Cozumel - Scooter Travels 1

After arriving on the Island and catching up with the wedding party the previous evening, we decided to spend our first full day exploring the island. We thought that renting a scooter would be the best way to explore the island and set off to do just that. Unfortunately, the literature left on the living room table in our condo strongly recommended that we avoid renting a scooter at all costs. In fact, it was the most important recommendation mentioned by the literature. Being an avid motorcyclist I was not about to be thwarted and called the condo staff for directions to the nearest rental. I was surprised, again, when the staff took offense to me asking about a scooter rental. Needless to say, they didn’t help me in the endeavor at all. I later learned from the security crew that there was a scooter rental just up the street and was able to acquire one for 24 hours at $35.

The reason the condo staff was so hesitant about encouraging its vacationers to rent a scooter is because the medical facilities on the island are not the best for tending to people who might get seriously injured. If you have never ridden a scooter/motorcycle then I would strongly recommend you do not attempt this either. Especially if you head into the city. The drivers there really are nuts! We saw families riding on scooters throughout the city with babies dangling on the steering column or barely being held by their parents. I have to admit, though, that it really makes one think about how pampered and cushioned America really is. I found myself admiring the raw and uncensored life in Cozumel. All-in-all, I am glad that we rented the scooter though. It was one of many trip highlights as we spent the entire day enjoying the sun and sea breeze on two wheels.

The following map roughly depicts the route we took around the island:

The following are pictures of the trip starting with a panoramic view of our condo. I should mention that at the very southern tip of the island is a lighthouse that you can drive on a dirt road to see. Along the way is a marshy area where you can walk out on a plank to view a family of crocodiles. The last pictures are of us traveling along the beach and finally stopping a bar called “Coconuts” where they have photo albums of…well…coconuts. I suggest stopping in for a visit if you are ever on the island. The atmosphere and drinks are quite good. Thanks, Grahame, for the recommendation.

Tags: Cozumel

4 Comments to Cozumel - Scooter Travels 1

1. 

   I thought it was Phil who told us to meet him at Coconuts, babe.

   And everyone, check out the size of that croc! He scared the shit out of me as he floated up and posed as if he was about to snap for my foot. More than six feet long and over 300 lbs would be my guess.
Kate Jonuska on May 17th, 2007
2. 

   That is some croc…I can’t believe you let it get that close to you The pic turned out great though.
Kathy Squires on May 17th, 2007
3. 

   Kate, yeah, you are right. It was Phil not Grahame that made the initial recommendation although it was Grahame who I was chatting about the experience with. Apologies, Phil. Actually, we did catch up with Phil, Sylvia, Julie, and Suzie at Coconuts that day (or maybe I should say they caught up with us).

   Kathy, yeah, you could easily dangle your toes over the wooden walkway and loose them. The funny thing is that when I was in the Florida Everglades a couple of years ago, I saw a crocodile from the view of a similar wooden walkway but it was about five feet higher in the air!
Brooke Kuhlmann on May 17th, 2007
4. 

   Someone sent me a message related to this post but am not sure who the poster was. Here is the original comment:

   “Just a tip for future occasions, u could’ve gotten a scooter for 25 USD with liability insurance included. The company is locally operated so you actually get to meet the owner when u rent your scooter The name of the place is Ernesto’s Rental.”
Brooke Kuhlmann on August 10th, 2008

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