Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great beaches, nice people, and safe streets, with prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations. It was badly battered in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma, but, with few exceptions, has been completely repaired.

Walk, rent a car, or take a taxi; there is no public traffic out of town. The docks are saturated by pushy agencies trying to lure you into car rentals and activities. The younger travelers or anyone who has free time may want to take them up on their offer. You pay about $20 for a jeep rental or a moped for the entire day and you get free breakfast at a five star resort. A regular day car rental is around $55, but speaking Spanish with get you a discount 95% of the places you ask. Even if prices are posted, they can be bargained. Alternatively, taxis are always available and will take you to the west-shore beaches for $20 onwards, depending on distance and number of people. Like the rest of Cozumel, they accept US Dollars at the current exchange rate.

Most visitors travel to Cozumel to see what is underwater. While there are quite a few beach clubs that offer snorkeling, the main attractions are the reefs offshore and the multitude of dive shops ready to take you there. The main town and dive operations are on the west side of the island, but if you rent a Beetle or scooter then the east side of the island is the place to go. The east side of the island is most undeveloped, but there are beautiful beaches, big waves, and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blow holes. You will also find a restaurant on the beach every few kilometers.