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Back in the 1970's, I began exploring Mexico, often with my good friend Tom Penick, and fell in love with the country and its people. In 1994, I moved to Puerto Angel, Oaxaca, to open up a dive shop with a lot of help from Tom and his wife, Nancy. One of the many forms of assistance was Tom's idea to publicize my destination of choice with what was then a pioneering thought: a website devoted to tourism in a particular area. The Pacific Coast of Mexico was started in December 1994 as The Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico by Tom Penick and expanded to include Jalisco and Colima in 1997. This thoughtful expansion coincided with my opening of a dive operation in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco. But while my commercial ventures in Mexico were, alas, failures, the website has flourished. Tom has created an invaluable collection of information about these areas. The information has been obtained from a variety of sources and depends heavily on input from readers.

In 2005, representatives of the tourism industry in Veracruz state approached Tom through one of his advertizers, wnnting a similar source of information for their area. Tom called me, and with his blessings and a HUGE amount of assistance, this new site is hereby launched.  

This travel web site differs from most in that I try to present a complete picture of the area which includes both the good and the bad. So in addition to the "brochure level" information that you can find here and elsewhere, you will find reports of criminal activity, rebel activities, and dangerous conditions. Additionally, in the Visitors' Comments sections you will hear of some unpleasant experiences of travelers. Actually, the areas are quite safe and anyone who visits can expect to have a great time. The candid information that you will find here is provided to help make sure that you do.

| Photographs | Seawater Conditions | Friends | Advertising | GPS Data | Miscellaneous |

The Photographs

As this site matures and I am able to spend more time on the Gulf coast, more and more of the photos will be ones I have taken. I also depend on others to send them in, and most of what you presently see are as a result of the kindness of others. If you've got something that you see lacking here, please let me hear from you. john@johnzap.com
Background colors are done with .jpg tiling mostly.

The Seawater Conditions

Seawater Condtions will always be of prime importance, as I am first and foremost a Scuba diver and watersports enthusiast. I will endeavor to secure current information from my sources in the area, and encourage any and all of you to share whatever information you may have. A light wetsuit is recommended for divers and whitewater enthusiasts in Veracruz during the winter and spring months. Anyone enjoying aquatic activities in any marine environment should consider diveskins to separate sensitive skin from things that sting regardless of the season.
If you have water conditions to report, drop me a line at john@johnzap.com

With Help from Friends

We will be crediting those who help with material for this venture. First and foremost, of course, is Tom Penick. The idea for this sort of website was his and his alone. He was quite the pioneer in this sort of endeavor when he began his site. And as the observant may note, I've not only used his basic framework but have even stolen a few articles directly - with his consent, of course.

I'd also like to thank Gene Marck of Vista World Travel in San Antonio. Gene is the one who put us together with the tourism folks from the State of Veracruz. His agency offers a full range of services for travelers to all parts of Mexico and beyond.

Our friend Rogelio Rodriguez, a dive instructor and guide in Veracruz, has provided a number of tips and corrections to aid in the construction of this site.

Richard Malmed, who contributed a lot of material to the Pacific Coast website, has already begun contributing photos to this one.

Which brings us to you. We need your help to make this site successful. If you would be willing to contribute your travel tips, suggestions, anecdotes, an article, etc. relevant to these pages, please email your correspondence to me, John Williams: john@johnzap.com. If you have questions, I will try to answer them, but practically everything I know is already here. You may find the Visitors' Comments section to be more helpful.

Advertising

It is possible to advertise here with certain risks and limitations. Advertisers, like everyone else, are still subject to review in the Visitors' Comments.

GPS Data

GPS data will be added to these pages to assist travelers equipped with these devices. Accuracy should be to about 300'.   Readers are encouraged to submit coordinates for any of their favorite locations, especially the hard to find ones.

Disclaimer

An attempt has been made to provide useful, accurate information on the Gulf Coast of Veracruz, within these pages. However, it is entirely possible that information herein may be in error or out of date. Please report corrections to john@johnzap.com.

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The Gulf Coast of Mexico www.john.com John Williams:  john@johnzap.com