17 Interesting Facts About Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres may be small in size, but it has centuries of history, remarkable marine life, and a few surprises hidden in plain sight. Here are 17 things you might not know about this island in the Mexican Caribbean.
1. Its name means “Island of Women”
When Spanish explorers arrived in 1517, they found clay figures shaped like women. Those figures inspired the name Isla Mujeres, which means “Island of Women.”
2. The island is closely connected to Ixchel
Ixchel is a Maya goddess traditionally associated with childbirth, fertility, and medicine. Isla Mujeres was a place of worship connected to her, and the female figures found by Spanish explorers are believed to have been offerings. Her story is still an important part of the island’s identity. Women who are trying to become pregnant do visit the island.
3. The island was once called Dolores
Before Isla Mujeres became an internationally known destination, Isla Mujeres was originally founded as the town of Dolores on August 17, 1850. Dolores means “sorrows” or “pains” in Spanish. The First Settlers were a group of about 250 Mayan and Yucatecan fishers. The settlers came to the previously uninhabited island to escape the ongoing Caste War of Yucatán.
4. It’s small and surprisingly close to Cancún
Isla Mujeres is roughly 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) long and about 2,130 feet (650 meters) wide but in places it narrows to less than 500 feet (150 meters). At its closest point, it lies approximately 4 miles (7 kilometers) off the Cancún coast. It’s small enough to explore in a day, but there are
plenty of reasons to stay longer.
5. Playa Norte is an award-winning beach
Playa Norte has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best beach awards for many years in a row. With its soft white sand, shallow turquoise water, and sunset views, it’s easy to see why visitors love it.
6. Parrotfish poop helps make white sand
The island’s soft white sand has an unexpected connection to the reef. As parrotfish feed, they scrape and grind reef material, then release (poop) tiny grains of sand. They contribute to the sand around coral reefs, although that doesn’t mean every grain on Playa Norte came from a parrotfish. But it does help to get it soft and white!
7. Punta Sur is home to a Maya temple ruin
At the southern tip of the island, you can see the remains of a small Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel. Perched above the rocky coastline, it is one of the most memorable places, to experience the island’s history and take in the Caribbean views.
8. Hacienda Mundaca has a pirate story
Hacienda Mundaca was built in the 19th century by Fermín Antonio Mundaca y Marecheaga, a pirate whose life became part of Isla Mujeres legend. The remains of his estate are now part of a park where the island’s history meets its natural surroundings that you can visit.
9. You can swim near the world’s largest fish
Whale sharks can grow to more than 40 feet (12 meters) long, yet they feed on tiny plankton and fish eggs. They gather in the waters near Isla Mujeres during the summer, from May through September. Licensed boat tours give visitors a chance to swim with these friendly giants in the wild!
10. Sea turtles nest on the island’s beaches
Every nesting season, female sea turtles come ashore on Isla Mujeres to lay their eggs. Sea turtles are returning to the beach to lay their eggs where they hatched themselves. They mate at sea, then dig nests in the sand, often at night. Local conservation teams monitor nesting beaches and work to protect the eggs until the hatchlings emerge.
11. Golf carts are the island’s favorite way to get around
Golf carts are the transport most visitors associate with Isla Mujeres. You’ll also see plenty of scooters, cars, taxis, and even buses. Walking around El Centro is easy, but the heat can make a longer walk or bike ride across the island less appealing. A golf cart lets you explore at your own pace and stop whenever something catches your eye.
12. There’s a local fish dish worth seeking out
Fresh seafood is part of island life, and tikin xic is a dish to look for. Fish is seasoned with achiote and traditionally cooked over a fire in palm leaves.
13. Isla Mujeres is a Pueblo Mágico
The island joined Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos program in 2015, recognizing its history and cultural character. Take some time away from the beach to walk through El Centro, try local food, and see more of the island.
14. Punta Sur is famous for seeing Mexico’s first sunrise
Thanks to its location at the eastern edge of Mexico, Punta Sur is known as the first place in the country to catch the morning sun. For an especially memorable start to the day, watch the light appear over the Caribbean. Sometimes the sunrises are even more spectacular then the sunset.
15. Its inland lagoons have had crocodile sightings
Hidden among the island’s neighborhoods are lagoons known as the Salinas. Crocodiles have been reported in the island’s wetlands, a surprising fact about a place better known for its beaches and marine life.
16. Isla Mujeres has a female municipal president
The island is led by Atenea Gómez Ricalde, the municipal president of Isla Mujeres. It’s a fitting contemporary detail for a place whose name and history are so closely connected to women.
17. There is an art museum beneath the water
MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art, has a sculpture gallery off Isla Mujeres at Manchones Reef. Hundreds of sculptures sit below the surface. You can visit the area on a snorkeling trip, while diving offers a closer look at the deeper works.
Ready to explore Isla Mujeres? Taste of Isla can help you plan tours and services, set you up with beachclub or restaurant reservations or anything else you need !!
