About Sand Dollar Sports

Sustainable Diving in Cozumel

PROTECTING COZUMEL'S CORAL REEFS

Our Commitment to Sustainable Diving and Tourism

For more than 40 years, Sand Dollar Sports has been part of the Cozumel diving community. We are a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and PADI Eco Center offering scuba diving, dive courses, snorkeling, SNUBA, and reef restoration experiences.

But our connection to Cozumel goes beyond providing memorable experiences in the water. Since our beginning, we have believed that a healthy ocean and a thriving tourism industry must go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainable diving in Cozumel is reflected in the way we operate, the experiences we provide, and our ongoing work to protect the island’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Meet John Flynn

Founder • Conservationist • Leader in Sustainable Tourism

John Flynn founded Sand Dollar Sports after moving to Cozumel in 1990. With more than 40 years in the diving and tourism industry, John has spent decades working to promote responsible tourism and protect Cozumel’s marine environment.

His involvement in conservation includes work connected to the creation of the Cozumel Marine Park, reef restoration, environmental education, and partnerships with local organizations. His belief that tourism can help protect the places people come to experience continues to influence Sand Dollar Sports today.

👉 Read John’s full story

Our Mission and Vision

OUR Mission

At Sand Dollar Sports, our mission is to provide exceptional diving and water sports experiences while helping protect the marine environment that makes Cozumel such a special destination.

We combine professional service and safety with education, responsible diving practices, and conservation. Through our work with local organizations and our own sustainability initiatives, we strive to make a positive contribution to Cozumel both above and below the water.

Our Vision

We envision a future where Cozumel’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.

We believe responsible tourism can be part of that future. By connecting visitors with the ocean through scuba diving, snorkeling, SNUBA, and conservation experiences, we hope to inspire greater appreciation for the marine environment and encourage more responsible choices in the water.

Why Choose Sand Dollar Sports

Choosing Sand Dollar Sports means more than booking a dive in Cozumel. You are choosing a dive center with decades of experience, a strong commitment to safety and professional service, and a longstanding connection to marine conservation.

As a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and PADI Eco Center, we combine professional diving services with a commitment to sustainable practices. Whether you are joining us for a scuba dive, taking a PADI course, trying SNUBA, snorkeling Cozumel’s reefs, or participating in a Reef Restoration Tour, we want you to leave with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the ocean.

PADI Eco Center and Conservation

Sand Dollar Sports is proud to be a PADI Eco Center, recognizing our commitment to conservation, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.

Our sustainability efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact and supporting the health of Cozumel’s marine ecosystems.

Green Fins and Sustainable Diving Practices

Sand Dollar Sports is a Green Fins Digital Member and follows sustainable diving and snorkeling practices designed to reduce the impact of tourism on coral reefs. All of our instructors and divemasters are certified Green Fins divers.

We believe that protecting coral reefs requires more than conservation projects alone. How divers, snorkelers, guides, and operators interact with the reef matters. By promoting responsible behavior in the water and educating our guests, we can help protect Cozumel’s reefs while continuing to share them with visitors from around the world.

Villa Blanca Reef Marine Biology Report 2025

Saving Villa Blanca Reef

Villa Blanca Reef was facing permanent destruction from a proposed 4th cruise ship pier in Cozumel. Concrete pylons and construction threatened to crush vibrant corals, destroy marine habitats, and eliminate one of the island’s last freely accessible diving and snorkeling spots.

How Our Community Won

Thanks to a united effort by the local community, partner organizations, and global supporters, the reef was saved:

Community-Funded Science: We raised 191,926 pesos to commission an independent Environmental Impact Statement, proving the existence of a thriving, living reef ecosystem.
Project Canceled: On September 11, 2025, the government formally annulled the pier project, permanently protecting Villa Blanca Reef for future generations.

We rejoice that our reef is safe!

Our Partners

Protecting Cozumel’s marine environment requires collaboration. Sand Dollar Sports works with local conservation organizations, community partners, and other groups that share our commitment to responsible tourism and marine conservation.

Guest Reviews

Contact Sand Dollar Sports

Ready to experience Cozumel above and below the water? Contact Sand Dollar Sports to book scuba diving, PADI courses, snorkeling, SNUBA, or a Reef Restoration experience in Cozumel.