Car rental in Coz?

[DougieG]

Hello,

I'm planning a dive trip to Cozumel in the Spring. This is my first time there and I was thinking of renting a car so I could see the whole island. Is this a good way to get around Coz, or am I just asking for trouble and should just use taxis instead? Thanks.

 

[northernone]

I like the freedom of my own wheels, others prefer the stress free experience of a private driver. You can get a taxi for the and they are happy to show you around the island.

Cameron

 

[George Monnat Jr]

We had no problems with taxis, they're cheap and easy. They also have rental dune buggies which looked like fun, too. To be honest, it's a small island - you'll see most of it walking or the hotel-to-shop taxi rides.

 

[sefuchs]

Our preference is to have our own car. But since this is your 1st time there (or driving in a foreign country??) I suggest using the taxis, they are cheap & easy. Maybe rent a car later in your trip to explore the island after you get familiar with the island driving style. With us we will have daily round trip to the Caleta and out to dinner, sometimes lunch so a rental car verses taxi is about a wash in cost.

A lot of choice boils down to where you are staying and how your dive op operates (i.e. arranged transportation or meet at the Caleta, etc.). We usually rent a junker from ISIS Car Rental, she has decent rates and will help you out if you do happen to get in an accident. Which by the way make sure you understand the risks and rights (lack of) you take as a driver in Mexico.

 

[BRT]

As a side note, has anybody ever rented a car on the mainland and ferried it over to Coz for your time there?

 

[flyboy08]

We rented a day rental to see the island years back....I’d do same again, but we Dive most days and there is no need for a longer term rental.

If you do rent, buy there insurance rider....yours from the states won’t apply.

 

[judydivescoz]

I always rent a car. I like the freedom it gives us to enjoy our vacation the way we like on our own time. No drinking and driving and follow traffic rules!
If you decide to rent get full coverage!

 

[ggunn]

As a side note, has anybody ever rented a car on the mainland and ferried it over to Coz for your time there?

I don't know why anyone would do that.

 

[uncfnp]

Our first trip down we rented a car for one day to tour the island and I may do that again on a future trip. But for just day to day travel we rely on taxis.

Where you stay may influence this. In town taxis are definitely the way to go. If I were staying on the north or south ends of the island I would rent.

 

[ggunn]

Hello,

I'm planning a dive trip to Cozumel in the Spring. This is my first time there and I was thinking of renting a car so I could see the whole island. Is this a good way to get around Coz, or am I just asking for trouble and should just use taxis instead? Thanks.

It partly depends on where you are staying. If your hotel is a south end resort, cab rides to and from town can be more than US$20 each way. Hotels in or near town may not have much if any available parking. I stay close to town (Blue Angel), and I cab it everywhere I need to go, including the around the island excursion.

There are risks associated with renting a car. If you get in even a minor accident getting out of Mexico can get sticky and the rules concerning liability are not the same as they are here. Ditto for DUI charges if you are inclined to imbibe and drive. Shakedowns by police aren't common but they have happened. Parking in town can be problematic, and no parking zones where you can get fined are sometimes not well marked.

The math for me is simple but DSFDF and YMMV.