About the Island of Isla Mujeres | Whale Shark Festival

Isla Mujeres: An Environmental and Archaeological Treasure
The Island of Isla Mujeres is a small municipality located north of the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Nearby Isla Contoy is home to a National Park with more than 152 species of local and migratory birds, 14 reptile species, 234 species of fish and 98 plant species.

Mayan antiques, including ceramics, utensils made from conch shells, are frequently found in Isla Mujeres. The Mayan archaeological site “El Meco” and the Ixchell Mayan temple can be found here, dating from 200-300 A.D. Isla Mujeres was also the site of many sea battles between colonial ships and pirates. Shipwrecks abound for exploration. Ixlaché Reef, located south of Isla Contoy is part of the 2nd world largest reef barrier.

all photos right protected john vader

all photos right protected john vader The island is also great for Sport Fishing, every year between January and June, the island is visited for all these species: Marlin, Wahoo, Sailfish and more... for more details see September 2008 National Geographic magazine.

The island rises as much as 20 meters above the sea level, going towards the south, having a great panoramic view from the cliff, and the south end happens to be the easthernmost point of Mexico, so this means that this is the first place in all Mexico to receive the sunrise everymorning.

A Celebration of Life and Culture
The Whale Shark Festival will showcase local businesses and the variety of beauty, the wide array of activities that can be found in Isla Mujeres.