.artwalkmazatlan.com

Mexico: A Travel Destination that offers everything you have always dreamed about

theyucatantimes.com

There are many countries on Earth that you should visit before you die, but not so many that are ideal to spend vacation, not so many that simply seem to offer everything you have always dreamed about.

Mexico is one of the very few places that seem to have it all: impressive countryside, beautiful beaches, majestic pyramids, first-class museums, colorful culture, millenary traditions, great wine, delicious food, adventure parks, and so on, and so on.

Mexico offers a wide variety of hotels & vacation packages, there is one Website, where you can find competitive rates and hotels in almost all Mexican destinations:www.mexresorts.com. We could continue with hundreds of examples, but let’s focus on the most important ones:

 Great and predictable weather

No need to say that if you only have two weeks of vacation in a year you don’t want to see them  spoiled by unexpected rain or permanent clouds. An indisputable advantage of Mexico is its predictable weather. There might be rare surprises of course, but this beautiful country has very defined seasons in most places. For example, you can easily discover that you should visit Puerto Vallarta between November and April to have 100% of sunny days guaranteed and avoid hurricanes that if you prefer milder, spring climate you should head to Cuernavaca or Valle de Bravo all year round.

Great beaches

If you take into consideration that Mexico is surrounded by Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, you will know that there are plenty of options for beach vacation. The coastline of Mexico is 5,800 miles and there are 17 states with beautiful beaches, five-star resorts, water sports, and boutique eco hotels. Baja California, Nayarit, Guerrero, Yucatán are only few examples of everything that you may find.

Great food

I know, you’ve probably heard many scary stories about the Montezuma revenge and how sick you may get with Mexican food I may assure you that this is very unjust stereotype. You are very probable to have stomach problems if you eat in suspicious places in any country, not only in Mexico, and there are very few nations on Earth whose food was added by UNESCO to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The French got pretty mad when the news was released… In no other country you will be offered such a wide range of tastes and in no other places you will see that spicy is a very limited word to describe all shades of chili peppers.

Archaeological sites you shouldn’t miss

Mexico has a long list of fascinating must-see archaeological sites and you won’t have time to see them all. Definitely, the most famous ones are the Pyramids in the State of Mexico, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon that are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  However, there are plenty of others almost in every state. You have Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Yaxchilan and Palenque in Chiapas, El Tajin in Veracruz, Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Tenochtitlan in Mexico City, Cholula in Puebla, La Quemada in Zacatecas, and many others.

by  Oliver Weickardt

Source: http://www.ontheroadin.com/

Birdwatching has tourism potential

Flamingos in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. RÍO LAGARTOS ADVENTURES

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, October 8, 2014

What’s bigger than golf or fishing as a generator of tourist income in the United States? Birdwatching. But in México it’s an activity that’s long been overlooked and given so little importance that there are no official figures to measure its economic value.

That value to the United States has been estimated by the Fish & Wildlife Service at US $32 billion a year where birding, as it is commonly known, enjoys the participation of some 55 million people. In Canada, 11 million travel to different places to view birds in their natural habitat.

In Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds found that as much as $12 million is spent annually by tourists who travel just to see white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Mull.

“In México we have recorded 1,100 birds, and half of those are in the Yucatán,” says Juan Flores, president of the birders’ club, Green Jay.

“In Quintana Roo we have tried to promote the activity but without adequate infrastructure and training the advances have been slow.”

In contrast, Costa Rica benefits from an estimated economic boost of $1 billion from birdwatching ecotourism, drawing many birdwatchers from the U.S.

In spite of the potential that those numbers would indicate, tourism in Quintana Roo is regarded primarily as sunshine and beaches.

According to Quintana Roo birding expert Barbara MacKinnon, the Yucatán peninsula sees more than 1 billion migrating birds either staying or passing through during migration, and they come from both the north and the south.

She says birdwatching is a little more developed in Yucatán as a result of cooperatives in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and the presence of flamingos, but cites a shortage of specially trained guides who don’t put birds at risk.

The pioneer of birdwatching in the region says there are initiatives under way to create cooperatives in the Noh-Bec ejido in Felipe Carillo Puerto that promote the preservation of forested areas and training in birdwatching tourism.

The area is rich enough in resources to justify more effort. When birdwatching in the U.S. you might see at most 30 species, but on the Yucatán peninsula it’s possible to see as many as 160 species in a day, says MacKinnon.

Source: El Financiero (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/birdwatching-seen-great-tourism-potential/#sthash.XwpjLPFM.dpuf

“Wheels Fest” Mazatlán 2014 Begins October 31

by Maureen Dietrich

7 Oct 14  

mazmessenger.com

 

With several different musical concerts, parades, exhibitions and skateboarding, bicycle, motorcycle and car competitions, the first international reunion of musicians and custom vehicles entitled “Ruedas Fest Mazatlán 2014” will take place in the port October 31 through November 1.

This event will bring together hundreds of aficionados of extreme sports on wheels.

A Push Race Longboard skateboard competition is programmed for along the Malecón as well as a Street Champ competition in several categories. BMX and mountain bike races are programmed for elite, intermediate, advanced and female categories.

An exhibition of classic cars, muscle cars, hot roads, rat rods, 4x4s, Mustangs and Corvettes forms part of the programme as well as an exhibition of tour motorcycles, adventure and off road motorcycles and a competition for best motorcycle paint job and customized bike.

The Wheels Fest will take place in the parking lot beside Sam´s Club (next to Gran Plaza Shopping Mall). Entrance fees will be approximately 25 or 30 pesos. For more information, seewww.ruedasfest.com.

 (from Sectur press release)

Mexico to Launch Website Stressing Sportfishing Rules

Sandra Dibble - UTSanDiego.com
go to original
October 7, 2014

Mexico City, Mexico - The Mexican government has announced a new website aimed at helping US tourists understand the steps required to fish legally in its waters. It will be designed towards clarifying the requirements of the country's federal agencies including customs, fisheries, and immigration.

"The message is very clear. You are most welcome in our country because tourists are important in Mexico," said Ana Luisa Fajer, director general of Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretariat for North America. "But at the same time there are very clear and specific rules and regulations."

Fajer and other Mexican federal officials announced the new website last week at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. They expect to launch the website later this year.

On the site, visitors will learn about things such as Mexican customs' rules stating that visitors can bring up to four fishing rods into the country without paying duties. They will also learn that they need to pay about $25 for a tourist visa from Mexico's National Migration Institute. Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico's top federal immigration official in Baja California estimated that only 25 percent of those who come fishing in Mexico do so with the proper permit.

Failure to comply with the regulations can result in an abrupt end to fishing trips. The new website is expected to provide information about the rules and list specific sanctions that apply for those who violate them.

"Nautical tourists will be informed of which documents they will need to go fishing in Mexico with no hesitation," said Alejandro Santander, a representative of Mexico’s Tourism Board.

San Diego sportfishermen in recent years has expressed concern about the lack of clarity surrounding Mexico’s regulations. At a meeting in San Diego last year with Mexican authorities, boaters said they were confused about how to comply with Mexico’s tourist visa requirements.

Louis Almeida, president of the "San Diego Anglers," a recreational fishing club with 400 members, applauded the announcement. "It would be very beneficial to have a one-stop shop," he said. "Right now we go to multiple websites."

Fred Huber, co-owner of three sportfishing boats in San Diego, said those in the charter business are mindful of following Mexican regulations. "We've had to learn how to do it, because it's our business," he said. "We're dealing with a foreign country, and we're just thankful to be there."

Original Story

Mexico to clarify sportfishing rules

utsandiego.com

A new website aimed at U.S. visitors is planned

 

By Sandra Dibble7:46 P.M.SEPT. 30, 2014

Rodulfo Figueroa, left, head of Mexico's federal immigration office in Baja California, during a news conference on Tuesday in San Diego to address Mexico's requirements for U.S. sportfishermen. At his side is Ana Luisa Fajer of Mexico's Foreign Ministry and Remedios Gomez Arnau, Mexico's Consul General in San Diego, and Alejandro Santander of the Mexican Tourism Board. — Sandra Dibble

• S

On the heels of complaints from the San Diego sportfishing community, Mexico is moving to clarify the steps required to fish legally in its waters.

A new Mexican government website aims to help U.S. tourists understand the requirements of Mexican federal agencies, including customs, fisheries and immigration.

“The message is very clear. You are most welcome in Mexico because tourists are important in Mexico,” said Ana Luisa Fajer, director general for North America of Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretariat. “But at the same time there are very clear and specific rules and regulations.”

Fajer and other Mexican federal officials announced the new website on Tuesday at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. They expect to launch it later this year.

On the website, visitors will learn rules such as Mexican customs' requirement that visitors can bring up to four fishing rods into the country without paying duties. They will learn that they need to pay about $25 for a tourist visa from Mexico's National Migration Institute. Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico's top federal immigration official in Baja California estimated that only 25 percent of those who come fishing in Mexico do so with the proper permit.

Failure to comply can result in an abrupt end to south-of-the-border fishing trips. The new website is expected to provide information about the rules and list specific sanctions that apply for those who violate them.

“Nautical tourists will be informed and know which documents they will need to go to Mexico with no hesitation,” said Alejandro Santander, a representative of Mexico’s Tourism Board.

The San Diego sportfishing fleet in recent years has expressed concern about the lack of clarity surrounding Mexico’s regulations. At a meeting in San Diego last year with Mexican authorities, boaters said they were confused about how to comply with Mexico’s tourist visa requirements.

Earlier this year, members of the sportfishing community raised the issue during a trip to Mexico City led by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“This was one of our priority issues,” said Paola Avila, director of the chamber’s Mexico Business Center. “We need to find a way to allow for an easy process to acquire the permits to fish there.”

Louis Almeida, president of the San Diego Anglers, a recreational fishing club with 400 members, applauded Tuesday’s move. “It would be very beneficial to have a one-stop shop,” he said. “Right now we go to multiple websites.”Fred Huber, co-owner of three sportfishing boats in San Diego, said those in the charter business are mindful of following Mexican regulations. "We've had to learn how to do it, because it's our business," he said. "We're dealing with a foreign country, and we're just thankful to be there."

How to Put Together Your Own Travel Group

yoga-nyc-beats.com

Getting ready to travel to a vacation destination takes a lot of planning but if you are considering putting together a travel group that's a whole different kind of organizing that you are going to have to get involved with. Below you'll find a few basic things you should know in order to put together a successful trip for a group of people. 

The most important thing is to pick out the destination and from that work on creating an itinerary. This itinerary is very important because it will include all the details of the departure, arrival, places you will be visiting, how long the trip is going to be and other details. This needs to be all planned out before you even invite people to join the group. If you have this all prepared you will have a better chance of getting people interested in going on the trip with you. 

After you have the itinerary figured out you will need to set up a registration process. You need to have this set far before the actual time of departure. You need to be able to know in advance how many people are wanting to go so that you can then move onto reserving the transportation to get there and the accommodations that you will need for the trip. You also might want to ask for advanced payment for the trip so that you can handle the reservations with ease. 

You can use the amount of people that are coming to be able to try and get the best rates for travel that you possibly can. There are a lot of different hotels, airlines and even tour buses that will give discounts for larger parties. Large groups often get offered extra amenities to go with the accommodations for no extra charge. 

You will need to get information from those who are coming to see if there are any special needs. If there are diet issues or if there are disabilities that may need special attention. You need to know these things in order to get proper accommodations and find places to eat that will accommodate special diets, etc. 

If you are completely in charge of the travel group then it's probably a good idea if you come up with some rules and regulations that are handed out to all those who are going to be traveling with the group. If everyone knows what is expected of them in advance, it's going to be a lot easier in the long run for everyone to stay focused on their trip without complications so that they can enjoy themselves. This means you need to include when there are tours and when everyone will be expected to join the group in order to leave for the tour on time and other things that will help make the trip safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Sports Fishermen Capture Rare Find

by Maureen Dietrich

26 Aug 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Sports fisherman reported yesterday capturing a rare catfish not generally known to local Mazatlán fishermen.

The catfish was seen swimming near the surface of the water in an erratic manner, causing the boat crew to think it may be ill or dead.

It was picked up 15 nautical miles from Mazatlán by the crew of “Paty C” of the Bibi sports fishing flotilla.

Those responsible for its capture, Alejandro Teno and his son, explained the scientific name of the fish is Bagre Pinnimaculatus whose habitat is off the coasts of southern Mexico, Ecuador and other Central and South American countries on the Pacific Ocean. (from Noroeste)

Gov’t announces funding to help boost ecotourism projects

Mexico News Daily

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

 

Swimming with whale sharks, kayaking, river-rafting, diving and caving are among the myriad activities that Mexico offers in the way of ecotourism. With that in mind, the federal government has announced the allocation of 107 million pesos for its promotion in 14 areas of the country.

The money will be matched in equal amount by state governments.

The National Commission for Protected Areas estimates that ecotourism brought 2.5 million visitors last year, while 1,126 ecotourism businesses have been identified.

That figure is expected to grow in the coming years now that community businesses created in rural areas are in the process of developing their capacity and will be offering additional ecotourism attractions.

Along with its 174 protected natural areas Mexico is believed to have the largest number of species of reptile at 707, and comes in at second place for the number of mammal species, at 438.

It also ranks very high for species of amphibian and flora, which are found here in abundance.

The funding announcement was made at Adventure Travel Mexico 2014 by Carlos Joaquín González of the Tourism Secretariat. He said the ecotourism segment of the tourist industry is seen as having potential for innovative tourism products and for attracting new markets.

Source: Economía Hoy (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/govt-announces-funding-help-boost-ecotourism-projects/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=ecotourismfunding#sthash.rCb0PQs7.dpuf

Looking for Something to Do? Try Plazuela Zaragoza

 by Maureen Dietrich

30 Jul 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Summer in the city and looking for something to do? Mazatlán’s family services (DIF) is offering week long activities at Zaragoza Park on Av. Zaragoza between Av. Guillermo Nelson and Av. 5 de Mayo in El Centro.

All of the following activities are sponsored by DIF with the exception of the Danzon on Thursday afternoons which is sponsored by the Felton Foundation.

Monday:
8:15am Cardio Aerobics (5 pesos)
6:30pm Cardio Aerobics (5 pesos)

Tuesday:
8:30am Yoga (5 pesos)
5:00pm Children’s Theater Workshop (free)

Wednesday:
8:15am Cardio Aerobics (5 pesos)
5:00pm Drawing and Painting workshop (5 pesos for materials)
6:30pm Cardio Aerobics (5 pesos)

Thursday:
8:00am Yoga (5 pesos)
5:00pm Danzon (7 pesos to rent a chair)

Friday:
8:00am Latin Rhythms Flamenco (exercise) (5 pesos)
5:00pm Stories and Legends (free)

Saturday:
8:00am-noon Organic Market (November thru May only)
5:00pm Chess league

Sunday:
5:00pm Musical afternoon (singers) (7 pesos to rent a chair)

MEXICO: caught world record Pacific needlefish

internationalfishingnews.com
May 30, 2014



MEXICO: caught world record Pacific needlefish This fishing news about a new world record come from Pisces Sportfishing in Baja California, Mexico. In fact Pisces surf fishing guide Wesley Brough, was hooked this big size Pacific needlefish for a weight of 19.4 pound: If approved by IGFA (international Game fish Association - www.igfa.org) is the largest needlefish every caught on rod and reel. The previous record was only 16 pound set in a couple of years ago in Isla Secas, Panama.