Isla Mujeras is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.
La Isla Mujeras (Island of Women) is a small island once a sanctuary to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of childbirth and medicine, with its scenic views, tranquil beaches, marine parks and sculptured cliffs, is nature at its best. Located just eight miles across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is only 5 miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. The downtown area (Centro) of Isla is just four by six blocks. The average temperature is 80 degrees with 60% humidity and the hottest months are June thru September. Mapped at latitude North 21° 11′ 5″ and longitude West 86° 42′ 50″ Isla’s terrain is flat with beaches on all sides.
Strolling the streets of Isla Mujeres, you will still see evidence of the fishing village that it once was with families gathered in their homes tucked between stores and restaurants. The tourism has provided the villagers with another means to provide for themselves, but the charm and tranquility of the fishing village remains.
Long before Cancun was even a glint in developer’s eyes, Isla Mujeres open it’s arms to tourists from around the world. Some older residents of the island tell stories of tourists signaling from a make-shift dock near where Puerto Juarez stands today. Son’s of local fisherman would take small launches over to the mainland and pick up visitors for their stay on the island. Eventually, Isla established a regular ferry service, making runs to Puerto Juarez once or twice a day and in the last few years, every half hour.
Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico, the frontier of eastern Mexico, and the Mexican Navy base was established in 1949 . Fishing was still the main source of income; it wasn’t until recent years that Tourism became a large part of the island. In 1967, the Mexican Government and its water department (C.A.P.A), with the help of many local divers, install an under-the-sea purified water piping system, the first in the world. The 6″ pipes were replaced with 8″ pipes in 1988 the same year Hurricane Gilbert hit the island, which partially destroyed the Mayan temple on the south point. The last few years have seen tremendous improvements to the island including 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.
If you are lucky enough to be vacationing on Isla December 31st, it is a tradition for Isleños 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.
The people of Isla Mujeres are proud of their history and hold in their hearts the magic of their island and the promising future.
Life in this village is more laid-back and tranquil than Cancun, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do, it just means you can do nothing at all or fill your days with shopping, snorkeling, swimming and sunning.
One of the most highly recommended resorts on Isla Mujeres is the small boutique all inclusive resorts, Isla Mujeras Palace Resort.
This small, 62 room resort boasts elegant contemporary design, luxury and comfort in this delightfully intimate resort. A ferry ride out of Cancun, one can look across the Caribbean Sea to the beautiful lights of Cancun’s Hotel Zone from the second story of this resort. The excitement of Cancun is worlds away, yet conveniently accessible.
The freestyle pool with swim up bar overlooks the sea as does the resort’s Holistic Center. Luxuriate around the pool or on the beach, staff will attend to your needs in either location.
The island environment is relaxing yet re-awakens all of your senses. The International menu includes the ideal wine to pair with your meal and cocktails are readily available in the lobby bar as well.
With the 1500 Vacation Dollars, you can select activities and tours to enjoy as well.
Activities on La Isla Mujeras include snorkeling with the opportunity to see stingrays, crabs, barracuda, sea turtles and huge masses of other tropical fish. The water on the around this resort is is calm and clear, and perfect for snorkeling at no cost. There are charters that will take you out to one of the bigger reefs for more fun,
Golf carts and bicycles are available to rent so that you can explore the island, it will take about 20 – 30 minutes to go from one end of the island to another. There are quaint shopping, hotels and restaurant areas on the southern tip of the island, enjoy Mayan Ruin, a turtle farm, an old pirate house, and even a lighthouse lookout where the view of the ocean is breathtaking; there’s plenty to see.
Isla Mujeras is one of Travellers’ Choice 2010 Top 10 Beach and Sun Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. We make it affordable for you when you stay as guest of a Palace Premier VIP membership by renting Palace Resorts Timeshare weeks.
