ISLA MUJERES

Is a tiny, tropical island in the Mexican Caribbean famous for its white sand beaches, clear, turquoise water and a comfortable, laid back lifestyle. Although the island is a brief 20 minute boat ride from the mega resorts of Cancun, it is a totally different tourist experience. Isla Mujeres measures only 5 miles long and 1/2 mile wide with narrow streets and relatively small hotels and restaurants creating a casual and intimate feeling. In addition, a friendly and hospitable local community welcomes visitors.

The island was one of the first places in the Americas to receive foreign visitors when the indigenous Mayan community welcomed Spanish ships to the island in 1517. The explorers were impressed by the presence of many statues in female form dedicated to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel and hence the island became known as Isla Mujeres or Island of the Women.
For nearly 500 years, fishing was as a way of life for the inhabitants of the island; but with the development of Cancun over the past thirty years, the island has been transformed from a quiet fishing village to an international tourist destination.

Visitors to Isla Mujeres are attracted to the relaxed pace of life here where they can leave the stress behind and enjoy the sun and sea. The island is safe and quiet but there is plenty to do.

During the summer months, swimming with the WHALE SHARKS is the number one attraction bringing visitors from all around the globe to Isla Mujeres for the opportunity to come in close contact with the world's largest fish only 45 minutes offshore. Be sure to stay the night to be ready for your whale shark excursion which leaves between 7 and 8 am daily.

After a day filled with water sports, in the evening you might take in a salsa band on Ave. Hidalgo, or join in the music and dancing of a local festival; maybe even cheer at a basketball game in the main square. Community and family activities are a major part of life here. This is especially true during CARNAVAL, the week before Mardi Gras when groups of friends from five years to sixty-five perform in the streets with the costumes and dance routines they have been readying for months. It's non stop party fun.

Isla Mujeres is easily accessible by air due to the numerous daily flights to the Cancun Airport followed by a 20 minute express ferry ride from the mainland right onto the Isla beach. The car ferry from Punta Sam takes 45 minutes.

Once you get here, you can relax and then
..you won't want to leave.

ISLA MUJERES TURISMO IS NOT A TRAVEL AGENCY. This website, inspired by the beauty of the island and its people, has been designed solely for the purpose of PROMOTING TOURISM that will benefit the local community and protect the ecology of the natural environment