Going Out in Isla Mujeres
ImageIsla Mujeres has plenty of areas of natural beauty to visit, as well as ruins, shops and a heap of outdoor pursuits.

El Garrafon National Park: This national marine park, bought by the owners of Xcaret, is a popular snorkeling place for day-trippers from Cancun. A three-floor building houses a restaurant, bathroom facilities, and a gift shop. As a result of too many visitors, much of the coral reef has been destroyed. In an attempt to recover it, access is restricted to 700 people per day.

Hacienda Mundaca: This crumbling 19th century mansion was built by trader/pirate Fermin Mundaca de Marechaja in order to woo a local beauty. Unimpressed, the lady married a local islander leaving Marechaja to slowly go mad waiting for her. Not much remains except a rusted cannon, a crumbling guardhouse, a well and an arch.

Maya Ruin: The remains of this temple was once dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of fertility. Though Hurricane Gilbert blew much of the ruin away in 1988, part of it has been restored. A park entrance fee is required since it is under the management of El Garrafon National Park.

Tortugranja: (Marina Turtle Farm) Visitors can view hatchlings and young turtles of different species at this facility devoted to the study and preservation of sea turtles.

Shopping

Most shops are open from 10 am - 1 pm and 4 pm - 7 pm, and closed on Sundays. Mexican crafts such as silver, handcrafted jewelry, clothes, textiles and folk art are the most abundant. Casa del Arte Mexica offers hammocks, woodcarvings, silver jewelry, leather, and limestone carvings. Van Cleef & Arpels have a large selection of jewelry.

Sports and Exercise

Daily Diving and Fishing Tours:

Agua Adventures
Plaza Almendros Calle Hidalgo
Tel: 999-2050 ext. 1532

Guadalupana Tours
Av. Matamoros
Tel: 877-0229

Bahia Dive Shop
Av. Rueda Medina
Tel: 877-0340

Cruise Divers
Ave. Rueda Medina
Tel: 877-1190

Coral Scuba Dive Center
Av. Matamoros
Tel: 877-0763
Fax: 877-0371

Mundaca Divers
Av. Medero
Tel: 877-0607

Crystal Divers
Dive Shop: Hotel Crystalmar
Calle Abasolo, Centro
Tel: 877-0701

Sea Hawk Divers
Av. Carlos Lazo
Tel/Fax: 877-0296

Delfin Diving
Na Balam Hotel
Tel: 877-0374

Exal Excursions
Av. Guerrero
Tel: 888-0537

Bars and Nightclubs

Nightlife on Isla Mujeres is laid back. Most restaurant bars have a happy hour each evening. Several clubs offer live music, friendly staff, and good sea food.