Just wanted to give everyone a heads up...

after 10+ years of going to Cozumel without a care in the world...there is a group that belongs to the taxi union called Island Tours.

Their vans have this name on the side of their vans...and they overcharge. They also get paid (as much as $10 a head) to bring tourist to a particular beach. They even lie about other beach resorts to do this.

So just beware...

make sure you don't get in a van that has Island Tours on the side.

Thanks LHP for the heads up!

I was aware of the van services that are operated by members of the taxi union. I didn't know they were doing this though.

Dwayne

thanks for the heads up. Cozumel is my favorite port so I dont want anything to damage my image of it.

I think, if I'm not mistaken, they've tried to do false advertising on this board as well as others. Thanks, LHP!

I was in Cozumel in February and had a weird experience. I went to Paradise beach on my own, on the way there, it was a shared ride, but we all paid the posted price, I believe $14. I asked as I approached the price and how full the van would have to be to leave(with american dollars is hand). He agreed to leave right away with only 5 of us, and I tipped for this courtesy. On the way home(back to the cruise ship), it was only me. When we got to the dock I handed him $16, 3 fives and a single, a two dollar tip, not a friendly driver. He followed me and claimed I only gave him $11, started yelling and making a scene, I calmy told him I gave him a tip he didn't deseve, and we should walk over to his boss, the guy abviously directing taxis there, so I could get my tip back. The guy backed off then, but it ticked me off that he tried to cheat me. Always beware, and be sure of yourself.

Even when they have the prices posted, I've learned to ask first anyway. That has only happened once to me, but it's something you never forget.

Dwayne