About Isla Mujeres in the Caribbean Sea, Mexico

When you arrive in Isla Mujeres it will seem as if you are being transported into a different world. Isla Mujeres is the name of a small island as well as the town on that island that is a short distance off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. As the world seems to move at a fast pace Isla Mujeres does not, it seems almost unchanging. The Mayan people who inhabit the island live in simplicity and like the visitors enjoy the pleasures of life in this tropical paradise.  

Isla Mujeres history

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In Mayan times Isla Mujeres was called Ekab, it was one of the four provinces or Mayan territories that formed what is today the State of Quintana Roo. Long before Cancun was even thought of as a tourist destination Isla Mujeres started having tourists from around the world. Residents who have lived on the island for a long time will tell stories about tourists signaling from a makeshift dock near where Puerto Juarez stands today. Son’s of the local fisherman would take small boats over to the mainland and pick up the visitors for their stay on the island. Eventually Isla Mujeres established a regular ferry system which makes runs to Puerto Juarez many times throughout the day. Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico. The Mexican navy base was established here in 1949. Fishing has long been the main source of income for the town, it wasn’t until recently that tourism became a large part of the island. There have been many improvements to the island over the last few years, these include an extensive drainage and sewer system, electric and phone service to the various colonias, paved streets that allow rainwater to drain and a high school. The people of Isla Mujeres are proud of their history and hold in their hearts the magic of the island and the promising future that it has.

Isla Mujeres Tourism 

Isla Mujeres Mexico
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The weather in Isla Mujeres is typically exactly what you would wish for. The average temperature is around 80 degrees. The humidity can get high in the summer months. During the winter months there can be an occasional norte which will bring cold front from the north. Isla Mujeres has been described as a tropical paradise in your back yard. A 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun you will find a small coral island that is one of Mexico’s true treasures. Isla Mujeres does not boast large resort hotels and a happening nightlife instead it offers clear blue water, good food and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Isla Mujeres is a great place to travel to if you are looking to relax. You can sit on the beach and enjoy the beautiful views, take a swim in the clear waters, or sit and read that book you have been meaning to finish. The island has plenty of scuba outfitters, snorkeling spots, fishing boats and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Garrafon Park offers zip-lining, including two legs high over the blue Caribbean and some limited snorkeling. Dolphin Discovery offers dolphin encounters for young children, and swimming with dolphins for older children and adults. The flatness of the island and the lack of traffic makes it perfect for biking. The main means of transportation on the island is either by golf cart, scooters, bikes or walking. There are many restaurants on the island and the specialities are seafood and italian food.  It you are lucky enough to be traveling to Isla Mujeres on December 31st the locals have a wonderful tradition of the islanders to greet the first rays of the sun at the dawn of each new year at the south point, the most eastern point of Mexico. 
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