Mayan legend states that the island was once used for fertility ceremonies, which is one fact that explains the name of the island, which translates to "Island of Women." Another legend says that Spanish pirates hoped to find indigenous people on the island to capture as slaves but found nothing but ancient statues of women, which also gave rise to the island's name.
The climate of the island does not vary much all year long. It remains right around 80 degrees F, making it comfortable for tourists. The wet season is from October to November. Afternoon showers are common, but they are brief and warm.
Although the island is only 5 miles long, there are plenty of places to stay. Keep in mind that the island closes down at night. There is little to no nightlife on the island, unlike Cancun and other cities on Mexico's mainland. Lodging ranges from youth hostels to 4-star hotels (see link in Resources).
While many tourists stick close to the spectacular beaches and turquoise water, there are also fun activities to do on land. The island features a sea turtle sanctuary that is open to the public. In addition, there is a lighthouse you can visit as well as an ancient Mayan temple (see link in Resources).
Most of the tourists who come to Isla Mujeres do so because the island has outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition, there is a dolphin swim program, guided sport fishing tours and boat rentals (see link in Resources).
