That's My Story

DOESN’T HURT TO ASK

Originally Published the Week of Oct. 2, 2025 in Western Outdoor Publications

We’ve come to that time of the year.  It’s the winter months in Mexico. 

Honestly, it’s a great time to visit and many folks mark it down on their calendars. 

Even for those of us who live down here, it’s a “chilly” 72 degrees and we’re wearing long pants and sweatshirts. It still beats winter in cities like New York City, Seattle and states like North Dakota, Minnesota and Alaska.

Along with travel and lodging, folks also book activities.

There’s fishing, diving, kayak trips, booze cruises, etc. and many more opportunities to enhance the vacation.

That’s all well and good.

However, many visitors also forget that our Mexican weather can be erratic.   Although the sun is out most of the time, it’s also the time when there can be big winds and waves. 

As I often explain to folks, yes, we have a border between the two countries.  However, it doesn’t mean that the weather stops at the border.

If there are huge storms or weather fronts that hit the U.S., chances are there is also a huge effect in Mexico to the south. We’re all part of the same continent.

Weather-wise, no country exists in a vacuum.

Over the many years, I’ve run into so many visitors who are surprised when the winds howl.  They can’t believe how rough the ocean can get.  Surely, it didn’t look like that in the travel brochure or the online webpage.

Here’s the rub. 

What happens if that activity you reserved AND PAID FOR gets cancelled?

That’s the big one.  You already paid for it or gave a big deposit for it.  Now what?

Cancelations can come from different sources.

It could come from the weather. 

It’s could be too rough or unsafe to get out on the water.  Where we live in La Paz, the port captain will sometimes completely shut down the port to all boat traffic.

 That means, diving, snorkeling, fishing, island tours, kayaking, etc. are grounded.  Even private boats and yachts are locked in.  Commercial boats are also stuck in the marinas.

Even if it may look calm inshore or in the bay, it could look like a washing machine outside the area.  Safety is the big issues.

This can happen anywhere there is a Mexican port.

The other issue could simply be that it’s not economical for the tour operator to go out.  For example a scuba diving trip might needs 8 divers to make it worthwhile. However, only 2 show up.

Or the sunset catamaran booze cruise needs 100 folks but only got 25 reservations.  What happens to your money?

There’s a chance you won’t see it again. Straight-up. 

If you were already on board and went out, but had to come back, that’s just the weather.  No one’s fault.

You come back in.  You’ll probably lose your funds.  That was the chance you took.

If you never leave the docks or marina, there might be some recourse.  But, not likely.

There are many reputable outfitters in Mexico.  Some might offer a refund.  Most won’t or can’t.

If the funds were already processed through a bank like a credit card, it’s difficult and problematically impractical to issue a refund.

Likewise, the tour operator might have already spent the money on gas, provisions, staff and other expenses.  They were ready and willing to go except for unfortunate circumstances. 

However, the operator honestly and regretfully simply doesn’t have funds to return to you.  Very often, it can be a small-time mom-and-pop operation.  They were depending on the trip as much as you were anticipating going!

What some operators might do is offer you a credit to come back.  That’s great if you have the flexibility in your vacation schedule to give it a try on another day.

If you don’t have that alternative, you might just have to walk away and hope optimistically that you can use the credits.

However, here’s what some nefarious operators do.

They take the bookings.  They accept the payments. They know full well that there’s a big chance the activity will never happen.  Or is very unlikely to happen.

They will be happy to give you a future credit. 

But, honestly, what are the chances you’re coming back anytime soon?   This is the vacation you planned and saved for.  Or it was the one-time visit all the way from northern Canada or it was part of a wedding party? 

They know the large majority of visitors  will not be able to come back.  The money gets pocketed.  Adios and safe travels home!

There are ways to help mitigate these things from happening.

One is to purchase trip insurance.  It’s economical and covers things like bad weather, cancelled flights, getting sick (not hangovers!), etc . It can cover a myriad of unforeseen things that could happen on any vacation.

The other is to simply ask the outfitter what their refund policies are ahead of time.   Better to be forewarned . 

If it’s within say 7-10 days from your trip, ask them about the weather.  Most good operators want to get you out as much as you want to go out.  They might welcome your flexibility.

Maybe it would be better to change dates! 

Also, get online and look at an extended forecast.  Especially, check the wind forecast. 

Also, whenever possible deal directly with the operators.  There are many 3^rd party booking agencies that take reservations online for outfitters. 

They are largely anonymous corporate entities. Their job is to sell tickets because they get commissions from the tour operator. 

You may never evern speak with a live person.  It’s all about sales.

They don’t know anything about the weather or much else. Refund policies? Not likely or it simply is not worth the time and energy.

A little research and forethought could go a long way.

That’s my story!

Jonathan

Read Full Post »