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Isla Mujeres travel information.
Coming to Isla Mujeres is like arriving in a land of dreams
where everyone finds a second home. The charm of the island, its
gentle people and natural beauty inspire love at first sight and
create a lasting love affair that brings visitors back year
after year. It is here that many universes are revealed and are
joined together by their authentic Mexican Caribbean flavor.
Located across from Cancun, Isla is only 5 miles (7.5 km) long
by half a mile (.7 km) wide. Hotels on Isla Mujeres offer
accommodations ranging from simple to luxurious. Restaurants
serve fresh seafood as well as international and regional
cuisine specialties. Bars offer live tropical and romantic music
and Caribbean Shows. Add to this Isla's many attractions and
activities you have found the place for a perfect vacation while
enjoying the serenity of the island lifestyle.
Centuries before Francisco Hernández de Córdova sailed to the
island, the Maya people came here to seek favors from Ixchel,
their goddess of fertility, and the figurines in the shape of
women that Córdova found, gave rise to the name it bears today.
In its history, the island has saved the life of castaways,
served as shelter for the weary, came to be a pirate haven and
fulfilled the fantasies of adventure.
As the world moves rapidly into the 21st century, Isla Mujeres
seems unchanging. The Maya people who inhabit the island, many
of whom still work as fisherman, live in simplicity and like
visitors, enjoy the pleasures of life in this tropical paradise.
Isla Mujeres' white coral sand beached are perfect for
sunbathing and boarder seas of a deep turquoise color. Isla
offers great food, traditional Mexican and the freshest seafood,
sultry dance rhythms and the serenity of the island lifestyle.
As each day on the island ends in a splendid sunset, the sensual
nights of the Mexican Caribbean begin.
The options for water sports on Isla Mujeres are unlimited and
unparalleled: windsurfing over calm Caribbean waters; snorkeling
through beautiful coral landscapes at El Garrafón National Park
or at many of the other reefs surrounding the island and diving
into the amazing underwater world of Manchones and Islaché reefs
or at the cave of the sleeping sharks. Kayaks, water bicycles
and boogie boards are available for rent at Playa Norte (North
Beach).
Under the crystalline waters and surrounded by multicolored
tropical fish, lies a bronze statue known as La Cruz de la Bahia
(The Cross of the Bay). It was places there on August 17, 1994
as part of the festivities held to commemorate the 144th
anniversary of the founding of the island. Dives and the devout
come to the site to pay homage throughout the year.
The island is ringed by powdery-white sand beaches; the largest
is called Playa Norte. Here you can enjoy the sun, tropical
breeze and calm, warm waters. The island's influence stretches
over to Punta Sam, home of the archaeological site of El Meco
and Boca Iglesias, the first convent in Mexico. This area is now
developing as Costa Mujeres, and will offer new options with
fine, modern accommodations and facilities.
The traditional boat rides are a great option to reach the main
points of interest in the island and its surrounding areas.
Boats leave from the small docks located on Rueda Medina Avenue,
the city's main road. They are available throughout the entire
day.
In order to see and enjoy every corner of the island and to
mingle with its friendly inhabitants nothing beats a tour around
Isla on a golf cart, moped or bicycle.
Many establishments in Isla Mujeres offer tours to the
neighboring Isla Contoy, which hosts more than sixty different
bird species, as well as a great flora and fauna diversity.
Other attractions include picturesque streets and alleys of the
town where you may find handicraft shops with merchandise from
all over Mexico as well as great jewelry shops.
How to get to Isla Mujeres
Express service ferries leave from Puerto Juárez for Isla
Mujeres every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM
From Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juárez, the ferries run every 30
minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
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