Page 54 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles

ISLA HOLBOX Just 1,200 people populate this 21.6 square
mile island, which is popular to visit for whale shark viewing
for divers and snorkelers. The island is accessed by ferry from
the mainland town of Chiquila. Aerosaab Airlines flies tours
from Cancún and has built a small airstrip to accommodate
its five-seater Cessna aircraft.
ISLA CONTOY This island became a National Park in 1998.
Supervised eco-tourism and regulated commercial fishing is
allowed on and near the island. Only a few tour companies
have permission to bring a maximum of 200 daily visitors to
Isla Contoy. Visitors need to apply for permission to visit the
island at the Park offices in Isla Mujeres or Cancún. Four spe-
cies of sea turtle including green, hawksbill, loggerhead, and
Ridley’s-Kemp find a safe haven for nesting on the beaches of
the island.
ISLA BLANCA This remote strip of land is reached in your
rental car via a skinny sand road due north of Cancún. At the
end of the road (if you don’t get stuck in the sand) there is a
public beach. Along the way a beach club called El Refugio
Del Pirata Morgan invites your business to stay for the day
(or a night), where you can play on the secluded beach, rent
kayaks,go snorkeling, or just relax in the sun.Isla Blanca is
known for the best fly and light tackle fishing around. Just
visit www.tarpongcancun. com for more info.
EXCELLENCE PLAYA MUJERES Luxury adults-only all-
inclusive resort on two miles of beach, with a marina, world-
class spa, and a golf course.
EL MECO 13th to 16th Century Mayan ruins dedicated to