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Best Places to Snorkel on Isla Mujeres

2009-11-29T13:53:02Z

Find your ideal underwater adventure

Ensure an unforgettable undersea experience by planning your snorkeling itinerary ahead of time.

Scenic Isla Mujeres offers a variety of aquatic attractions for tourists and residents alike. Below are just a few of the most popular undersea destinations to get your family into the spirit of snorkeling.

Garafon Park

Located on the southern side of the island, Garafon Park makes up for its lack of sandy coastline with abundant fish and clear waters. Whether your activity of choice is snorkeling or swimming, the spot is sure to be a family favorite. The park was revamped many years ago after the reef was damaged by severe storms and careless divers; in the healthier new environment, the coral and other water life thrive more and more every year. In spite of the steep park entrance fee, tour boats bring a large number of visitors from Cancun, resulting in large crowds during peak hours.

Punta Sur at Isla Mujeres, home to Garafon Park, is located at the island's southernmost end. The area is well known for its picturesque reefs and dramatic cliffs, which include an ancient Mayan temple and boast the highest elevation of the Yucatan. Offering spectacular views of the island, these cliffs are one of the highlights of Punta Sur.

With a coral reef perfect for beginner snorkelers and children, Garafon Beach is a great choice for water-loving families. The gentle currents make snorkeling easy, and much hands-on fun can be had feeding the colorful fish.

The Manchones Reef

Close to the Cuevones and Banderas reefs, the Manchones Reef offers clear, calm waters - perfect for beginners and enjoyable to seasoned divers as well. Located just off the Isla Mujeres shore, the Manchones Reef is a can't-miss destination for a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling.

Sac Bajo

There are many options on Sac Bajo for the family in search of aquatic fun. The site is comprised of a peninsula with a reef, perfect for the snorkeling enthusiast. Some of the more popular attractions on Sac Bajo include:

Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm: Isla Mujeres is a protected laying ground for giant sea turtles between May and September. After the turtles lay their eggs, the eggs are put into pens to protect them from predators. Newly hatched baby turtles are kept in tanks until released back to the sea by local school children. Located on Sac Bajo, the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm is funded by donations from the Mexican government and private donors.
Dolphin Discovery: A small amusement park with sister parks in other parts of the Caribbean, Dolphin Discovery provides enclosed areas that enable swimmers to frolic with dolphins. Located on the northwest side of Sac Bajo, the park is located between the Casa Maya Hotel and Vacation Club International. Representatives are on hand to check in visitors and direct them to the ferry that will take them to the park.
El Farito: A natural water park, El Farito is located 1500 meters from the island, boasting a lighthouse in the middle of an amazing reef. Visitors can view the beautiful marine fauna and dive to visit the Virgin of El Farito, which was submerged in 1966 to protect fisherman. Visitors and fisherman alike worship her with flowers, coins, and promises. The reef boasts a wide variety of fish and coral formations. Perfect for beginner divers, the turquoise blue waters also attract advanced snorkelers in search of a relaxing dive.

Typical snorkeling prices vary from site to site. As an example, Sac Bajo offers the following pricing for their guests:

2-hour tours: $35 for 2 reefs
Half day: $350 for 2 reefs (lunch $5 extra)
Full day: $600 (includes snorkeling, fishing, and lunch onboard)

Groups of ten or more guests are guaranteed to have opportunities to swim with the whale sharks, and private tours are perfect for professional photographers who need more time and larger staging areas. Private tours may include fruit trays, soft drinks and water, and lunch served on the beach of Isla Mujeres. The average cost for a private tour is $1100.

Times are tough... any deals on Isla Mujeres?

2009-11-28T20:01:03Z

The recession, Swine Flu, holidays upcoming - there may be many factors working against your next visit to Isla Mujeres. But, we did some research to uncover some of the best deals and promotions to get you on island.

Here are some deals our readers have contributed

Avalon reef club for 4 nights with tax's for 250 bucks on 1800hotels.com
AirTran has a round-trip price of $265, taxes included, Wednesday December 9th to Wednesday the 16th... and only a little bit more Sunday-to-Sunday. Traveling on Wednesdays is good because the airport(s) won't be nearly as crowded.
If you leave on Dec 12 and return on Dec 19, you can fly Delta direct from Boston to Cancun for $362 including all taxes
Flight and stay on Isla from Reno for a week AI is only 800.00 on Booking.com
Visit www.itasoftware.com. Click on Search Airfares. Choose Weekend search or 30 Day Search. Choose the duration of your stay and it will show you best fares (non stop or with connection) for 30 days (or a particular weekend). Once you see what you like, look at the details and then book on that airlines website.

We're still looking for more -- please post any tips, deals, and promotions you may be aware of.

Ferry Service to Isla Mujeres

2009-11-27T23:52:28Z

Get across the water without a hassle

Ensure a safe, smooth transition to the island by checking ferry schedules ahead of time.

There are many ferry services available to complete your trip to Isla Mujeres. If you choose to book your ferry trip along with your other travel plans, be sure to check and double-check your ferry service and departure times so you don't end up at the wrong dock.

There is only one ferry service that transports automobiles, so if you are planning to bring your own car or if you're driving a rental, be sure you schedule your crossing on this ferry. The various services are outlined below, along with their schedules:

Magana Express Service

Launching from Puerto Juarez, this is most commonly used method for reaching Isla Mujeres. Tickets can be purchased on board or at the reservation desk, and the crossing is 35 pesos.

Departure Schedule TO Isla Mujeres:

6:00 AM 9:30 AM 1:00 PM 4:30 PM 8:00 PM
6:30 AM 10:00 AM 1:30 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM
7:00 AM 10:30 AM 2:00 PM 5:30 PM 9:00 PM
7:30 AM 11:00 AM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM 9:30 PM
8:00 AM 11:30 AM 3:00 PM 6:30 PM 11:00 PM
8:30 AM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 7:00 PM
9:00 AM 12:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM

Ultra Mar

The newest ferry service to the island, Ultra Mar departs from Gran Puerto, which is just a few blocks before the Puerto Juarez dock. Offering individual seating (rather than benches), the catamarans are very comfortable. Tickets are purchased at the desk and round trip tickets are available. The cost for Ultra Mar is 35 pesos.

Departure schedule TO Isla Mujeres:

5:30 AM 9:00 AM 12:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM
6:00 AM 9:30 AM 1:00 PM 4:30 PM 8:00 PM
6:30 AM 10:00 AM 1:30 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM
7:00 AM 10:30 AM 2:00 PM 5:30 PM 9:30 PM
7:30 AM 11:00 AM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM 10:30 PM
8:00 AM 11:30 AM 3:00 PM 6:30 PM 11:30 PM
8:30 AM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 7:00 PM 12:30 PM

Punta Sam Car Ferry

If you're planning to bring a vehicle to Isla Mujeres, this is your only option for getting it there. This is a slower service, taking about 45 minutes to cross. Each fare includes the driver only, and additional fares are 14 pesos. You must purchase tickets before boarding.

Automobile Price List:

Car 158 Pesos
Van/SUV 225
Bus 275
Moped 71
Bike 58

Departure schedule TO Isla Mujeres:

8:00 AM 11:00 AM 2:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:15 PM

Be sure to get a schedule of return crossings from Isla Mujeres before you leave the dock. This will eliminate misunderstandings that can potentially delay your arrival at the airport for your trip home.

Isla Mujeres

2009-11-21T12:57:24Z

Explore the Undersea Beauty of this Family-Friendly Getaway

Find out why this scenic island is such a popular destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Discovered in 1517 by Franscisco Hernandes Cordova, the island we know as Isla Mujeres was named after the many female-shaped idols that represent the goddess Ixchel. During the Mayan Empire, the island was a sanctuary for the goddess of fertility, reason, medicine, and the moon. The Mayans originally settled on the island as salt harvesters.

The Mayan temple was at one point used as a lighthouse, with the light coming from torches shining behind holes in the structure. For many centuries the island was mostly uninhabited, visited only by pirates and fishermen who would often leave their women on the island for "safekeeping." The scenic site was a refuge for the likes of Captain Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte, who were rumored to have buried their treasures offshore. After the Independence of Mexico, Isla Mujeres began to take shape as a village. Throughout the wars, Mayans took refuge here and found the waters to be a fisherman's and snorkeler's paradise.

A Snorkeling Oasis

Snorkeling is always a fun and adventurous activity, and Isla Mujeres makes it accessible and family-friendly. The island offers an abundance of tours to visitors. Averaging about three hours in length, many tours offer a lunch and dinner package as well as equipment rental.

Take a walk along just about any dock or near the ferry, and you'll find a boat and instructor waiting to take passengers out on the water. Reservations typically aren't required. Most operations will take tourists out to local reefs to snorkel. Since most tours include equipment, you don't have to worry about procuring it ahead of time.

Isla Mujeres offers tours for all skill levels, from beginner snorkelers to seasoned veterans. Snorkeling close to shore allows novices to experience the island's underwater treasures while enjoying the security of being near land.

For those with a little more experience (or bravery), offshore diving, just north of Isla Contoy, explores underwater wonders at the Xlaches (ees-lah-chayss) reef. The Cave of Sleeping Sharks is one of Contoy's most popular dive sites. Discovered by an island fisherman, Carlos Gracia Castilla, the cave has been extensively explored by Ramon Bravo, a cinematographer diver who is also Mexico's resident shark expert. For experienced divers only, the cave offers an amazing 150-foot dive.

Just off the southwestern coast is the coral reef known as Los Manchones. At 30 to 40 feet deep, this is a suitable dive site for just about anyone. Sunken in its depths is what is known as Cruz de la Bahia, or the Cross of the Bay. Weighing in at one ton, the 9-1/2foot cross was commissioned in 1994, and serves as a silent tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea.

Another interesting dive site is the Barco L-55 and C-58 site. Here, sunken World War II boats are just 20 minutes off the coast of Isla Mujeres, providing fascinating underwater terrain for divers to explore. Manchones, yet another beautiful coral reef, is located off the shore and can be reached in 10 minutes by boat. At a depth of 45 feet, beautiful schools of colored fish entertain divers.

Though dangerous during rough waters, the lovely corals of the reef are a sight to behold. The crystal clear sea water provides a wonderful medium for observing the glories of nature. If you plan to visit more than one snorkeling site, consider chartering a private boat. The cost decreases with the more people that join you, so you might want to gather a large group. These trips are often longer, since the captain is hired privately, and you can take more time to explore each reef.

Whatever site you visit, Isla Mujeres promises warm sun, clear water, and an unforgettable underwater adventure for the whole family.

Best of the Island: Na Balam Hotel

2009-11-18T13:12:10Z

A Mayan Haven by the Beach

Experience true luxury at this premium coastal resort.

At the "house of the jaguar," you'll feel like a god (or goddess) among men. This Mayan refuge offers Caribbean sunsets, premier Mexican hospitality, and personalized services that are second to none.

A Spectacle to Behold

With 28 spacious rooms, there's plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy your idyllic Island getaway. Air conditioning and ceiling fans ensure a comfortable climate in the tropical gardens that surround the rooms. Stunning views are available from just about any window, but the magnificent suites also provide privacy and serenity if you're honeymooning or getting away for a romantic escape.

Plenty to Do

The Na Balam Hotel works diligently to keep the environment as serene as possible, with all communications and Internet access offered close to the lobby for those who need it. The tranquil theme extends to the poolside, where massage therapy is available for those wishing to experience ultimate relaxation. Yoga classes are also offered to guests.

A Perfect Table

During your stay, be sure to make reservations at Zazil Ha. With a name that translates to "clear water," the Mayan restaurant offers the freshest and most natural ingredients available. The dining room is located in the Mayan Palapa, treating diners to an amazing ocean view. For earlier meals, guests can enjoy breakfast fruits, homemade breads, and sweets.

Regarded by many as the ultimate place to take in Island sunsets, the Palapa Bar is located close the restaurant. Offering traditional mixed drinks as well as Mexican favorites, the Bar is a popular destination for guests and locals.

Na Balam Banquets

If you're considering a destination wedding, look no further than Na Balam. The hotel offers sumptuous accommodations for bridal parties. Sunset ceremonies and mid-day beach weddings are popular choices for many couples. Na Balam also offers customizable honeymoon packages. In addition, the hotel hosts many large banquets throughout the year, as well as retreats and workshops.

Recreation, Island-Style

The concierge at Hotel Na Balam can help you plan activities for your stay. Check in with guest services to schedule a variety of tourist trips on Isla Mujeres. Below are a few of the most popular choices:

Snorkeling or diving
Fishing
Whale shark expeditions
Yoga classes
Mayan tours

Whatever you chose to do during your stay, Na Balam is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and indulge at the end of an action-packed day.

Garrafon National Park

2009-11-16T00:37:46Z

Enjoy World-Class Recreational Activities at Garrafon National Park

This former national underwater sea park is now a resort with first-class facilities and great activities.

Formerly a public national underwater park, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is now operated by Dophin Discovery. The park is located on the southern end of Isla Mujeres and is world-renowned for its exotic art, Mayan temple, sculpture garden, pristine white sand beaches, and diverse water activities.

Guests can snorkel or go "snuba diving," which is when the diver breathes through a long hose instead of tank, or "Sea Trek," an exploration of the ocean floor wearing a specially designed helmet with compressed air. The resort also offers canoes with see-through hulls, allowing ocean explorers to view the beautiful sea below.

No facility would be complete without a zip-line tour, and Garrafon's is unrivaled. The Park is home to an exhilarating ride that begins at the top of a 42' tower, allowing guests to glide past cliffs and above waves for thrills unmatched by other zip line tours. Rock climbers will be awe-struck by the 15-meter-tall vertical climbing platform, and are rewarded by an unobstructed view of the Caribbean when they reach the top.

The resort also boasts a 100' infinity swimming pool, or guests can soak up the sun's rays on poolside stones while looking out over Cancun Bay. The pool also offers a waterfall and children's play area. For the more physically adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, and swimming with dolphins.

If relaxation tops your agenda, Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers a luxurious hammock garden, where white silk cots swing gently in the breeze, supported by palm trees. For one of the best views of the island and the Caribbean, visit the highest point on the Yucatan in the Panoramic Viewing Tour, which affords breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the ocean, Cancun, and Puerto Juarez. If a casual walk along the ocean is your idea of paradise, check out the Chaneques Seaside Trail, which winds along the island cliffs and connects Garrafon Reef Park with Punta Sur.

The park is open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and basic admission is $36. The park offers a number of entertainment packages for individuals, couples, or families, which can include combinations of activities, tours, transportation to and from the island, breakfast and lunch, and even an open bar.