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Isla Mujeres offers unique options for water activities, from windsurfing to admiring the wonderful coral reefs while snorkeling, to diving the underwater paradise of El Garrafon National Park, the impressive cave of the sleeping sharks and reefs such as Farito, Islaché and Manchones.

On the white and fine sand beaches of Playa Norte, you can enjoy the air, the sun and the water, and it is a perfect place for those who practice yoga, since at dawn they can get full of energy and at sunset a complete peace invades them.

 
Snorkeling
       
On the other end of the island, on a cliff known as Punta Sur, there is a temple the Maya used to worship goddess Ixchel. Furthermore, Isla Mujeres has a continental part with a new development, Costa Mujeres ; El Meco, a Mayan archaeological site and Boca Iglesias, the birthplace of this tourist destination.   
       
       
Water Activities      

The different companies located on Isla Mujeres beaches offer all the equipment necessary for water sports, and a wonderful opportunity to live the most exciting marine experience and take a close look at fabulous coral formations, as well as a wide variety of multicolored fish.

Isla Mujeres has water activities for all ages. You can rent beach toys, kayaks and snorkel equipment. In the turquoise crystal clear waters you can sail, fish or even swim with dolphins and sharks. Isla has something for everybody. Explore the natural wonders of the Mexican Caribbean.

Snorkeling
The most exciting experience awaits you at reefs like El Farito and Manchones, among others, where you will admire beautiful coral reefs teeming with multicolored fish. Snorkel equipment is available for rent or sale at several locations on Isla Mujeres beaches.
In the crystal clear waters of Contoy you will see angelfish, rays and even turtles.
 
       
The cross of the bay      
       
On August 17th, a bronze cross was placed on Manchones Reef as part of the celebration of the island's foundation (1857).
The cross is 3 meters tall, weighs almost a ton and is twelve meters under the sea; it is a tribute to men and women who have died at sea.

Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres is famous for its extraordinary diving sites, especially El Garrafón, Farito and Manchones.
Thanks to its crystal-clear waters, it is possible to admire the marine fauna and corals that range from three to five meters high.

 
The cross on the bay
       
Around the island, there are several attractive sites for diving, such as The Cross of the Bay, Los Cuevones, Lavandera Reef and the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.
These reefs are excellent both for beginner and advanced divers, since the sea is calm and the water very clear. 
 
       
Fishing      
 
Discover how exciting fishing can be, enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sea, a good catch, the turquoise blue waters around Contoy are excellent for fishing; even beginners can be sure to catch a barracuda on their way to the island.

Fishing is an experience not to be missed, since you have the opportunity to catch marine species such as marlin, dorado, wahoo and much more. On Isla Mujeres there are several international fishing tournaments every year.
       
El Farito      
       
El Farito is considered a water natural park, and is located 1,500 meters from the island. It is a marine lighthouse in the middle of a spectacular reef where you will be able to admire the marine fauna and visit the Virgin of El Farito, submerged in 1966 to protect fishermen, who worship her with flowers, coins and promises.

El Farito has a wide variety of fish and great multicolored coral formations, the turquoise blue of its waters makes for a wonderful experience. It is excellent for snorkeling and beginner diving.
 
El farito
       
The cave of the sleeping sharks      
       
About 50 years ago, a young man from the island, Carlos García Castilla, found a deep cave in the sea where the sharks entered, but did not get out. Curiosity made him dive about 65 feet and he found out that the sharks were sleeping with their eyes wide open. He had just discovered the cave of the sleeping sharks, located 30 minutes by boat from the island, where you can watch the strange phenomenon of the sharks that remain motionless for hours. It is an excellent place to practice high level diving and witness this astounding natural feat.

Manchones
Manchones Reef is about 10 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres, it is 15 meters deep, and boasts some 2 kms. of coral landscapes and a wide array of marine species.

This is the best place for divers of all levels, and one of the favorite places to visit and discover the marvelous Caribbean Sea.

Manchones Reef is a clear example of the care and respect one must show these natural wonders. In order to avoid causing damage to the reef, visitors must not use sun blocks, nor throw garbage, food, or objects away, or touch anything while they dive.

The good thing is that ecological awareness is part of our nature loving visitors' culture.
 
Nurse sharks




Fish bank and manchones