How safe for on your own exploration?

[aac1623]

We will be in Cozumel mid Jan, it will be just my best friend and myself (2 females, mid 30's). We were thinking about renting a buggy or jeep and exploring Cozumel on our own- beaches and lighthouses, downtown area, maybe a lap around the island. How safe is this? Or should we stick to an excursion through the cruise line?

[merinski]

We haven't been there for a long time. We are going again in Jan too. Last time we just stayed near the port area and shopped. It felt safe to us. This time we are going to get a taxi and go to Chankanaab.

Being 2 females though I don't know as I would go on your own. Even if you get a private tour it would be better maybe.

Sorry I don't have any resent experience.

Edited November 2, 2023 by merinski

[clackey]

5 minutes ago, merinski said:

We haven't been there for a long time. We are going again in Jan too. Last time we just stayed near the port area and shopped. It felt safe to us. This time we are going to get a taxi and go to Chankanaab.

Being 2 females though I don't know as I would go on your own. Even if you get a private tour it would be better maybe.

Sorry I don't have any resent experience.

Walk out front and grab a cab.  If you were going on the other side of the island I would suggest a male escort, but a trip to Chank is easy and safe.  If you have doubts just find other cruisers headed there and share a taxi van.  Have a great trip.

 

P.S. Our daughters said that the massages are great.

[blue_water]

Quite safe, no worries.

Highly recommend reserving a sedan, a 4x4 is not needed as the highway is very nice and flat, and any side roads you will use are not that bad. ISIS Rentadora is always our first choice, whether on Coz or in the Riviera Maya. Trustworthy, family-run outfit just a few blocks from the Ultramar ferry dock (as a reference point). All insurance is included in the quote.

www.rentadoraisis@prodigy.net.mx

WhatsApp: 529878009623

Phone: 529878723367

 

We like driving south along the west shore and stopping at a few spots there, perhaps the Money Bar. Our favorite spot is the Bob Marley Bar (now the Rasta Bar, you can view their Facebook page). 

Enjoy your day!

Edited November 2, 2023 by blue_water

[blue_water]

Just a little more detail on driving the island…Others will have more to offer -

 

To give you an idea for your day, a drive south along the west coast, back north along the east coast, and then along the transverse highway back into town is an easy 1 hour drive with time to stop at a few spots…

 

The Rasta Bar I mentioned is on the south end of the east coast, at the halfway point of the island circuit. That’s our favorite spot to take visiting friends and listen to the waves crash against the rocks with the Reggae music and a cold beverage.

 

Drop the car back at ISIS when finished (after gassing up) and then shop and have a late lunch. Our favorite shop on the island is Los Cinco Soles, or the “Five Suns”, located on the main street (Av Rafael E. Melgar) @ Calle 8. Very dangerous shop if you like nice stuff!

We usually enjoy the live music, tequila and tacos at Woody’s while people watching before boarding the Ultramar ferry, you may want to be closer to your ship for that…

 

In regards to your safety, obey all traffic laws. If driving, drinking alcohol is a no-no, so if planning on drinking and driving a tour guide outfit would be better. There is also a popular “Barr hop bus” tour if you want that.

 

When filling the gas tank some station attendants may try to scam you. The most common methods are one attendant distracting you by asking if you want the oil and tires checked while the attendant pumping the gas doesn’t zero the pump; And switching one bill for another- You hand them a $20 USD bill and they show you a $5 and ask for more, or in pesos they palm your $200 note and say you gave them a $50 note.

Not a real concern as long as you step out of the car and watch the attendant. I will say we’ve had numerous attendants try to scam us over the years in the Riviera Maya, the 4 or 5 times driving Coz I’ve not had that problem…

 

We’ve always felt very safe driving the island, just stick to the highway and the main roads. 

 

[Cruisini]

My DH and I have rented a car a couple of times to drive around the island on our own. the eastern side of Cozumel is one of my favorite places. It is so beautiful and rugged with the waves splashing up on the rocks. blue_water is right, the Rasta Bar is a great place to stop. I believe that I would feel safe with a girlfriend, but it has been a few years since I have been there. You could probably hire a taxi driver for the day to take you around the island or you could try a party bus that makes all the stops on the other side of the island. We have done that before as well! Have fun and you won't be sorry that you make the trip to the other side!

[tetleytea]

I have rented a car and DIY'ed Cozumel every time I have been, but one thing I don't see myself ever doing:  I will never decline the rental car insurance.  

[blue_water]

4 hours ago, tetleytea said:

I have rented a car and DIY'ed Cozumel every time I have been, but one thing I don't see myself ever doing:  I will never decline the rental car insurance.  

Declining the collision coverage is a risk if you are not a savvy renter. And you must choose Mexican liability coverage. But you can use CDW through your credit card if you choose to. You need to understand the coverage, carry the letter from your cc company, and most important of all, have access to several thousand $$$ USD in the event of an accident. 
We’ve been renting and driving the mainland and Coz for years and have been fortunate in regards to accidents compared to neighbors… But we always use their insurance…

Edited January 10 by blue_water

[tetleytea]

My understanding is that the CC insurance only works in the US and Canada.  Also, all the red tape that goes with claiming on insurance is the last thing we need during a cruise.  If the CC works and there's a way to get back on the ship without compromising your case, I am definitely interested.

[mitsugirly]

Cozumel is very easy to navigate around the whole island. I suggest to anyone who travels anywhere, download the app MapsMe. It works even without service and super easy to follow and know exactly where you are at any given time. You can even put place markers to the areas you want to go to and just tap it while you are on the island and it will give you directions. 

[blue_water]

On 1/10/2024 at 11:43 AM, tetleytea said:

My understanding is that the CC insurance only works in the US and Canada.  Also, all the red tape that goes with claiming on insurance is the last thing we need during a cruise.  If the CC works and there's a way to get back on the ship without compromising your case, I am definitely interested.

It probably depends on the bank card, but insurers associated with most major credit cards definitely do cover internationally, and also in Mexico. Capital One does, for example.

 

Filing a claim - after an accident - would be the least of my concerns! First you have to cover any damage you are responsible for - or even just accused of if you are not fluent in Spanish 🙊 - before you may leave the accident scene or the police station. The insurance reps come to the scene of an accident, along with the police, and no one leaves until they say so.
 

So yes, some folks wanting to save a few $$ use their credit card’s CDW coverage, but they are almost certainly unaware of the risks they are taking. And doing that while on the island for one day would be insane IMHO.

ALWAYS accept the insurance provided by ISIS or another reputable provider..l
 

Edited January 15 by blue_water

[c-leg5]

2 hours ago, blue_water said:

Filing a claim - after an accident - would be the least of my concerns! First you have to cover any damage you are responsible for - or even just accused of if you are not fluent in Spanish 🙊 - before you may leave the accident scene or the police station. The insurance reps come to the scene of an accident, along with the police, and no one leaves until they say so.

This is why we would only do it on a land visit not from a cruise where time is of the essence AND they know it.

[tetleytea]

I read an incident on here of this in Skagway, and that cruise port is the U.S..   I don't remember much what happened, but the guy got stuck with loss-of-use fees from the car agency.

 

[blue_water]

That could be due to negligence or lack of care on the part of the renter, but without the details that’s just conjecture…

[jlawrence01]

I have made many trips to Mexico over the last 30 years and when someone asks me about safety, I repeat the  sage advice of one of my friends.  "It is safe until it is not."

 

Quintana Roo, the Mexican state that includes Cozumel is considered to be one of the safest in mexico.  Personally, it is also a place where you are less likely to be hassled walking through the town.

 

As for insurance, I would say this.  I ALWAYS buy the Mexican insurance period.  if you get into an accident with a Mexican national, you are considered guilty and will be held until you compensate that individual completely.  If you want to miss the rest of your cruise, that is your call.  mexican insurance means that you will be provided an attorney who can help resolve the issues.

[tetleytea]

15 hours ago, jlawrence01 said:

Quintana Roo, the Mexican state that includes Cozumel is considered to be one of the safest in mexico.  Personally, it is also a place where you are less likely to be hassled walking through the town.

 

On the insurance, yes:   I accept the insurance in Mexico, whereas in the US and Canada I usually do not.  The price of renting a car with insurance is about in the $110 range for the day.  Expensive, but compare it vs. the other excursions you could be doing.  

 

However, what kind of hassling walking through town?   We had merchants harass the tar out of us.  Nothing like Montego Bay (Jamaica), which was terrible.  But Costa Maya and Cozumel, we had merchants hassle us a lot--once we left the immediate cruise ship port area.  The ports are all Americanized:  prices in dollars, no haggling, cruise ship tourist prices.  But then you step out into the actual streets, and it's Mexico; with Mexican culture.  Even in the port, I saw another cruise ship passenger literally, but gently push a merchant away, whom he didn't want to talk to.

Edited January 16 by tetleytea

[blue_water]

$110 USD is quite high for a newer sedan rental here but I’m sure it happens…

Regarding walking through town, Cozumel is very mild as compared to Playa Del Carmen. The barkers in San Miguel are similar to those in STT and SXM, Those in PDC are on steroids!