Snorkelling is an activity that everyone assumes is easy to pick up. However for some, it can prove to be a daunting experience. For those who have never snorkelled before but who want to master the basics of this relaxing and rewarding activity, Maroma Resort & Spa on the Mayan Riviera, Mexico has created a short course designed to introduce first-time snorkelers to the amazing wonders of the sea. Over the course of three sessions, students are taught all the fundamentals of snorkelling and taken on two open water excursions to test out their new found skills.

The course begins in the hotel’s swimming pool with a certified instructor taking students through all snorkelling paraphernalia such as masks and goggles, fins, and the snorkels themselves. Students then spend the session familiarising themselves with their gear, provided by the hotel, learning how to clear water from the mouth piece and goggles, breathe through the snorkel, and swim with fins, all in the safety of the hotel’s swimming pool and under their teacher’s watchful eye.

Once students have learnt the basics and gained some confidence, the next class involves a boat trip out to the shallow waters of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef. The session in the crystal clear waters lasts 40 minutes and gives students the chance to slowly build their experience by snorkelling in open water with the guidance and close supervision of their instructor who is on hand to provide tips and advice.

The final class will see the beginner snorkelers venturing out to Cristalino Cenote. Created by an underground river system, cenotes are fresh water sink holes that the Maya considered to be sacred. A series of underground caverns and pools, they are a must-do outing for any keen snorkeler, providing a slightly more adventurous excursion.

After the last session, students will be presented with a certificate declaring that they have completed a course in snorkelling at Maroma leaving them confident enough to further explore with their new found skills.

The Snorkelling for Beginners course costs are per person and includes complimentary equipment hire. Transportation via boat to Cristalino Cenote is not included.

Located on the Riviera Maya, Maroma Resort and Spa is a luxurious hideaway built by hand in the tradition of the Mexican haciendas.  Opened in 1995, Maroma rests on the Yucatan Peninsula.  Known for its residential feel, it is among the most sought after on the Riviera Maya with its unspoiled beach and lush jungle providing the utmost in privacy and natural beauty. Offering the cultural richness of the region, Maroma’s idyllic natural setting, pristine beach, Kinan Spa, and unobtrusive service, draws sophisticated travellers from all over the world.

City.Mobi

Also in Mexico today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Mexico City.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

MexicoCity.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.