Can You Rent a Golf Cart in Cozumel? Practical Options, Costs, and Smart Tips

Cozumel is bigger and busier than many visitors expect, so standard golf cart rentals are uncommon—cars, Jeeps, or buggies are the practical choice for full-island exploring.

Short Answer

You generally won’t find traditional golf cart rentals for touring Cozumel. The island’s size, traffic patterns, and local regulations make small, low-speed vehicles impractical for getting around. Instead, most travelers choose compact cars, Jeeps, or buggies from well-known in-town agencies (e.g., Emily Car Rental, HTL Rental) near the ferry and cruise terminals. If you simply love the idea of golf carts for resort or course settings, keep them to private properties and fairways rather than island-wide transit.

Why You Can’t (Usually) Rent a Golf Cart

• Island size: Cozumel is large enough that a small, slow platform isn’t efficient for a loop of the island or cross-town errands.
• Busy roads: The main ring road and key connectors carry steady traffic, tour buses, delivery trucks, and taxis—conditions poorly suited to small, open vehicles.
• Local rules & practices: Longstanding transport norms, including taxi-union considerations, limit casual small-vehicle rentals for public-road use.

The Better Ways to Get Around Cozumel

Your best mode depends on your plans, comfort level, and group size:

• Car or Jeep: Ideal for a full island loop (west coast towns, southern beaches, wild eastern shore). Secure, weatherproof, and flexible.
• Buggy (dune-style): Fun and nimble for daytime sightseeing. Great for beach hopping and photo stops; confirm fuel range and storage.
• Taxi: Best for point-to-point hops or nights out. Agree on the fare before starting, especially for longer rides.
• Walking: Perfect for downtown San Miguel shopping and dining, but not practical for distant beaches or the eastern coast.
• Scooter/moped (experienced riders only): Popular but riskier. Road sand, wind gusts, and sudden showers can be tricky—helmet up and ride defensively.

Costs & Timing

How much does it cost to rent a buggy in Cozumel?

Prices vary by season, model, and insurance. As a general guide, expect roughly US$55–$120 per day. Multi-day rates and early bookings may lower the total. Always confirm what “full coverage” includes, ask about deductibles, and verify fuel and mileage policies before signing.

How long would it take to drive around Cozumel?

Allow 2.5–3.5 hours for a relaxed loop with a few beach or photo stops. Non-stop, you could circle the island in roughly 1.5–2 hours, but most travelers stretch it into a half-day to enjoy the viewpoints, beach clubs, and surf-side cafés on the wild eastern shore.

Important Considerations Before You Rent

• Manual transmissions: Many rental cars and buggies are stick-shift. If you’re not comfortable, specifically request an automatic (limited inventory).
• Insurance clarity: Ask for written confirmation of coverage, liability limits, roadside assistance, and deductible amounts. Photograph the vehicle during pickup and return.
• Fuel & range: Top off before heading south/east; stations are sparser outside town. Keep an eye on the gauge in buggies.
• Sun & weather: The eastern coast is breezy and exposed. Carry water, sunscreen, and a light cover-up; sudden showers can pass quickly but get everything wet.
• Parking & security: Use visible lots near popular beach clubs or attractions. Don’t leave valuables in an open buggy—take them with you.

When a Small Vehicle Makes Sense

If you’re staying at a large resort with internal roads, small runabouts can be handy for moving between rooms, restaurants, and the beach. But for touring Cozumel—west coast towns, beach hopping, and photo stops along the rugged east side—cars and buggies remain the practical pick.

Sample Day Itinerary (Full Loop)

1. Morning coffee in San Miguel: Fuel up and check your route. Pick up your rental and verify tire pressure and fuel.
2. Southern coast beaches: Stop at one or two calm snorkeling spots facing the mainland.
3. Wild east side: Drive the surf road for dramatic views. Pull over at safe, signed turnouts for photos.
4. Lunch stop: Pick a seaside palapa. Keep the rental within sight if it’s an open buggy.
5. Return via northern route: Re-enter town for shopping and dinner; fill the tank before drop-off.

FAQ

What is the best way to get around Cozumel?

For island-wide freedom, rent a car, Jeep, or buggy. Use taxis for short hops or evenings out. Walking works in downtown; scooters suit confident riders only.

Can I still find small vehicles?

You may see limited local runabouts for private property or resort grounds, but they’re not intended for a full island loop. For course or resort mobility, dedicated options are best.

Final Thoughts

If your heart is set on compact, course-style mobility, keep it to resorts or fairways. For touring Cozumel’s beaches, reef entries, and wild coastal vistas, pick a car, Jeep, or buggy for comfort, range, and safety.