From Guilt To Giving Back

What’s happening, Cozumel Crew! 🌴✨

Grab your favorite drink—coffee, margarita, a cold cerveza, or a fruit smoothie—and let’s chat.

I’m Kam, the guy who decided that living in paradise should come with a side of giving back. If you’ve ever felt like you could do more for the place you love, stick around.

This is my story about how a tiny spark of guilt turned into something pretty awesome: Cozumel Collective.

At the end of 2024, after settling into life here on the island, I found myself sitting on the beach, soaking up the Cozumel weather and reflecting on my most recent adventures.

I had moved from a construction job to embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, all while getting my PADI Open Water certification. Life was good—endless beach days, vibrant sunsets, and amazing people.

But there was this nagging feeling that something was missing.

I wasn’t feeling the tug of missing my friends and family back in Canada, nor was I yearning for those snowy days I left behind.

Instead, it was something deeper.

I started noticing that while I was loving my time here, I wasn’t really giving back to the local community in a meaningful way. Sure, I supported local businesses when I could, but I wasn’t tackling the bigger issues.

It was like my margarita came without the salt rim—sure, you’ve got the drink, but where’s the zing that makes it pop?

Here’s the deal: I was loving every minute in Cozumel. From exploring colorful coral reefs to munching on late-night shrimp tacos, life was fantastic.

But while I was soaking up the sun and making new friends, I was still paying taxes to Canada and running a Canadian business. My time and efforts here weren’t directly boosting the local economy or supporting essential services like schools, hospitals, and the humane society.

Honestly, I still don’t know all the big problems Cozumel faces. I need your help.

But that’s the beauty of the Collective—it’s a hub for people to share their thoughts about the things that matter.

Then we gather up the Collective members and squash problems together and watch the whole community benefit.

I started thinking about the local businesses—like dive shops, restaurants, and artisan stores—that make Cozumel vibrant.

I think of the people of Cozumel.

Can we come together, combine our good vibes, and send that energy into the karma cosmos?

It hit me: if I wanted to truly be part of this community, I needed to give back in a way that mattered.

That’s how Cozumel Collective was born.

I didn’t want to be just another beach bum enjoying paradise without contributing to its growth and vibrancy. I wanted to create something that would unite people, foster connections, and support each other in making Cozumel an even better place to live and visit.

This isn’t my personal charity or a business write-off. I’m doing it to make a difference in my life, feel good about hanging on the island, and hope others can use it to build a better life too.

Mission Statement Time: Cozumel Collective is all about uniting locals, expats, and part-timers to give back, support each other, and leave the island more awesome than we found it.

But let’s break it down.

What does that mean for you and me? It means creating a community where everyone—from scuba enthusiasts and fishing pros to musicians and foodies—can come together to uplift Cozumel.

If you’re here year-round, spending winters as a snowbird, or just passing through, there’s a place for you in our collective.

Visualize this: You’re at a beach cleanup, and you meet someone who’s renting their apartment out for under your budget. Cha-Ching.

Or better yet, you’re at one of our legendary beach parties, laughing with friends old and new, and supporting your favorite local charity.

What about that business idea you have? The Collective can back you up like coaches, teammates, and most importantly–your first customers!

That’s the kind of connections we’re fostering at Cozumel Collective.

Networking and Support: From finding the best tacos to finding the perfect neighbourhood for you, we’re here to help each other thrive. Need a reliable contractor? We’ve got recommendations.

Looking for a new fishing spot? Ask around in our meetups (but don’t tell too many people). 🎣🤫

It’s all about building meaningful relationships that make island life even better.

Community Projects: The collective is organizing beach cleanups, funding local art projects, and hosting charity events. e’re rolling up our sleeves and getting things done.

These projects aren’t just good for the community—they’re good for the soul. And let’s be real, there’s nothing more satisfying than making a real impact while having a blast.

Supporting Cozumel’s community isn’t just a feel-good activity (though it totally is that). It’s about ensuring the island remains a vibrant, thriving place for everyone. Think about it:

And let’s not forget the cultural aspect. By supporting local artists and musicians, we’re keeping Cozumel’s rich cultural tapestry alive. It’s about preserving the integrity of the island while enhancing it.

One of the coolest things about Cozumel Collective is the diversity of our members. You could be a diving enthusiast with a knack for photography, a mezcal wiz with stories to tell, a musician adding rhythm to our nights, or a foodie discovering the island’s hidden culinary gems, there’s a spot for you here.

Each member brings something unique to the table, creating a rich and supportive community where everyone can develop into their best selves.

We feature regular spotlights in our newsletter about our members and their experiences and goals. Keep an eye out and support when you can!

At Cozumel Collective, giving back isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a continuous effort to support and uplift our community. Here’s how we make it happen:

Every time you join a beach cleanup, attend an art show, or support a local business, you’re creating a ripple effect of positive change. It’s like throwing a stone into a pond—the impact spreads far and wide, touching lives in ways you might not even realize.

I’m thinking more awesome events, better support for local causes, and a stronger, more connected community—all because you decided to take action. That’s the power of community and the magic of Cozumel Collective.

So, what’s next? Well, we’ve got a ton of exciting things lined up for 2025, and we want you to be a part of it. Here’s how you can get involved:

If you haven’t subscribed already, click here. Keep your eye out for our notifications about upcoming events and features in our newsletter.

Don’t forget to refer your friends and family to get sweet deals like the Cozumel Real Estate Playbook ($297 FREE when you refer). Big thanks to Vidamar for hooking up the Collective members with this package.

Starting Cozumel Collective wasn’t just about feeling less guilty—it was about creating something meaningful and impactful. It’s about turning paradise into a thriving, supportive community where everyone can live, laugh, and love.

I traveled to Cozumel to lose myself in paradise, but I found a deeper purpose in giving back and building a community. I’m inviting you to join us on this incredible journey.

Whether you’re a tourist, a tour operator, a beach lover, a foodie, an art and culture aficionado, a music lover, or all of the above, there’s a place for you in Cozumel Collective.

Let’s make Cozumel not just a beautiful place to live, but a vibrant, thriving community that we’re all proud to be a part of.

Here’s to living, laughing, and loving on this beautiful island together! 🥂🌞

Sincerely,

Kam
Founder and Leader Cozumel Collective