Car rental in San Jose del Cabo

[andrethediver]

We are planning to make a drive from San Jose del Cabo to La Paz in late December. Is there a recommended car rental location around that will allow returns to Cabo? Also, are better off keeping the car all the days there or we don’t really need a car in La Paz - like dive ops pick up divers? Any issues with insurance? Thanks.

 

[greta-inbaja]

Hi, so you want to pick up in one location and return car to another? If so, I'm don't know.. if you are picking up and returning to san Jose, Cactus is good. You can get a quote for everything incl full ins or just the mandatory liability. The insurance is the expensive part in Mexico. The dive ops will pick u up at your hotel.. where are you staying? That might help with whether you need a car in la paz. Regarding auto insurance. I have bought just the liability after making sure my credit card insurance covers in Mex. I actually had to use it once. Paid for damages up front, submitted paperwork once back in the states and was reimbursed w/in 2 wks. So far, November has been super nice, not much wind, seems to be continuing into December. YAY! I am 10 km south of cabo pulmo

 

[andrethediver]

Thanks for recommendation. Are there big companies like Hertz or Avis around? These don’t usually charge a drop fee although its not a big consideration given the short distance. I think Amex as many others give Collision Waiver coverage that reimburse as you have described.

What is the typical water temperature towards the end of December. We’re hoping for 78 F - does that sound right? Also, i know there are some local channel (Sea of Cortez/Ocean) diving in San Jose. Is it worth spending time on? Hammerheads/whales? Thanks.

 

[greta-inbaja]

Yes, the big companies are there. Be vigilant documenting every ding and scratch on the car. The water is approx 78 now. It fluctuates a bit day to day depending on north vs south wind. We have never been here late December. The water feels a bit cooler the past cpl days but it has been a north and and east wind. I wouldnt doubt it goes to mid 70s in late dec. Due to the north wind that blows in the winter. I honesty have only been diving around cabo pulmo the last few yrs as we have been working on our house here. At the moment , there are bull sharks and a school of mobulas at cabo pulmo plus the jacks. La paz has the whale sharks in Nov and into dec. We have seen hammerheads at El Bajo in la paz. Hit or miss. Same with Gorda Banks out of san jose. Both Gorda Banks and El Bajo are a ways out, so if the wind is howling it will be probably be a no go. I wish there was more up to date info on the board regarding La Paz. Have fun, its been pretty nice, the wind has been holding off this yr.

 

[Trevor JC Brown]

FYI
Whale sharks until March in La Paz.
Cabo Pulmo - Jacks will be gone in about a week or 2 but colder waters bring the bull sharks in.
78 isn't gonna happen. Bring a 5mm unless you're hot blooded...

 

[mmmbelows]

Thanks for recommendation. Are there big companies like Hertz or Avis around? These don’t usually charge a drop fee although its not a big consideration given the short distance. I think Amex as many others give Collision Waiver coverage that reimburse as you have described.

What is the typical water temperature towards the end of December. We’re hoping for 78 F - does that sound right? Also, i know there are some local channel (Sea of Cortez/Ocean) diving in San Jose. Is it worth spending time on? Hammerheads/whales? Thanks.

Amex has "premium car rental insurance" if you sign up for it prior, it's not automatic on your card, $20 or $25 per rental period depending upon which you choose, does not cover liability or keep you out of jail if you injure a Mexican.

You can look at https://www.airportrentalcars.com to get an idea about what's available where you want to rent and click thru on the cars to see the details, keep in mind in Mexico the prices won't include any insurance, that will double the rate.

 

[andrethediver]

Amex has "premium car rental insurance" if you sign up for it prior, it's not automatic on your card, $20 or $25 per rental period depending upon which you choose, does not cover liability or keep you out of jail if you injure a Mexican.

You can look at https://www.airportrentalcars.com to get an idea about what's available where you want to rent and click thru on the cars to see the details, keep in mind in Mexico the prices won't include any insurance, that will double the rate.

I was in fact referring to their per-trip insurance. Are you saying it covers the damage to the car but not liability in Mx and this is something you need to get through the rental location?

 

[andrethediver]

FYI
Whale sharks until March in La Paz.
Cabo Pulmo - Jacks will be gone in about a week or 2 but colder waters bring the bull sharks in.
78 isn't gonna happen. Bring a 5mm unless you're hot blooded...

I was planning to bring a slightly compressed 5mm merino elastiprene with a hood and a hooded vest in addition to lavacore. Does that sound reasonable? Not hot blooded at all.

 

[andrethediver]

Yes, the big companies are there. Be vigilant documenting every ding and scratch on the car. The water is approx 78 now. It fluctuates a bit day to day depending on north vs south wind. We have never been here late December. The water feels a bit cooler the past cpl days but it has been a north and and east wind. I wouldnt doubt it goes to mid 70s in late dec. Due to the north wind that blows in the winter. I honesty have only been diving around cabo pulmo the last few yrs as we have been working on our house here. At the moment , there are bull sharks and a school of mobulas at cabo pulmo plus the jacks. La paz has the whale sharks in Nov and into dec. We have seen hammerheads at El Bajo in la paz. Hit or miss. Same with Gorda Banks out of san jose. Both Gorda Banks and El Bajo are a ways out, so if the wind is howling it will be probably be a no go. I wish there was more up to date info on the board regarding La Paz. Have fun, its been pretty nice, the wind has been holding off this yr.

Would you say local diving in San Jose del Cabo like Pelican Rock (or day trips to Gordo banks and such) is worth the price? Can you recommend a diving op there? There is no current plan to stop at Cabo Pulmo but of course with a car there is that flexibility. Thanks.

 

[Trevor JC Brown]

During the winter I dive with a similar set up, 5mm full suit and a 5mm hooded vest so I think you'll be fine.
I also wrote this guide for people on scuba board as there is very little info out there for diving in Baja Sur.
The diving here is very good but the marine life is seasonal.

Diving the Baja Sur Cabo San Lucas – San Jose Del Cabo – Cabo Pulmo – La Paz - La Ventana

If you want a good contact in Cabo try Jay @ Dive Ninja Expeditions.
He is a freelance dive instructor and has his own diving travel company there.
Dive Ninja Expeditions

One other note, you'll want a rental car if you want to do any type of exploring from la Paz. There are very nice beaches, snorkeling spots and hidden away places but you need a car to get to them.
If you are going to be diving with one of the small dive centers they typically leave from the municipal dock downtown. I would advise against staying outside of town in the resort areas unless you are only looking for a place to sleep after diving. While they are nice there isn't much going on... The malecon is where all the night life is.