If I want to just go around and see Cozumel, Mexico, should I rent a car/scooter or take a tour?

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tarro

A scooter will be good, but find a good place with safe ones in decent shape. And it would help to have driven one before. It's a great way to see the east side especially. On the east side eat at Coconuts. Also, there's a great, much cheaper than town, place to buy hammocks and pottery etc. on the east side. And stop at the "naked beach" at the north end of the road. You gotta see their photo album. It's just fun. Not nasty or anything.

Be sure to spend a day at Chakanab, the national park, just south of San Megel, which has good snorkeling for beginners. SOME ON HERE SAY THE REEFS ARE STILL BAD FROM HURRICAIN WILMA, so maybe that's true. I haven't been there since 2004. There's also a few ruins on this island. But Chica Neitza (spelling wrong) is really the ruins to see. Takes at least two hours from Cozumel though. Have to ferry across and take a tour there.

Oh, San Megel Hotel has dollar beer bottles after 4pm. My favorite was Victoria beer. And behind that square, near the San Megal, are great shops and a really good bakery, back a street or two and then left. Sometimes that square has entertainment at night too.

I've been there three times, and have never had a problem with the natives. They are wonderful people. Drove car, scootered, and peddle biked. Of course I was always back by dark, and always with a friend. Just use the same common sense you would in a city here.

mrsaeb

We live on Cozumel right now and some things have changed since Hurricane Wilma, so some of the other abswers are not correct anymore,such as Plaza Las Glorias is now Cozumel Palace.
We have a scooter here,but when we want to go around the Island we rent a car,as it is safer and You never know what kind of weather You may get.
Shopping is deffenitly cheaper on Your way around ,anywhere outside of town.
If You take a tour they will stop at their friends shops/restaurant , not always the best places.
We usually stop at the Tequila tour outside of town , Mezcalitos( naked Beach),Coconuts for a drink and to take in the view ( ocean and photoalbums!!),then have lunch at Chen Rio
(great seafood platters!) and take a dip in the ocean there as it is one of the only safe places to do so on that side of the island.
Also stop at Bob Marley's to look for the BIG pigs...and right there You can also turn of to go see Punta Sur which has just re-opened .
Our favorite beaches are : Playa Palancar for easy swimming and beautiful beach to walk,
Mr.Sanchos Beach Club a little bit of snorkeling and Playa Corona for Great snorkeling!
Enjoy!!

jesus5

I recommend you to rent a car. If you take a tour, you won't have enough time to visit the most important atractions. Car rental is cheap and itÂ´s provided by international companies like hertz. I recommend you to visit Chankanab Park and Punta Sur Park

Robb

I don't like driving on Cozumel, the drivers there are crazy! I just took a cab or walked where I needed to go. I would definitely to to Chankanaab - A national park on the island - They have scuba, snorkeling, food, ruins and more. Get some ceviche and fajitas at Ernesto's Fajita Factory. Get a bucket of shrimp at, lol, El Shrimp Bucket. Shop at the little shops in San Miguel, but skip the mall! Lame tourist trap.

Time permitting, take the ferry to Playa del Carmen and either go to Chichen Itza or Tulum.

Lots of fun to be had.

Jeannie Bell

Definately rent a car or scooter. There is a place right across from the Plaza Los Glorious. If you walk toward town (a beautiful walk along the beach) you will come to the Hotel on your left and the car rental place on your right. You can usually bargain with them for a vehicle that will cost around $25.00 for the afternoon. Don't use your credit card.....act like you are going to walk out and they will take your money without the deposit. Then just cruise all the way around the island.. Visit Bob Marley's Beach Bar on the other side and cross over the island at the middle of the island crossing. You will end back in town where you can do some shopping at the downtown (cheaper) outdoor markets (cruise ship shopping is high end) and then back to the rental place where you can walk back to the docks. It will take you about 1/2 hour to walk to the rental car company. If you don't want to walk, catch a taxi to the Plaza Los Glorious Hotel. Have fun.....it's much more fun to just do your own thing. :) We drive at night, during the day, any time. Have never had any problems with the natives.....They are all very wonderful and kind. You don't need to be afraid at all there.

tham153

Driving in Mexico for a foreigner is extremely hazardous. Mexicans will deliberately try to involve you in an accident, as courts invariably take the attitude foreigners are (a) rich, (b) at fault. You could be jailed as well as having to pay an exorbitant amount. DEfinitely take the tour. Cheaper than renting a vehicle anyway, and you'll be shown the interesting things and told their stories, which you would miss on your own. Plus the tour guide will speak your language, and steer the group to acceptable places to eat.

Simple1

Take a tour! You may get jacked on a scooter

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