ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres Generals:
Isla Mujeres, an ancient island for pirates in the Mexican Caribbean, has been a sandbox of the favored few since the 1950’s, long before Cancun, was dreamt up by a bankers as a vacation idea. Now, the island’s coral coast forms part of Mexico’s new Marine National Park. Aimed at protecting the Mexican Caribbean’s flora and fauna. Isla Mujeres mostly features small rustic hotels, but you find some luxury all-inclusive resorts too.

Attractions in Isla Mujeres:
Daily activities:The shore, especially North Beach, just above the village, always beckons. North Beach, more fancifully known as Playa Cocos boats the best swimming on Isla Mujeres and is the place to rent a windsurfer, paddle boat or kayak. A favorite destination is Garrafón National Park at the south end of the island. It’s located just beyond the little navy base, home of Mexico’s Caribbean fleet. Then there’s the chance to learn how to sail in the lagoon at a new mega-yatch complex, which could take some time, which also as good an excuse as any for lingering on Isla. If you like history, visit Hacienda Mundaca, a mansion that now lies in ruins, which was built by a pirate who fell in love with a native woman.

Nighly activities: Although the nightlife on Isla Mujeres is very laid back, there are several places where you can have a few drinks while listening to music, and mingle with the locals and other tourist from different parts from the world.

Hints for Children:

Children can swim with dolphins and learn about these fascinating mammals. Isla Mujeres is the ancestral hatching ground for the giant sea turtles who lay their eggs in the soft sand every May through September. They are now federally protected. The eggs are placed in pens to keep them safe from predators and the newly hatched turtles are placed in tanks until the are released into the wild by the local school children.

Dining in Isla Mujeres:

The village has nice sprinkling of restaurants, most of them specializing in seafood. Caribbean lobster is the big treat here, though all of the locally-caught fish is very good. Then, of course, there’s traditional Yucatecan cuisine to be enjoyed, and a couple of excellent Italian restaurants.

Shopping in Isla Mujeres:

The island is also famous for its gemstones. Jewelers entice customers with hand-crafted gold and precious jewelry in elegant and original settings. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies can be mounted to order or purchased.

Getting Around in Isla Mujeres:

Scouting about the island usually means renting a moped or bicycle, and taxis are also available, but the hearty may prefer to hike. There are water taxis leaving to Isla Mujeres every couple of hours from Playa Caracol and the Embarcadero Marine Terminal at Playa Linda pier, both in Hotel Zone, Cancun and fast boats depart every 15 minutes from Puerto Juarez, just ten minutes north of Cancun.