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Isla Mujeres is a small Caribbean island just
14 km from Cancun. It can be seen from the mainland and is
characterized by an easy-going character. Along with the
many activities available are island exploration,
watersports, animal watching and of course shopping.
The Spanish explorer Francisco Hernandez de
Cordova landed on the island in 1517 and discovered 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 southern point 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 captivating the heart of an
native 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 is by mopeds, bicycles and golf carts that
can be rented in several places. There are of course taxis.
Diving is a great way to start 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.
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Beach worshipers 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, changing rooms, shops,
restaurants and magnificent sunsets.
The village has wonderful seafood, famous
gold jewelry and lots of wonderful little shops and despite
its popularity, the island has never lost its laidback
atmosphere.
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