Cozumel jeep rental
Feb 23rd, 2005, 10:34 AM
#2
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Hi Jenlev-
We found car rental to be pretty pricey, especially for what you got, in Cozumel (we had an old VW Bug with a leaky convertible top for $50/day!). We did not book ahead-maybe that's why. We also did not use our hotel rental though (which was very pricey)...we instead went across the street to a "local" guy and rented from him...probably the same place our hotel got cars from, but they just charged more! We talked to a couple in the airport who had rented from an independent company right downtown and got a real bargain (like $200 for the week)...much cheaper than those companies that had sites out by the hotels. They had not booked ahead either. And an FYI-if you take the jeep off the beaten path, they're not responsible for any damage and won't come get you if you get stuck.
For your parasailing question, I can't recommend a particular company...there's quite a few up and down the beaches. The hotels have them, but there's also a few "beach bars" that aren't associated with hotels. They offer parasailing, water trampolines, jet ski's etc. They often have huge cruise ship groups for a "beach" day. But visit them on a non-cruise ship day when they're slow and I would think you could get a decent price. There were two of these bars a little ways down from the Reef Club hotel (away from town). Your hotel will be able to tell you days that the cruise ships aren't in port. Have fun!
We found car rental to be pretty pricey, especially for what you got, in Cozumel (we had an old VW Bug with a leaky convertible top for $50/day!). We did not book ahead-maybe that's why. We also did not use our hotel rental though (which was very pricey)...we instead went across the street to a "local" guy and rented from him...probably the same place our hotel got cars from, but they just charged more! We talked to a couple in the airport who had rented from an independent company right downtown and got a real bargain (like $200 for the week)...much cheaper than those companies that had sites out by the hotels. They had not booked ahead either. And an FYI-if you take the jeep off the beaten path, they're not responsible for any damage and won't come get you if you get stuck.
For your parasailing question, I can't recommend a particular company...there's quite a few up and down the beaches. The hotels have them, but there's also a few "beach bars" that aren't associated with hotels. They offer parasailing, water trampolines, jet ski's etc. They often have huge cruise ship groups for a "beach" day. But visit them on a non-cruise ship day when they're slow and I would think you could get a decent price. There were two of these bars a little ways down from the Reef Club hotel (away from town). Your hotel will be able to tell you days that the cruise ships aren't in port. Have fun!
Feb 24th, 2005, 08:25 AM
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We were in Coz last July & rented a Jeep from Avis for about $200 for the week. I had reserved it online and picked it up & returned it at the airport. No problems, just be sure to have the attendent note any previous damage before you take it.
I don't know where you are staying but the jeep was well worth it for going into town for dining, shopping etc.
I don't know where you are staying but the jeep was well worth it for going into town for dining, shopping etc.
Feb 24th, 2005, 01:27 PM
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Rent a VW bug from Smart Rental Cars. Their cars are in good condition and they have a website with a 50% off coupon that you can print out and bring with you. With the coupon it comes to around $25/day, great deal. Find the website at: www.islacozumel.net. Click on Cozumel Services from the menu and look for Smart. You will also find lots of great info on that website.
Another good place is called Isis, they are listed on the website too I think. The owner, Margarita, is a doll and keeps her cars in meticulous condition. I live in Cozumel and I usually use either one of the places I mentioned for rentals when I have friends/family visiting.
Have fun!
Another good place is called Isis, they are listed on the website too I think. The owner, Margarita, is a doll and keeps her cars in meticulous condition. I live in Cozumel and I usually use either one of the places I mentioned for rentals when I have friends/family visiting.
Have fun!
Feb 26th, 2005, 03:18 AM
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Thanks for your response. CozAnnie, would there be any reason why we'd want to have a jeep rather than a VW? Also, can you recommend good snorkle spots? We'd rather not pay $14 to snorkle.
Feb 27th, 2005, 01:00 PM
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If there are only 2 of you, a VW bug would be just fine, no reason for a Jeep. Go snorkeling for free at Dzul-Ha. It's located between El Presidente Hotel and Fiesta Americana on the old highway. Head south out of town on Melgar (front street), about 1/2 mile past Puerta Maya cruise ship terminal you will see a sign to "hotels" listing El Presidente. Exit to the right and follow the old highway which runs parallel to the new highway. Dzul-Ha is about a 1/2 mile or so ahead. They have a nice wooden deck/restaurant where you can leave your stuff while you snorkel, easy entrance and exit. Leave valuables locked in the car, ask your waiter to watch the rest of your stuff while you are in the water. You should order drinks or something to eat while you are there. We usually meet our waiter and tell him we will be eating and/or drinking after we snorkel. Tourists (who don't know better) pay lots of money to take a snorkel boat trip and the boats usually take them to this exact same place that is easily accessed from shore. Have fun!
Feb 27th, 2005, 01:54 PM
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Any dive shop can rent you snorkel gear. There are lots of them downtown, or stop on the way to Dzul-Ha at Papa Hog's (across from Villablanca Hotel) or Scuba Shack (next door to Atlantis submarine). I know Scuba Shack has good masks (the most important piece), they got all new ones fairly recently. Some dive shops don't rent out their very best equipment for snorkeling (they save that for the divers). But as long as you have a decent mask that fits well and fins that don't cut into your feet, you will be fine. You might want to bring along a pair of old socks or some ankle-hi water socks just in case to keep your fins from rubbing blisters.
