Isla Mujeres is located 5 miles off the coast of Cancun across the Bahia de Mujeres. Isla Mujeres translated to English is ” The Island of Women” . It is the place where long ago pirates would leave their women and treasure for safe keeping while they would go out to plunder ships on the Caribbean.
In more modern times it is a fishing village. In the last 25 years it was discovered by tourists. The movie “Against All Odds” starring this years Oscar winner Jeff Bridges, was partially filmed on Isla. It also starred Rachel Ward, and James Woods. In the story line they claimed they were on Cozumel but in actuality those parts of the movie were filmed on Isla. Even though Isla is becoming more and more commercialized it still retains a certain charm that visitors find irresistible.
We took our house guests Jeff & Lois for a day trip to Isla Mujeres on Friday Feb.26th. They were visiting us for the week and wanted to see the Cliff of the Dawn. We drove over to the Ferry Terminal, bought our tickets and were on our way to the island for a day of fun in the sun.
This is the ferry terminal on the Cancun side.
Local musicians play for tips on the upper deck. Check out the color of the water….
About half way over to Isla which is about 5 miles off the coast of Cancun.
We rented a golf cart and proceeded to visit the Cliff of the Dawn on the south end of the island.
The sea was calm but the photo opportunities are always great at the cliff.
This is the cliff wall that faces the ocean which has eroded it leaving this labyrinth of intricate limestone lattice work.
I could sit here for hours and just take it all in.
Another interesting rock formation carved by the sea and wind.
One of the Garrafon Park zip line towers……
The new pavilion at Punta Sur
5 sided structure
Interesting ash tray/candle holder…………now sitting on my poolside mesa.
Local artisans table at the sculpture park
Beautiful hand crafted bench…………..I want one for our garden!
New pavilion from the top of the light house
Statue of women giving birth
Beacon at the top of the lighthouse
View of the sculpture park from the lighthouse
The famous “Shell House”
Sign at the Villa la Bella where they serve up “beer so cold it makes your teeth hurt”.
Anchors away matey………aaarrrgggg!
Villa la Bella bar………
Flower holder on table of Villa la Bella
Their pool
Then we drove to the extreme northern end of the Island to check out the Avalon condo’s new paint scheme.
The Kings Bath at the Avalon……
Fountain at the Avalon
View of the Bahia de Mujeres from the Avalon……….
Typical Isla street scene
Our favorite Isla seafood restaurant……Mininos
My “Hog Fish” grilled to perfection….
Isla sunset…
The ferry home with it’s new underwater lights………so cool!
Isla is a beautiful place with a great atmosphere. Make sure you don’t pass up and opportunity to visit.
Hi Tom,
Great blog and beautiful pictures that bring back wonderful memories.
We just returned from Isla Mujeres two weeks ago. I miss it already. My wife Pam and I have visited Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya over 6 times in the last 10 years. We love the place. It is our dream to move down there some day. I am all for doing it now and my wife wants to wait a bit until we retire, but as of late I have “moved the needle” a bit.
We are coming down again in September again. It would be great if we could exchange emails and maybe we can get together for some cervezas. Drop me an email sometime so I have yours.
Later,
wisconsinTom
Just got back from a week on Isla three weeks ago. Most relaxing place I’ve ever been. Ice cold Sol beers on the upper deck of Jax…..Priceless.
Wonderful pictures…it really makes me want to be there! Thanks
Geez, everytime I see blogs this good I just want mine to be there already!
Great work.
The Whole fish .. yum yum .. my fav! Great pic of the sunset .. Thanks for sharing