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by gandjwhite
Rapid City, South Dakota
January 26, 2006
From journal Isla Mujeres--Everything Cancun Isn't!!
by Schmidty
New Richmond, Wisconsin
March 21, 2004
From journal Spring Break 2004
by tbvisuals
memphis, Tennessee
January 31, 2003
On the simple side, the Hotel Garrafon was $2 for entry to the snorkeling area which had beach chairs, a small restaurant, a shark tank, and a nice though small area to snorkel. The reef is not lively, but there are lots of fish to see. They rent all the equipment you need as well. The menu was limited, but the food was good, the service friendly, and the beverages were cold... what more could you really want?
Here's their website.
Next door is Garrafon Park, which is a more of an activity park with snuba, a zip line, a larger snorkeling area, larger restaurant, a pool, kayaks, gift shop, etc. It is very nice, though busy and of course expensive. It was about $20 each if I remember for the all-inclusive, which did however include all food and beverages. Since we had biked from the north end of the island we were hungry and thirsty, so that was a good deal. It makes sense if you are going to make a day of it as far as food and drink. The food was good and the service friendly. We stayed for several hours and had a good time, beautiful views, and a very nice facility.
There is also a beautiful walkway along the ocean that will take you to Punta Sur, the very south point of the island. Plus a pair of resident parrots that seem to enjoy all the attention they get.
Depending on budget, kids (there's more to do at the Park), and personal preference, either would be a good choice for a good time.
If you're not into snorkeling, a trip to Punta Sur for the small ruins and the beautiful walkways is a good way to spend some time. Punta Sur is just past the entrance to Garrafon Park.
From journal Isla Mujeres - relax and enjoy
by Coach Bear
Trenton, Illinois
May 12, 2002
After we stepped from the cart, we crossed a nice sand beach. There were many people on the beach who had travelled over with one of the many day trips from Cancun. Some were busy socializing, but many were renting snorkelling equipment. There were picnic tables and concessions available, in addition to the snorkelling gear.
We arrived at a short pier, which was centered in an enclosed area. We talked to one of the men at the pier, who allowed me to jump in the water. He directed me to a shark that was about 3 meters (9 1/2 feet) long. As you can see in the pictures below, I did "wrestle" with the shark. Many of my students have been silenced when they see the poster sized photo that I had made from that encounter.
Later, we rented snorkelling equipment and swam along the reef. This part of the trip was less eventful. Much of the coral was damaged, probably due to abuse by the tourists. It was possible to see angelfish, parrotfish, and other species. But, I much preferred diving the reef in the Cozumel area than snorkelling in this crowded spot.
From journal Kicking back on the Island of Women
by unorthodox traveler
Norway, Maine
December 22, 2000
From journal The Island of Women