Coz Questions: shuttles, car rental, & more...

[dberry]

My daughter and I are making our first visit to Cozumel next month (June 7 - 13th). I'm renting a car from Isis (have exchanged emails with Margarita.) I've read the airport shuttles stop at various hotels in the north and south zones, but what about for a business like the Isis office in the Centro Zone? Do we need to get off at some nearby hotel and walk, or will the shuttle drop us at Isis? (Margarita said she'd drop us off at the airport when we return the car.)

Also, what are the opinions on a vw hardtop vs. convertible? Should I be worried about someone slitting the convertible top to get inside looking for stuff to steal? The car will be parked at the Caletta most days, and we wouldn't leave stuff visible in the car when parked in town.

FWIW, we're diving with Tres Pelicanos Monday thru Friday and would be happy to meet other SB'ers on the island. (I'm an old fart, daughter is 24 y.o.)

Hasta Lombago!
Don

OBTW, the airport shuttle rates and taxi fares posted in the Cozumel stickies seem to date from ca. 2012... have there been any fare increases since then?

 

[DjDiverDan]

If I recall, the Shuttle will drop you off whereever you want in Centro. Just tell them the address I THINK Isis Office is on Ave 5, just North of Plaza - across the street from Kinta, just up the street from the Zermatt Bakery. But I could be wrong. Can't help you on what to rent, but do get the Insurance. If it's your first trip to Coz, do you need any tips on restaurants, or have you been reading the board? Scuba Board meet ups are usually at El Moro, just watch the post for the month you're visiting, and even without a meet up, DO go to El Moro some night - Ray is VERY friendly, the food is great, and its usually a lot of fun. I personally make it a point to go on Sunday after diving for Cochinita Pibil.

 

[kmurray719]

My daughter and I are making our first visit to Cozumel next month (June 7 - 13th). I'm renting a car from Isis (have exchanged emails with Margarita.) I've read the airport shuttles stop at various hotels in the north and south zones, but what about for a business like the Isis office in the Centro Zone? Do we need to get off at some nearby hotel and walk, or will the shuttle drop us at Isis? (Margarita said she'd drop us off at the airport when we return the car.)

Also, what are the opinions on a vw hardtop vs. convertible? Should I be worried about someone slitting the convertible top to get inside looking for stuff to steal? The car will be parked at the Caletta most days, and we wouldn't leave stuff visible in the car when parked in town.

FWIW, we're diving with Tres Pelicanos Monday thru Friday and would be happy to meet other SB'ers on the island. (I'm an old fart, daughter is 24 y.o.)

Hasta Lombago!
Don

OBTW, the airport shuttle rates and taxi fares posted in the Cozumel stickies seem to date from ca. 2012... have there been any fare increases since then?

The airport shuttle will drop you off at Isis, It is on AV 5, between I think 2 and 4.

I've never seen nor heard of anyone messing with any cars at caleta. There's always people around so it would not go unnoticed if someone was breaking into cars there. I left the seat to my scooter wide open there the other day while I went diving (oops!) and all the stuff was still in it when I got back a few hours later. Use common sense and don't leave any valuables laying on the seats of the car and you should be fine.

 

[mstevens]

Yep - the shuttle is a taxi, and it should take you where you want to go. Sometimes they'll claim not to know where Rentadora Isis is (it's a taxis vs car rental turf issue...). If that happens, just tell them you want to go to the Zermatt bakery, which is essentially next door. Isis is right around the corner from the taxi syndicate offices, so there is no chance they don't know where it is, but Zermatt is a landmark.

Don't assume the tops on the convertible Beetles actually go up; they sort of do, but it's a pain. Nobody would have to slit the top to get at anything, though, because the tops simply unsnap and go down from the outside. Besides, the doors don't lock. Valuables should be locked in the trunk up front.

Cozumeleños are pretty honest, but San Miguel is a town of 80,000 and petty crime does happen. Take stuff with you or lock it up.

The shuttle fares were accurate as of my last visit in March 2015.

 

[Sue Sue]

Hi dberry, Another vote for mentioning Zermatt Bakery and/or Kinta should the need arise to purchase your ticket or give directions to the van driver. Also, just as an aside since you are a first timer, if you have not already, do check out the Sticky at the top of the Cozumel forum, "Arriving and Departing the Cozumel Airport". I will warn you that it is a bit lengthy, however it is chocked full of info and tips. Have a Fantastic Cozumel Vacation !!

 

[gopbroek]

dberry, hope to see you on the 3P boat, I am stuck in training till June 5th, but plan to travel down as soon as class let's out and dive through Monday and make a Dentist appointment on Tuesday. The cost, the last time I checked, was about $56 MNP (PP) for the shuttle van to El Centro. Most of the Van drivers I have met are pretty straight up and will know where ISIS is, if not tell them Zermatt and hold back the tip. Last summer when I needed to use a van and was low on Peso's the gal behind shuttle window handed me back change from $20 USD that was the same as Mega's USD to MNP rate, I was impressed.
Today's 'Oanda' bank exchange rate put's 56MNP @ about $3.66 USD.

 

[dberry]

Sue Sue - yes, I read the Coz Airport sticky first. Thanks for putting it together! My only confusion was whether the airport vans acted like shuttles serving only certain points, or like taxis that take you door-to-door. Thanks to all the folks who cleared that up for me.

-Don

 

[Sue Sue]

Sue Sue - yes, I read the Coz Airport sticky first. Thanks for putting it together! My only confusion was whether the airport vans acted like shuttles serving only certain points, or like taxis that take you door-to-door. Thanks to all the folks who cleared that up for me.

-Don

Thanks Don. I am always looking and open to making updates to the Sticky and I have taken note of your input. I plan on again updating the article after my May/June trip and will include a clarification. :admin:

Best Wishes, Double S