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The ocean and hotel / shopping areas are just two blocks to the west, and most accessible beaches start a mile or so to the south. Access to most sandy beaches on the popular west side of the island is through private concession areas that gladly offer use of beach chairs, lounges, bathrooms and showers (if available) by simply purchasing a drink or food item off their menu. Most beach vendors will let you stay as long as you like as long as you purchase an item or two during your visit.
	The beaches on the southern end and east side of the island are more wild and mostly unimproved. Long expanses of beautiful, mostly uninhabited beaches offer an opportunity to really relax, unwind and get away from it all. The tides are somewhat strong and the currents can be unpredictable, so care should be taken when swimming or snorkeling along these beaches. Food and drinks are available at only a few locations on this side of the island. We recommend Coconuts, which is on a bluff high above the sea halfway up on the east side of the island. Amazing chips and salsa, and they have XM radio going all day too! Playa Bonita is a pretty nice place to stop for something to eat or drink too.
Other attractions on the island include Dolphin Discovery located in Chankanaab National Marine Park where guests can swim and play with trained dolphins. A new “swim with the dolphins” franchise, “Dolphinia” has recently opened not far from Hotel Cozumel on the main Oceanside avenue. Punta Sur State Park is a great day trip at the southwest end of the island which offers snorkeling in the clearest waters you have ever seen. A complimentary boat ride into the mangrove lagoons is included in the modest admission price. There are many other things to do on Cozumel. A day trip to the mainland is also very easy as there is good ferry service all day long. Visit some of the ruins or take in some of the activity in Cancun for a day if you like! Then return to the laid back atmosphere on Cozumel.
	There are many fine restaurants in San Miguel that cater to both locals looking for modest prices and the ocean-front restaurants that cater to the less cost conscious “cruise ship crowd”. We prefer the local restaurants, which usually offer better prices for very good meals. On the expensive side (but Oh so good) is La Veranda, on the more affordable end (but still very good) is La Chef, The Lobsteria, La Candella and Café San Miguel. Laserra is another bargain where you can order tacos, sandwiches or even pizza. You can stuff yourself for less than $10. If you want to cook at the Casa there is a large grocery store, Chedraui, just a few blocks from the house where you can get what you need to cook everything from a simple breakfast to a gourmet meal. Chedraui also offers a “Super Wal-Mart” experience with a variety of everything from medicine to snorkel gear. Their bakery, in particular, is one of the best and biggest on the island. ATMs and other such services are available at Chedraui too. See Fernando at the customer service counter if you need any help.
Adjacent to Chedrauis’ is an indoor mall which has a number of specialty shops and a 6-screen movie theater (yes, they have first-run English movies on most nights). There is a lovely Farmers Market on the east side of town that is a delight to go shopping for local food and goods and mix it up with the locals (just go early while the deals and selection are good). Better prices can be had by politely bargaining with the vendors (they don’t mind at all if you bargain, just don’t insult them by offering less than half of the asking price and be willing to budge on your end a little at a time!). There is a great smoothie place in the back that makes killer drinks.
	Most hotels on the waterfront allow the use of their facilities (pools, lounges, bathrooms, etc) by purchasing a drink or food item (just like the beach vendors). The Hotel Barracuda, about 5 blocks from the Casa, is a good choice. They have a small pool and shower that makes a nice place to hangout in between diving days. They have chips and killer homemade guacamole that you can enjoy at a swim-up bar and easy ocean access for snorkeling down a few steps next to the pool. If you want to check email or use a phone to call home and check on things (cheaper than using your own cell phone) try the Internet Café right next to the Hotel Barracuda. And don’t forget to have a slice of pie or amazing cookies there made by a real retired US Navy cook! Good two-for-one Happy Hour drink deals and great meals can be had at Jeannies Waffle House and Beach Bar just a few stores to the south as well.