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Tiffany in MN

Aug 21, 2002, 8:38 AM

Post #1 of 9 (504 views)

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Question about golf cart & diving vs. ferry

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Ok, I am trying to plan my trip to Isla Mujeres for the winter (5 months) and I have some questions for you veteran Mexico travelers. This will be my first time traveling in by car. I will be bringing my 8 year old son and our shepherd/beagle mix (don't ask...). It sounds so much more convenient to drive down to Tampa and take the ferry (they say they will have prices and schedule up in less then two weeks BTW). But the ferry won't start until sometime in November and I heard that coming in through a ferry is more complicated and difficult at customs. I am free to take off from Minnesota on October 13th and I'm very anxious to go. Also, I would like to purchase a golf cart for getting around for 5 months on the island.<p>So, here are my questions:<p>1) Can I buy a cheap golf cart in Florida and take it across on the ferry? I see that customs will allow you to take in a scooter, but what about a golf cart? Should I just try to buy one when I get to Cancun/Isla Mujeres? Does anyone know the difference in expense?<p>2) If the ferry doesn't start running until late November, then I will be forced (by my own impatience) to drive all the way though. It would be a 3000 mile drive. I'm figuring 3 days to get from MN to the boarder. Then I have seen the drive from the border to Cancun stated anywhere between 3 days to 7 days long. Has anyone made the trip with a solo driver? Am I crazy to think I can do it??

Tiffany in MN

Aug 21, 2002, 8:49 AM

Post #2 of 9 (501 views)

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Sorry, that's DRIVING vs. ferry - also question for Darlene.

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Darlene, I just saw your post about it taking you about 3 - 12 hours days to drive from the boarder to Cancun. Can you tell me if you did that with one driver? Also, can you give me a range of how much the trip will cost for hotels, tolls, food and expenses? I figured about $170 for gas in Mexico (my car gets about 21 mpg * 1500 miles). Are there more expenses I'm not thinking of? I appreciate all the help I can get.

sermextr

Aug 23, 2002, 8:56 AM

Post #3 of 9 (502 views)

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Question about golf cart &amp; diving vs. ferry

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Tiffany, I'm guessing no one here has imported a golf cart so I'll take a shot at this. Since the cart has to be street-legal to drive around on the island, then logically it should be treated the same as any other car. That means it would have to be registered in a US state or a Canadian province; you might have to contact Florida's Dept of Licensing to see what the requirements are. Then you'd need a temporary vehicle permit for Mexico; no doubt the ferry operators will know the procedures. Otherwise you'd have to pay import duties and register it in Quintana Roo. You have to suppose that would be more expensive than buying one there. If you do take one down there, then the rules say you'd be expected to take it back when you leave.<p>I have to assume you know what you're doing. Are you pretty familiar with Isla Mujeres?<p>You are a much braver person than I am. The thought of driving all the way from MN to Cancún with an 8-year-old and a dog with no stops on the way wouldn't even occur to me.<p>You know, there are some interesting things to see. Consider checking out a guidebook from a library, at least to consider your options. Also, there's an itinerary posted at the link below that takes you from the Texas border to Cancún, hitting some of the interesting places on the way. It's especially useful to people who are staying at campgrounds but you can at least get some ideas from it. That particular itinerary routes you around toll roads (and Veracruz, by the way), so you can avoid them if you wish. For gasoline, you should figure 1500 or so miles at US$2.40 per gallon if you take the straightest route and maybe 2000 if you're allowing some sightseeing. But the mileage you'll get in Mexico will be about what you get in city driving in the US. 3 to 7 days sounds right. 3 days would be pure punishment and 7 days would be a pretty nice trip.

Frank  Dale

Aug 23, 2002, 10:08 PM

Post #4 of 9 (500 views)

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best answers for Isla questions

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For detailed informed information on your Isla question regarding golf carts, try the following link. Great people and very active message board.<p>http://www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htm

Anthony

Sep 6, 2002, 9:33 PM

Post #5 of 9 (503 views)

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Question about golf cart &amp; diving vs. ferry

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Your best bet is to go by ferry if you can. As far as the customs being a pain in the butt nothing is further than the truth. Using the ferry is by far the most painless way to reach Cancun - not only because it saves ware and tear on both the car and the family, but you get to the heart of Cancun 36 hours after the ship leaves Tampa. If you come by ferry customs is a snap. Outside of filling out various forms and other papper work most vehicles are not even stopped. I know this from the last time the ferry was running a couple of years ago. If you decide to drive all the way down (which I do every year from Long Island) plan on a couple of days drive to Brownsville, a one day layover in Brownsville to get the car serviced (oil changed, filters changed, brakes and belts checked, etc.). From the Texas border to Cancun is two overnights (1500 miles). It would not be a good idea to drive at night in any part of Mexico not because of bandits as most people would have you believe, but because even on a highway your very likly to run into (literally) farm animals that got away from a farm, or people walking on the roads at 2:00 in the morning, kids riding bikes in the middle of the highways at all hours of the night. Even the Mexican tuck drivers will not drive at night. Hopefully, you will not be driving down alone without a male companion. Women driving alone can invite trouble - you know, the macho thing. Also be sure to get Mexican car insurance.<p>As far as the golf carts are concerned you won't be able to get one into Mexico. The reason is that a golf cart can't be registered and does not have a title cirtificate therefore it is not a legal vehicle. Scooters on the other hand are legal because the are registerable. I wouldn't advise buying one on the Island for two reasons. 1) It'll cost you a small fortune and 2) Isla is only 1 1/2 to 2 miles long and 1/2 mile across at the widest point. After a week you'll find that the Island will get boring. You'll end up walking over to the Island's plaza at night to watch a bunch of high school kids play basketball. <p>Since your bringing your dog you'll be staying either at Maria's on North Beach or at Maria Kan Kin near the southern tip of the Island. If there are other motels that allow pets I'm not aware of them. Both places are great especially for kids. North Beach however, is also called nude beach
I'm sure your son will be thrilled to stay at Maria's on North Beach.<p>Like I said my wife and drive down every year and the cost in tolls goes up every year. This last trip cost us approximatley $130.00 each way. <p>If you decide to drive all the way hear are some tips:<p>1. Get your car serviced before you cross the border
2. Get to the Texas border (Brownsville) early in the morning (any time before 6:30 am)
3. Change dollars to peso's before crossing the border
4. Make sure you have Mexican car insurance
5. Don't drive at night
6. Have fun and don't be afraid to talk to the people you meet. <p>Hope this helps, your going to love this trip<p>Anthony<p>: Ok, I am trying to plan my trip to Isla Mujeres for the winter (5 months) and I have some questions for you veteran Mexico travelers. This will be my first time traveling in by car. I will be bringing my 8 year old son and our shepherd/beagle mix (don't ask...). It sounds so much more convenient to drive down to Tampa and take the ferry (they say they will have prices and schedule up in less then two weeks BTW). But the ferry won't start until sometime in November and I heard that coming in through a ferry is more complicated and difficult at customs. I am free to take off from Minnesota on October 13th and I'm very anxious to go. Also, I would like to purchase a golf cart for getting around for 5 months on the island.<p>: So, here are my questions:<p>: 1) Can I buy a cheap golf cart in Florida and take it across on the ferry? I see that customs will allow you to take in a scooter, but what about a golf cart? Should I just try to buy one when I get to Cancun/Isla Mujeres? Does anyone know the difference in expense?<p>: 2) If the ferry doesn't start running until late November, then I will be forced (by my own impatience) to drive all the way though. It would be a 3000 mile drive. I'm figuring 3 days to get from MN to the boarder. Then I have seen the drive from the border to Cancun stated anywhere between 3 days to 7 days long. Has anyone made the trip with a solo driver? Am I crazy to think I can do it?? <p>

Pj  Soucy

Sep 18, 2002, 6:12 AM

Post #6 of 9 (504 views)

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Question about golf cart &amp; diving vs. ferry

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: Your best bet is to go by ferry if you can. As far as the customs being a pain in the butt nothing is further than the truth. Using the ferry is by far the most painless way to reach Cancun - not only because it saves ware and tear on both the car and the family, but you get to the heart of Cancun 36 hours after the ship leaves Tampa. If you come by ferry customs is a snap. Outside of filling out various forms and other papper work most vehicles are not even stopped. I know this from the last time the ferry was running a couple of years ago. If you decide to drive all the way down (which I do every year from Long Island) plan on a couple of days drive to Brownsville, a one day layover in Brownsville to get the car serviced (oil changed, filters changed, brakes and belts checked, etc.). From the Texas border to Cancun is two overnights (1500 miles). It would not be a good idea to drive at night in any part of Mexico not because of bandits as most people would have you believe, but because even on a highway your very likly to run into (literally) farm animals that got away from a farm, or people walking on the roads at 2:00 in the morning, kids riding bikes in the middle of the highways at all hours of the night. Even the Mexican tuck drivers will not drive at night. Hopefully, you will not be driving down alone without a male companion. Women driving alone can invite trouble - you know, the macho thing. Also be sure to get Mexican car insurance.<p>: As far as the golf carts are concerned you won't be able to get one into Mexico. The reason is that a golf cart can't be registered and does not have a title cirtificate therefore it is not a legal vehicle. Scooters on the other hand are legal because the are registerable. I wouldn't advise buying one on the Island for two reasons. 1) It'll cost you a small fortune and 2) Isla is only 1 1/2 to 2 miles long and 1/2 mile across at the widest point. After a week you'll find that the Island will get boring. You'll end up walking over to the Island's plaza at night to watch a bunch of high school kids play basketball. <p>: Since your bringing your dog you'll be staying either at Maria's on North Beach or at Maria Kan Kin near the southern tip of the Island. If there are other motels that allow pets I'm not aware of them. Both places are great especially for kids. North Beach however, is also called nude beach
: I'm sure your son will be thrilled to stay at Maria's on North Beach.<p>: Like I said my wife and drive down every year and the cost in tolls goes up every year. This last trip cost us approximatley $130.00 each way. <p>: If you decide to drive all the way hear are some tips:<p>: 1. Get your car serviced before you cross the border
: 2. Get to the Texas border (Brownsville) early in the morning (any time before 6:30 am)
: 3. Change dollars to peso's before crossing the border
: 4. Make sure you have Mexican car insurance
: 5. Don't drive at night
: 6. Have fun and don't be afraid to talk to the people you meet. <p>: Hope this helps, your going to love this trip<p>: Anthony<p>: : Ok, I am trying to plan my trip to Isla Mujeres for the winter (5 months) and I have some questions for you veteran Mexico travelers. This will be my first time traveling in by car. I will be bringing my 8 year old son and our shepherd/beagle mix (don't ask...). It sounds so much more convenient to drive down to Tampa and take the ferry (they say they will have prices and schedule up in less then two weeks BTW). But the ferry won't start until sometime in November and I heard that coming in through a ferry is more complicated and difficult at customs. I am free to take off from Minnesota on October 13th and I'm very anxious to go. Also, I would like to purchase a golf cart for getting around for 5 months on the island.<p>: : So, here are my questions:<p>: : 1) Can I buy a cheap golf cart in Florida and take it across on the ferry? I see that customs will allow you to take in a scooter, but what about a golf cart? Should I just try to buy one when I get to Cancun/Isla Mujeres? Does anyone know the difference in expense?<p>: : 2) If the ferry doesn't start running until late November, then I will be forced (by my own impatience) to drive all the way though. It would be a 3000 mile drive. I'm figuring 3 days to get from MN to the boarder. Then I have seen the drive from the border to Cancun stated anywhere between 3 days to 7 days long. Has anyone made the trip with a solo driver? Am I crazy to think I can do it?? <p>

Darlene

Sep 26, 2002, 5:54 AM

Post #7 of 9 (500 views)

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Sorry, that's DRIVING vs. ferry - also question for Darlene.

 Can't Post |
I just found your question, there were two drivers in the car, but I am not a good passenger so I do the driving. I will admit I am exhausted for several weeks after the drive from Mn, we do the whole thing usually in 5 days, 6 if there's delays. We figure the average trip costs $500 from Mn, including meals, hotels, and tolls. If time is not short don't hurry and take 7 days, it would be more enjoyable and it is a interesting drive.<p><p>
: Darlene, I just saw your post about it taking you about 3 - 12 hours days to drive from the boarder to Cancun. Can you tell me if you did that with one driver? Also, can you give me a range of how much the trip will cost for hotels, tolls, food and expenses? I figured about $170 for gas in Mexico (my car gets about 21 mpg * 1500 miles). Are there more expenses I'm not thinking of? I appreciate all the help I can get. <p>

Darlene

Sep 26, 2002, 5:54 AM

Post #8 of 9 (500 views)

Shortcut

Sorry, that's DRIVING vs. ferry - also question for Darlene.

 Can't Post |
I just found your question, there were two drivers in the car, but I am not a good passenger so I do the driving. I will admit I am exhausted for several weeks after the drive from Mn, we do the whole thing usually in 5 days, 6 if there's delays. We figure the average trip costs $500 from Mn, including meals, hotels, and tolls. If time is not short don't hurry and take 7 days, it would be more enjoyable and it is a interesting drive.<p><p>
: Darlene, I just saw your post about it taking you about 3 - 12 hours days to drive from the boarder to Cancun. Can you tell me if you did that with one driver? Also, can you give me a range of how much the trip will cost for hotels, tolls, food and expenses? I figured about $170 for gas in Mexico (my car gets about 21 mpg * 1500 miles). Are there more expenses I'm not thinking of? I appreciate all the help I can get. <p>

Darlene

Sep 26, 2002, 5:54 AM

Post #9 of 9 (502 views)

Shortcut

Sorry, that's DRIVING vs. ferry - also question for Darlene.

 Can't Post |
I just found your question, there were two drivers in the car, but I am not a good passenger so I do the driving. I will admit I am exhausted for several weeks after the drive from Mn, we do the whole thing usually in 5 days, 6 if there's delays. We figure the average trip costs $500 from Mn, including meals, hotels, and tolls. If time is not short don't hurry and take 7 days, it would be more enjoyable and it is a interesting drive.<p><p>
: Darlene, I just saw your post about it taking you about 3 - 12 hours days to drive from the boarder to Cancun. Can you tell me if you did that with one driver? Also, can you give me a range of how much the trip will cost for hotels, tolls, food and expenses? I figured about $170 for gas in Mexico (my car gets about 21 mpg * 1500 miles). Are there more expenses I'm not thinking of? I appreciate all the help I can get. <p>
 
 
 
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