jon_davidson

wrong list

We were in Cozumel a week ago today. Our experience with hiring a taxi for the day was very positive. I had done my research ahead of time on Cruise Critic and knew that I could hire a driver for the day for around $100 if I was willing to look. There were two of us so we could easily hire a car or a van.

When we left the port building I asked several taxi drivers about hiring them for the day most of them turned my down not even willing to talk price. They all tried to get me to buy a three or four hour island tour (the price varied). Others were willing to do it but wanted over $200 for up to five hours.

I knew I could do better away from the port. We started walking toward downtown. As we walked we passed several taxis, I asked prices again most were only interested in a set island tour.

After we walked five or six blocks a taxi that was driving by stopped and asked if we wanted a ride downtown. I told him no, but I would like to hire him for the day. He thought for a bit and asked how much, I offered $90 till 5:30pm (about six and a half hours). He hesitated but eventually said yes. So off we went.

I said we wanted to stop at a store and buy some drinks. He took us to a huge Mega Mart where I purchased a styrofoam cooler, ice, water, beer, cokes and some snacks. I asked our driver what he wanted to drink he said coke, also asked him what he wanted for a snack, he picked up a bag of something. Purchased it all for $24.

Once we were back in the taxi with the cooler in the back (it was a station wagon) I told him we wanted to see the Mayan Ruins, We wanted to visit the eastern shore of the island, I wanted to snorkel for a little bit (I had my own mask) and we would like to do a little shopping.

Don't want to make this response to long but I will say he took us to every place we had requested plus a couple of additional stops thrown in that he suggested. He stayed right with us and was very helpful.

At the end of the day I paid him the agreed $90 plus a $20 tip. I also gave him the remaining drinks and food. He seemed very happy with everything.

I would do this again any time.