Cozumel is shaped like a teardrop. San Miguel, the sole town and what we all call 'Cozumel', is on the west coast about 1/3 of the way south from the most northern tip. Most people live on the west coast, because the east coast is primarily jungle. The east coast's beaches are nationally protected areas because of the sea tortoises that come here to lay their eggs every year. The currents on the east coast are very strong and it is usually very windy and swimming is not advised there.

The northern Hotel Zone (which means north of San Miguel) is quite beautiful. The wind is stronger here and the beaches are less protected from the elements. Walking from a hotel in this area to San Miguel is about 20 minutes from the closest one. The average taxi ride is about $8. There is no gift shopping on this side and there is only one restaurant outside of the hotels, called the Lobster House (very good, by the way). As most of the diving reefs are located to the south, anyone staying here has to get into San Miguel to board a dive boat as very few dive operators will pick you up in the north zone.

The southern Hotel Zone (which means anything south of San Miguel) is much longer and has a lot more choice in accommodations and activities.The beaches are wide, sandy, and not as windy as the north. You can dive and snorkel off the beaches quite easily with care. Here you will find our brand new El Cantil condominiums (the only 5-star residence resort (it is not a time share) on the island), the Cozumel Palace all inclusive hotel (right next door where my Penthouse is two stories above theirs!, La Ceiba/El Cid hotel, and further toward the very south, the big all-inclusive resorts (about a $14 taxi ride to San Miguel). Chankanaab Marine Park and Dolphin Discovery are on this side of San Miguel. Because the Casa is so close to the reefs, you can be picked up and dropped off by your dive operator at our private boat dock which is incredibly convenient, not to mention a real savings in time and money.

The town of San Miguel is charming. Dominated by its main plaza with the Cathedral of San Miguel, hundreds of tiny shops and a wide variety of restaurants abound. Think of the Plaza (Centro) as street "0". The streets to the north are even numbers (2, 4, 6, etc.) and the streets to the south are odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.). San Miguel is 8 blocks north and south along the waterfront and 4 blocks east is the furthest most tourists walk. If you are adventurous, walk further east and you will find more of the restaurants and shops that the locals frequent. The food is more authentic, the prices very cheap in stores and restaurants, and the people are lovely. No matter where you go in Cozumel, you are safe. The local government is very strict and doesn't tolerate crime of any kind, nor beggars. As a result, your stay in Cozumel will be pleasantly unlike any other island you may have visited in the Caribbean.