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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos
Demand for boat tours has decreased
Servicios náuticos a la baja.. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
This refers to the small 'lanchero' boats who offer tours to El Farito, Sac Bajo, and the lagoon area, which often include snorkeling and buffet lunches. Demand increased slightly over the weekend. Hotel occupancy in the municipality on Tuesday was 68 percent in the municipality, and on the island alone it was nearly 61 percent, which is not too bad considering theoretically we are in the middle of a low season.
Both hoteliers and restaurateurs agreed that there is a good influx of overnight visitors, which could increase this weekend with the fishing tournament "Cosme Alberto Martinez Magaña". The rest of this article is the usual tour by the reporter saying there was a good number of tourists on the ferries from an early hour, some of whom has suitcases, but more were visitors for the day, who immediately went to rent golf carts, or enjoy the beaches, or the downtown area. A medium amount of people were observed at the beaches, and were noted to be using the loungers, beds, umbrellas, and taking selfies. Some rented them, others used ones provided by their hotels, and others sat directly on the sand.
Comisionistas were observed at the ferry terminal offering golf carts and boat tours, as were those in the modules offering dive trips and other services. Although the whale shark season officially began on May 15th, the providers that are engaged in this activity still don't know anything about the permits.
Increasing problems relating to urban transportation
Incrementa problema del transporte urbano [+] Ver masFull article at this link
The problem of urban transportation in Isla Mujeres has not been solved, since there is a lack of any company offering this service to locals and tourists, who have become captive users of the taxis, who operate like colectivos, although their concession doesn't specify this manner.
There have been innumerable complaints from users, who have no other choice than this monopoly, since there is an absence of urban transportation. At the time when students need to get to class, most of the drivers don't pick them up, since they pay a discounted rate. In the same manner, many cabbies dislike picking up two or more people, giving preference to riders who are alone, since with this strategy they earn 60 pesos from a single trip to downtown by carrying four (local) passengers at a rate of 15 pesos each.
According to the Union's taxi rates (for locals, which are discounted 50 percent), the cost for one or two people (between the colonias populares and downtown) is 15 pesos, and it is 20 pesos if the back of the taxi is filled, and 30 pesos if four (local) passengers are boarding together.
According to this same rule of three, if a passenger wants to travel comfortably in the back alone, they can tell the driver this and be taken to their destination for 20 pesos. Similarly, if a (local) person requests a direct trip without picking up anyone else, the rate is 30 pesos. These rates were confirmed by union officials.
However, there are some drivers who overcharge, asking for 50 pesos from those who request a direct trip, even if they are residents, and drivers that refuse to allow a person to travel alone in the back for 20 pesos. Residents also complain about disdain from many drivers who prefer tourists and who want to have room available to take visitors to Garrafon, the Tortugranja, Dolphin Discovery, or the Sac Bajo hotels. This means that a necessary service is not being provided for the inhabitants, who at certain times suffer badly in order to reach their destinations.
Among the drivers, there are also cabbies who are angry and dissatisfied about this attitude, which they say is not generalized, since many of them don't behave in this selective manner. Some of the more conscientious drivers explained that on many occasions, the employers are not too selective when hiring a driver, and unfortunately there are many who work seasonally, only to make money at the expense of tourism, and when the number of visitors decreases, they leave, so they don't feel any kind of commitment to the people of the island.
Four sailboats in the regatta had still not arrived on Tuesday
Aún faltan cuatro veleros Ver masFull article at this link
May 15 Por Esto reports that of the 19 sailboats in the 30th edition of the "Al Sol" regatta, four boats haven't arrived yet due to a lack of wind, and six others were automatically disqualified for using their engines. According to information from the head of the organizing committee, Enrique Lima Zuno, the sailboats that haven't crossed the finish line yet are "Free Spirit", "Loophole", "KerMadic", and "Reverie".
The Special Session of the City Council to honor participants as Distinguished Guests which was scheduled for Tuesday, was canceled, due to the fact that there is no acting mayor in the municipality, and his place is currently occupied by an office manager. (This is because the Mayor is currently campaigning for reelection which legally limits his ability to act as Mayor.) The events for Wednesday are still expected to take place, which include the traditional Captains Cup at the Casa de las Rocas,and the Marti Gras 'parade' which will begin in front of Marias Cabans del Mar hotel and end at the Town Square, as well as the basketball game between regatta members and islanders on the downtown court. (See Events section below). On Thursday there will be an awards dinner, when the winners will be given trophies, in edition to the so-called "Pancho Villa Trophy, a commemorative medal of 200 years of Mexican Independence, and the Centennial of the Revolution, as well as the commemoration of the 30th edition of this regatta.
Link to tracking website. which indicates that Belefonte is in the middle of the Gulf, and the other boats that haven't arrived yet are Cloud 9.1, Ker Madic, and Loophole.
Fuel costs 'on par' with the dollar
Combustibles a la par del dólar .. [+] Ver masFull article at this link
On Tuesday, the exchange rate for dollars and pesos was 18.3 pesos for purchase and 20.1 for sale, while Magna gasoline was offered at 18.56 pesos/liter and diesel was 19.6. Gas prices are difficult for island families with lower economic resources. who pay since 20 kilograms (sic.) costs over 400 pesos. (400 pesos would buy 21.5 liters, which is 5.7 gallons for nearly $22usd). Fortunately for many on the island, the favorite means of transport for local people is motorcycles, which gives their owners some respite. However, many remember distant times when filling their tank cost 20 pesos and now the cost has skyrocketed to more than 90 pesos. t
The high cost of gasoline, coupled with the high price for the dollar, has led to increased prices for nearly all products and services in Isla Mujeres during the first five months of the year. Increased gas prices also affect the income of the taxi drivers.
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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
In accordance with the electoral laws, the municipal Facebook site has suspended the release of information as of March 29, until after the election on July 1st.
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| View from the rooms. |
MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.
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| Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical) |
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| Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed. |
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| A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left. |
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| Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen. A queen & single bed. |
Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi. Parking. You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts
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| Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me. |
Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are the restaurants Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, and the large department store-grocery Chedraui. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants. It takes 20-30 minutes to walk downtown.
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| May Events Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events |
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| May 1 8:52 May 2 9:44 May 3 10:35 May 4 11:25 May 29 7:37 May 30 8:29 May 31 9:19 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~7:15 Sunrise ~6:05 |
Turtles begin mating and nesting in May. They can be observed mating offshore from Punta Sur during this month, and they nest along the eastern beaches. Tortugranja staff and volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in the sand in a pen outside the facility. This is the dry season when farmers burn brush from their milpa-fields on the mainland, and salt was gathered at Salina Grande lake for hundreds of years, until the mid 1900's.
Wednesday May 2 Private Sol al Sol Regatta Events: Golf Cart Poker Run at 10a and Captain's party at the Casa del las Rocas & Crew party at Buhos both at 1p. (Happy hour schedules will be posted each day by 11am at the Race Headquarters. This is the 50th edition, they come annually from St Petersburg, Florida.)
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| photo by Bruce Roberts |
Thursday, May 3 Dia de la Cruz (celebrated by construction workers)
Thursday, May 3 Artist Fair 3-8 Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo
Thursday, May 3 Private Sol al Sol Rega6ta Events: Cocktail parties at 12:30 and 3;30-5 at Ballyhoo's and Cabanas poolside
Thursday, May 3 at 7 Mayor's reception for the Sol al Sol Regatta
Friday, May 4 Amigo's Regatta for Islanders age 8-12. Skipper's meeting at 10a. Children board 10:30-11a at the Lima dock. Boats depart at 11:30, and the race starts at noon.
Friday, May 4 at 8p: Private Sol al Sol Regatta Events: Cocktail Party at 6p & Awards Ceremony at 8p at Buho's/Maria del Mar
Saturday, May 5 "Cinco de Mayo" Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French.
Saturday, May 5 Peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor showers (which began in late April and continue thru May 20). In the pre dawn hours, rates could reach 15-20 per hour.
Sunday, May 6 Noches Magicas performances at 8p on the Town Square
Wednesday, May 9 Regatta Al Sol "Cruising" category yachts depart from Pensacola Florida. (This is the 30th edition. They come every other year.)
Thursday, May 10 Mother's Day
Thursday, May 10 Regatta Al Sol "Racing" category yachts depart
Thursday, May 10 Artist Fair 3-8 Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo
Saturday, May 12th 8am Guadalupania beach Plogging clean up of the turtle nesting beaches
Sunday, May 13 5p Regatta Al Sol Arrival party at Buhos (private event)
Tuesday, May 15 Regatta Al Sol Private Beach party at noon and City Council reception at Town Hall at 7p
Tuesday, May 15 Dia del Maestro / Teacher's Day
Tuesday May 15 Whale Shark Season officially begins (if the permits are issued on time this year). Rays can also be seen enjoying the 'buffet' that attracts the whale sharks to this area. (There are abundant fish eggs and plankton in the areas where they congregate and feed).
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| photo by Tony Garcia |
Wednesday, May 16 Regatta Al Sol Captain's party at the Rock House (private event). 5p Mardi Gras Parade from Ciros Restaurant. 7p Basketball game against Islander team on downtown court by the Town Square
Thursday, May 17 Artist Fair 3-8 Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo
Thursday, May 17 Regatta Al Sol Awards presentation at 7p at Maria del Mar (private event)
Friday, May 18 Cosme Alberto Martinez Magana International Fishing Tournament Captain's Dinner 5000p registration. Prizes for top ten.
Saturday, May 19 Cosme Alberto Martinez Magana International Fishing Tournament Day 1 from the Cooperative Caribe dock (#9)
Saturday, May 19 8am Plogging clean up of the turtle nesting beaches location TBA
Sunday, May 20 Cosme Alberto Martinez Magana International Fishing Tournament Day2 & Awards
Sunday, May 20 Noches Magicas performances at 8p on the Town Square
Thursday, May 24 Artist Fair 3-8 Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo
Saturday, May 26 8am Plogging clean up location TBA
Sunday, May 27 Noches Magicas performances at 8p on the Town Square
Thursday, May 31 Artist Fair 3-8 Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at Abasolo
Sources for Weather Information:
LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)
LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish)
LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service (Yucatan peninsula is under Satellite GOES Este, I recommend "Animacion" (it used to be in my blog margin, until Blogger became incompatible with it).
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
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