Cancun Vacations
By Peter Shannon, Thu Dec 8th

If you are planning a vacation trip to Cancun, hop the ferryacross the bay to the small finger-shaped Isla Mujeres. The namemeans "Island of Women" and there are a number of theories as tohow the name came to be but it's not because of the toplessbeach. The important thing is that it's a great place tovacation in the sun.

On Isla Mujeres the atmosphere is much more relaxed andrelatively quiet compared to or Cozumel. The number oftourists is much less than on the mainland.

The city is only about 10 blocks long and five blocks wide sodon't expect a whole lot besides the supermarket and cinema. Butthe natural sights are what you came for anyway.

There are accommodations to fit all budgets. Most are downtownand near the oceanfront. One of the better hotels is Posada delMar with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the waterfront. TheCristalmar Resort and Beach Club is south of town has a greatbeach, pool and modern facilities. There are a number of budgethotels but be careful because the conditions and service varygreatly from day to day.

The outlying reefs are great for diving and snorkeling. Thewindward side is best but only when the seas are calm. The coralrocks are quite dangerous when the water is rough. Local diveshops provide day trips out to the farther

reefs for snorkelingand diving.

Charter a local boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. Grouper,barracuda, tuna and red snapper are in abundance year roundwhile in the spring you can catch the bigger fish like dorado,marlin and sailfish.

Every year the Club de Yates of Isla Mujeres puts on a sailingregatta near the end of April. Also, the Regatta Amigos takesplace several times throughout the year. These events turn intoone big party for the whole island with costumes, dancing,music, food and tequila.

At Playa Norte Beach (the previously referred to topless beach)is on the north edge of town. The water is shallow, blue andcalm with cafes close by. Sailboarding and water skiing arepopular as is the local three-wheeled floating "bike". Not faraway is another beautiful and quiet beach, Playa Lancheros.

On the south end of the small island is a reconstructed ancientMayan temple. It sits on a cliff with a wonderful view over theocean. This makes a good excuse to take a walk and see theisland.

Garrafon Beach is the one spot that seems to draw the mosttourists. Probably because it's such a good spot for snorkeling.Avoid the crowds by going early. The beach has a coral reef thatis perfect for beginner snorkeling and children. You can havefun actually feeding the fish. Not too far out you can get alook at some sunken cannon, an anchor and the resident angelfish.

If you go in October, don't miss the Isla Mujeres InternationalMusic Festival. It starts on the second weekend of the month andgoes for 12 days of music and dancing.

About the author:The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of thewebsite http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find alarge collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelerssearchable by theme and location.