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We had arrived in Cozumel by ferry from Playa del Carmen. It took only 45 minutes by
fast
catamaran to get to San Miguel, the main town on the island. Cozumel is 33 miles long and 12 miles wide and is only 4% developed. You notice this as soon as you leave San Miguel behind and take the coastal road out passing beautiful white sand beaches, secluded coves and open air restaurants along the way.
There are 80.000 people living on the island of which 10.000 are Americans enjoying the wonderful climate and easy living. Cozumel used to be a sleepy fishing village but has developed enormously over the last ten years. A whopping 180 dive shops cater to the diving tourist now and 2.7 million cruise ship people visit this port of call each year. | 
Chucho Vivas, the second boat in the Eagle Ray Divers' fleet. |
San Miguel still has a that small town feeling to it and it is easy to find your way around. It's built in the traditional hispanic grit pattern, just watch out for the one way streets and many scooters and you'll have no problem.
Easiest way to get places is to rent a car. We suggest you do so at "Rentadora Aguila" which is easy to find on the main avenue along the boardwalk. Chellie at Eagle Ray Divers will be happy to reserve a car for you. If you want to stock up on snacks and drinks go to Chedraui, a large supermarket chain where you can find just about everything you'll need. US dollars are accepted all over Cozumel.
The westward side of the island is calm, and is ideal for swimming, diving or just relaxing in the sun. This part of Cozumel is also the most developed with banks, markets, shops, restaurants and hotels. The eastern side of the island is more secluded, with very few people living there and little activity going on. There are some calm beaches with clear emerald green water. The island also has it's share of Mayan ruins hidden in the jungles that can be explored by car, bike or foot.
Have a meal or snack at the famous Cafe Denis, one of the oldest establishments on Cozumel. Back in the old days, when diving was only accessible to the rich or very adventurous, this restaurant was patronized by a wealthy and famous clientele. The photos from those days are still hanging on the walls. El Moro is another one of those classics. Other good restaurants are la Choza, Chilangos, la Conchita del Caribe and Otates.  | 
We made IslaMar Vacation Villas our home during our stay in Cozumel. This wonderful oasis in the middle of San Miguel is owned and run by Sherri Davis, a friendly American who has lived on Cozumel for years and herself an avid diver and scuba instructor. Ask Sherri about her many travels and you'll end up hearing great stories from such faraway places like Papua New Guinea. Together with Shellie from Eagle Ray Divers they take an active part in community events and will give you the scoop on what's going on in Cozumel. Sherrie knows what divers need and her Islamar apartments are perfectly set up for divers. | | Miguelito picking us up for another glorious day of diving. | |
The courtyard has a nice pool with waterfall and spa to relax in at the end of the day. There is a rinsing tank for your dive equipment and a drying area with hangers. Also available are secure dive equipment lockers. If you need to make or receive a call, there is a free local phone downstairs in the reception area. She has thought of everything! The apartments are roomy, nicely decorated, have air-conditioning and a full kitchen. The place is also very secure with a locked gate to the courtyard and there is a maid service everyday.
Islamar is conveniently located within a 20 minute walk to town and the ocean front or a 5 minute drive.
Email Sherri or ask Chellie at Eagle Ray Divers for reservations.
See the video clip of Islamar Vacation Villas >>
It's very easy to get to Cozumel as it has been an international tourist destination for years:
By Plane
The quickest way to get to Cozumel is by plane. There are many flights each week coming from the USA, Cancun and Mexico City directly into the international airport of Cozumel. | 
Apartments at Islamar Villas. |
Next to the regular scheduled airlines there are a number of chartered airlines from different countries as well. Some of the airlines flying into Cozumel include Continental Airlines (from the USA), Aerocaribe (from Cancun) or Martin Air (from the Netherlands).  | By ferry from Cancun or Playa del Carmen
If you are flying into Cancun first or are coming from Playa del Carmen click here to use these easy to follow directions on the Eagle Ray Divers Web site, they have thought of EVERYTHING to make planning your trip as easy as can be!
The climate on the island is warm year around with an average temperature of 81 F (27 C). Seasonal rains start in June and go on through October. It is a possibility that rain can fall everyday, but the usual duration of a shower is brief. | | Islamar Villas pool, jacuzzi and diver's rinse and storage area. | |
Expect high humidity during the rainy season. The humidity levels are lower November through May, with an occasional cool evening. However, because it a tropical climate, the weather can change from one day to the next. To spot the large schools Eagle Rays it is best to come late January, early February. Diving is good year round but it tends to be windy in February and March.
Visit the Eagle Ray Divers Web site for more information and reservations or contact Charlotte @ Dive Global.
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