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I'll be there on a cruise in March from 10:00am to 6:00pm. I've been there once before a couple of summers ago and spent most of the day snorkeling. It was great, but I didn't get to see much of the city. I know that there are some great bars there, but I'll be with the inlaws and my wife who are not bar-friendly. Anybody done the Mayan Ruins? What are some other good options?

The ruins on Cozumel aren't as spectacular as those on the Yucatan, but they're interesting. I've gone a couple of times on non-diving days.

The snorkeling trips are a lot of fun for people that don't dive.

Unless you feel like hanging out at one of the chain bars/resturaunts or buy stuff from shady vendors, I'd avoid town altogether and see the rest of the island.

Rent a car or a scooter, and see the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio. The site is pretty small, only takes a couple hours to see the whole thing (last time I was there it cost 35 pesos). Then take the road to the eastern side of the island. Stop and have a drink at Mezcalito's where the road turns south along the sea. Stop at one of the beaches, enjoy the soft sand and the warm sea water. Then at the southern end, stop for another drink (or two) at the reggae bar. The road turns back north, takes you past Chankanaab and all that stuff, and then you're back in San Miguel.

Can't help you out with that. We got a package deal from one of the resorts where we got to use their beach, a lunch buffet, and all you can drink. Best $33 I have ever spent. Plus it was the week that Salty Piece of Land came out so I was reading that in my hammock. We found it on www.shoretrips.com if you are interested in checking out some things to do without going through the cruiseline.

Don't drink the water or anything with ice in it. things will happen to you.

Most of the bars and resturaunts in the area use bottled or heavily filtered water these days, so it's not as much of a concern as it used to be. The locals are just as affected by the water as the tourists.

I was there last February, we rented scooters and took a trip around the island, on the opposite side of the island (from where the ships dock) there is an amazing 3-5 mile road that hugs the coast line where you can find a few small local beach bars. We stooped at one of them for a break and they had Buffett music playing so we stayed for a drink . The scenery driving down that road was amazing.

Speaking of chain restaurants Cozumel is also home to the worlds smallest Hard Rock Cafe'

Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

Bob Roberts wrote:Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

I've rented a topless VW bug and drove around the island several times. I have always felt comfortable there. More comfortable than some cities here in the U.S.

There are several bars along the way (they sell bottled water too) that are good places to stop.

Bob Roberts wrote:Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

I can tell you a great experience I had with a local.
There are only 2 or 3 gas stations on the island and they are all near the main ship ports. We were at the complete opposite end of the island when we realized my scooted had a fuel leak and there was no way I would make it to a gas station in time. I tried to barter gas from a place that rented 4 wheelers and the guy was going to sell me some but his boss wouldn't let him so we just drove as far as we could before I ran out. I ended up running out near a small roadside gift shop, the guy who owned it couldn't have been nicer, he told me there was a gas station about 2 miles down the road, he let me leave the scooter there and gave me a container for the gas, I rode on the back of my friends scooter, got the gas a returned. The man was waiting for me with a funnel and helped me get the thing restarted. I didn't have much money on me and he didn't take credit cards or I would have tipped him a lot. I had 500 peso's but he wouldn't take it unless I bought something from him so I purchased two small Mayan statues. I keep one at home and one in my office. If I ever make it back to Cozumel I am going to return to his shop and thank him again.

Bob Roberts wrote:Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

The only time I felt worried for my personal safety out of the country was in Playa Del Carmen. I was walking along 5th avenue (the main shopping/entertainment district) when one of the shopkeepers asked me to come check out his store that was off on a side street. There were 3 of his "amigos" in the shop that went outside as soon as he brought me in, THAT's when I was worried. All he did tho was ask if I wanted something that wasn't on the shelves in his shop, if you get my drift.

Bob Roberts wrote:Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

Most likely the last thing you have to worry about in Cozumel is your personal saftey. Just use a a little common sense. Can you imagine the press if a gringo got into serious trouble on the island? They'd be screwed for a couple of years.

Bob Roberts wrote:Have any of you that rented cars or scooters and went off on your own worried about personal security? Have you ever felt endangered by locals? I love to explore, but I'm a little aprehensive when I'm out of the country.

When we were there, I took my wife and keets (4 and 1 at the time) on a cruise to the ruins and around the island. Had no apprehension or worry whatsoever. I did make sure to rent a good car (from Hertz, a Chevy newer model) instead of the older and less reliable jeep-like or vw bug covertible. If it had been just me and the wife, we probably would have taken the plunge and gotten a topless vehicle, just for the experience...

Where can I rent a car? I would love a VW convertable! How much are they?

Car rental places are all over the main drag in Cozumel. The Hertz place is a little south of where the ships come in.

You might think about buying a map like this: http://www.cancunmap.com/cozumel_map.html
It looks like it has quite a bit of info about the island.

If I do rent a car, where should I go? What is a must-see?

See the 3rd post in this thread..

However, if you're into snorkeling or scuba, do that. Cozumel is one of the best spots on the planet for both, with lots of pretty sea life to look at.