A little help with Cozumel

[MoonDollar]

Alrighty guys........My time is getting closer. I've started to pack and I'm thinking of plans. I was hoping you all could give me some good ideas.

I have only been to Cozumel once. And that was with someone who wanted to ride the ferry over, turn around, and go back. And that's what we did. There are 6 of us that would like to go over and go to the other side of the island and for some dumb reason, I thought there were golf carts that could be rented (I think I was thinking of the wrong island) Anywho, what is our best bet? Do they have vans that can be hired for the 6 of us? Or are there just taxis? I don't want to rent scooters as I know most of us are horrible drivers here AND sober. So, that's out. Well, 2 of us may..........

Any ideas?

(oh, I know this has been covered, but it's early......what time does the first ferry leave? Sorry about that one)

[PlayaWithMe]

Originally Posted by MoonDollar

Alrighty guys........My time is getting closer. I've started to pack and I'm thinking of plans. I was hoping you all could give me some good ideas.

I have only been to Cozumel once. And that was with someone who wanted to ride the ferry over, turn around, and go back. And that's what we did. There are 6 of us that would like to go over and go to the other side of the island and for some dumb reason, I thought there were golf carts that could be rented (I think I was thinking of the wrong island) Anywho, what is our best bet? Do they have vans that can be hired for the 6 of us? Or are there just taxis? I don't want to rent scooters as I know most of us are horrible drivers here AND sober. So, that's out. Well, 2 of us may..........

Any ideas?

(oh, I know this has been covered, but it's early......what time does the first ferry leave? Sorry about that one)

Scooters are the best and most fun way to see the island in my opinion....Still one of the most fun things I have ever done going around the island on the scooter and stopping and every bar/restaurant along the way....If you are not into scooters with six it sounds like you may need to rent a van.......

[MoonDollar]

Thanks for replying!

My boyfriend and I discussed the TWO of us getting a scooters. I would be willing to do it. I think it would be fun. And that's exactly what we are going to do. Go from bar to bar and see something we haven't seen before. This was THE day plan.

But, just in case........There are vans to be rented? Got any idea of the cost? Not that it matters, but it seems I am the sole "travel agent" every year. I just like to give everyone an idea.........

[Nick and Nora Charles]

Originally Posted by MoonDollar

Thanks for replying!

My boyfriend and I discussed the TWO of us getting a scooters. I would be willing to do it. I think it would be fun. And that's exactly what we are going to do. Go from bar to bar and see something we haven't seen before. This was THE day plan.

But, just in case........There are vans to be rented? Got any idea of the cost? Not that it matters, but it seems I am the sole "travel agent" every year. I just like to give everyone an idea.........

DO NOT REPEAT DO NOT rent scooters on Cozumel.

Every year there are multiple accidents and deaths on Cozumel involving tourists and scooters.
Why take that chance?

Nora

[SUNBABY]

I agree... too many tourists scooting around from bar to bar...DUH! Even driving a car, you have to keep an eye out for those people on the scooters who have no idea how to ride one safely.

Rent a van. Check out a Cozumel board for info and you may want to make reservations...when those cruise ships hits port, they can go fast.

[MoonDollar]

Thanks for the info Sunbaby. I didn't think about the cruise ships. Dang. I'll see if I can find something. I think the van idea is the best. Mostly because I think it would be more fun for us to travel together. That's kind of the point of going in the first place.

But a scooter would be fun But it would limit my drinking abilities.........So I think I will go the other route.

Thanks for the info. I'm sure I will have more questions. It's been a couple of years since I've been in that are.

[PlayaLove]

Try getting a cab driver for the day. We did that last year and had a blast it was less than renting a car and I know he really appreciated that day ,I think he had as much fun as we did. Just make a fair offer and see what happens,not of them will do it but some will. Our cab driver was Victor and I will defintaly contact him when we return to Cozumel for the day next year. Hope you have a fun holiday.

[SUNBABY]

While driving around the island and seeing the coast is nice and pretty, there are very few beaches for swimming. (mostly just for sitting on) You pretty much need water shoes because they are mostly broken pieces of coral. You see alot of mangoves and Ironshore along the coast. Be careful on the ironshore...it will cut you if you fall or wear the wrong shoes.

Mostly, I would just grab a cab to Dzul-hal beach club for the day and snorkel.

[MoonDollar]

I've been looking for some type of van service. I'm not finding one that you can just hire to take you where you want. I figured hiring a taxi would work too, but we would have to get 2 of them. Can I ask what a "fair" price would be? I don't want to be insulting........

Sunbaby, thanks for the snorkel spot. That will be on the list as well, as there are a couple people that will want to snorkel. I'm just in it for the scenery and the fun. Bar hoping and meeting people.

Can't wait to back down there! It's going to be a loooonnnnngggg summer.

[DiJo]

there will be all kinds of taxis and vans lined up waiting for fares. Go along the line and talk to several of them and negotiate a price. Be specific in the time you want them for and where you want to go.

Riding scooters around Cozumel and drinking is not a very good idea. They now have breathalizers on Cozumel and there are check points set up around the island. If you blow over, you will definitely "pay or stay".

Have a great time and going to the east side is a must. Lots of nice beaches, beach clubs and a totally different atmosphere than all the big hotels and clubs on the "cruise ship strip".

You may want to be dropped off at Dzul Ha (now the Money Bar) and do some snorkelling before heading home. A cab from here to ferry is approx. $5.00.

[MoonDollar]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for the info!

The whole point for us to go is to go to the East side. Just want to see it and experience it. Thanks for the tip on the vans. I suppose we'll just play it by ear when we get over there. I'm hoping to have everyone on the 6 am ferry. But I know that's not going to happen.

Oh, and how long would you suggest asking for the driver? I know it depends on stops and how long we spend at each. But just a guess...........We don't want to be hurried. I just don't know how long it would take to drive around the island.

Thanks everyone!!!!

[SUNBABY]

OOps...I forgot they changed the name to the Money Bar. Doesn't Cozumel have a Taxi rate set in place? Seems like you get quoted all kinds of prices from the cabbies.

[DiJo]

I'm not sure and the schedule changes at UltraMars whim i.e. amount of business. When you get on they will give you a schedule for your return, which has the times that have been cancelled stroked out.

It's only about 3/4's of an hour ride (if that) and if you get over there too early many places won't be open.

Relax and leave when it suits you. Remember, it is a very small island and doesn't take long to drive around it. Go to Cozumel and take a look at trip reports and the different beach clubs, Punta Sur, Chankanaab, etc. and see what appeals to the crowd.

One of our favourite spots is Elmirador



And El Cedral (town)...



View from Coconuts after Wilma



Coconut Lady on your way to the banos



Impressive work at Mayaland on the cross island road



Dzul Ha (now Money Bar)



If you do your homework, it can be a most enjoyable day or you can go over, wander around and be really disappointed. Depending on the number of cruise ships in, the traffic can be a pain. The east side alternates between nice sandy beaches and ironshore. Another really wild spot to stop at is Mezcalitos, depending on the crowd it run from lots of fun to outrageous.

Have a great day.

[MoonDollar]

Wow Dijo,

Thanks for the info and the pictures. I really was joking when I said 6 am. There is NO way anyone I know will be up and ON the ferry at 6. I'm shooting for 10 or 11.

But I thought I found a ferry schedule on a Cozumel board that said the first one from Cozumel to Playa is 5 and the the first one from Playa to Cozumel is 6. Maybe it's an old schedule or something.

Thanks again!

[jamnkats]

Cozumel seems to have been hit even harder than Playa with the slow season as they were complaining about it back in both February and March of this year. There are vans and taxis lined up along the street when you get off the ferry. I am sure they would LOVE to take you around the island and will wait for you - you don't really need to specify an amount of time that you'll be using the taxi. They're pretty used to that.

Try to spread your money around on the island - they're hurting much more than Playa is this year.