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Planning Your Vacation |
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Fly directly into Cozumel Airport
These are the carriers now flying direct into Cozumel Airport: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, US Airways, Mexicana, Sun Country, MLT Worry Free Vacation Charters, FunJet Charters and Adventure Tours Charters.
Fly into Cancun and then taxi/ferry or fly over to Cozumel
Most major airlines now fly into Cancun Airport. A list of airline carriers serving Cancun is provided in the Over There - Cancun section
Arrive by Cruise Ship
There are many cruise lines that now stop at one of Cozumel's 3 cruise ship piers including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, NCL, P&O Cruises & Royal Caribbean.
| Travel Documentation - Passports and Important Paperwork |
Homeland Security Impact on Travel
On November 19, 2001 the US President signed into law the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) which among other things established a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within the Department of Transportation. This Act established a series of challenging but critically important milestones toward achieving a secure air travel system.
The TSA website www.TSATravelTips.us is very informative. Here you will find everything you need to know about new airport security measures. You will discover a list of timesaving tips, information on assistance for special needs, the latest list of prohibited and permitted items as well as other information that will help guide you smoothly through the security process.
 Citizenship Documentation
Due to law changes and initiatives attempting to increase national security, PASSPORTS ARE NOW REQUIRED of all US travelers.
Proof of citizenship is the most important thing to have in any foreign country. With proof, a person has some rights; without it, the first priority must be to PROVE identity and nationality.…not get assistance with a problem! Please make a PASSPORT COPY to carry while out and about on vacation and keep the original with other valuables.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) is what mandated that the U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State Development implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States. As a result of this legislation mandate, the two agencies developed a plan called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) which was announced in April 2005.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) required all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada & Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes a traveler's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the U.S.
This WHTI initiative was rolled out in phases providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines.
December 31, 2005 - Requirement applied to all travel (air/sea) to/ from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central & S. America.
December 31, 2006 - Requirement extended to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.
December 31, 2006 - Requirement extended to all air, sea and land border crossings.
February 15, 2008 - Passport requirement for travel strictly enforced.
Passport applicants should allow sufficient time to apply and receive passports in advance of travel.
Please allow 6-8 weeks for routine processing of passport applications.
Peak U.S. passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, it is recommended to apply between August and December.
For more information about obtaining a US PASSPORT visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
On board the aircraft, passengers will be given an Immigration form and a Customs/Agriculture form to complete. Do yourself and everyone else in line a favor and complete the form in advance and accurately in order to speed up the entry process. Please check the FRONT & BACK OF EACH FORM because both Immigration and Customs forms require some passenger information on BOTH SIDES.
Typical vacation timeframes are 1 - 2 weeks so this is the "standard" approval time given on Temporary Visa Applications in Mexico. However, if you intend to stay longer than 1-2 weeks in Mexico, be sure to advise the Immigration Officer as he BEGINS his review of your documents. Mexican Immigration law allows vistors (not workers) to stay up to 6 months continuously without leaving the country or making further application for approaval. It is important to ask at the airport upon arrival for the approprate Temporary Visa timeframe required because extensions require a visit to the Immigration Office and payment of Visa Extension Fees.
| Traveling with Minor Children | 
Traveling with Minor Children between the USA and Mexico - The following message was issued by the U.S. Consular Office in Merida on November 26th, 2004 and pertains to the travel of minor children between the U.S. and Mexico. The information was adapted from two recent notices they received, one from the Department of State in Washington (regarding parental consent for passport applications for minors) and the other from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City (regarding travel authorization letters for minors traveling with only one parent or another authorized person). This is not a major departure from policies which have been in place for the past year or so, but just a reminder of things to consider when traveling with minor children.
Please note that the second announcement, regarding permission letters, pertains to requirements imposed by the airlines themselves, and does not clearly state what age defines a "minor child". Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is best to contact the airline in advance and err on the side of age 21 and under and being a "minor". As always, please email the Consulate using mercons@prodigy.net.mx or contact the U.S. Consulate in Merida, Mexico, if you have any further questions.
Regarding Travel Permission Letters for Minor Children - The Government of Mexico, Interior Secretariat, Regulation of the General Law of Population (Article 215), requires that minors who will not be accompanied by one or both of their parents or legal guardians, have in their possession an original written permission form signed by the non-traveling parent(s), and notarized.
 Both the U. S. and Mexican governments require that minor children have the written and notarized approval of both parents or legal guardians in order to obtain a passport for international travel. Parents must make sure to obtain the appropriate permission when one or both of the parents is not traveling with the child. Airline carriers require the written and notarized permission from the non-traveling parent(s) in order to allow the child to board the plane. Some carriers require that the signed statement be notarized within 30 days of the travel. Other companies require that the permission be dated within six months. It is always best to confirm the exact policy with the airline directly via their internet website or public information number or with a travel agent prior to international travel.
Parents are strongly encouraged to have an original permission form prepared for each child so that in the event of emergency or unanticipated travel alone or with only one parent, the child is able to travel internationally without delay.
 Pack Light for Cozumel - With reduced luggage limits on most flights these days and overweight bag fees doubling, just packing a suitcase properly can save you money on your vacation. Take advantage of Cozumel's tropical, casual ambiance and simply pack less clothing. Chances are you won't be wearing much while here anyway!
It's always difficult to know what things to take and what to leave behind when traveling. Some travelers swear by the "pack twice" method whereby you pack everything you think you'll need. Then go back and remove half of the items. This method not only ensures that you'll be under the baggage weight limits but also leaves room for those bargain purchases!
Clothing - The climate in Cozumel is typically tropical so alot of heavy fabric clothing just isn't necessary and will in fact be somewhat uncomfortable most of the year. Tropical means warm and humid so bring light airy comfortable clothing and footwear. Dress is casual in the tropics by necessity. However, despite what some travelers actually do, it is actually more proper and respectful form to dine/shop in the city fully clothed. Bathing suits are acceptable attire anywhere you go so long as a cover-up is worn as well.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent - Don't forget to pack these items because the lack of or improper use of these two items cause a vast majority of traveler discomforts! Cozumel's tropical sun is more intense than most visitors are accustomed to enduring so when selecting a sunscreen err on the side of HIGHER protection and look for the bio-degradable, waterproof brands. Do yourself a favor and carry the sunscreen with you ALL DAY for reapplication.
If going out in the evening, apply insect repellent at least to your ankles, feet and exposed forearms. While restaurants and stores do all they can to reduce insects, learning to manage mosquito bite risk is just part of tropical island living and vacationing! So do yourself a favor and plan to take a small pocket size bottle of insect spray with you each night to ensure you can enjoy Cozumel's open air dining and shopping to its fullest.
Small Wallet - Since you’re on vacation, why would you need the entire contents of your purse or wallet? Library & video cards and the 45 keys you use at work can easily be left behind. Pick a couple of major credit cards and your house key to take on vacation. This way, the trauma of loss is not as significant should it occur at all.
Camera, Film, Batteries & Media Cards - Unless you enjoy paying a premium for regular things, bring your own supply of film, media cards and batteries. Yes, film is available but that 24 exposure roll you buy at Wal-Mart for $3.00 will be $10 on the island and the same holds true for media cards. If you are even able to locate what you need the price will typically be about 3x what you are used to paying. Put fresh batteries in your camera before leaving, bring extras or a recharger since the small NI-CAD or special camera batteries are difficult to find. These items take up so little space in luggage and look at the savings!! Three rolls of film purchased at home vs. 3 on the island gives you enough savings in your pocket to pay for half of a snorkel tour!
Electrical Plug-ins - Electrical supply and receptacles for Cozumel are the same as in the USA - 120 VAC
Gifts/Tips - While cash is always appreciated as a tip for excellent service, sometimes a small trinket from your home country is more appropriate for a new found island friend. Many people from Cozumel seldom leave the island much less the country of Mexico. The population as a whole is exposed to a lot of merchandise in the stores, on TV and the Internet but availability is another thing all together!! Here are some inexpensive suggestions of things to stick in your bag “just in case.”
- Music CDs (they don’t have to be new)
- DVD's (they don't have to be new)
- Music Players (they don't have to be new)
- Small keychain type flashlights
- Small pocket knives (remember to put in a checked-in bag!)
- Brass or stainless clips (fishermen can’t get enough of these)
- Small Address Books
- Small scented candles
- Perfume samples
- Crayons or colored pencils/pens
- Wine openers
Should I only bring some emergency cash and pay for everything with my credit card?
Is it difficult to cash traveler's checks in Mexico?
Where can I get the best exchange rate for my dollars?
The answer is - it depends.
 Credit Cards: Don't' bring all of them, but be sure to carry a major charge card that has available credit. You will need your card when you check into your hotel as well as if you decide to rent transportation (always request that the original voucher and all copies be returned to you if elect not to pay with your card).
In the unlikely event that you need emergency medical care, the care provider will request a credit card before you can be discharged if you don't have sufficient cash available.
Generally you will not want to actually charge items or services to your card while you're in Cozumel. There is often a bank fee of up to 10 percent that will be added to the purchase price and you will have no control over the exchange rate you are given.
Traveler 's Checks and American Dollars: No matter which way you turn in San Miguel's plaza you're bound to spot a bank or money exchange (casa de cambio) place. Exchange rates at the banks are usually the same as those offered at money exchange houses, but you can get the job done much faster at the money exchange. There should never be fee involved in changing money.
We recommend that you change your traveler's checks or dollars into pesos a little at a time and only consider paying for something in American dollars if the business is giving you a higher exchange rate than you might find in the bank or exchange house.
In 2009, most all banks in Cozumel suspended currency changing services except for bank clients with checking or savings accounts. So save time and head straight away to a money exchange office instead of standing in line at a bank if wanting to change money.
| Banking and Currency Exchange | 
There was a time not long ago when Cozumel had only two different banks and those downtown locations were the extent of alternatives. Needless to say the bounty of money exchange houses that Cozumel has now grew out of necesity to avoid the excessively long lines at the banks. However, with time and economic development, more financial institutions have moved into the region and begun service.
Still today, the majority of Cozumel's banks can be found in the Main Downtown Plaza area, however many of the banks do have branch locations located on major avenues (like Ave. 30) throughout town. Typical hours of operation are Mon-Friday between 9 - 4 but some banks are open on Saturdays. All of the banks have ATMs that dispense pesos, although US Dollars are available at some ATMs near the cruise-ship piers. Banks also exchange currency although customer service lines can be very lengthy and time consuming.
Cozumel Bank Locations
 Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872-0142
Corner of 30th & 11 Sur 987-872-3080
Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872- 3411
Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872-0550
Avenida 5 & Juarez 987-872.0718
Corner of 3 Sur & Avenida 10 987-872-2853
Currency Exchange Services
 Because Cozumel bank lines can be very long (especially on Mondays), most locals just utilize the Money Exchange Houses (Casa de Cambio) for convenience. While it is true that these Casas de Cambio do not give as good of an exchange rate as the banks give, the trade off vs. time spent in line is well worth it most of the time since there is literally one located on every block.
Do NOTE however, that Casas de Cambio located farther away from downtown (away from the bank competition) will NOT be the best choice for changing money simply because their pricing strategy takes advantage of the 'distance from alternatives" factor.
Although there are many, many Casas de Cambio in Cozumel, here are 2 locations that seem to always have very decent rates as compared to the banks and very little wait time:
 
American Express
Punta Langosta Pier, Av. Rafael E. Melgar Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 987-869-1389
Promotora Cambiaria del Centro
Avenida 5 Sur between Calles 1 Sur and Adolfo Rosado Salas No phone
| Cozumelinsider's Handy Currency Conversion Table! |
U.S.
Dollars |
Various Exchange Rates in Mexican Pesos |
| 9.50 |
10.00 |
10.50 |
11.00 |
11.50 |
12.00 |
12.50 |
13.00 |
13.50 |
14.00 |
14.50 |
15.00 |
| 1 |
9.50 |
10.00 |
10.50 |
11.00 |
11.50 |
12.00 |
12.50 |
13.00 |
13.50 |
14.00 |
14.50 |
15.00 |
| 2 |
19.00 |
20.00 |
21.00 |
22.00 |
23.00 |
24.00 |
25.00 |
26.00 |
27.00 |
28.00 |
29.00 |
30.00 |
| 3 |
28.50 |
30.00 |
31.50 |
33.00 |
34.50 |
36.00 |
37.50 |
39.00 |
40.50 |
42.00 |
43.50 |
45.00 |
| 4 |
38.00 |
40.00 |
42.00 |
44.00 |
46.00 |
48.00 |
50.00 |
52.00 |
54.00 |
56.00 |
58.00 |
60.00 |
| 5 |
47.50 |
50.00 |
52.50 |
55.00 |
57.50 |
60.00 |
62.50 |
65.00 |
67.50 |
70.00 |
72.50 |
75.00 |
| 6 |
57.00 |
60.00 |
63.00 |
66.00 |
69.00 |
72.00 |
75.00 |
78.00 |
81.00 |
84.00 |
87.00 |
90.00 |
| 7 |
66.50 |
70.00 |
73.50 |
77.00 |
80.50 |
84.00 |
87.50 |
91.00 |
94.50 |
98.00 |
101.50 |
105.00 |
| 8 |
76.00 |
80.00 |
84.00 |
88.00 |
92.00 |
96.00 |
100.00 |
104.00 |
108.00 |
112.00 |
116.00 |
120.00 |
| 9 |
85.50 |
90.00 |
94.50 |
99.00 |
103.50 |
108.00 |
112.50 |
117.00 |
121.50 |
126.00 |
130.50 |
135.00 |
| 10 |
95.00 |
100.00 |
105.00 |
110.00 |
115.00 |
120.00 |
125.00 |
130.00 |
135.00 |
140.00 |
145.00 |
150.00 |
| 20 |
190.00 |
200.00 |
210.00 |
220.00 |
230.00 |
240.00 |
250.00 |
260.00 |
270.00 |
280.00 |
290.00 |
300.00 |
| 30 |
285.00 |
300.00 |
315.00 |
330.00 |
345.00 |
360.00 |
375.00 |
390.00 |
405.00 |
420.00 |
435.00 |
450.00 |
| 40 |
380.00 |
400.00 |
420.00 |
440.00 |
460.00 |
480.00 |
500.00 |
520.00 |
540.00 |
560.00 |
580.00 |
600.00 |
| 50 |
475.00 |
500.00 |
525.00 |
550.00 |
575.00 |
600.00 |
625.00 |
650.00 |
675.00 |
700.00 |
725.00 |
750.00 |
| 60 |
570.00 |
600.00 |
630.00 |
660.00 |
690.00 |
720.00 |
750.00 |
780.00 |
810.00 |
840.00 |
870.00 |
900.00 |
| 70 |
665.00 |
700.00 |
735.00 |
770.00 |
805.00 |
840.00 |
875.00 |
910.00 |
945.00 |
980.00 |
1,015.00 |
1050.00 |
| 80 |
760.00 |
800.00 |
840.00 |
880.00 |
920.00 |
960.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,040.00 |
1,080.00 |
1,120.00 |
1,160.00 |
1,200.00 |
| 90 |
855.00 |
900.00 |
945.00 |
990.00 |
1,035.00 |
1,080.00 |
1,125.00 |
1,170.00 |
1,215.00 |
1,260.00 |
1,305.00 |
1,350.00 |
| 100 |
950.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,050.00 |
1,100.00 |
1,150.00 |
1,200.00 |
1,250.00 |
1,300.00 |
1,350.00 |
1,400.00 |
1,450.00 |
1,500.00 |
| 150 |
1,425.00 |
1,500.00 |
1,575.00 |
1,650.00 |
1,725.00 |
1,800.00 |
1,875.00 |
1,950.00 |
2,025.00 |
2,100.00 |
2,175.00 |
2,250.00 |
| 200 |
1,900.00 |
2,000.00 |
2,100.00 |
2,200.00 |
2,300.00 |
2,400.00 |
2,500.00 |
2,600.00 |
2,700.00 |
2,800.00 |
2,900.00 |
3,000.00 |
| 250 |
2,375.00 |
2,500.00 |
2,625.00 |
2,750.00 |
2,875.00 |
3,000.00 |
3,125.00 |
3,250.00 |
3,375.00 |
3,500.00 |
3,625.00 |
3,750.00 |
| 300 |
2,850.00 |
3,000.00 |
3,150.00 |
3,300.00 |
3,450.00 |
3,600.00 |
3,750.00 |
3,900.00 |
4,050.00 |
4,200.00 |
4,350.00 |
4,500.00 |
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Need a Place to Stay or to Rent a Car?
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 AVIS Group A Autos - Fiesta First, Chevy Pointer & Similar (Standard) |
| Autos have 2 or 4-Doors, Standard Transmission & Air Conditioning
From $32Daily / $192 Weekly
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| AVIS Group B Autos - Ford Fiesta, Corsa & Similar (Standard) |
| Autos have 4-Doors, StandardTransmission & Air Conditioning
From $3 Daily / $ 212Weekly
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| AVIS Group C Autos - Dodge Attitude & Similar (Automatic) |
| Autos have 4-Doors, Automatic Transmission and Air Conditioning
From $43 Daily / $ 372 Weekly
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| AVIS Group D Autos - Focus, Optra & Similar (Automatic) |
| Autos have 4-Doors, Automatic Transmission and Air Conditioning
From $54 Daily / $ 326 Weekly
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| AVIS Group M Autos - Voyager, Prestar & Similar (Automatic) |
| Autos have 4 or More Doors, Automatic Transmission and Air Conditioning
From $97Daily / $ 584 Weekly
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| AVIS Group O Autos - Jeep Wrangler (Standard or Automatic) |
| Autos have 2 Doors, Automatic or StandardTransmission
From $54 Daily / $ 326 Weekly
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| GEO Tracker Automobile from Less Pay |
| GEO Tracker from Less Pay
$49.50/day (out the door) low season
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| IslaMar Studio Villa 1 Vacation Rental |
| This spacious 1 bedroom/1 bath efficiency studio sleeps 2 and has a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the water jets of the spa or just lounge by the pool and listen to the waterfall in the background.
$68/day, $476/week
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| IslaMar Villa 2 Norte Vacation Rental |
| This lovely second floor apartment with king size bedroom and ensuite bath is spacious and bright with a lovely front veranda on which to enjoy your morning coffee and listen to the songbirds.
$78/day, $546/week
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| IslaMar Villa 3 Sur Vacation Rental |
| This lovely second floor apartment with king size bedroom and ensuite bath is spacious and bright with a lovely front veranda on which to enjoy your morning coffee and listen to the songbirds.
$78/day, $546/week
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| IslaMar Villa 4 West Vacation Rental |
| A wonderful 2 bedroom/2bath villa with lots of light. Spacious living room and kitchen and a shaded porch with hammocks and outside tables and chairs.
$125/day, $875/week
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| IslaMar Villa 5 Norte Vacation Rental |
| For those who like a little more space this lovely 1 bedroom/1bath ground floor bungalow is roomy and has a large private patio in front.
$85/day, $595/week
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| Jeep Automobile from Less Pay |
| Jeep Automobile
$49.50/day (out the door) low season
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| Pointer with A/C Automobile from Less Pay |
| Pointer with A/C Automobile (similar to the USA version of GOLF)
$44/day (out the door) low season
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| VW Convertible Automobile from Less Pay |
| VW Convertible Automobile
$38.50/day (out the door) low season
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| VW Safari Automobile from Less Pay |
| VW Safari "Thing" Automobile
$44.00/day (out the door) low season
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AVIS Group D Autos - Focus, Optra & Similar (Automatic)
AVIS Group M Autos - Voyager, Prestar & Similar (Automatic)
IslaMar Villa 5 Norte Vacation Rental
AVIS Group M Autos - Voyager, Prestar & Similar (Automatic)
Jeep Automobile from Less Pay
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Sherri, we recently returned from our 4th stay at Islamar Villas. Just wanted you to know that it gets more difficult to leave every time we visit! We really feel fortunate to have almost a second home in Cozumel.
We've visited Cozumel 22 times in the past and the island and people who live there have taken on a whole new meaning for us since we were fortunate enough to meet you and discover the Villas. Everything is always perfect even before we arrive, from the rent car to the restaurants you send us to! Keep up the great job!
We are planning 2 more trips there (Cozumel and The Villas) in 2008! Gilda & Warren Sprung ~ Houston, Texas
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We cannot begin to express our thanks to Sherri, and the staff at IslaMar Villas for our wonderful 11-night stay. This was our third time staying at IslaMar Villas and for us it's the only place to stay in Cozumel. It has truly become our home away from home. We love the apartments, the courtyard and pool, and the warm and friendly neighborhood.
We also used "Insider" to book our car rental with Avis. It went very smoothly and Jacqueline also helped us trade in our little Chevy Pop for something a little bigger.
A big THANK YOU to Sherri for introducing us to a wonderful private driver on the mainland and for arranging our excursion to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal. We were so happy that we decided to finally venture off the island and go to the mainland to see the ruins. The driver Sherri arranged for us was extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we saw things we wouldn't have even known about had we taken the car ferry and driven on our own. To anyone looking for a private tour of places on the mainland, we highly recommend asking Sherri to arrange it for you. It was well worth it!
Thank you again, Sherri! Your kindness and warm hospitality makes us choose IslaMar Villas and your services over and over again. R. & M. Browning ~ Superior, CO
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Hey Sherri ~ Sorry for the delay but we have had so many things on our plate since we returned home on thursday. But just wanted to send you an email thanking you for opening your IslaMar Villas and helping us really enjoy our time down in Cozumel. We would defintelly like to come back at one point to do some more diving and more exploring. We wish you all the best,
take care and God bless, Jason and Rachel J & R Hayes ~ unkown
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IslaMar is a great place to stay and we could not have made a better choice in accomodation. Clean, tidy and all the amenities you'll ever need. Away from the hustle and bustle and surrounded by great local restaurants. The pricing makes these condos even more attractive then what they already are. Would we go back there? Let's put it this way, Sherrie and Jacqueline had a hard time getting us OUT of the place when it was time to leave. Would we recommend IslaMar? That's a silly question, of course! Tony & Shirley ~ St Louis, MO
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Wonderful vacation villas coupled with wonderful hospitality! Thanks so much for all the tips, stories, dinner you arranged with friends and the opportunity to learn from you. We’ll definitely be back to your IslaMar Villas — hopefully as a friend and neighbor just a few blocks away. The Pedersens ~ Des Moines, IA
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