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Isla Mujeres has long been a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. With beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, magnificent reefs near by and challenging deep-sea fishing, Isla has something for everyone. Explore the natural wonders of the Mexican Caribbean.

Playa Norte (North Beach)

Considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Norte (once known as Nautibeach and Playa Cocos) is the most popular, therefore crowded beach on Isla Mujeres. You can rent water toys, kayaks and snorkeling gear as well as lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. There are several palapa restaurant/bars that will also bring drinks and snacks to your towel or beach chair. Just wave at a passing waiter.

Playa Paraiso, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios

These more secluded beaches are located on the west side of Isla Mujeres, mid-island near Hacienda Mundaca. There are open air palapa restaurants, gift shops, bathrooms, chairs and umbrellas. You can also rent kayaks, canoes and even beach toys for the kids. One of the biggest attractions of these beaches are the shark pens where you can take a swim with the sharks. Don't forget to tip the trainer.

Garrafón de Castilla

Located next to Garrafón Isla Mujeres at the south end of the island. The $20 peso admission includes use of lounge and beach chairs with beach umbrellas, restrooms and shower facilities. Snorkel gear, lockers and towels are available for an additional fee. There is a restaurant, snack bar and a small gift shop. Playa Garrafón de Castilla features a Nurse Shark pen where you can swim with the sharks and snorkeling areas that rival Garrafón Isla Mujeres.

The scuba diving and snorkeling around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable. The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by. The waters are calm and clear - perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver. The Cruz de la Bahia (Bay Cross) was planted into the Manchones Reef in 1994 to pay tribute to the men and women of the sea. Divers celebrate the founding of Isla Mujeres in 1854 with a mass dive here on August 17.

Almost 50 years ago, a young lobster diver from Isla Mujeres named Carlos García Castilla, discovered a deep sea cave where sharks went in... but didn't come out. Out of curiosity he free dove some twenty meters (about 65 feet) and found that the sharks were asleep with their eyes wide open. The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks. Explore this wonder yourself...

Captain Tony Garcia on the "Guadalupana"  offers tours around the island. Located at #7A Matamoros, Tel: 877-0229 E-mail: capitantony@latinmail.com 

The Cooperative located on Ave. Rueda Medina, just half a block north from the ferry dock, offers fishing and snorkel trips. You can also charter a small boat just to cruise around the island. 

Sport Fishing with Captain Anthony Mendillo. Tel: 877-0759 Fax: 877-0211 E-mail: fishkinm@cancun.com.mx Full and half days fishing aboard the KEEN M, a 29 ft US build custom diesel powered sport fishing boat and the Lilly M is a 36 foot Vernese Express. Both are fully equipped with the finest fishing gear and ready for the most exciting deep sea fishing and light tackle angling adventure in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean!

Barracuda Bash Fishing Tournament January 19th & 20th. A one of a kind yearly event. Everything is Isla Mujeres and only Isla Mujeres! Visit Barracuda Handline Tournament to see information about past tournaments.

Sea Hawk Fishing offers some of the best off-shore and deep-sea fishing trips.

Gaitan Tours offers half and full day fishing trips and a full day of fly-fishing.

Guadalupana Boat Tours with Captain Tony Garcia offers trolling and bottom fishing at a very reasonable price.

At the Cooperative you can charter a boat for a few hours or day.