How to get from accommodation to dive operators, PDC area?

[1976]

This is going to sound like a pretty daft question, but bear with me.

We want to stay somewhere near PDC, ideally to the south, don't want to stay in a town (so can't walk to a dive shop), or in a mammoth AI complex, so how do we get from wherever we are staying to a dive operator, if there isn't one on site (not yet found any accomodation with a dive centre which isn't an AI)?

We considered hiring a car, but then we'd have to park it at the dive operator - is this common/safe/easy? Are taxis a reliable option? Don't want to get stuck not being able to get there in time for our morning dives.

We've only been on 5 diving holidays before and each time we were staying at a place with its own dive operator, so not had to fend for ourselves before.

Many thanks!

 

[FT]

Perhaps you can explain more about why you don't want to stay in a town - condos in Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal are all within walking distance of a dive op, and they are small, friendly places. Not sure how you were planning to get around the rest of the time if staying well off the beaten track?
Definitely safe to park your car in a paid lot, which I have seen in Akumal and am sure exist in the other places.
Once you have a taxi driver's cell phone number I'm pretty sure they would turn up pronto in response to your text. Especially if you establish a track record as a tipper.

 

[1976]

Perhaps you can explain more about why you don't want to stay in a town.

I overstated that - we don't want to stay in PDC. I didn't realise the other places counted as 'towns'. I'll have a look.

As far as getting around other than diving, well, we weren't planning to. We only have 5 days so we were just intending to dive and relax at wherever we're staying.

 

[FT]

Well, any of the three I mentioned will meet your ambitions. Doesn't sound like you'll need a rental car. Enough dining and amusement within walking distance in all three, and the dive shops we dealt with in PM and Akumal stored our equipment between dives. Happy choosing!

 

[Dhboner]

Taxis (if you need them) are reliable. The rates are standard (no haggling).

 

[Hitdbeach]

Travel like a local, use the collectivos. Taxis are reliable too....just much more expensive

 

[beth_castroll]

Any reason you don't want to stay in PDC? its a lovely city and has great food. everything is in walking distance. i'd suggest staying off 5th ave and away from calle 10-15 but besides that little boot and pants thump thump thump area PDC is a great place to be. otherwise I would most likely take a taxi and maybe get the driver's phone number and have him pick you up and return you each day