ABOUT “ISLA”
ABOUT ISLA MUJERES
Isla Mujeres is a small Caribbean island just 14 km from Cancun. It can be clearly seen from the mainland and is characterized by an easy-going ambiance . Among the activities it offers are island exploration, watersports, animal watching and shopping.
The Spanish explorer Francisco Hernandez de Cordova landed on the island in 1517 and found feminine statues from which the island takes its name: "Island of Women". The ancient Mayan visited "Isla" perhaps on pilgrimages to their goddess Ixchel, but only the Lighthouse on the southernpoint is still standing.
The later pirate era is represented by what remains of "Hacienda Mundaca", an enormous estate built by an aging pirate in hopes of winning the heart of an island girl.
There are three ways to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun:
1. By car ferry from Punta Sam
2. By fast boat from Puerto Juarez or Ultramar Terminal
3. By tourist boat from El Embarcadero in the hotel zone.
Once on the island the most popular means of transportation are mopeds, bicycles and golf carts that can be rented in several places. There are of course taxis.
Diving is a great way to launch your island tour, there are wrecks, the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks and coral gardens off the island´s western coast, which are part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef system in the world.
Beach fanatics must visit Playa Norte (north beach), for sunbathing, windsurfing and swimming. Snorkeling is best at El Garrafon National Park, on the island{s southern tip; beach palapas, change rooms, shops, restaurants and great sunsets.
The village hast great seafood famous gold jewelry and lots of wonderful little shops and despite its popularity, the island has never lost its laidback atmosphere.