Isla Mujeres Activities

Isla Mujeres

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Activities and Attractions in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres offers unique options for water activities, from windsurfing to admiring the wonderful coral reefs while snorkeling, to diving the underwater paradise of El Garrafon National Park, the impressive cave of the sleeping sharks and reefs such as Farito, Islaché and Manchones. On the white and fine sand beaches of Playa Norte, you can enjoy the air, the sun and the water, and it is a perfect place for those who practice yoga, since at dawn they can get full of energy and at sunset a complete peace invades them. On the other end of the island, on a cliff known as Punta Sur, there is a temple the Maya used to worship goddess Ixchel. Furthermore, Isla Mujeres has a continental part with a new development, Costa Mujeres; El Meco, a Mayan archaeological site and Boca Iglesias, the birthplace of this tourist destination.

BEACHES OF ISLA MUJERES

From dawn to dusk, the beaches offer the tourists a wonderful view of white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Playa Norte. A white-sand beach that invites you to swim, practice watersports, get a tan, sleep in hammocks under a coconut tree and enjoy the fresh seafood sold here. The most spectacular and splendid sunsets can be seen from this beautiful beach.

Playa Paraíso, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios. These beaches are located on the bay of Mujeres, on the western side of the island. There you can enjoy a rich and varied seafood dinner, such as the famous “tikin-xic”. You can also buy handicrafts and folk clothing, take a photo with nurse sharks, swim and snorkel and enjoy the variety of marine species we have. We are not responsible for heart attacks caused by such beauty.

ECOTURISM IN ISLA MUJERES

On Isla Mujeres, ecotourism is an active part of the tourist industry, where you can find places for nature and adventure lovers. You can visit protected areas such as Contoy Island or the Birds' Island, where you will learn how to respect the environment, since it is a natural reserve that has become the most important home to marine birds on the Mexican Caribbean. You can enjoy the adventure of ecotourism by visiting diving sites such as the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, Cuevones, Half Moon and Barracuda Valley, which will provide an unforgettable experience and your best adventure ever.

WATER ACTIVITIES AT ISLA MUJERES

The different companies located on Isla Mujeres beaches offer all the equipment necessary for water sports, and a wonderful opportunity to live the most exciting marine experience and take a close look at fabulous coral formations, as well as a wide variety of multicolored fish. Isla Mujeres has water activities for all ages. You can rent beach toys, kayaks and snorkel equipment. In the turquoise crystal clear waters you can sail, fish or even swim with dolphins and sharks. Isla has something for everybody. Explore the natural wonders of the Mexican Caribbean.

SNORKELING

The most exciting experience awaits you at reefs like El Farito and Manchones, among others, where you will admire beautiful coral reefs teeming with multicolored fish. Snorkel equipment is available for rent or sale at several locations on Isla Mujeres beaches. In the crystal clear waters of Contoy you will see angelfish, rays and even turtles.

THE CROSS OF THE BAY

On August 17th, a bronze cross was placed on Manchones Reef as part of the celebration of the island’s foundation (1857). The cross is 3 meters tall, weighs almost a ton and is twelve meters under the sea; it is a tribute to men and women who have died at sea.

SCUBA DIVING IN ISLA MUJERES

Isla Mujeres is famous for its extraordinary diving sites, especially El Garrafón, Farito and Manchones. Thanks to its crystal-clear waters, it is possible to admire the marine fauna and corals that range from three to five meters high. Around the island, there are several attractive sites for diving, such as The Cross of the Bay, Los Cuevones, Lavandera Reef and the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks. These reefs are excellent both for beginner and advanced divers, since the sea is calm and the water very clear.

FISHING IN ISLA MUJERES

Discover how exciting fishing can be, enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sea, a good catch, the turquoise blue waters around Contoy are excellent for fishing; even beginners can be sure to catch a barracuda on their way to the island. Fishing is an experience not to be missed, since you have the opportunity to catch marine species such as marlin, dorado, wahoo and much more. On Isla Mujeres there are several international fishing tournaments every year.

MANCHORES REEF

Manchones Reef is about 10 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres, it is 15 meters deep, and boasts some 2 kms of coral landscapes and a wide array of marine species. This is the best place for divers of all levels, and one of the favorite places to visit and discover the marvelous Caribbean Sea. Manchones Reef is a clear example of the care and respect one must show these natural wonders. In order to avoid causing damage to the reef, visitors must not use sun blocks, nor throw garbage, food, objects away, or touch anything while they dive.

REGATAS IN ISLA MUJERES

At Isla Mujeres we have everything, and thanks to the location of the island, the bay is perfect for sailboats that come year round, many of them to take part in its famous regattas, where the crews can demonstrate their abilities and skills. Regattas take place in April. Competitors leave from Saint Petersburg in Florida for the “Sol al Sol” regatta and from New Orleans for the “regatta al Sol”, and they sail towards Isla Mujeres. The first ones to arrive on the island receive a trophy that is being passed from generation to generation of champions. There are different categories. For more information contact: Club de Yates de Isla Mujeres, S.A. de C.V. Tel.: 52 (998) 877 0211 and 877 0086 Fax: 52 (998) 877 015

EL FARITO OF ISLA MUJERES

El Farito is considered a water natural park, and is located 1,500 meters from the island. It is a marine lighthouse in the middle of a spectacular reef where you will be able to admire the marine fauna and visit the Virgin of El Farito, submerged in 1966 to protect fishermen, who worship her with flowers, coins and promises. El Farito has a wide variety of fish and great multicolored coral formations, the turquoise blue of its waters makes for a wonderful experience. It is excellent for snorkeling and beginner diving.

TURTLE FARM

Isla Mujeres has been home to the giant sea turtles that lay their eggs on its soft sand from May to September. During many years, sea turtles were killed for their meat, shell and eggs, but now they are protected by Mexican Federal Laws. Eggs are deposited in protected areas to keep them safe from predators. After they are born, the turtles are transferred to ponds and then taken to the sea by the local school children and tourists who help them return to their natural habitat.

Seeing hundreds of sea turtles that survive thanks to the care and love of the islanders is a unique experience and an example for the rest of the world. Isla Mujeres' turtle farm is located on the southern part of the island, and supported by Mexican government and private funds. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel.: 52 (998) 877 0595. or
E-mail: turtfarm@cancun.com.mx

SLEEPING SHARKS

About 50 years ago, a young man from the island, Carlos García Castilla, found a deep cave in the sea where the sharks entered, but did not get out. Curiosity made him dive about 65 feet and he found out that the sharks were sleeping with their eyes wide open. He had just discovered the cave of the sleeping sharks, located 30 minutes by boat from the island, where you can watch the strange phenomenon of the sharks that remain motionless for hours. It is an excellent place to practice high level diving and witness this astounding natural feat.

CONTOY ISLAND

Contoy Island is located north of Isla Mujeres, 23 nautical miles north of Cancun and one hour and fifteen minutes by boat. It can be reached by a brief and pleasant journey on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Near the southern tip of the island, a part of the great Maya reef, the second longest reef in the world, is home to a large variety of marine life. Contoy is also known as the “Birds´ Island” because it is home and natural refuge for many marine birds.

The boat tour to Contoy natural bird reserve is very interesting. You will see countless animal species, 90 different types of birds, such as pelicans, cormorants, red flamingos and other exotic species. It is also possible to snorkel on a quiet reef and admire the open Caribbean Sea.

CRUISING IN A GOLF CART IN ISLA MUJERES

The most common means of transportation on Isla Mujeres, you can rent them to visit downtown Isla Mujeres and the whole island. They are very comfortable and will take you wherever you want. In downtown Isla Mujeres, there are several places to rent golf carts.

BOAT TOURS

The boat tours will allow you to discover interesting places close to the island and admire beautiful corals and a great variety of marine species. Boat tours are ideal to practice snorkeling, get to know nurse sharks and try Isla Mujeres´ official specialty, a delicious and traditional fish recipe, “Tikinxic”. Boats leave all day long from the fishing cooperatives along Rueda Medina, the island’s main street.

SHOPPING AT ISLA MUJERES

For those who love shopping, Isla Mujeres has a great variety of regional handicrafts, as well as from the rest of the country, in addition to sophisticated jewelry stores. There is a lot to see on the island, including small handicrafts shops inside hotels and restaurants. In downtown Isla Mujeres you will find jewelry stores, boutiques and souvenirs on almost every corner. You can explore the town on a motorcycle or golf cart.

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