Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is the name of a small island, as well as the town on that island, a short distance off the coast of the north east of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. Isla Mujeres is one of the eight municipalities of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is about 13 km north east of Cancun, at 21.20° North, 86.72° West. The island is some 7 km long and 650 meters wide. In 2000 it had a population of about 10,000. By 2005 there were 121 taxis, 500 golf cars, and 1500 mo-ped scooters.

Related Topics:
Island - Yucatan - Caribbean Sea - Mexican - Quintana Roo - Cancun - 2000

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In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya Moon Goddess, Ix Chel. When the Spanish arrived here in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" meaning "Island of Women" because of the many idols of the Moon Goddess here.

Related Topics:
Pre-Columbian - Maya - Moon - Ix Chel - Spanish - 16th century - Idol

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There was a small Mayan temple on the south tip of the island, but in 1988 Hurricane_Gilbert caused tremendous damage to it leaving most of the foundation and a very small portion of the temple on it.

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Since the 1970s there has been substantial development for tourism here.

Related Topics:
1970s - Tourism

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Ferry boats run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juarez or Puerto Cancun on the mainland.

Related Topics:
Ferry boats - Puerto Juarez

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Isla Mujeres is famous for its dolphin program called Dolphin Discovery. This program allows people to come up close and personal with dolphins. People are also given the chance to swim with them as well. Dolphin Discovery in Cancun/Isla Mujeres is one of 8 locations in the world. About seven of these programs are located in the Caribbean and the other one is located in Hawaii. In addition to the Dolphin Discovery program, Isla Mujeres is located close to one of the many coral reefs. The area is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

Related Topics:
Caribbean - Hawaii - Snorkeling - Scuba diving

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Dolphin Discovery

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