 ISLA MUJERES
Isla
Mujeres, a picturesque island only 7.5 kilometers (5 mi.)
long by an average 500 meters (1640 ft.) in width, is the
perfect place for those who like to snorkel, eat fresh seafood
or shop for quality jewelry at great prices. The island
can be reached by ferry, small boats and even by sailboat.
The beaches:
the west coast is renowned for its beauty,
while the large extensions of powdery-white sand characterize
the northern beach, Playa Norte (North Beach). The
Garrafón National Park (at the south end) is perfect
for snorkeling.
Shopping:
the stores in Isla Mujeres offer a large variety of arts
and crafts: Yucatecan hammocks, reproductions of Maya art,
beachwear and jewelry.
Restaurants:
if seafood is your thing, Isla Mujeres is the ideal place
for you to enjoy it. Fresh fish, shrimp, conch and lobster
are daily caught. You can also find an array of Italian,
Mexican, French and international specialty restaurants
throughout the island.
Getting
there: There are plenty of options to choose from. Many
boats make the trip to the island from the Hotel Zone docks.
Ferries also leave from Puerto Juárez, (every 30
minutes) and Punta Sam (cars and passengers).
 COZUMEL
Cozumel
is the largest island in México, stretching approximately
48 kilometers (30 mi.) in length and 16 kilometers (10 mi.)
in width. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful
reefs on the planet, which have cliffs of magnificent coral
and some of the world's most challenging wall diving sites.
Snorkeling:
the waters of Cozumel are ideal for beginners, where they
can snorkel in the shallow reef near the coast or at Chankana'ab
National Park.
Diving:
experienced divers have the opportunity to explore the impressive
walls of coral, like those in Palancar, standing up to 30-meters
(100 ft.)-tall.
Archaeological
sites: Cozumel was a Maya ceremonial center to worship
Ixchel, goddess of fertility. San Gervasio is the most popular
site, located on the main east/west road.
Restaurants:
Cozumel is a treat for the palate, especially when one thinks
about fish and fresh seafood. Many world-class international
specialty restaurants can also be found here.
Shopping:
Cozumel's fame for its numerous jewelry shops is rightfully
earned. Here you can find everything from exotic gems to
finest diamonds.
Getting
there: From Cancún, small airlines have frequent
service to the island (it's a 15-minute flight). A car ferry
departs daily from Puerto Morelos. Passenger ferries leave
Playa del Carmen hourly.
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