Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is the name of a small island, as well as the town there

In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya Moon Goddess, Ix Chel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" meaning "Island of Women" because of the many images of the Moon Goddess here.

There was a small Mayan temple on the south tip of the island, but in 1988 Hurricane Gilbert caused damage to it leaving most of the foundation and a very small portion of the temple on it.

Modern Times:

Since the 1970s there has been substantial development for tourism here. Ferry boats run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juarez or Puerto Cancún on the mainland.

Isla Mujeres is located close to one of the many coral reefs. The area is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

On the north end is ISLA TOWN--with a famous beautiful beach called PLAYA NORTE.
one of the many coral reefs. The area is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

Isla Mujeres is just a few miles from the shore of Cancun, in the Quintana Roo State. The beautiful island combines the beauty of the Caribbean, the dense tropical jungle and the wonderful heritage of the Mayan civilization.
The island is 5 miles long by 2.5 miles wide Isla Mujeres offers nature, bird sanctuary, diving, snorkeling and fishing.  

The El Garrafón Submarine National Park is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. You can dive  in this beautiful coral reef rich in underwater life and multicolored tropical fish. Isla Mujeres is famous for its extraordinary diving sites, especially El Garrafón, Farito and Manchones.

There are several attractive sites for diving, such as The Cross of the Bay, Los Cuevones, Lavandera Reef and the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.

Ecotourism - There are places for nature and adventure lovers. You can visit protected areas such as Contoy Island or the Birds' Island, a natural reserve that has become the most important home to marine birds on the Mexican Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres Golf - A new golf resort is planned for Isla Mujeres, the Playa Mujeres Resort is located just north of Cancun. Isla Mujeres will feature 36 holes of ecologically-friendly championship golf – designed by Greg Norman

Hotels are mostly on the south west end. On the east is the Caribbean sea with strong surf and a rocky coast, and on the west the skyline of Cancun is seen fronting clear beautiful waters where also can be found nice beaches and beach clubs.