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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31
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OP
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We will be on AC July 15-22 staying at Costa May Reef resort. There will be 10 of us in the group. For us all to get to town via the island ferry it will cost $10 US per person each way ($200 US round trip!!!). Does anyone know of any other way (private boat or taxi) that would be cheaper for us to get to town a few times during the week?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 625
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no. but why is that sucha concern when you are spending $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ on Costa Maya Resort? Some of the $$$$$$$$$ resort offer their own boat to/from town. A private boat is more $$$$$$$$$$$$ (hence the word private.)
Golf cart another option.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,160
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Helpful soul!!!!
The $10 fare is for the Island Ferry and good for individuals or if less of you travel at a time - actually it's probably not a bad fare compared to a taxi in a big City like Houston? and a little more fun and scenic.
There are also Water Taxi's that are separate and are usually individual operators and they work on the same fare schedules once you get to six or seven people I think - somone who knows exactly will confirm I'm sure. It's a fair bet you will be able to find a water taxi that will cut you a deal with that many people, as in July it's usually starting to slow down a bit - especially if you use the same guy each trip.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 625
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lol if people were cutting deals, island ferry would have to lower their prices to our would not exist! good luck on that. as far as a water taxi that will cut you a deal, island ferry is the water taxi.
Agree with Casa, $10 is not a bad fair and you will probably not go to town daily with where you are staying. if it is sucha problem, there are plenty of nice hotels south of the island with beautiful beach areas cheaper or same price as Costa Maya and then you don't have your boat issue. People with boat issues or boat fare issues should look south.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,160
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lol too. it is a fair fare. a taxi is not a ferry. the hotel might be a time share comp or swap and finally, if you don't ask you don't get.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Sorry I asked..didn't know it was such a touchy subject.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,273
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Don't be sorry for asking, I don't think it was a touchy subject for them. However you are best taking island ferry. They will be your cheapest bet and run on the hour for the most part. Unless you want to rent a golf cart.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 159
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a fee involved for the bridge if they rent a golf cart and drive from North to South. That and the cost of a golf cart could run higher than the water taxi and I don't know of any golf cart that will hold 10 people (four at best if they are adults though I did see someone advertise a 6-seater). I could only afford a golf cart for a couple of days on my first visit because I shared the expense with my brother and I arranged it such that I didn't need one on my second trip. I did use a taxi a couple or times to get to/from Downtown or Papi's and, if memory serves me, each one-way trip was about 5 BZE. And, Taagbu, please don't take offense, as I try to get my lonely dollars to stretch as far as they can when I'm able to take a trip like this so it would be rude for someone to imply that because you are staying a certain resort you aren't concerned with how your vacation dollars are spent. Oh, wait, there are those on the island who will see you as nothing more than a way for them to make a quick buck. Luckily, I did not find most on the locals or businesses to be that way. Enjoy your trip!
Be a pal, save a Dal.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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fee to cross is like $5 bz or you can get a week pass.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 397
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taagbu~ The road up to Costa Maya is so bad that they won't rent you a golf cart anyway if they know that is where you are staying. We went up by golf cart last Feb. and the road was so bad we thought we'd get stuck before we got there. Costa Maya used to rent golf carts, but quit when the road got worse. We'll be staying there for a week in Feb. and will being doing the boat back and forth also! Saving my pennies for all those boat rides! lol Coco
Coco
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Joined: May 2005
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try armando's watertaxi. we can work something for sure, [email protected] being runing watertaxi way before island ferry.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,160
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see, it was worth asking after all
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7
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Jesus on rock da black ussually does taxi for Costa Maya and I think he charges around $8.00 per head but would make deals for such a large group. Costa Maya ussually sets that up you should call them.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 60
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On a previous thread regarding dining at Rojo Lounge, the recommendation was to take the island ferry there and back. Is that different than the water taxi? If so, how does it work?
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,160
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The analogy would be that Island Ferry is a bus service running to and from set docks at set times. Water Taxis are like taxis and will pick you up and drop you off where you want, when you want. Water taxis have a minimum price for the trip that is more than the combined fares on the ferry until you get to a certain size - 4 or 5 people? - It's been a while and others will know better. So, for small groups taxis cost more but dance to your tune, and work out the same cost as the Island Ferry with 4 or 5 people. Both are valuable services that are reasonably priced considering gas and boat prices.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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your not going to get transportation for free if that is what your looking for. Fuel is over $11.00 per gallon and a new 10% tax has been implemented and as far as I know none of the operators have raised there rates in a long time. I like Island Ferry. I know the owner is working to establish a rescue team on the island and that Island Ferry is best equipt and trained for unexpected emergancies. Armando is a nice guy and runs a water taxi and a land taxi which is like one stop shopping, Jesus works for the resort your staying at and is possibly the cheapest if thats all your concerned about-all three are good options. Keep in mind that these are all businesses that support families that you may actually be hurting if you end up negotiating rates that end up below cost. So poney up and pay your way gringo
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Again, I am feeling some hostility! I never said I wanted anything for FREE, just was wondering if there was an cheaper way to go. We are 2 families (4 adults with 6 teens) and would rather spend our money on other things (eating, shopping in town and tours)than on a taxi. I don't have a problem with paying what is fair. This is our 4th trip to AC and look foward to returning each year. We save our hard earned money all year so that we can take our children on a vacation that they will remember. What has made us return each year is the natural beauty and the friendliness of the "locals".
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Nothing wrong with shopping around but you have to understand that your complaining about prices that havent changed since I arrived here ten years ago. These water taxi guys are barely surviving in the current economy here. And they still dont raise there prices.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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I don't see where Taagbu complained about prices Professorw, just trying to get all to town at a group rate. Just wondering, why did you wait ten years to get on the message board?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 203
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are you going to be doing any snorkeling/diving ? some of the boats you spend your days with can work out transport deals at night to get you back & forth. Private guys. You'll still pay something, but since they're getting your business, they may be able to work with you.
can you switch your lodging to something in town ? with that size group, you could run into problems, too. we have run into some with a group of 6 or 7 staying up north. there have been times where our group was split, some taking a later boat because there wasn't room. easy to hook up later, but disappointing to those having to wait.
when in doubt...do without
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 159
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Excellant analogy, Casa...it took me two trips to figure that out and I wish I had learned it before the very first trip. Very clever answer, desertrat, and one I certainly hadn't thought of before. And taagbu, I'd check out that offer from Armando's when you get there, if I were you. I was certainly shocked by the price of gas when last there in early May, especially when I thought our gas was outragous at $3.00 gallon. Anybody know how many yards per gallon a boat gets? Mostly, professorw, I appreciate your passion in defense of the hardworking people on the island; however, it's not nice to insult the people who don't know what to expect when they plan a trip to somewhere they've never been before and come to the board for suggestions and guidance. Personally, I'm really worried about the affect the new tax system will have on the next trip I plan. It probably won't keep me from going back, but it could cut into every aspect of my trip - lodging, food, drink, and activities.
Be a pal, save a Dal.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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Since I'm soon moving to AC, I'm wondering how small of a boat would be practical to use between AC and the mainland. Any help on this one?
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31
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Thanks for all the good advice! We'll be there tomorrow!
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,267
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szen - why would you want to take your boat from AC to the mainland ? If it's simply an issue of personal transportaion it really does not add up ------- 52 miles round trip, at best 5 miles to the gallon, $11 per gallon - about $110 in gas, plus about an hour and a half in travel time each way, and then you have to find a place to park your boat in the city and pay somebody to watch it. Take Thunderbolt or Andrea or fly on Maya or Tropic - cheaper in the long run, and takes much less time.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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SZEN,I have a 25 foot open center console boat on san pedro, A smaller (say 20 foot) boat would be fine. I use a yamaha 4 stroke 115 hp engine and have gotten excellent fuel milage on trip to belize city. Diane C is right about docking in the city and security being a hassel but as far as taking a boat from san pedro and back You are inside the reef during the whole trip so the water is not very ruff except on windy days etc, There are some parts of the journey where you are in more wide open water but still inside the reef.
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Deacon, That would cost some big $$$, What do they charge to go thru the panama canal thease days?
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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ok 2 miles - if you're seriously considering that trip you might as well come by SF Bay first and pick me up! I'll bring the coffee.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Deacon / Law, I have to come up from San Pedro so I will pass San Diego first, (unless I am looking at the map upside down) I will pick up Deacon and we will motor on up to the SF bay, do you still live on that island in the bay or did thet let you out?
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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I got time off for good behavior. :p (I know how to behave really good.)
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Joined: Feb 2003
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2 miles north of cut.My jersey brother how come you never invited me on your boat??????????
Living The Dream Every Day!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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2MILE, sounds good buddy. I"ll be the one on the beach sunglasses and a San Pedro or bust sign.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,971
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Cappy Jeff, It goes without saying my jersey Bro, You are on the top of my VIP list. You and I have not been in San Pedro at the same time yet (just missed a couple of times though) It would be our (mine and MS 2miles) pleasure to take you out fishing and or to dinner on our belizian yacht any time.
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Deacon, Make sure dad brings his trumpet with him Law, OK as long as You bring a lot of coffee. (it's a loooooong ride to San Pedro from Rice-A-Roni town.)
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,971
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(bump) For Capt.Jeff
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,971
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hahahahaha. I knew you would Boo Boo deacon, I just wanted to see how long it would take. What, Did you think I forgot you? :p
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,971
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In like flynn bro! (dad too of course ) VIP Passes too follow
I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,294
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Definitely put me on the VIP list!
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,971
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I want to be just like Capt Jeff when I grow up!
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