car rental and where you went

[babyclaytonmom]

Hello- planning to rent a jeep or car in Feb. 2022 when there. I have driven around the island with a rental car years ago. I recall how easy it was more or less a big circle; but I cant recall some of the great quiet beaches to stop at on the opposite side of the island. Any great spots not to miss? Will probably snorkel on our own at Money Bar or one like that and then visit a quieter beach/beach bar. Any suggestions?

[crewsweeper]

Not sure what's open on the east side, but probably, Bob Marley's/RastaBar /Paradise Bar or what ever they name it now.  Chen Rio (where there is a roped off lagoon you can wade/swim in) and Coconuts.

 

Before heading to the east side there's Playa Palancar which is a quieter beach with good food.  So you can drive up the east side and just stop to watch the blow holes.  On the Transversal road, you have the Tequila Factory and the San Gervasio ruins.

[bajathree]

My favorite is Punta Morena ...and you always have to make a stop at Coconuts.

 

[lixogab]

We rented a car last week. The rental experience was not good but that was my mistake- going too cheap. ( see my post in the 1st page for details).

This time we went clockwise and first 2 stops were on the east coast. The first was on some parking lot but we didn’t go to the restaurant/ beach club, just went directly to the beach which was ok. The 2nd stop was at Punta chiqueros / playa bonita. There is nothing there except for remains of a restaurant destroyed by a hurricane, but the swimming was the best: clear transparent water, nice sand, nobody in the beach except few couples.

The 3rd and final stop was at Palancar beach club which was ok: average swimming, good guacamole inexpensive drinks.

[c-leg5]

Been round many, many times but would never self-drive as we like to have a drink. Cooling off in sea OK, but extreme care needed with regards swimming due to currents and undertow on east side.

 

Most beaches on east side relatively quiet and nice sand. Coast can be affected by sargassum if it is active. Playa San Martin good but no facilities,  no bathroom  unless you pay or use facilities across the road. We like Rastas or Morena away from main restaurant. 

 

If you self-drive be sure to do your homework regarding rentals, have access to plenty of cash, (in case of accident, even minor if you hope to catch the ship), carry seapass and preferably passport according to recent reports.

[bajathree]

22 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Been round many, many times but would never self-drive as we like to have a drink. Cooling off in sea OK, but extreme care needed with regards swimming due to currents and undertow on east side.

 

Most beaches on east side relatively quiet and nice sand. Coast can be affected by sargassum if it is active. Playa San Martin good but no facilities,  no bathroom  unless you pay or use facilities across the road. We like Rastas or Morena away from main restaurant. 

 

If you self-drive be sure to do your homework regarding rentals, have access to plenty of cash, (in case of accident, even minor if you hope to catch the ship), carry seapass and preferably passport according to recent reports.

Agree and have never nor would ever rent a car in Cozumel for the exact reasons you mention. It's so reasonable to just hire a driver for a day and have no worries with having a good time.