Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is the perfect spot for a wonderful vacation if you are interested in traveling to a small island, far from the hustle and bustle of large cities, and where time passes by at its own slow pace. You will be able to dive, snorkel, and admire the diverse marine life. This gorgeous island is located in the Mexican Caribbean, only 20 minutes by boat from Cancun and it is a calm spot surrounded by waters of incredible blue and green tones.
Description
Just 11 km north of Cancun, Isla Mujeres (The Island of Women) has a decidedly different rhythm, more laid back and Caribbean than Cancun, keeping with its pre-Hispanic and pirate past. Less than a kilometer wide and barely 8 km long, it is a typical palm-fringed tropical retreat, than began its urbanization back in the 1950's, when Cozumel and Cancun were just developers' distant dreams.
Isla Mujeres got its name from the Spaniard conqueror Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, who was reportedly, impressed by the large number of female 
figurines he and his men found in temples on the island. Today, Isla Mujeres is a favorite destination for laid-back travelers and professional divers; though it is increasingly frequented by vacationers from Cancun who want to spend a night or two on the island. The locals are fishermen and divers who have lived here for generations; islanders who want the island to remain the paradise they know and love.
Sunsets are spectacular; it's like seeing a ball of fire going down into the sea, setting behind the cityscape of not-so-distant Cancun. There is only one small archaeological site on Isla Mujeres dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of love and fertility. For its unique location and historic importance, the temple is definitely worth visiting.
Ferries from Puerto Juarez and express boats from Cancun dock in the downtown area. As visitors arrive, they see colorful fishing boats, two lane avenues, and lots of outdoor cafes and restaurants. Golf carts, motorcycles and bicycles are the most common means of transportation and are available for rent.
Isla Mujeres's Attractions
The many and varied interesting attractions of the island are: Garrafon National Park, the Mayan temple, the Park of Sculptures, the colorful 
downtown area full of restaurants, bars and handicrafts shops, and Playa Norte (North Beach) with its beautiful white and tranquil crystal clear waters. We must not forget to mention Pirate Mundaca's Hacienda, which has a multitude of fascinating stories about eternal love surrounding it.
The most frequented and highly recommended beaches are located on the north tip of Isla Mujeres, where the shallow crystal clear waters are calm, with beautiful coral reefs a short distance from the shore.
You can also visit the Turtle protection center, a brilliant example of how to respect and protect endangered marine species. Diving enthusiasts find the El Farito and Manchones reefs, as well as the Cave of the Sleeping sharks, the best options to encounter the amazing marine life abundant in the area.