Going to Cozumel. How should I get around?

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flightpillow

There are three main methods by which most visitors choose to get around Cozumel. The first is simply to walk. The second is to rent a moped. The third is to rent a car. People generally walk to destinations within town and ride or drive to the outlying areas where the hotels and beaches are.

Getting around Cozumel on the roads is relatively easy in terms of the simplicity of the road system but drivers must always be highly alert and aware of all driving rules. Things which drivers should know include:

Donâ€™t forget that any sign reading ALTO means STOP.
Downtown is always packed with cars, taxis, mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians so either avoid the area or be careful.
Moped riders must wear helmets.
Mopeds are only supposed to drive up on one side of cars but they often drive up on the other side so be aware of blind spots on either side of your vehicle.
Right turns are allowed on red.
Seat belts are mandatory in front and back seats.
The main road along the waterfront should be avoided at all costs. It is crowded and dangerous in terms of driving, despite the great view of the water. Save your views for your walking time.
There is only one road that goes to the south end of the island, along the east coast and back through the center of the island to downtown Cozumel, so this is the road to know about.
Travel from north to south across the island has the right of way and does not stop. Travel from east to west will have to stop at every intersection until the north-south traffic has passed.

=)

Scotty

Most places are walkable and taxis are cheap and safe, so I've never rented a car and I've been to CZM about ten times.

Rubi

i was planing to go too, but not sure anymore because of the weather but from what i've heard is not necessary to rent a car......but you should try to go to Playa del Carmen and Cancun is a lilttle boat called the "Ferry" and its like $12.

El Conquistador

If you plan on going several places in one day i would say to rent a car which goes for 50-60 dollars with unlimited mileage without gas of course and the car will be a tiny car for this price(2door) like a chevy metro . The bigger car like an nissan altima runs 60-70 dollars. So unless you plan a busy day it just isn't worth it. Especially when taxis charge 20 dollars for 20 miles you cant beat that here in the U.S. Tour bus to the ruins is what i did. They explain about the ruins and transport you to and from. This way you don't have to worry about dealing with finding it and getting there and also avoid driving in Mexico where stops don't really mean stop and lines on the road are not visible and no one stay in one line.

stella39

I would rent a car with 5 of you. At least for a few days. No shuttle bus in Cozumel. They ride on scooters mostly. We were just two people so we took taxis mostly. We rented a car to tour the east side of the island. Take the ferry over to Playa Del Carmen. A very fun place. Lots of shopping, bars and restaurants. If you take a cab always ask how much in dollars if that's how you are paying or how much in pesos if you decide to use pesos.

Here are 2 sites to help you.
http://www.cozumel.net
http://www.islacozumel.com.mx

Have a wonderful trip. Cozumel is great.
s

jannahlee78522

Hi - The Taxis can be big - like shuttle buses. You can also wlk, rent motor scooters, rent cars - depends on how much traveling you will be doing. If you are staying close to town, then you might want to rent a large car or take a Taxi around the island to enjoy the stuff you would otherwise miss. If you are close to town, a lot of things are in walking distance.
There are ruins on the island, but I think you might be talking about the larger ruins on the main land. That takes a ferry and taxi or rental car. Sometimes packaged tours are available which can include transportation, meals, and a guide - check into it. Hope you enjoy your trip. Don't get sucked into the time share trap with the promise of a cheap rental car if you attend their sessions.

Mad Mex

if your hotel is in Cozumel close to downtown you really do not need a car. You can move around walking, and taxis. You can always rent a car for a day top explore the island. Car rental fees are around $50 per day.

To cross to the main land there is a Ferry that will take you to Playa del Carmen. From there you can take a bus to Cancun, a bus to Tulum and a taxi to Xcraet. You can also rent a car in Playa del carmen if you want to explore the main land.

Most car rental companies are the same. Be sure to inspect the rental car carefully before signing acceptance. even with insurance you are responsible for up to 10% of the damage of the car including total loss. In other words if the car is stolen you have to pay them 10% of the value of the car.

Big Kat

Hi,
I'm returning in July for a week long diving trip.
With five you might get away with a jeep. I'm not sure about a Mini Van the roads are not the best, however, taxi fare's are set. Car rentals are a little on the high side.
You can drive around the island in a few hours. The backside or Caribbean side still show the effects of Wilma from over a year and a half ago.
Depending on what you would like to do with your time and your location. Once you fly into Cozumel it's a fixed cost per person to get to your hotel. If you're staying in or near San Miguel you'll be just fine with walking into town. If you're on the outside of town it's a cab ride.
Tours: The Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are magnificent. If you've not put your trip together I would suggest flying into Cancun it's cheaper renting a large car and spending a couple of nights at the Chichen Itza Ruins at the Maya-land Resort. You are right at the site and you have you own entrance to the grounds. Return to Cancun drop off your car, take a Taxi to Palya del Carmen and catch the ferry to Cozumel for the remainder of you trip.
If you are set with Cozumel you can make a day trip to Chichen Itza.
There are some small ruins on the island that you can visit.
You will experience driving that will violate your comfort zone. The Mexican driving license is a wonderful thing. To get a license in Mexico all you have to do is pay the money. There is no written driving test and no behind the wheel driving test. It's every driver for himself. So per prepared.
Enjoy

shaka r

For day trips take the ADO bus. It is a good way to get around. Just take the ferry to Play Del Carmen and walk up the street. The street is straight from where you get off and it has a hill on it. When you get to the top of the hill, the fist street intersection, take a right and go two blocks to the bus station.

As far as getting around, you can rent a car or jeep but its not necessary. Driving isn't as safe there as in the States so it would behoove you to get insurance. I prefer getting a moped/spree. They are cheap and fun to drive. Again, safety is an issue there so be carefull. You can walk almost anywhere there though. If your going for the diving the dive shops will have pick up and drop off's for your party.

I would recomend seeing Chankanaub while you are there. My wifes mom runs the Department of Parks and Museums so we had to go there and I loved it. Also, Punta Sur on the other side of the island. Its a preserve with alagators and some Mayan historical buildings. Cool place.

Whatever you do you will love it. Cozumel is second only to Australia for diving and in my opinion the greatest vacation spot on the planet. It definately topped Haiwaii.

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