How safe is the Cozumel area?

[tunalover]

Does anyone have any idea of how safe it is to leave the Island of Cozumel and venture down to the ruins at Tulum, or inland to the ruins at Coba?

[mtsnd1900]

There are a few areas and scams to look out for, especially with rental cars. One trip I did rent a jeep, had no problems, and a great day. Others have not been so fortunate. Like many tourist areas, know the common scams to look out for, be vigilant, watch surroundings, and go through reputable people and agencies. Here are some common scams I have found associated with the area, the biggest being the car accident scams and the overcharging of gas and bills for damages. Also, the police are corrupt and after your money, not your interest or safety. May look into booking ahead, have someone waiting for you at the docks to take you where you want to go.

 

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20110409_18_A15_ULNSae475371&archive=yes

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150809-c139535/Cozumel:Mexico:Scams..html

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150809-i66-k3534391-l25417014-Diving_at_the_Allegro_and_Cozumel_gas_station_scams-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

 

This infamous taxi scam: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Quintana_Roo/Isla_Cozumel-956516/Warnings_or_Dangers-Isla_Cozumel-TG-C-1.html

 

http://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/dive_magazine/2008/DiverCarRentalScam200801.html

 

Good info on renting a car:http://www.cozumelinsider.com/Carrent

 

scooter/accident/hospital bill scam: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1306262

[doctordi]

Your asking about leaving Coz and going to the Mainland. Really no problem safety wise, but time wise- I wouldn't reccomend it unless you are on a ship sponsored excursion. You have to go to the ferry dock, wait 10 to 30 mins for the next ferry, ferry is 45 min to Playa del Carmen, then find transportation to Tulum which is 30-45 min south, then repeat coming back. The possibility of you missing the ship is very high. At least with a ship sponsored excursion, the ship will wait for you.

[tandemcruzr]

'Safety' would not be an issue in my opinion.

 

However, what 'doctordi' says is absolutely an issue to be concerned about.