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Day Tripper @ Isla Mujeres


For my birthday last year (the penultimate day of our 12-day Cancun stay), we decided to spend the day in Isla Mujeres. Earlier we found out that there are two ways to go there, by taking the roll on roll off ferry or the regular ferry. Now our location in Puerto Juarez was very ideal. The regular ferry station was a 5-minute ride away to the right and in the opposite direction the roll on roll off ferry was about the same distance. However, taking the car (roll on roll off)with us for the day was too expensive, so we nixed that idea.

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While waiting for boarding, we were grouped into locals and tourists. They let the locals board first, I like that very much.

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The ride took less than an hour, and as we were leaving we got a good view of our resort. It looks pretty. From our balcony we could see Isla Mujeres. It is across the sea from us and only 13 km away.

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You can also rent a small motorboat to take you to the island. For me though the bigger the vessel the better I feel about crossing large body of water.

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This is why I love the Caribbean Sea; the hues are amazing. So soothing.

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The dock is at the northern end of the island.

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The popular way to go about visiting this tiny island of 7-km long is to rent a golf cart or a moped. We rented a taxi, because it's a no-no for me to stay out in the heat too long, but you see I don't always listen to doctor's advice. But the airconditioned taxi was my compromise.

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The lighthouse at the southern end of the island was our first stop. Apparently everyone comes here too. The lighthouse is not a working lighthouse I don't think so, but there's plenty of shopping here as well.

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Also at the southern end there are art installations. I didn't go closer - the heat was getting to me.

There used to be a small temple for Maya (the goddess of childbirth) at this end but suffered heavy damage from Hurrican Gilbert in 1988.

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A statue of Ixchel, the goddess of midwifery and medicine.

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And of course there is a statue of the iguana.

Nearby water enthusiasts can enjoy a day of snorkeling and scuba diving at Garraffon Natural Reef Park.

OUR WORLD TUESDAY

*****to be continued*****
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Comments

  1. AndreaMay 11, 2014 10:19 PM

    I guess the Islas de Mujeres was named such because at one time in history, all females are living there? I remember how we call all strong women are named "amazona"! And what does iguana stand for in their culture? Last curiosity, what is the cause of that black portion of the sea?

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  2. KayniMay 12, 2014 7:38 AM

    I love the colors of the sea. I've been thinking that for my first trip after my doctor says it's ok to travel again will be a beach vacation and just do nothing.

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  3. CarverMay 12, 2014 10:51 AM

    Beautiful shots. I also love the hues of the sea you captured.

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  4. carol l mckennaMay 12, 2014 1:02 PM

    What a wonderful trip and gorgeous photography ~ love the ocean ~ xoxo

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  5. KarenMay 12, 2014 1:18 PM

    A beautiful place, looking forward to seeing more great shots.

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  6. Fun60May 12, 2014 2:30 PM

    For such a small island it seems to have a lot happening.

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  7. HildaMay 12, 2014 8:26 PM

    I love the statue of Ixchel! Never heard of her before, but I like the idea of a goddess of midwifery. I like the huge Iguana, too.

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  8. Jackie McGuinnessMay 13, 2014 5:09 AM

    I haven't been there since 1979!! So disappointing to see Senor Frog!!!

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  9. UnknownMay 13, 2014 6:12 AM

    Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.

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  10. AlMay 13, 2014 4:19 PM

    What a beautiful place. I agree with you about the Caribbean Sea's colors, they're amazing.

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  11. orchid0324May 14, 2014 5:45 AM

    What a great trip♡♡♡ Yes, the hues of the Caribbean Sea look so amazing and sooth you. I love the statues as well.

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  12. AleahMay 14, 2014 11:33 AM

    Wow, those are lovely colors of the sea! Did you get to swim there, or did you just go around for the day? I wouldn't be able to resist!

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  13. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 14, 2014 5:02 PM

    We never wanted to go to Cancun because we thought it was mostly for those who dive..which we don't do. But I guess we might have made a mistake, it sounds a lovely place even for non-divers. (Oh well, we enjoyed the places we did go back then.)

    We are back in Oregon now -- same coast!

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  14. HaddockMay 14, 2014 9:47 PM

    Sounds like an interesting place, with lot of history attached to it. Like the way they are giving a boost to tourism.

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  15. UnknownMay 14, 2014 10:00 PM

    The size of that iguana statue is very impressive. You found a great place to enjoy your birthday!

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  16. sonia a. mascaroMay 15, 2014 7:19 AM

    Wow! What a wonderful trip and gorgeous photos!
    Sounds you had a great time!

    Thank you so much for your nice comment on my mother picture. :)

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  17. donMay 15, 2014 7:29 AM

    It sounds like this side trip by ferry was an excellent idea. A fine group of picture that seem to take us along. Well done.

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  18. UnknownMay 18, 2014 8:17 AM

    That turquoise water makes me want to snorkle all day long! :-)

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