The Color of the Water Really is Turquoise

From Merida, stopping off in Chichen Itza we finally made it to Cancun. On the way to the city center we passed by the Hotel Zone, as it is called, to drop off some other people at their hotel. This was all I needed to see of Cancun because to me it is just too much concrete. Carlos has already been to Cancun and he wanted to see something different than Cancun this time. We stayed one night in the city center then early the next morning headed to Puerto Juarez, where we traveled 11km, approx. 20 minutes, by ferry boat to the remote island of Isla Mujeres.

As you can see by the photos, the trip to the island was very stimulating as all we saw was turquoise color water surrounding us. Isla Mujeres is a backpacker's Cancun. It is a much quieter island with all of the same amenities and attractions available, but for literally half the price. The island is 8km long and between 300m and 800m wide, depending on your location.

Upon arrival we walked through the main part of the island to our hotel, Casa Maya, where we stayed for the first night. Casa Maya was literally steps from the water and surrounded by beaches in the northwest part of the island. It is set between the very tranquil beaches of Playa Secreto, Playa Panchcholo and Playa Norte. The other nights we stayed at a more economical hotel located on the main street, but still just a few minute walk to any of the beaches.

We spent three days here on the island and didn't want to leave. We spent the first day and night just relaxing on the beach and at the beach bars. The second day we booked a snorkeling tour, which was an incredible half day of snorkeling in the reefs located off part of the island which was accessible only by boat. We learned that once you get out of the salt water it is best to put fresh water in your ears. It clears your ears right up.

We also rented a moped for the day and toured the island. We visited another turtle farm, Tortugranja. Three species of sea turtles lay eggs in the sand along this island's calm western shore. Local fisherman founded Isla Mujeres Tortugrania in the 1980's. Sea turltes are still killed throughout Latin America for their eggs and meet, both of which are considered a delicacy. Sadly, this is very common news here in Mexico. Just today we watched the news story of an arrest in Oaxaca. Here at the farm, the protect the turtles' breeding grounds, hatch the eggs, tag for monitoring and release because most turtles in the wild die within the first few months.

Our tour of the island took us all the way to the south end of the island, where yet some more Maya ruins are located. This area is also the farthest point in Mexico and it is well protected by the hundreds of lizards that room freely here. Located on the island is a place to swim with the dolphins and an adventure park with zipline, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. We passed on both of these options, especially swimming with the dolphins. While I am sure it is amazing, I am just not a fan of animal captivity for any reason.

One of our favorite things here on the island was the drinks 2 for 1 at the beach bar with the swings as bar stools. We found ourselves there many times enjoying the amazing views along with some cold ones.

The night life, restaurants and shopping on the island is quite impressive as well. We had an incredible meal of lobster, ceviche, guacamole, drinks, etc. for $35 at a local restaurant, Picus, which is located near the main port. It was the best lobster and ceviche either one of us has ever eaten. The shopping is worth it as well. I bought a black coral necklace and bracelet from an Italian. I had never evern heard of black coral before let alone made into a bracelet and necklace. There is an exciting international, yet tranquil feel on the island...well worth a visit!!!

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