Cozumel Dune Buggies

[DOOGIERUNNER]

Has anyone ever done the dune buggy tour in Cozumel through DCL? How about the independents? Comments? Is it something an 11 year old would enjoy?

 

[TheWog]

Mrsfuzzmo has all the info, she has done it. She has a thread that tells all about it. go here

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=543502&highlight=+dune++buggies

My DS7 wants to go really bad and we will do it in January 2006 when we return to try the Western. I would say 11 is a perfect age. Just be able to drive a standard.

cozumelhomes.com is the website. It is non DCL, I don't think DCL offers this as an excursion.

 

[SeaSpray]

I know that DCL does offer this excursion. We're considering this one... I'm just wondering whether to book it through DCL or independently

 

[TheWog]

compare prices as time shouldn't be an issue since you leave the port so late at night.

 

[TootyJane]

We booked through and independent and were very happy with our choice. Cruise ship excursions tend to be quite large (maybe 15+ jeeps). We had only two jeeps. Very personalized and our guide was awesome. She knew so much about the island and the Mayan culture. I would definitely recommend this company.http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/tours/jeep.html. HTH

 

[tas190]

We are a family of 6 (4 small ones) so we would like to stay together (in same vehicle) is it possible with this excursion

Thanks

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Thanks TheWog for the link! I appreciate it.

Be CAREFUL when looking into what you want to book! The Dune Buggies and the JEEPS are NOT the same thing!

There are a number of different jeep tours (we saw at least 3 different ones during ours). Some were in regular "jeeps" some were in SUVs and some were in Chevy Trackers (Hard tops). Now, I don't know about all of you, but I prefer the fresh air, outdoor wind in your face, sun on your skin kind of ride. Especially if it is 90 degrees outside. I saw a few people crammed into the back of a tracker looking miserable. The roads are definitely bumpy and I would have hated sitting back there. On the other hand, you can only fit 4 in a buggy and possibly more in a jeep.

Dune Buggies are low riding "sand" vehicles custom made just for this terrain! We were allowed to ride em rough, fast, do spin outs, climb the sand piles on the sides of the path, etc. My husband had a ball driving like an idiot! It was encouraged! the Dune Buggies seat 4 people max and do not have seatbelts. It can get bumpy, so I would not recommend having a youngster in the back (under 8) that could not hang on tight. Though the front seat would be alright for someone of about 5 years of age. The front are regular "bucket seats" and the back is a bench seat. There is no top, though there is a lengthwise running roll bar that provides protection, but little shade! The buggies also have built in coolers in the back where they fill you up with whatever kind of beverages you'd like for the trip.

I have read that some of the ship sponsored excursions go to someplace near where the ships are docked and just ride around a little. The tour we took was about 6 hours long and went to the other side of the island and we saw a LOT of cool stuff!

So be sure you are booking what you think you are booking. To me, an SUV isn't a JEEP and a JEEP isnt a Dune Buggy. It really does make a difference.

Any other Questions, just ask!

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[MrsPete]

Jeeps and dune buggies are not the same thing -- got it! But which is the better excursion? We're a family of four with two daughters, ages 9 and 12. Dad loves to drive and would have an absolute ball with this. Kids would enjoy the swim break mentioned in mrsfuzzmo's report.

Which to choose?

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Of course, my vote is the Dune Buggies. A couple of things to think about: I'm not sure where the Jeep tours leave from. The Dune Buggies are about a 5 minute walk from the dock. I think a 9 & 12 yr old would LOVE this excursion! (Not to mention DAD!)

 

[TootyJane]

Yes, Dune Buggies and Jeeps are different. With the Jungle Jeep excursion you meet at the Burger King which is close to the pier. We did this when we were on the Voyager of the Seas last year so we were at the other pier and we met at the No Name Bar. I can't remember the name of the Jeep itself. Only 4 to a jeep though. The guide drove one and my brother and dh shared the driving duty on the other. On our Jungle Jeep excursion we were taken to the other side of the island. Before we started off we stopped to get lunch and some fabulous Mexican pastries. We visited some small ruins, passed the military outpost, stopped at a coconut grove where manager cut up fresh coconut for us. It's a lot different than what you buy at the grocery store. We had a fabulous chicken lunch at the beach and we were the only ones on the beach. The water was warm and crystal clear and the swimming and snorkeling were excellent! On the way back, Susan, our guide asked if we wanted to stop anywhere, do anything else. We were all tired so we decided to skip that. Our excursion lasted about 6-1/2 hrs. As all three of our boys said "It is better than Indiana Jones." You can read reviews if you click on my other post. HTH

 

[MrsPete]

They both sound so good! More opinions, please!