Metal detecting the Mexican "Riviera Maya"

[Tom_in_CA]

.... I'm sure you already know the laws are not uniform there. The laws are what the folks with power & money or law enforcement (I use that loosely) say they are. Tom, I have to say, after running around in Mexico a lot over the years, you couldn't pay me enough to make a trip with you. I value not being thrown in jail because of my loud mouth know it all amigo.

Boogeyman, I too have md'd in Mexico (on a land trip to old pueblos, ruins, etc...). And the forums are FILLED with md'rs who ply the tourist beaches there. But back to the topic: I agree that Mexico is more corrupt. And I agree that "anything's possible" (you could walk out the door and be hit by a car tomorrow). Yet there comes a point where ...: Consider the various "connotations" we could bring : Leaving holes, harming cultural stuff, hurting turtle or sea grass, taking other people's valuables, etc... The list of *possible* objections is endless. Enough that a person who is skittish, .... in all honesty ... is in the wrong hobby. Not saying to "throw caution to the wind", but just saying that if you're overly skittish and need "express allowances", this isn't a hobby for you.

And your last sentence makes an implied premise that "jail" is a given. If that's true, then by all means don't detect Mexico. But since when is that a given ? Can you cite any incident of someone detecting beaches in Mexico that went to jail for it ? I don't think so.

 

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[boogeyman]

Boogeyman, I too have md'd in Mexico (on a land trip to old pueblos, ruins, etc...). And the forums are FILLED with md'rs who ply the tourist beaches there. But back to the topic: I agree that Mexico is more corrupt. And I agree that "anything's possible" (you could walk out the door and be hit by a car tomorrow). Yet there comes a point where ...: Consider the various "connotations" we could bring : Leaving holes, harming cultural stuff, hurting turtle or sea grass, taking other people's valuables, etc... The list of *possible* objections is endless. Enough that a person who is skittish, .... in all honesty ... is in the wrong hobby. Not saying to "throw caution to the wind", but just saying that if you're overly skittish and need "express allowances", this isn't a hobby for you.

And your last sentence makes an implied premise that "jail" is a given. If that's true, then by all means don't detect Mexico. But since when is that a given ? Can you cite any incident of someone detecting beaches in Mexico that went to jail for it ? I don't think so.

No Tom my last sentence implies I wouldn't want you around on a trip to Mexico. An example would be on one trip we had a guy with us that felt he had to challenge everyone in authority. He mouthed off to some Tijuana cop & ended up literally walking from TJ to Tecate to get back 3 days later. On another trip we got hassled by the local cop. Bought him off with a couple of $20s. One of the guys didn't have enough sense to see that the cop would more than likely have his buddies stopping us every couple of blocks until we ran out of $20s and then chuck us in jail. We went ahead back and found out later it cost his father in law $1500 to get him out. That was a long time ago. Most every time I've had problems is / was when I was in the company of people that need to always be right and challenge everything or everyone. Sometimes showing some respect, and asking questions, gets you a lot further than getting yourself all puffed up & throwing challenges. And no! I'm not squeamish in the least, I just understand working with people leads to friendships and permissions that wouldn't be offered to loudmouthed know it alls.

 

[boogeyman]

No Tom my last sentence implies I wouldn't want you around on a trip to Mexico. An example would be on one trip we had a guy with us that felt he had to challenge everyone in authority. He mouthed off to some Tijuana cop & ended up literally walking from TJ to Tecate to get back 3 days later. On another trip we got hassled by the local cop. Bought him off with a couple of $20s. One of the guys didn't have enough sense to see that the cop would more than likely have his buddies stopping us every couple of blocks until we ran out of $20s and then chuck us in jail. We went ahead back and found out later it cost his father in law $1500 to get him out. That was a long time ago. Most every time I've had problems is / was when I was in the company of people that need to always be right and challenge everything or everyone. Sometimes showing some respect, and asking questions, gets you a lot further than getting yourself all puffed up & throwing challenges. And no! I'm not squeamish in the least, I just understand working with people leads to friendships and permissions that wouldn't be offered to loudmouthed know it alls.

Oh! almost forgot! Have yourself a real nice day! I'm getting bored with all this & I know you'll keep going until you have the last word so you take care!

 

[Tom_in_CA]

No Tom my last sentence implies I wouldn't want you around on a trip to Mexico...

Yes. Understood. How to react if questioned is 99% of the formula. Like picking up on women: there's no singular recipe or "recited lines". It's strictly in persona. And no, I'm not advocating "in your face defiance" and "debate semantics of laws in the field" type personage.

I'm the first to be a "yes sir. sorry sir" type of answer (lip service). I would only meekly point out "I'm not leaving any trace" type of answer. But no, would not defiantly suggest to stand your ground and argue. I hope I didn't convey that. Sometimes in this life .... yes, ... you/we must give "lip service". And if a singular person "doesn't like it", well sure, you can't force them legally to love you . They'll only hate you more, I agree. And you'd only deepen your pit. I agree.

But searching pre-emptively ahead of time to "get them to love you" is also fruitless. So sometimes you just have to give lip service , if someone in the field thinks your detector is bothering their dog, or that you're opportunistically seeking other's lost property, or bothering 50+ yr. old coins, etc....

... I know you'll keep going until you have the last word .....

Edit: Did not read your 2nd post here quoted, till I'd answered the prior post. Otherwise would not have answered. Sorry 'bout that !

 

[Hangingfor8]

Wow, guys.... play nice

 

[Deft Tones]

Well, when I stayed at the Riveira Maya the "beach" strip wasn't much more than rock, coral, and ground shells and coral. Not a good place to lay down to nap by the sea. I doubt many people swim or play in that area.

Playa del carmen would be better for detecting.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

..... Playa del carmen would be better for detecting.

How do you know it's legal there ? Quick ! Someone go ask. Make sure the question gets pushed up the chain of perplexed recipients (since lower staff levels might not be giving the right answer). Up and up till it finally lands on the desk of someone who'll say "no" .

JUST KIDDING ! (couldn't resist, doh!)

 

[XtreasureX]

No one cares if you metal detector on the beach in Mexico. Americans have gotten so uptight.

 

[Blak bart]

Its like the old nike commercial says "just do it".

 

[Tom_in_CA]

No one cares if you metal detector on the beach in Mexico. Americans have gotten so uptight.

XtresaureX and Blak Bart: Assuming an md'r, who fetched a "no" from a hotel desk or some govt. offical 1000 miles away eventually sees your logic. Because they see other md'rs on the beach, and see it's not a problem, etc.... So they might feel that such "silly answers" were for turtle protection, or to prohibit raiding the pyramids, shipwreck salvor type stuff, etc...

Ok fine. But then this still has a downward spiral : Because guess what will be perpetually on their subconscious ? They'll be looking over their shoulder, at any passing person, making eye contact, being "evasive" in their demeanor etc.... Because in their mind's eyes, "what if that hotel clerk came out here that gave the answer to someone else 10 yrs. ago ?". And when a person exhibits that sort of demeanor , it actually has the subconscious effect on passer-bys and observers (who perhaps would never have given the matter a moment's thought) to start to ask themselves questions. Ie.: what is he doing? etc....

I have seen this psychology play out in my own md'ing, where ...... when you "act like you own the place", you're ignored. But conversely, let's say a cop car is passing the park. And md'rs gaze "locks on" the cop, and he freezes, studying the policeman's motion, path, etc.... When the cop see that you are eyeing him with the "oh no does he see me?" persona, will simply start to subconsciously rack his brain about "whether or not you should be doing this".

So even though forum posts like this are often "put to rest", yet the damage is still done in other ways on the subconscious level.

 

[XtreasureX]

Tom, buddy, focus more on the second sentence.

 

[b3y0nd3r]

I'm pretty pi$$ed to say the least. At over 1000 bucks a night I could of gone a lot of places but we chose there because of the weather, geography, and to visit the ruins. If this is true I won't come back. If it weren't already booked and everything paid for I would cancel. I thinking of trying to call some one in the Mexican Govt for answers.

Our American dollars in your pocket has power my friend. Simply explain to the higher ups in Mexico, "my American dollars won't enter your country if I am not allowed to metal detect AND dig on the beaches". That should grease the wheels.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Our American dollars in your pocket has power my friend. Simply explain to the higher ups in Mexico, "my American dollars won't enter your country if I am not allowed to metal detect AND dig on the beaches". That should grease the wheels.

But this just assumes that you/we "aren't allowed to metal detect and dig on the beaches". Since when is that a starting point premise ? As you can see, this notion (the silly answer from the hotel desk clerk) is not a "given" to begin with.

And by going to "higher ups" as you suggest, might be the thing that actually BRINGS ABOUT such a rule (or an interpretation or policy or whatever). So that would seem to be the LAST thing you'd want to do (unless there were a TRUE prohibition to fight).

And let's be honest: Do you really think a threat of "tourist dollars" from a few niche geeky md'rs is going to sway someone anyhow ? I hardly think to threaten them in such a way is persuasive, as we are in a niche hobby that represents way-too-few tourists. And as I say, it's the wrong path to begin with, since this doesn't appear to be a prohibition in the first place.

 

[XtreasureX]

Tom. I have spent hundreds of hours with a metal detector in my hands in Mexico. No one cares!!!! Your theories about the psychology and inferences about the rationale of motivation to stop you from detecting now or in the future is unfounded. Mexicans have a different take on rules and what is acceptable behavior. It's a cultural difference that you won't understand until you experience it in conjuction with letting down your guard of the apparent rigidity of your own culture.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Tom. I have spent hundreds of hours with a metal detector in my hands in Mexico. No one cares!!!! Your theories about the psychology and inferences about the rationale of motivation to stop you from detecting now or in the future is unfounded. Mexicans have a different take on rules and what is acceptable behavior. It's a cultural difference that you won't understand until you experience it in conjuction with letting down your guard of the apparent rigidity of your own culture.

Hi XtreasureX, I think there's a mis-understanding here. I'M AGREEING WITH YOU I'm advocating for the "no one cares" (about Mexican tourist beaches) that you're spelling out. So we're in agreement, not disagreement.

And yes: if there were any place to "be afraid of archies", it's here in the USA. NOT MEXICO. Exceptions, of course, if you're talking some sacred historic monuments there (the pyramids, etc...). But beyond that, you're right: MUCH LESS "historic preservation" there, than here. I recall when in Mexico that there were ruins of super old churches out in the desert or mountains that were just being left to crumble, and were just dumping grounds for garbage. Ie.: no preservation attempt, nor anyone around to "care" in the first place. The USA is much better funded to have archies out and about doing stuff. But in Mexico, that's way down on their list of political and cultural problems.

When I detected Mexico, I found nothing but the friendliest of people. When we went through the border, with detectors in full view (El Paso/Jaurez crossing) the border patrol pointed at the detectors and asked "what's that?". My host replied : "Paso Tiempo" (loosely translated "hobby"). The border patrol just shrugged his shoulders and waved us through.

 

[landman]

I've detected Cancun, Rivera Maya, Punta Cana, Puerto Vallatra All at the Hard Rock Resorts 2011-2016 and never had anyone say a word.

 

[Hitndahed]

If this were myself going there.
I would just take my gear and go and detect.
Supposedly there are others doing MDing at this location as well from what I have read here.
Sometimes pleading ignorance and dropping a 20 in someones hand works wonders.
Just me tho folks so please do not crucify me.

 

[Relicific]

Wether you want to detect in Canada,like the other poster,or Mexico,just go for it.

 

[ewtaylor]

My wife and I decided to go to Mexico in February and of course I planned on bringing my detector. I heard that some of the laws had changed so I contacted the hotel and to my surprise I was advised it's no longer allowed. Has anyone else gone to this area and experienced this?

Here's the letter I received...
"Regarding Metal Detecting on the beach is not allowed in the State in Quintana Roo (Riviera Maya), because all the beaches are protected for the government, mostly all our beaches are Turtle and endemic animals Sanctuary. The Mexican Law is really clear with this kind of felony and apply strongs penalties like jail."

​

So what happened? Did you detect or not?

 

[CASPER-2]

Ive been there twice - only one area - small beach did I get asked to leave because it was a turtle sanctuary
first trip



Second trip