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First-timer cenote diving guide safety tips cost and best sights

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The first-timer cenote diving guide safety tips cost and best sights starts right here. I remember the first time I stood at the edge of a great sinkhole in the Yucatán Peninsula. It is unlike any other diving experience on the planet. You are essentially staring into the Earth’s own eye, a secret, aquatic passage to the ancient Mayan underworld. The water below is impossibly clear, inviting, and yet, carries the undeniable weight of the unknown.

As a first-timer, you are likely asking two core questions: “Is this safe?” and “Can I actually do this?” The short answer to both is a resounding yes, provided you approach the environment with respect and preparedness. This isn’t your average coral reef dive; it’s an exploration of submerged limestone cathedrals carved out over millennia.

My goal here is to walk you through exactly how this unique experience works and how to get the most out of it. My first time doing cenotes, I immediately fell in love it and just crave more. And this is after diving with sharks in South Africa, wrecks in Thailand and giant coral reefs in Indonesia.

At the most basic, you must have an Open Water Diver certification. However, an Advanced Open Water (AOWD) would be most ideal as many operators require divers to have more and recent experience, typically between 10 and 25 logged dives, along with excellent buoyancy control. This practical experience is critical for safely navigating the overhead environment and protecting the delicate geological formations from accidental damage.An AOWD would open you up to world-famous sites known for their depth and complexity, such as The Pit and Cenote Angelita.

Keep that detail tucked away; it already handles the main logistical barrier to entry for most divers. We are talking specifically about traversing the controlled cavern environment, where you can always see the surface or the entrance light.

A diver stands at the edge of a cave entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and a yellow diving platform, ready for an underwater exploration. A scenic view of two divers enjoying the crystal-clear waters of a cave pool surrounded by lush greenery and rocky formations. Diver illuminating a dark underwater cave with a flashlight, showcasing rocky formations and a serene environment. First-timer cenote diving guide safety tips cost and best sights
Just before entering “Bat Cave” and doing a buoyancy check.

Safety and Facing the Subterranean Fear

Let’s address the elephant in the submerged room: the fear factor.

Specifically, is cenote diving dangerous for divers? The short and long answer is no, not when you are guided by a certified professional. The perceived risk, often magnified by the enclosed space, is far greater than the actual risk under proper supervision.

Your greatest challenge, and the largest safety factor you control, will be your buoyancy. The water in the cenotes is mostly fresh, which means it is less dense than the saltwater you are likely used to. However, some cenotes transition between fresh and salt water, requiring you to have a good mastery of your buoyancy.

Know the Distinction: Even with Advanced Open Water (AOW), you cannot do cave dives, but you can do cavern diving. The difference is that a cavern it’s a swim through with exits, albeit super dark at some points. Never a true cave, which is the absolute darkness zone requiring technical speleology training and specialized gear. Your dive master shall be cave dive rescue qualified despite it being a cavern dive.

Essential Safety Tips for First-Timers:

  • Buoyancy: A good guide will gauge your weight and work on your nailing in your buoyancy before taking off. Failing to adjust means you risk being overweighted or underweighted, which makes precision difficult. Maintaining neutral buoyancy is not just good form; it is a huge safety measure in these contained spaces.
  • Illuminate Your World: Your Divemaster shall provide you with 2 sets of lights. Carrying a powerful dive lights are essential for signaling, communication, and seeing the true, breathtaking colours of the rock formations. Make sure you have 2 for redundancy.
  • The Finning Technique: Use a modified frog kick or a helicopter kick. Avoid the typical flutter kick, which drives water downward and ensures the silt plume of doom.
  • Talk to Your Guide: Tell your guide before the dive if you have any mild apprehension about tight spaces or anything at all. They should be able to accommodate.
  • Insurance: I strongly urge you to confirm your travel insurance provides clear coverage for diving accidents. I have learned, over the years, less and less travel insurance providers provide coverage for scuba diving and especially if you’re doing cavern diving. As such, going with Diver Alert Network (DAN), provides genuine peace of mind.

Logistics and the Complete Cost Breakdown

The next step is the practical planning: How much does a full day cenote diving tour cost?

El Pit cenote 40 meters deep

The prices for guided cenote dives are consistent across the Riviera Maya but are rarely cheap, and this is entirely justified.

You are paying for highly specialized experience and the guide’s expertise in a challenging environment.

As of 2025 prices, expect to pay between $150 and $210 USD for a standard two-cenote dive tour . This fee generally includes the cenote entry fees, tanks, weights, and the essential guide service. However, guides are also expected to be tipped.

Breaking Down the Budget as a baseline average:

  • Gear Rental Fees: If you don’t travel with your own primary scuba gear, expect to pay an extra $15 to $30 USD for a full rental setup (BC, regulator, wetsuit, fins).
  • Dive Light Necessity: Clarify whether a powerful primary dive light for Mexican cenote cavern tours is included. If not, budget a rental fee or bring your own.
  • Transportation Options: This is a major logistical variable. Taxis can be very pricey. Look specifically for cheapest reliable cenote diving tour operator Tulum options that include round-trip transport from Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
  • Park Fees: Occasionally, the mandatory government entrance fee to the cenote park (like the one housing Cenote Dos Ojos) is separate from the dive operator’s fee, so always clarify the final, all-inclusive price.

For the best visual effects, the ideal time of year for a dive is the dry season, generally November through April.

The rainy season (May-October) can diminish the dramatic effect of the light beams, though the crystal clear water is consistently phenomenal year-round.

Successfully timing your transportation options from Cancun to Cenote Dos Ojos requires an early start.

The iconic light rays are most dramatic between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, so you must be in the water early to avoid the rush of crowds that might otherwise disturb the water clarity.

Dive gear rental near Playa del Carmen is also abundant, but pre-booking with your chosen tour operator ensures the best fit and quality.

At the surface of “El Pit”

The Experience: Best Sights and Subterranean Wonders

Now, let’s focus on the immense reward: the experience itself.

What it feels like to dive in a Mayan cenote is an emotional blend of profound quiet and deep geological awe. The experience is quiet, incredibly still, and feels like floating through liquid glass or an ornate underground dome.

Your dive light cuts through the perfect darkness, illuminating centuries of calcite and stalactite formations. This is less the activity of ‘diving’ and more the passive sensation of subterranean flight.

Cenote Site Recommendations for the First-Timer:

  • Cenote Dos Ojos: This translates to “Two Eyes,” referencing the two massive, light-filled openings connected by a massive submerged circuit. This is the gold standard starting point. The dramatic natural light beams here are instantly visible and immense, making it ideal for building confidence in the cavern environment.
  • Gran Cenote: Located conveniently near Tulum, this site is famous for its large, shallow, and highly accessible perimeter. It has plenty of natural light, making it the perfect spot for beginners to practice their buoyancy control.

If you are feeling ambitious and ready for the truly surreal, you must consider Cenote Angelita.

This site offers one of the world’s most unique submerged sights. The dive involves descending through perfect crystal clear water until you hit a dark, strange, murky layer.

This layer is the halocline, where the lighter freshwater meets the denser saltwater from the nearby ocean.

Below this interface lies the infamous hydrogen sulfide cloud, a bizarre geological phenomenon.

El Pit 40m Halocline

When you pass through it, it momentarily obscures the light, and when you look back up, it looks exactly like a winding river of mist with dead tree branches protruding from its banks.

Seeing the hydrogen sulfide cloud in Cenote Angelita is an alien, beautiful, and slightly chilling moment that represents the absolute pinnacle of this specialized diving.

This extraordinary exploration of Earth’s hidden water systems is exactly why you need a First-timer cenote diving guide safety tips cost and best sights.

The first-timer cenote diving guide safety tips cost and best sights continues with a focus on refining logistics and maximizing the aesthetic journey. It is crucial to refine your gear selection, as the cenote cavern environment demands specific tools beyond your usual tropical kit. The standard Open Water Diver equipment suffices, but optimizing three key things drastically improves the experience and elevates safety. I remember learning these subtleties the hard way; they are the difference between a good dive and an exceptional one.

Logistics Deep Dive: Essential Gear for Cenote Tours

The specific conditions of freshwater diving in the cenotes mean that certain aspects of your gear checklist require extra attention.

  • Thermal Protection: Forget the tropical 3mm; the water temperature in the cenotes sits consistently around 24°C (75°F).
    • My Recommendation: I prefer a full 5mm wetsuit. After two or three dives in a day, that freshwater temperature will creep into your bones, making the surface interval chilly.
    • Safety Relevance: Being cold accelerates air consumption and diminishes your focus, which is a subtle yet real safety risk in an enclosed space.
  • Dive Light Configuration: This is arguably the most vital piece of kit beyond your tank and regulator for seeing the best sights.
    • Guidance: Your local guide will have a powerful primary light, but you need your own powerful backup dive light for Mexican cenote cavern tours.
    • LSI Connection: This illumination reveals the crystalline formations and allows you to properly observe the shimmering halocline in places like Cenote Angelita.
  • Buoyancy and Weighting: As mentioned in the logistics section of the guide, freshwater diving requires less weight than ocean diving.
    • Pro Tip: If you are renting scuba gear from a dive shop near Playa del Carmen or Tulum, tell them exactly which wetsuit thickness you are using so they can supply the correct lead amount.
    • Silt Management: Proper weighting is the frontline defence against stirring the delicate silt layer, keeping the water crystal clear for everyone and maintaining the highest safety standards.

The Experience: Capturing the Aesthetic and Photography Tips

The primary draw for many divers is the ethereal, almost unreal visual experience of the best sights inside these submerged chambers. You will want to capture these moments, and while many tours limit photography to speed up the group, others cater specifically to it. When the sun is high, seeing the natural light beams penetrate the ceiling of a cenote like Dos Ojos creates a celestial effect. It is an incredible spectacle of light interacting with water, and patience is required to truly soak it in.

Photography Tips for Diving the Cenotes:

  • Dive light filters: Remember colour changes under water the further you go. Some recommended filters for you, courtesy of Explorations!
  • Wide-Angle is Essential: The vastness of the cavern environment and the proximity to the rock formations mean a wide-angle lens is non-negotiable for capturing scale.
  • Use Natural Light: If the natural light beams are present, focus on them. They are the star of the show and provide the drama, especially when you can frame other divers silhouetted in the light.
  • Stabilize: Given the low light and the need for slow shutter speeds to capture the beauty, achieving stability is key. A tripod is often impractical; instead, use the slow, methodical movements of an expert Divemaster as your guide for stillness.
  • The Halocline Effect: If you are diving a cenote with a halocline, capturing that shimmering, oily layer requires careful camera angle and lighting. It is one of the most rewarding and strange best sights you can find.

Remember, the true purpose of this entire effort is to facilitate your connection to the Mayan underworld. The logistics and safety tips are simply the necessary mechanics that allow this beautiful experience to unfold. I always remind myself that beneath the logistical checklist is a profound encounter with geological time.

Going through “Bat Cave”

FAQs for the First-Timer Cenote Diving Guide

To quickly address lingering concerns about the safety tips cost and best sights, here are answers to common questions I often receive over coffee.

1. Do I need any special certification beyond Open Water Diver? No, you do not need a Cavern Diving Certification to join the guided tours at the common cenotes. While shops technically allow OWDs into many caverns, the community consensus is that a new diver with fewer than 20 dives often lacks the “trim” (flat body position) needed. Your PADI or SSI Open Water Diver qualification is sufficient. Your local guide will lead you through the cavern environment within the natural light beams zone.

2. How do I prevent claustrophobia? The most effective safety tip is to use a clear-skirt mask to keep your peripheral vision open and bright. Avoid black silicone masks which can create a “tunnel vision” effect and trigger a sense of confinement. Talk to your guide beforehand so they can lead you through the widest passages of the cavern environment.

3. How deep do cenote dives typically go? For the standard cavern environment dives (like at Dos Ojos), your guide will keep you within the natural light beams area, usually to a maximum depth of 18-21 meters (60-70 feet), in line with recreational limits. However, deep pit cenotes (such as El Pit or Cenote Angelita) require an Advanced Open Water certification and can involve dives down to 30-40 meters (100-130 feet). Always respect your training and dive level.

4. Is it expensive to get to the sites from the main cities? The main component of the cost is the guided tour itself. The logistics of transportation options from Cancun to Cenote Dos Ojos can add up. The cheapest route is often to book a full tour package that includes round-trip transfers, rather than paying for individual taxis or shuttles.

5. What is the Halocline? The halocline is one of the unique best sights and refers to the layer where the lighter freshwater diving layer meets the denser salt water. It creates a shimmering, wavy visual effect that looks like oil or gasoline in the water. It is a stunning visual phenomenon specific to these underground systems.

First-timer cenote diving video

Best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues

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These days, everywhere I look on social media all I see is how terrible winter is and how everyone can’t wait for summer. Honestly, I feel attacked. This is my favourite season and it’s all about getting out and about and finding enjoyment out of the season! So, as such, to the wonderful beautiful Winter Wonderland, best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues! Listed below, from least amount of gear investment and skill set to the most, to give any adventurer varying options!

We talk about “Why Winter” on our Amateur Hour; Winter Wonderland episode! Check it out!

Hiking

This may seem silly to be on the list, but seriously, the first step to enjoying winter is going outdoors. I get it, winter in the city sucks. You have slush, melting snow, snow banks, reduced parking spots, too hot indoors and too cold outdoors. And getting out of the city could be a bit of a hazard. But when you’re finally out in the forest and hiking around, there are some beautiful areas to explore! You don’t have to even go too far to find beautiful places to explore.

The posts below contain ideas for one hour away from Toronto. Rockwood Conservation, for example. I visited during the winter, and it’s just absolutely beautiful! If you’re around the Greater Toronto Area, there are several more spots to check that’s under an hour away. However, if you’re not in the GTA, take a quick search of local, provincial (or state) parks, and especially conservation areas!

Sometimes through the trails are well packed enough, you don’t actually need any additional equipment, other than your boots and winter coat!

Snowshoeing

If the trails are a bit more packed and especially right after a large snowfall, snowshoes would be highly recommended. They are easily rented in most outfitting shops, at the local trail head and sometimes not a huge entry point to purchase. Generally, I would suggest bringing snowshoes on a hiking trail all the same in case there are areas that are a bit deeper in snow or there’s fresh snowfall.

There’s not too much more of an increased skill set with snowshoeing. However, if you’re planning on going back country camping with a pack on, with snowshoes, having some trekking poles would be highly recommended.

Gear consideration needs to be taken in to choosing which types of snowshoes dependent on your weight. Each brand and model will have different sizing dependent on the technology.

Skiing – cross country and alpine

Skiing was one winter activity I really started enjoying during the cold dark months.

Alpine skiing takes a bit more skill set than the activities listed above. If you’re super new to it, there are classes you can take to get the basics down and build upon.

Cross country skiing, is the OG of skiing and has been around for centuries. It is a little bit more intuitive, but still does require a bit of adjusting with these awkward massive things on your feet. But I would say, it’s one thing most can get into without classes. It’s a bit more cost effective for a lower barrier to entry as well.

You’d be able to rent most of these equipment at the trail head, the shop, local retailers and definitely the ski slopes.

Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a really fun way to try a new way of climbing, if you’re already into climbing, or just looking for a completely new activity to do! It may look intense, and some say it’s dangerous, but when done safely on top-rope, it’s not a danger.

Admittedly, if you’re completely new to climbing, let alone on ice, there’s a bit of a learning curve here. However, take a quick search online, you may be surprised to find some local guiding companies that offer ice climbing outings and courses!

I will put in a plug for my old employer One Axe Pursuits, and give them a shout out here, as they do a lot of climbing courses and other adventure things in Southern Ontario!

This is one winter activity idea I think is incredibly fun to try to get out of your comfort zone and learn a new way of interacting with snow, ice and nature!

Winter Camping

Lastly, we have winter camping. It may seem obvious, much like hiking, but I feel there are a number of things here that may deter people from trying it. Especially being cold all the time. Well, you know what? You can easily get a heat stroke, sun burn, bug bites and in winter… it’s just the cold to contend with. Maybe some extra weight of gear.

Admittedly, the barrier to entry is a touch higher, as you would new warm clothes and some more technical know-how of layering to ensure moisture control and staying warmer. Otherwise, if you’re already adept and understand the basics of fire starting, it won’t be too much of a difference. The other piece is finding water. You know, snow is a thing. But should you drink snow? If you’re far enough away from the city, yes, it’s safe.

More winter camping details can be found on our Amateur Hour on some tips and tricks and discussion of camping in the winter!

There you have it! The best 5 winter activity ideas to beat winter blues! What do you do to beat the winter blues? Did you find these helpful? Please let us know in the comments below!

LifeStraw is Your Best Emergency Personal Water Filter Review

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LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter, that you can bring on any adventure. I would even carry this when I have my normal basic water filter, but carry it in my go-bag or on person. This is an easy product to use to in a pinch and could buy you time in purifying water in less-than-ideal situations.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):

  • Filtering 99.999% of bacteria, parasites, viruses and other impurities from water without the need of chemicals or boiling
  • Amazing value for filtering 4,000L (1,000 gallons) of water
  • Small (22.9 cm in length) and light weight (56 grams)
  • Best for emergency usage in the back country, travelling in water boil advisory regions, low access to clean potable water
  • No moving or volatile components making it safe to take on flights!

Pros:

Gosh, what didn’t the BLUF sell?

  • It’s like drinking a personal tap water, from a straw
  • Ease of carry for emergencies in the back country and travelling
  • Easy to clean
  • Robust and tough – throw it around!
  • Does not require electricity (I can’t believe this is a thing…)

Cons:

  • Can be a bit difficult to get the high flow rate if you don’t prime it first
  • It cannot desalinate, but really, what are you expecting?
  • Petro-chemicals can still get through, as it mostly filters microbiological substances

Check the price for LifeStraw!

Quick specifications:

Filtration volume: 4000 Litres!

Weight: 0.1 pounds or 2 oz

Dimensions: 22.9L x 2.5W x 2.5H Centimetres

Removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards. BPA Free materials

LifeStraw is Your Best Emergency Personal Water Filter

We believe that everyone deserves access to safe water when they are adventuring and in situations you may not expect. That’s why we are reviewing LifeStraw; a product that provides clean drinking water anywhere in the worldwhich cannot come more highly recommended. This innovative design filters out 99.99% of bacteria and parasites, and it’s incredibly easy to use and doesn’t take up much room in your pack, at all. LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter.

The LifeStraw was born out of meeting a need in water security in the harshest conditions in the world, from refugee camps to natural disasters. LifeStraw is the best emergency water filter in these situations. Since I acquired the LifeStraw (2013), it seems they made their filtration even better in their new models! Their website boasts that LifeStraw filtration technology can filter out:

  • PFAS (PFAS are a large, complex group of manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products. For example, they are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware – source)
  • Microplastics
  • Chemicals and pesticides

On top of your normal bacteria and parasite filtration. Wow!

However, I will say, there are certain things that I feel can’t be filtered by the LifeStraw, as mentioned in the Cons, are petro-chemicals, ie oil spills, or more realistically, seepage such as engine oil into bodies of water where people would drink from. This would require very specialized equipment. Saying this, I actually don’t know if it can or not, not having access to their body of work. However, in on their website, it does say they test on the micro-biology level which leads me to believe some other petro chemical based products may not be filtered out.

If you convert 4,000 litres into 4 litres of consumption per day, it’d take 2.7 years to exhaust the filter! In my adventures, I carry my main water filter and that’s only 1,500 litres! I carry the LifeStraw on me in case something happened on a day trip away from base camp. LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter.

Basic Usage and Maintenance

  • User Manual explains a lot and it’s very easy.
    • Prime intake end of straw for 20 seconds
    • Drink
    • Blow back through the straw when finished
    • (Too easy!)
  • Long term storage includes storing it in saline solution
  • Membrane must be wet to have good water flow.

LifeStraw is your best emergency personal water filter. With products like LifeStraw, we can bring a safe and reliable source of drinking water no matter where you are and no matter what activity you’re doing.

Beautiful Niagara Winery Motorcycle Tour 

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What’re two things that shouldn’t mix? Motorcycles and wine? Well, Rob did just that! Join Rob from Explorations as goes on a beautiful Niagara winery motorcycle tour. To clarify, though, there was zero drinking on this trip, but more so a motorcycle tour through some of the most beautiful sceneries in the wine region of Southern Ontario. There has been some less than enthusiastic opinions about Niagara wine and motorcycle touring in Southern Ontario. Hopefully this article will give you a better insight of what there is to offer!

Niagara Falls view from the Canada side.

For some reason, Southern Ontario wine has suffered a bad reputation and stigma. However, the wines have been winning international awards and getting recognition from sommeliers around the world. The Niagara winery region is one of the best and well known areas to be producing wine. And especially, ice wine! Ice wine differs in the production method where the grapes are harvested frozen and so it brings out the sugars. It’s a really sweet wine and best reserved as a dessert wine.

If you’re interested in some more wine suggestions, we did boxed wine tasting for the reds and the whites for the purposes of carrying non-glass items into the back country. These are not necessarily from the Niagara winery region, though.

Niagara Winery

Niagara winery motorcycle tour is always encouraged. It is a a beautiful region to ride through, with enjoyable twisties and turns, though, you can certainly make a whole day through the entire region. This includes riding out to Niagara falls proper and enjoying the attractions and through the beautiful Niagara winery region, down the Niagara River Parkway.

Beautiful Niagara Winery Motorcycle Tour

There are an incredible amount of wineries to be visited in around the region. However, the below list is Rob’s best picks, having been living around the area for a while, he knows the ins and outs. On this trip Rob checked out several wineries on the Beamsville Bench and Twenty Mile Bench.

What is a “Bench”? According to the VQA: “The Beamsville Bench, running from the creek gully just west of Cherry Avenue to Park Road west of Beamsville, is the narrow plateau sloping gradually from the cliff of the Niagara Escarpment northwards to Regional Road 81, marking the bottom of the crescent-shaped Lake Iroquois Shore Bluff. To the west, the Bench rises into the moderate slopes of the Bell Terrace, where many of the area’s vineyards are located, on steep slopes above deep, wooded ravines and on the sides of small ridges and slopes of the numerous streams that cut through the landscape.” This makes for a beautiful Niagara winery motorcycle tour!

Niagara Winery List:

Motorcycle Tour and Other Attractions

There are several other resources online to plan your trip while enjoying the beautiful Niagara winery region, but still not necessarily as a motorcycle tour. Going through the “Bench” is a wonderful experience. Especially if you’re into geography, as well. Of course, the Niagara is where the Escarpment starts and stretches to Georgian Bay. This provides some amazing motorcycling views, being around Toronto, where it’s known to be straight and flat roads.

Beautiful Niagara Winery Motorcycle Tour, all ready rip roar!

However, some of our recommendations include of the Niagara region includes:

  • Niagara Tunnel
    • New attraction in Canada`s oldest tourist attraction provides a unique perspective of the falls. Recently opened, walk through the tunnels of the the old power station!
  • Old Fort George
    • Parks Canada maintains this fort and re-live the history! Some of the more contemporary history, including the war of 1812 are re-enacted here!
  • Old Fort Eerie
    • Maintained by Niagara Parks, this fort tells the story of the other end of the Niagara River. Whoever controlled the Great Lakes, effectively controlled North America, at the time.
  • Niagara on the Lake
    • A historical little town with a lot of history, including Laura Secord playing a pivotal role in the settlers version of the war of 1812.
  • Niagara Glen
    • While it’s illegal to climb this part of the escarpment, you can get in on some bouldering right by the Niagara river!

Beautiful Niagara Winery Motorcycle Tour Video

Although Niagara wines are fantastic, none were consumed on this trip. Please don’t drink and drive. Please don’t drink and ride.

Beautiful Niagara Winery Motorcycle Tour video

If you enjoyed this beautiful Niagara winery motorcycle tour video, check out some of these other videos!

Motorcycling Duffy Loop

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/04/motorcycling-duffy-loop

West Hamilton Loop

https://explorationsevo.com/2021/11/west-hamilton-roads

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Review: Streamlining Hydration for Outdoor Adventures

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In the world of outdoor exploration, access to clean water is non-negotiable. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter is a game-changer in this regard, offering backpackers and campers a reliable solution for obtaining safe drinking water in the backcountry. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this essential piece of gear.

In the decades of being in the back country and adventure travelling, I have always used the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. It wasn’t only until my previous work allowed me to field test a gravity water filter did I become a convert to these types of filters. Read on below and watch the video review to see why Rob and I have to come the MSR Autoflow Water Filter as our go-to!

Bottom Line Up Front

  • Mechanical filtration can treat nearly all bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa and particulate
  • Easy use and field maintenance
  • Very robust and strong materials to prevent punctures and preserve product utility
  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures

Specifications

  • Filter pore size: 0.2 microns (small enough to get rid of that pesky beaver fever, or giardia).
  • Volume of water reservoir: 10 litres or 2.64 gallons
  • Flow of filtration: 1.75 litres or 0.46 gallons per minute
  • Field maintenance: Yes; simply back flush
  • Cartridge life: 1500 Litres or 396 gallons, before replacement

Pros

  • Very compact system, fit well in backpack and not bulky
  • Made of strong material
  • Doesn’t leave a taste in water as in other systems, can taste like plastic, or iodine
  • Passive system, don’t have to continuously pump water
  • Easy system to clean: After every 10L, back lush with 1L of water

Cons

None of these cons are actually really cons, and we really had to reach for them.

  • Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures; the filter may crack – however this is not unique to this filter and most filters will behave the same way
  • Priming the system can be tricky; we found the easiest way is to either back flush, or have the line just run, before putting the end of the hose into the water bottle
  • Over time, the mouth of the bag, where the connection points are, begin to degrade as the first thing to break down. But this is after 6 years of use and already impressed with the life span of the product

MSR Autoflow Water Filter

MSR Autoflow Water Filter (4L) in the field, with some fancy set up.

We love this product because it is easy to use and does a great job of filtering water. The MSR Autoflow water filter is designed to be used with gravity to filter large amounts of water quickly. We also appreciate the fact that it is designed to be used with gravity, which makes it much easier to use than other water filters on the market

It is ideal for use in situations where clean water is scarce, such as during natural disasters, and for those preppers, after a Sh*t Hits The Fan (SHTF) event. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter can filter up to 1.75 litres of water per minute, making it one of the fastest filters on the market. Additionally, it is made with durable materials that can withstand heavy use.

To note, again, do not use this filter in the winter as the residual water in the filter, when frozen, can expand and break the filtration mechanism inside.

How long does the filter last? Well, there’s no easy answer to that, but keep in mind the filter can last 1,500 litres. If you are 1 person, drinking and using 4 litres per day, this can last you 375 days. Yes, 10 days more than 1 year. Cleaning it should help extend the life span, but unsure for how long. From there, you may be able to calculate when to change the filter.

MSR Autoflow Water Filter Best Uses

Base camp: By far, this will be the best use at base camp, or home base, where you plan on having a few days. If you’re constantly on the move, that’s okay too! Anywhere you can hang this and let the gravity filter do it’s work.

While in the canoe, it may not be the easiest to use. But the idea is to have your water bottles filled before hitting the water. And if really need to refill, simply take a break, pull over, and filter some water. Otherwise, the hand pump MSR Miniworks will be a great back up.

Travelling will be helpful in hotel rooms should you not be able to find potable water. However, do note, that this will not filter out any chemicals and toxins, as it is only a mechanical filter. I have used the MSR Miniworks while travelling to varying degrees of success, largely due to the water filtration systems in the host country, and what remains in their water system coming out of the tap water. If you are sure your water is coming from, for example, fresh spring water, melting glacial water, or similar sources, then you may use this. To be safe, always know where your water is coming from!

Check the price for the MSR Autoflow XL 10 litres.

If you need a replacement filter, check it out here!

This MSR Autoflow Water Filter can’t come any more highly rated. One quick outing with Rob, and he was a convert and has been using it for years since. It is perfect for those who are looking for an investment gear to adventure travel, as it requires no pumps or chemicals. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter offers a reliable and efficient solution for obtaining clean water in the outdoors. With its innovative design, high-performance filtration system, and user-friendly features, it’s a must-have for backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether embarking on a multi-day trek or enjoying a weekend camping trip, this versatile water filter ensures that safe hydration is always within reach. With the MSR Autoflow Water Filter by your side, you can explore with confidence, knowing that clean water is never far away.

Check out further details of the MSR Autoflow Water Filter in the video, below!

If you enjoyed this review, check out:

The North Face Storm Break 2 Review

https://explorationsevo.com/2022/07/storm-break-2-review

GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set Review

Unleash Your Outdoor Chef: A Comprehensive GSI Bugaboo Camper Cook Set Review!

Tips on Boarding Airplanes

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Since the pandemic struck, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten on an airplane to fly anywhere. In this new (almost) post-Covid context, here are some tips on boarding airplanes for your travels! This is more specific to a Canadian context, but may help other travelers as well!

Flying now is a bit more chaotic and challenging, with mad rushes to the airport where it’s understaffed as massive layoffs struck the industry to keep them afloat, financially. This is particularly true for Canadian travelers, whether it be domestic or international flights. Domestic flights, as I remembered it, were to board 45 minutes before flight. Now, airlines advise 2 hours and international flights to 2.5 hours, whereas it was previously 2.

In the background, staff are working to get luggage sorted, despite their best efforts, it is still a chaos with stories of lost luggage and wrong deliveries taking up to weeks to recover your bags, if ever. This is opting for several passengers to bring carry-ons, which then crowds the fuselage overhead compartments more and more, causing backups of passengers rushing to the front of the lines to board the plane for that prime real estate above their heads.

However, not all hope is lost, as there are some positive outcomes on these changes. No longer do you have to wait in line to get your boarding passes, which in its own right can be a nightmare, there may be opportunity to even book your security screening ahead of time if you know when you’ll be there!

So some tips to share after having gone through the whole process in our new context of, almost, post-covid era of flying. Information is largely dependent on your carrier and airport, but hope there’s enough similarities across the board that could help you out.

  • Check in: to be completed online, the carrier will send an email to confirm your check in. Once completed you’ll receive your boarding passes straight away to your email, or you can download a PDF containing the QR code and other relevant information.
  • Arrive to the airport actually early. This includes working backwards on how long it’ll take to get there, with traffic and delays. This should be 2 hours domestic and 2.5 international. This will also any stresses of delays and provide ample chill out time.
  • Boarding passes: as mentioned, it could be a QR code, or you could download a PDF and print it out (but why…?).
  • Check how long security takes here at Pearson International Airport
  • Security check can be booked online ahead of time, in that, you walk up to the gate and check in. (Not do the security check online): For Pearson International Airport: https://www.torontopearson.com/en/departures/yyz-express
    • Check your carrier and airport to see if they can book security

For those looking for COVID cleanliness, be prepared yourself. Bring hand sanitizer (wipes) and masks. Sanitize even the contact points around your seat, if it makes you feel more comfortable. I have learned the airflow in the plane is pretty good and only your immediate seat area is recycled air. The masks will be more important in the airport proper where transmission is higher. However, in the washroom stalls on the planes, be sure to keep your masks on.

Admittedly, and for the sake of complication, my flight, I made sure I didn’t have a need to do any check in luggage and not able to speak to that. I had the good ol’ carry on and personal bag.

Furthermore, I traveled domestically, so vaccine passports and other requirements were not necessary. However, I would suggest other travelers to pay close attention to the country entry requirements to avoid any disappointment. Hopefully these tips on boarding airplanes will be helpful for you!

Introduction to Scuba Diving: Amateur Hour Episode 5

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Our fifth episode of Amateur Hour, where we’re not experts, but we have a little more experience than the lay person on various topics. This episode, we’re giving an introduction to scuba diving! Check out our first episode here where we introduced ourselves and various topics on back country camping.

In this episode, it is Damian who is the one that has zero diving experience and has all the questions. Rob has his Open Water and his own gear for 20 years, while Ian has been diving for 10 years and has his Advanced Open Water and his Wreck Diving. Both have their licenses through PADI.

Damian has his well founded reservations of scuba diving, especially into the unknown. The lakes in around Ontario and typically very dark, with some exceptions, are also very clear waters. What got Ian and Rob into diving is specifically that, the unknown. The flora and fauna is something everyone typically sees on land. But only few get to be up close and personal of the flora and fauna under water. All of this is so different than the life forms you’d see on land and the experience is just one of a kind.

Ian swimming through wrecks in Northern Bali

The experience is also unbelievable, to be neutrally buoyant and floating and suspended in space while observing the odd life forms from a close-ish distance, relative to the size of the organism. You get to see sharks and abundance of sea life, corals, giant kelp forests, ship wrecks and go exploring through them. Things you may not otherwise find on land!

Despite the amazing experience you could garner from diving, it is a higher barrier to entry and can be cost prohibitive. You’ll also typically need boats to reach better dive sites, dive masters/guides who’re familiar with the tidal area, and a crew to operate the boat while you’re out diving, especially in a drift dive. The cost is also higher in North America for getting trained up, though usually at resorts in the Caribbean’s and South east Asia (both regions where Rob and Ian got their licenses) are typically cheaper. However, you still need to get there, which in itself is not very cheap.

However, once there, we would suggest to do a “try – a – dive” with Padi; you’ll be with a personal dive master/guide who will walk you through everything and will not stay far away from you during your dive. This is a good way to try it out before committing a couple hundred bucks to getting your Open Water!

All this information and more, with the introduction to scuba diving episode!

If you enjoyed the introduction to scuba diving amateur hour, you may want to check out:

Introduction to Overlanding: Amateur Hour Episode 4
Winter Camping: Amateur Hour Episode 3

Overlanding in Stave Lake BC: Grand Vitara vs. Jeep Rubicon

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Welcome to the rugged wilderness of and adventure of overlanding in Stave Lake, British Columbia! In this thrilling back-to-back competition, we pit Damian’s modified Grand Vitara against John in a stock Jeep Rubicon. Buckle up as we explore the stunning landscapes, tackle challenging off-road trails, and witness these two vehicles go head-to-head in the ultimate overlanding in Stave Lake showdown as they tackle the challenging terrain of region. But first, if you missed our Introduction to Overlanding in Episode 4, be sure to check it out for some valuable insights on getting started in this exhilarating adventure.

Overlanding in Stave Lake: A Haven for Off-Road Enthusiasts

Stave Lake is a hidden gem nestled just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and exhilarating off-road trails. Surrounded by majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine lakes, overlanding in Stave Lake offers the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Stave Lake offers something for everyone.

Views of Stave Lake in British Columbia

I often don’t understand why I’m so adamant about staying in another part of the country – oh right, professional work and stuff… Anyways, so back to Damian and John…

Setting the Stage: Grand Vitara vs. Jeep Rubicon

As Damian and John gear up for their epic showdown, it’s essential to understand the unique characteristics of each vehicle. Damian’s modified Grand Vitara boasts impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to its rugged build and aftermarket upgrades. On the other hand, John’s stock Jeep Rubicon is a formidable contender, known for its legendary 4×4 prowess and trail-rated performance. Watch our video to see the Grand Vitara and Jeep Rubicon side by side. Marvel at the mountain views, lush rainforests, and serene lakes. Witness their river crossings, log challenges, and all-terrain prowess. Who emerges victorious? The answer lies in the dust kicked up on Stave Lake’s rugged trails.

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the competition as Damian’s Grand Vitara and John’s Jeep Rubicon go head-to-head in a series of off-road challenges in overlanding in Stave Lake:

  1. River Crossings: With Stave Lake’s pristine waters beckoning, Damian and John put their vehicles to the test as they tackle river crossings of varying depths and currents. While the Jeep Rubicon’s high ground clearance and water fording capabilities shine in this environment, Damian’s Grand Vitara holds its own, thanks to it’s electronic adjusted drivetrain.
  2. Mud and Sand: With muddy patches and sandy stretches dotting the landscape, Damian and John put their vehicles’ off-road capabilities to the test. While the Jeep Rubicon’s four-wheel drive system and off-road tires excel in these conditions, Damian’s Grand Vitara proves its mettle, thanks to its lightweight construction and traction control system.
  3. Log Crossings: As they encounter fallen logs and debris along the trail, Damian and John demonstrate their vehicles’ ability to navigate obstacles with precision and control. While the Jeep Rubicon’s sturdy construction and skid plates offer protection against impact, Damian’s Grand Vitara showcases its ground clearance and approach angle, effortlessly traversing the challenging terrain.

Tips for Overlanding Beginners

As mentioned in our Amateur Hour, a few things to keep in mind in heading out:

  • Bring a Friend: Having a companion is essential for spotting your route and handling emergencies.
  • Any Vehicle Works: Damian’s journey started with a sedan, proving that you can overland with almost any vehicle. The Grand Vitara, with its versatility, is an excellent choice for beginners.
  • Know Your Vehicle’s Limits: Before hitting the trails, ensure your chosen routes match your vehicle’s capabilities.
Overlanding in Stave Lake, working the trail

The Great Off-Road Challenge: Trails and Campsites

Our overlanding in Stave Lake journey begins as Damian and John embark on a series of exhilarating off-road trails, each presenting its own set of challenges and obstacles. Here are some of the highlights:

  1. West Stave Lake Road: This scenic trail winds its way through dense forests and along the shores of Stave Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With its mix of rocky terrain and muddy sections, West Stave Lake Road provides the perfect testing ground for both vehicles.
  2. East Stave Lake Road: As Damian and John venture deeper into the wilderness, they encounter the rugged terrain of East Stave Lake Road. This challenging trail features steep inclines, rocky descents, and tight corners, putting their driving skills and vehicle capabilities to the test.
  3. Bear Creek Campground: Nestled amidst towering trees and overlooking a serene creek, Bear Creek Campground offers the perfect retreat for weary travelers. Damian and John set up camp for the night, enjoying the tranquility of nature and sharing stories around the campfire.
  4. Davis Lake Provincial Park: The next morning, our intrepid adventurers continue their journey to Davis Lake Provincial Park, where they navigate narrow trails and ford shallow streams. With its picturesque setting and rugged terrain, Davis Lake Provincial Park provides the ultimate off-road experience.

After a grueling day of off-road adventures of overlanding in Stave Lake, it’s time to determine the winner of our epic showdown. While both Damian’s Grand Vitara and John’s Jeep Rubicon performed admirably in the face of adversity, there can only be one victor. In the end, it’s not just about the capabilities of the vehicles but also the skill and determination of their drivers. As the sun sets over Stave Lake and our adventurers bid farewell to their wilderness playground, one thing is clear: the spirit of overlanding lives on, fueling the passion for adventure and exploration in all who dare to seek it.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Adventure

As we conclude our journey through the rugged terrain of Stave Lake, British Columbia, we’re reminded of the transformative power of overlanding in Stave Lake. Whether behind the wheel of a modified Grand Vitara or a stock Jeep Rubicon, the thrill of exploration and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers unite us in a shared pursuit of adventure and discovery. So, whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a newcomer to the world of off-road exploration, remember to embrace the spirit of adventure, for the journey is as important as the destination. Until next time, happy trails and safe travels!

Overlanding in Stave Lake episode

If you enjoyed this video of Overlanding in Stave Lake, check out some more videos of overlanding and adventures!

Overlanding to Granite Falls

Journey to Granite Falls

Overlanding in Squamish BC

How to Make Fire when it’s Wet

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Welcome back to another episode of Explorations! How to make fire when it’s wet is the key focus in this video diary. Shoulder season camping in the spring is generally known to be quite a wet time of year and there are a few tips and tricks that will allow you to find dry firewood and get a roaring campfire going in, relatively speaking, a short amount of time.

Even if everything is sopping wet from a few days of rain, it is still possible to get a fire going. It will take some extra bit of time and some helpful tools, it is still possible. The key thing, here, is to practice, practice, practice! Without further adieu, the key tips and tricks!

  • A Leatherman, or equivalent, knife to make wood shavings
  • Axes and saws are good tools too
  • Look for thicker logs. In the middle of the log will be some dry wood
  • Rotten logs may still be OK. You’ll have to saw through the middle to check the integrity of it
  • Shave wood from the (dry) middle of the thicker logs
  • Collect shaves onto a bark of sorts and once lit, shove it under your pre- built camp fire
  • Once the fire is going, dry the logs out by either building a firewall, or if really wet and thick, on top.
  • A “log cabin” is the best balance of oxygen and fuel to keep a fire going

Quite frankly, he just uses fire starters and a Bic lighter. It’s small enough to carry around, doesn’t add weight, and can be shoved in your pockets. However, it is always good to know and practice emergency fire making.

In an emergency situation and you need to make a fire, make sure they tools you bring out to the woods, you have practiced with and are experienced with in using! Ian was practicing making fire with some unfamiliar tools and it took several failed attempts to almost start a fire. Candidly, was an eye-opener that he should also practice a good few more times with the tools he’s using.

Enjoy the video below!

If you enjoyed this video, check out a few more shoulder season camping and paddling!

The Real BC Triathlon

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I’m certainly not an athlete and one that even touches on Triathlon. But, I’m going to go ahead to and say, what I think is an unpopular opinion – organized triatholon’s are over rated. You run, swim, and bike with a group of people on easy terrain feature-less. Meh. It’s great one has good cardio and I can definitely appreciate the work that is put into that, the dedication required to do it, and then race against other people. I do applaud those aspects of the athleticism and in no way am I dismissing the herculean effort required to do something like this. It’s not for me though.

I find it lacking a lot the “fun” that comes in with the “real triathlon” skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking (with snowshoes in this case). This is primarily the lack of fun comes with the lack of features in the running and road cycling (again, I can appreciate how difficult it could be). Though, com’on, we can make anything a “triathlon”. For myself, the terrain is what matters in these activities. I find the additional skill set of needing to navigate technical terrain, puts these activities to a whole new level.

Big of me to say this coming from the land of the pretty-kind-of-flat, in Ontario, I know.

But, with Damian out in the BC, I can live vicariously through him watching his videos of him, humping up big ass mountains, snowboarding down them, and then shredding through some awesome trails. My fat ass will continue to sit in Onterrible and eat popcorn while watching the video, below!

If you enjoyed the bike portion, check out more biking videos here:

Ontario Downhill biking: https://explorationsevo.com/2022/04/25/downhill-biking/

BC Downhill biking: https://explorationsevo.com/2021/10/18/return-to-half-nelson/