Cancun Vacations: Isla Mujeres "Island Of Women"
If you are planning a vacation trip to Cancun, hop the ferry
across the bay to the small finger-shaped Isla Mujeres. The name
means "Island of Women" and there are a number of theories as to
how the name came to be but it's not because of the topless
beach. The important thing is that it's a great place to
vacation in the sun.
On Isla Mujeres the atmosphere is much more relaxed and
relatively quiet compared to Cancun or Cozumel. The number of
tourists is much less than on the mainland.
The city is only about 10 blocks long and five blocks wide so
don't expect a whole lot besides the supermarket and cinema. But
the natural sights are what you came for anyway.
There are accommodations to fit all budgets. Most are downtown
and near the oceanfront. One of the better hotels is Posada del
Mar with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the waterfront. The
Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club is south of town has a great
beach, pool and modern facilities. There are a number of budget
hotels but be careful because the conditions and service vary
greatly from day to day.
The outlying reefs are great for diving and snorkeling. The
windward side is best but only when the seas are calm. The coral
rocks are quite dangerous when the water is rough. Local dive
shops provide day trips out to the farther reefs for snorkeling
and diving.
Charter a local boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. Grouper,
barracuda, tuna and red snapper are in abundance year round
while in the spring you can catch the bigger fish like dorado,
marlin and sailfish.
Every year the Club de Yates of Isla Mujeres puts on a sailing
regatta near the end of April. Also, the Regatta Amigos takes
place several times throughout the year. These events turn into
one big party for the whole island with costumes, dancing,
music, food and tequila.
At Playa Norte Beach (the previously referred to topless beach)
is on the north edge of town. The water is shallow, blue and
calm with cafes close by. Sailboarding and water skiing are
popular as is the local three-wheeled floating "bike". Not far
away is another beautiful and quiet beach, Playa Lancheros.
On the south end of the small island is a reconstructed ancient
Mayan temple. It sits on a cliff with a wonderful view over the
ocean. This makes a good excuse to take a walk and see the
island.
Garrafon Beach is the one spot that seems to draw the most
tourists. Probably because it's such a good spot for snorkeling.
Avoid the crowds by going early. The beach has a coral reef that
is perfect for beginner snorkeling and children. You can have
fun actually feeding the fish. Not too far out you can get a
look at some sunken cannon, an anchor and the resident angelfish.
If you go in October, don't miss the Isla Mujeres International
Music Festival. It starts on the second weekend of the month and
goes for 12 days of music and dancing.