What to do if there’s a hurricane in Riviera Maya

Lots of people ask me about the threat of hurricanes in Playa and what they should do about insuring their trip in case of a hurricane. Let’s look at some facts, statistics and how to plan your vaation around a hurricane.

Hurricane season is from June 1 – November 30. Typically hurricanes in the fall have a great intensity than those in earlier months, so those that occur in October and November are usually higher Categories.

Hurricane Wilma
The worst hurricane to hit the Mayan Riviera was on October 24 and 25, 2005 when Hurricane Wilma, a category 5, pounded the area, destroying Cancun and submerging Cozumel. Although there was torrential rain and high winds, there was minimal damage in Playa del Carmen. Cozumel acts as a barrier island to Playa and it takes the brunt of the water surge.

What to do if there’s a hurricane in Riviera Maya

What Should You Do/Know About planning a Vacation during Hurricane season?

Here are several tips you might find useful

Hurricanes aren’t like tornadoes or earthquakes, they don’t just pop up. Hurricanes start as Tropical Storms and move thousands of miles, normally over days or weeks, increasing or decreasing in strength. There’s plenty of warning before they hit, so there is ample time to cancel a reservation, return home early, or get ready to sit it out.
Travel Insurance is always recommended during this season if you want to minimize your risk. You can postpone a trip or return home early with most travel insurance policies.
Sit It Out. If you are adventuresome and are already in Playa and a hurricane is expected to hit, you can go to public properties that are designated hurricane centers and wait it out, or, depending on the property you are staying at, you can stay in your unit. El Taj Ocean and Porto Playa have hurricane screens and/or glass that can withstand a Category 5 storm. Most hurricanes pass through within 12 hours and then the sun shines again. If the power goes out, it is usually back on within 1 day and life goes on as usual.
Most of the airlines are flexible and will allow you to change flights and normally are very accommodating to help you get out in the event of an upcoming hurricane. That being said, expect long lines at the airport and long wait times on the phone.
Be prepared. Charge your phones, iPads, iPods and anything else you want to be able to use before the power goes out. It’s safe to plan for 24 hours without power. Keep phone calls, texts, etc. to a minimum while the power is out to extend the life of your battery. Call your family and let them know you are safe and where you are waiting out the storm.
If you need to evacuate, take your valuables and passport/credit cards, etc. with you. Do not take all of your clothes, luggage, etc.
Take pictures and write notes on the experience. Send them to me and I’ll put them in the blog and let you be the star!