Scuba Diving in Paradise

After an incredible stay in Bacalar, I headed back up north along Mexico’s Caribbean coast towards Isla Mujeres. This idyllic island is only a short ferry-ride from Cancún and used to be a sanctuary for Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of fertility, reason, medicine and the moon. When the Spaniards arrived in the early 16th century, they found female figurines scattered around the island and gave it its present name – the Island of Women. Today, Isla Mujeres is known for its magnificent beaches and turquoise waters, and I was very excited to spend a few days in paradise!

Arriving quite late in the afternoon after a long journey, I enjoyed yummy shrimp fajitas at a seaside restaurant before having an early night. The next day, I spent the morning exploring the island before getting ready for some more scuba diving!

Isla Mujeres is actually where the rising sun first touches Mexico

Over six years after I first took my diving certifications in Honduras, I headed back under the sea with one of my instructors, Dick Walker, who now works at Marina Paraiso with his lovely wife Morna (and also took most of the photos below). Small world! In addition to exploring the Manchones Reef, I got to experience the eerie yet stunning underwater museum known as MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), located in the National Marine Park surrounding Cancún. The museum includes over 450 permanent life-size sculptures created by Jason deCaires Taylor and several other artists, and are not only unique pieces of art since they also promote coral life. Quite an amazing thing to see!

Lionfish - cool to look at but venomous and invasive... Read more about them here!

Underwater bartender. No drinks though...

French Angelfish

Chimney smoke bubbles!

Then and now: Diving at Utila in 2007 and at Isla Mujeres in 2013 (still no hair control)

I had many plans for my last day on Isla Mujeres, including a visit to the Tortugranja (Turtle Farm), but unfortunately I woke up feeling barely well enough to relax at my hotel pool and beach area (which was absolutely wonderful, so I’m not really complaining!). Definitely a shame, but at least I was already nearing the end of my holiday. Following an early start the next day and over 20 hours in taxis, buses, planes and airport lounges (due to both delays and bad luck), I was very happy to finally get back to Xalapa. I only have month left in this wonderful city, so I plan to make the most of it!