History
The History of Isla Mujeres
Recent History
Long before Cancun was even a glint in developerƒs eyes,
Isla Mujeres open itƒs arms to tourist from around the world.
Some older residents of the island tell stories of tourists
signalling from a make-shift dock near where Puerto Juarez
stands today. Son's of local fisherman would take small launches
over to the mainland and pick up visitors for their stay
on the island. Eventually, Isla established a regular ferry
service, making runs to Puerto Juarez once or twice a day
and in the last few years, every half hour.
Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico, the frontier
of eastern Mexico and the Mexican Navy base was established
in 1949. Fishing was still the main source of income; it
wasn't until recent years that tourism became a large part
of the island.
In 1967, the Mexican Government and its water department
(C.A.P.A.) with the help of many local divers, install an
under-the-sea purificate water piping system, the first in
the world.
The 6" pipes were replaced with 8" pipes in 1988 the
same year Hurricane Gilbert hit the island, which partially
destroyed
the Mayan Temple on the south point. The last few years have
seen tremendous improvements to the island including and
extensive drainage and sewer system, electric and phone services
to the various neighborthoods paved streets that allowed
for better drainage, and a high school.
If you are lucky enough to be vacationing on Isla December
31st, its is a tradition for islands to greet
the first rays of the sun at the dawn of each new year at
the south point, the most eastern point of Mexico. The people
of Isla Mujeres are proud of their history and hold in their
hearts the magic of their island and the promising future.
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