Meet Dory — Your Cozumel Dive Buddy & Island Insider
From first dives in 1987 to living my best barefoot life in Cozumel — here’s my story, and how I can help you discover island magic too.
👋 Who I Am
Hi! I’m Dory — aka ScubaShannon — your friendly island insider and resident thalassophile (that’s just a fancy word for someone absolutely in love with the sea!).
Like Dory from Finding Nemo, I’m easily distracted by anything shiny, always drawn to the ocean, and yep… I often forget where I left my sunscreen! Give me a glass of wine, a charcuterie board, and a view of the Caribbean, and I’m as content as a clam.
~Dory 🐠💙
Truth is, I’ve always been drawn to the sea. Growing up, my family spent summers in Port Aransas — chasing waves, collecting seashells, and falling asleep to the sound of the surf. When I graduated high school, I even had my sights set on becoming a marine biologist… but life happens, and that dream got pushed aside for a while.
Years later, what started as “a dive trip” turned into a lifelong island love story. Cozumel’s crystal-clear reefs, warm-hearted locals, and endless underwater adventures completely stole my heart - and in 2021, that childhood dream circled back when we purchased our We’ve Gone Coastal Villa. Now, the ocean really is my backyard.
🌊 My Story- How the Ocean Found Me
As a diver and SSI Dive Instructor, I’ve logged over 500 dives and I’m still just as awed by each sea turtle, octopus and reef as I was on day one. I’m also a proud Rotarian and giving back to this beautiful island community is as much a part of me as my fins.
In my free time, you’ll find me searching for sea glass, dreaming of being a mermaid, or simply gazing at those turquoise waters from our beachfront villa or condo. And socks? Oh, no thanks! I’d rather be barefoot with sand between my toes - flip-flops are as fancy as I get!
One day, my husband Jefe’ and I will live here full-time - forever waking up to island sunrises and barefoot sunsets.
🐠 Why I Started This Blog
I created Dory’s Dive Logs so ocean lovers, families, and first-timers could feel at home in Cozumel too. I share my insider dive spots, favorite fish taco joints, local secrets, and what it’s really like to live island life - flip-flops absolutely mandatory!
🏝️ How You Can Use My Guides
✔️ Plan your trip like a local, not a tourist.
✔️ Discover trusted dive buddies (like my good friend, Dive with Julio!).
✔️ Find the tastiest roadside taquerias and beach bars.
✔️ Stay where I stay if you want a true oceanfront home base - with sunrise coffee and sunset cervezas and margaritas.
🌊 A Few of My Favorite Things
✨ Favorite Cozumel memory: Watching my kids and grandkids spend a week each summer chasing salt water, belly laughs, and new adventures — that’s my island joy.
✨ Local snack: Fresh ceviche, guacamole, and an ice-cold cerveza — the taste of paradise.
✨ Favorite quote: “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.” — Wyland
🌴 Explore Cozumel Like a Local
Discover the ultimate guide to Cozumel’s hidden gems, top beaches, and the best local spots. Whether you’re here for relaxation or adventure, we've got you covered.
Start Your Adventure
💙 Join Me
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a curious snorkeler, or just dreaming of salty hair and sandy toes — I’m here to help you discover the magic of Cozumel.
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🌟 Credibility
🥽 PADI Advanced Open Water Certified Diver
🥽 SSI Open Water Instructor
🤝 Rotary International member, Past District Governor, District 5870 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair
🌟 Guest Review Snippet: “Dory’s insider tips made our vacation so special!”
“Just keep swimming and never stop enjoying the magic all around!”