Has anyone tried taking the ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen and then driving to Tulum on your own. Seems we would get more out of our time and then have more time left over to explore Cozumel.

Any thoughts???

Haven't done this, but friends rented a car in Cozumel and got about a mile and had to bring it back to rental agency. Replacement car wasn't much better. They said cars are very poorly maintained. Luckily, husband had some car experience to get them back. Another couple was talking, and they also rented a car and got a flat tire. There was a partially full almost bald spare, with no jack. Got help from a reluctant local. Both were just glad to make it back to ship before it sailed.

Thank you for the info Sue. The ship tour is sounding better all the time. I've also found a company that will take us on a private tour but it's expensive - @ $175 per person.

I thought the car rental agencies would have decent cars.

Unfortunately, they don't have good cars. The other thing to keep in mind, is that if you rent a car, it breaks down, you could miss the ship. It's not going to wait for you, as you're not on a ship tour. Don't want to get you nervous, but better to be safe than sorry. This friend that did it is a Travel Agent, and she kind of changed her thinking after this experience. Good luck in whatever you decide. We always do the ship's tours, and I know some will disagree. Might be a little more expensive. but well worth it in our book.

My husband and I will be on the Sensation to Cozumel in less than a week. We do plan on taking the ferry over to Playa De Camen and then catching the public bus at a MacDonald one block away from the ferry terminal to Tulum. I think it will take around 45 minutes to get there. We plan to do this early in the day so we can get back to the ship.

Anyone has any idea about the safety of public buses in that area?

Eugenia Tse