Touring on your own in Cozumel

[bkstarbabe]

Is there any DCL Vets out there that would have any recommendations for 'touring on your own' in cozumel? DCL only offers one tour to Tulum for a few hours and we're due to be at the port for almost the entire day. I would hate to not take advantage of a good opportunity and visit as many ruins (like Xel-HA which I've heard were magnificent) as we can. I've heard that Xcaret is great but really only if you like to go to "theme park" oriented places, any suggestions or ideas? or anyone else wondering the same thing?

Wanting to see the great from the past...

DCL- 8/31/02!!!!

 

[CruellaDuVille]

I have not taken the Western cruise, but I have been to Cozumel. I have hired a taxi for the day several times. You just pick your cab and your guy and agree on a price (usually around a hundred bucks). He will take you wherever you want and wait for you there. My guy took us to Talum and to a great swimming spot, a good resturant and shopping. Unless they really jack up their prices when the ship is in port I don't know why this wouldn't be a possibility.

 

[MFan]

Be careful on planning your Cozumel day. Cozumel is an island off of the Yucatan Peninisula, where all of the famous ruins (Tulum, Xel-Ha, Xcaret, etc.) are located. You'll need to take a 30-minute ferry to get to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. Once there, it's another hour of driving to get to Tulum. The round-trip transport will eat up over 3 hrs. So, you'll have MUCH less time available than you think...

I believe the ship excursion gets you back just in time for dinner.

 

[prymsu]

I think trying to go over to the 'mainland' on your own would be way too risky. Travel time is long, and I think that is not one trip i would recommend making on your own if you have to be on a specific time table.