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By Scooter

Riding a scooter in Cancún can be extremely dangerous, and you may risk serious injury by using one in either the Zona or El Centro. If you have never ridden a moped or a motorcycle before, this is not the place to learn. Scooters rent for about $25 a day; you are required to leave a credit-card voucher for security. You should receive a crash helmet, which by law you must wear. Read the fine print on your contract; companies will hold you liable for all repairs or replacement in case of an accident and will not offer any insurance to protect you.

On Isla Mujeres

Scooters are the most popular mode of transportation on Isla. Since local drivers aren't always considerate of tourists, though, it's best to rent one only if you're experienced at piloting it. Keep in mind that most rental outfits don't include insurance for scooters! Most rental places charge $25 to $35 a day, or $5.50 to $11 per hour, depending on the scooter's make and age. One of the most reliable rental outfits is Rentadora Ma José; rentals start at $10 per hour or $25 per day (9 AM to 5 PM) or $35 for 24 hours.

You can also rent bicycles on Isla, but keep in mind that it's hot here and the roads have plenty of speed bumps. Don't ride at night; many roads don't have streetlights, so drivers have a hard time seeing you. David's Bike Rental rents bikes starting at $6 per day for beaters and $12 per day for fancy three-speeds. You can negotiate for a better deal if you want a weekly rental.

Golf carts are another fun way to get around the island, especially with kids, and these normally carry insurance.Ciro's Motorent has an excellent choice of new flatbed golf carts. They rent from $35 to $50 for 24 hours, depending on the season. P'pe's Rentadora also has a large fleet of carts (rental prices start at $40 for 24 hours) and mopeds (rental prices start at $25 per day). Be sure to bring your rental back on time since the charge for extra time can be steep -- the cost of your rental can easily double if you bring your motorcycle or golf cart back late.

Regardless of what you're riding in or on, watch out for the topes (speed bumps) that are everywhere -- often unmarked and unpainted -- on Isla; El Pueblo also has lots of one-way streets, so pay attention to the signs. Avenida Benito Juárez runs south to north; Avenida Madero and Avenida Matamoros run east to west, and Avenida Abasolo runs west to east.

Although motorists are generally accommodating, be prepared to move to the side of the road to let vehicles pass. Whether walking or driving, exercise caution when traveling through the streets -- Isleños like to drive their scooters at breakneck speeds, and sometimes even ignore the one-way signs!

Contacts

Ciro's Motorent (Av. Guerrero Norte 1 and Av. Matamoros. 998/877-0578). David's Bike Rental (Across from Pemex station, Rueda Medina. No phone). Gomar (Av. Rueda Medina with Nicolas Bravo. 998/877-0541). P'pe's Rentadora (Av. Hidalgo 19. 998/877-0019). Rentadora Ma José (Francisco y Madero No. 25. 998/877-0130).