Cozumel, anyone tried the "timeshare" tour and free tours?

[gam888]

We went snorkeling in Cozumel and took a very rushed taxi ride around the island for a quick look last August. Going on the Carnival Legend this August and stopping at Cozumel again. What would you suggest that does not cost a lot booking off the ship? Has anyone gone on one of these timeshare tours which they promised some kind of free tour as a reward? We did not walk out of the tourist mall at the dock last time. Is it safe and worthwhile working out of the mall area to see the surrounding area of the dock? I had a brief glimpse of it when we went on the taxi ride. Seems like they are just more small local shops around it?? Any suggestions? Thanks

[tandemcruzr]

I'd suggest that you avoid the timeshare folks. They are called 'timeshare sharks' for a reason. Once in their grasp, it's difficult to get away.

 

It is perfectly safe to walk around in Coz. If you dock at the Punta Langosta pier, it is an easy, safe walk to town. If you want to avoid the congestion along Melgar, choose to walk on the water side of the road.

 

If you dock at the International or Puerta Maya piers, a short taxi ride to downtown is your option. In January, it was $7 each way for up to 4 people.

 

Oh, and stay away from the timeshare people. I say this from experience. :o:mad:

[patmom4]

We were in Cozumel September '07 and were "helped" by a time-share person in the shopping area near the San Miguel dock. We were looking at our map, trying to find the museum. The salesperson approached us and WAS helpful, giving us very good directions. Then he asked a favor of us! If we would go and listen to their time-share talk at El Cid, we would receive free beverages, food, snorkling and beach use. Hmmmm....he said for us to go ahead and enjoy the museum, etc....as long as we got to El Cid by 1:30pm, the offer would be good.

 

So...we did it! Found the museum (which was VERY interesting), had a snack at the roof-top restaurant, walked around a little, then took a cab to the hotel. They signed us in, then we sat and waited for our "guide". Soon, someone came over to apologize "We are SO sorry; all our guides are busy---please make use of our facilities anyway!!":eek: For REAL?! Yes! :)---we each got an armband and away we went! We went snorkling first.....wasn't much to see, but since we had never snorkled before, the experience was a lot of fun. Then had a good lunch and drinks---had to use the "Special" menu, but hey---it was free!!

 

Maybe because it was later in the day, they had all the people they could handle timeshare wise? It will probably never happen again, but it was fun doing Cozumel on someone elses dime.

[TheVegasMan]

You're only there for one day, don't waste it doing a timeshare tour, unless you're REALLY interested in owning there and going there EVERY year. We have a timeshare across the water in Playa Del Carmen, in the 5 years we've owned it we've been able to trade twice and have never had any luck in renting out our "bonus weeks".

 

During a week stay we will go on one or two presentations. We know that our morning will be shot on the 90 minute (never got out in under less than 2.5 hours) presentation. We get a lot more than free food and drinks. We never get less than $200 in cash or value (7 tanks scuba diving) when we go to a presentation.

[croozymooner]

just got back from a week long trip to cozumel. please! leave the port area! it is TOTALLY safe to walk around. i've done 4 caribbean cruises and i think cozumel is probably one of the safest if not THE safest and most interesting of the ports.