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| A charter schooner floats at it's moorings off North Beach at sunset. |
We know that this is not Costa Rica. Melissa and I first discovered Isla
Mujeres several years ago. We had been thinking of expanding our business,
and we had access to cheap flights from New Orleans (our home base) to
Cancun. Once we set out to really get to know Cancun, we found that we did
not enjoy it. It was too big and too busy. Too much of a spring break
crowd. Too Urban.
However, we were extremely fortunate to find Isla Mujeres. Sometimes, we
need a beach fix, and just don't have the time to go to Costa Rica. This
little jewel of an island is only short ferry ride from Cancun, and has
become our own little escape spot. We have been many times and have grown to
love it. We are finally ready to share our secret destination with our
friends and customers. Let's just keep it between us!
Located just a few miles off the coast of the Yucatan, Isla Mujeres is a
tropical paradise. The hotels are reasonably priced, the beaches are sugar
white and the water is as blue as a piece of Mexican turquoise. The beach at
the north end is also one of the few places in the Yucatan that topless
sunbathing is allowed.
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| A brilliantly-colored school of tropical fish is startled by a passing snorkeler at Garrafon Reef. |
The cross section of international tourists that visit here are an eclectic
bunch. There are gringo kids staying at the youth hostel in town, German
tourists in for the month, even the occasional Japanese honeymooners. On our
last visit, we tried our hand at cricket on the beach with some young British
guys. The one thing that everyone has in common, is that they quickly figure
out the happy hour schedules at the several little open air palapa (thatched
roof) beach bars. Of course if you prefer, the hotel waiters will bring your
beverages and lunch right to your lounge chair on the sand at the water's edge.
The quaint little town at the north end of the island is a short walk from
the beach. You can cruise the variety of interesting little shops, or
explore the narrow streets and sample fresh seafood at the many reasonably
priced restaurants.
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| Rush hour outside Cabanas Maria del Mar! On Isla Mujeres, the principal modes of transportation are golf cart and scooter. |
If you get tired of shopping, rent a golf cart or motor scooter for the day
and take a spin around the island. There is a small Mayan ruin at the other end of the island
(seven miles from town), and in between you can stop at Garrafon Reef to
snorkel. You can also swim with the dolphins, visit a sea turtle hatchery,
or just enjoy cruising the island. Bicycles are available for rent too!
The front desk of your hotel can also help you arrange snorkeling excursions,
deep sea fishing, or trips to Isla Contoy, a nearby bird sanctuary. Of
course, any day trip that is available from Cancun is available here as well.
You can visit Tulum, a walled Mayan fortress down the coast, or go to Xcaret,
an "Eco-archaeological" park where you can float down an underground river.
Melissa and I have particularly enjoyed our trips to Chichen Itza, a
spectacular Mayan ruin a few hours inland.
So why don't you let us be your guide to Isla Mujeres? It may be just the thing you're looking for.
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