Isla Mujeres
What a great start to our year!
01.05.2009 - 07.05.2009
31 °C
View
Three Down Below
on sostrander's travel map.
After some much need R&R we stayed on Isla Mujeres for almost a week and due to a two day rental car reservation in Cancun we must reluctantly leave La Isla. We chose this Island thanks to the recommendations of Marlisse at EPL. Thanks Marlisse! It's been a wonderful start to the year off. From Cancun airport it is amazingly easy to arrive a world away from Cancun. The ADO red bus from the airport then a collectivo and regular ferry or taxi to the fast ferry. The fast ferry doesn't charge for children under 11 therefore a better deal due to speed and comfort. Pristine turquoise waters surround the island, only mother nature could create these incredible colours and endless white beaches. The little town is bustling and impossible to get lost or loose your children. It seems quite busy and yet the locals say it is deserted due to flu on the mainland and shoulder season. I don't think I want to be here during the peak times. Although I thought there were no cars and one could rent a bike, the opposite is true. Lots of cars, taxis and even a few pick-up trucks and bike rental is absurdly expensive.
Ariel and Jordan snorkle everyday and most of the day, I definitely have future scuba divers here. I wish I had a book on Yucatan/Quintana Roo sea life for their referencing.
We met the most interesting gentlemen named Ricco, an English fellow who builds islands from trash and recycled material, what a great spirit he was and his view of the world was so enlightning. He has been featured on That's impossible and Discovery Channel. We have begun homeschooling but not strickly as it is too hard to stay indoor with this beauty beyond. The people of the island are mostly of Mayan descent, I believe. And they are on average my height or shorter. I am almost above average in height compared to the locals. Wow!
I recommend Island Mujeres and if you are planning visit the island here are a few do's and don't:
Places to eat that are cheap and great:
Luncheria Alexia and Giovanny
San Cocho's on Hidalgo
La Lomita
The nightly taco stand in the Plaza
Places to stay if you can bargain a bit
Xbulu-Ha - New, clean, AC, TV, kitchens but you must bargain with Alfredo
Las Plamas - calmer, no tv, closer to the beach and directly accross from the luncheria, great granola vibe.
Don't
Rent a bike, what a rip off, bring your own if possible or walk!
Pay for Parque Garafon, serious rip off
Look for your own great snorkeling opportunities instead of guides
Stay at the Francis Arlene Hotel, overpriced and the Xebulu-ha is across the street
Rent beach chairs and get sucked into beach club, bring your towel choose your watering hole on the beach!
Do
The man made island
www.spiralislanders.com/
Walk more than taxi to the end of the island
Support the sea turtle farm even though the poor turtles are in pools!
Posted by sostrander 06.05.2009 18:55 Archived in Mexico Tagged family_travel
You are sooooooo making me homesick! The waters, colourful wall colours, and yes, even the iguana! Aaaaahhhhh!
The pictures are lovely, Stephanie! Thank you so much! and thanks to your models Ariel and Jordan!
Waiting with baited breath to read/see more of your adventures, angie
09.05.2009 by aells