Isla Mujeres Attractions

At the south end of the island lies a charming bay, El Garrafón (the "Carafe"), which can be reached by road or by boat. In this statutorily protected underwater area countless tropical fish, denizens of the coral reef, can be observed. At one spot in the bay can be seen, just under the water, a huge shoal of fish which, extraordinarily, has remained almost in the same place for many years and is unique.

Dolphin Discovery began in 1990 with interative programs and has grown to include manatees, sea lions, stingrays and sharks. There is a dolphin swim program and boat rides.

An experience of a unique kind is provided by a visit to the Hacienda Mundaca, with the remains of the house and garden of the 19th c. Basque pirate and slave-dealer Antonio de Mundaca.

The most interesting Maya remains on the Isla Mujeres lie beyond the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island. Damaged by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, they are believed to have served as an observatory dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. From here there is a magnificent view of the Caribbean Sea and Cancún.

There is an interesting day trip by boat to the Isla Contoy (Mayan: "conto"pelican), a bird sanctuary some 20km/13mi to the north of Isla Mujeres; 6km/4mi long and on average 200 m (660 ft) wide, it is a bird sanctuary under statutory protection. Over 70 species of birds have been observed, including flamingos, frigate birds, pelicans, ducks, spoonbills, cormorants and other species.

In the waters between Cabo Catoche and Isla Holbox live marlin, shark, sailfish, barracuda, sea bass and mackerel. The island of Holbox can be reached by car and boat from the mainland - take the side road to Chiquilá off the main MEX 180 Valladolid-Puerto Juárez road (about 90km/56mi), and then by boat.