ISLA MUJERES DAILY NEWS & EVENTS: Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Wednesday, April 27

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. HERE is a timelapse version, that you can set to slow or fast (fps-frames per second). It takes a few seconds to load.

Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos

Both issues of
The Isla Mujeres Magazine
to benefit Isla charities
are here,
featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers!

Anastacia FB pages where updates will be posted

https://www.facebook.com/TheMissingAnastacia/?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/groups/rescueanastacia/

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From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

link to their Isla articles & photos

High expectations for Tianguis Turistico Tourism Convention

En Tianguis Turístico

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de abril.-

A delegation of hoteliers and tourism service providers went to the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, for Mexico's most important tourist event, Mexico Tourism Tianguis 2016 which takes place April 25 to 28. The delegation, led by Mayor Agapito Magana Sanchez will participate in business meetings, advertising campaigns, staff training and other activities.

The Secretary of Tourism of Mexico, Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, and the State Governor, Roberto Borge Angulo, cut the inaugural ribbon of the Caribbean Pavilion, where Isla Mujeres shares space with other destinations in Quintana Roo. As is usual, the Caribbean Pavilion captured the attention of thousands of visitors at this Expo, which brings together the major players in the tourism industry in Mexico and around the world.

Questions arise about the whereabouts of the five fishermen of the "Anastacia"

Sobre el paradero de los cinco tripulantes de la embarcación Anastacia

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 26 de abril.-

"We did everything we could, and we believe that there is nothing more that can be done to determine the whereabouts of the five fishermen missing since March 30, aboard the boat 'Anastacia'", said the president of the "Patria & Progreso" fishing cooperative, Jaime Osorio Sanchez.

He said that the only thing that remains to do is for relatives to try to investigate a little further regarding information regarding detainees on the island of Cuba, because it was never made clear who they really are. Sr. Osorio said, "It would be good for the families who are able, to organize a trip to Cuba and investigate who are the detainees who were mentioned in the early days of the search for the Isla Mujeres fishermen."

He also mentioned that questions still exist about other issues that were never clarified, such as the case of an alleged phone call that was supposedly made from the cell of one of the missing fishermen to a lawyer in Merida on March 30th. So far, nothing has been said about this. Regarding this issue, Sr Osorio said that when a boat is sinking, the crew would not call a lawyer, but rather someone who could help, such as the Harbor Master, the Navy, or even a fishermen friend with a boat, but not a lawyer.

Regarding the presence of relatives on the premises of the fishing cooperative, he said that is becoming less frequent, and there are three wives who appear sporadically, and the other two have not, for up to a week. The only news currently pending is from family members who traveled to Cozumel seeking information.

Regatta sailboats arriving

Para la Regata de Yates

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 25 de abril.-

See article below....

Training for tourism service providers
Capacitan a prestadores de servicios

Tourism service providers attended a class to fulfill a requirement for their credential to offer tours in the Parque Nacional Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc. Participants in the class are licensees who offer sightseeing tours in this National Marine Park, which may include diving or snorkeling.
The course was held in the Community Center in La Gloria and taught by staff of CONANP (The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas), and a representative of PROFEPA (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection). The credentials for these guides must be renewed every year or every two years, depending on the type.
Previously these courses, which last three to four hours, were designed for classes of 20 persons, but this time there were ~30 people. There are courses offered once a month for the tourism service providers of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. They are taught about the requirements, regulations, and laws that relate to their activities, and to their boats, as well as about security and safety,

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From the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)

Isla Mujeres participates in Tianguis Turistico 2016
ISLA MUJERES INICIA SU PARTICIPACIÓN EN EL TIANGUIS TURÍSTICO 2016

This article has the same information as the DQR article above

During the Tianguis Turístico México 2016, we had the opportunity to say hello and chat with a good friend and ally of Isla Mujeres, the Secretary of Tourism of our country, the lic. Enrique de la Madrid.

Durante el Tianguis Turístico México 2016, tuvimos la oportunidad de saludar y charlar con un buen amigo y aliado de Isla Mujeres, el secretario de Turismo de nuestro país, el Lic. Enrique de la Madrid. Tianguis Turístico México Guadalajara 2016 Secretaría de Turismo de México

Marking the pedestrian crossings for the safety of everyone.
La seguridad de los peatones es la razón por la que nos encargamos de señalizar adecuadamente los sitios y espacios para el uso correcto de las vías de tránsito de vehículos y personas.

Participate in the International Fishing Tournament Cosme Alberto Martinez Magana on May 20, 21 and 22
Participa este 20, 21 y 22 de mayo en el Torneo Internacional de Pesca Cosme Alberto Martínez Magaña.

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From Tvisla Mujeres ( link to photos & articles)

Propeller protectors could be required for boats of whale shark tour licensees

http://www.tvislamujeres.com.mx/…/protectores-en-propelas-…/Photos & full article at this link

The proposal to install these propeller protectors on the boats that enter the Whale Shark viewing area is being analyzed by authorities of the Whale Shark Biosphere of Isla Mujeres, who are seeking to ensure the integrity of the largest fish in the world.
Maria del Carmen Garci Rivas, Director of the Whale Shark Biosphere said this initiative is has become "in style" in La Paz, Baja California, where they are not only protecting Whale Sharks, but also other species including turtles, mantas, whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other species. These could also protect the tourists who are snorkeling.
She said she is personally in contact with the people who have tried there devices, because it is possible that they could be implemented on each of the boats that enter the whale shark viewing area. Currently, they are gathering information and there will be a meeting about this, which is part of their most important purpose, caring for this species.
It is noted that there are many of the whale sharks who have had wounds from propellers of these boats, which sometimes occurs accidentally and sometimes from a lack of caution by the captain.

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From por esto Link to their Isla Mujeres articles & photos

Silence from Magana Ferry Company
Calla transportes Magañad.. [+] Ver mas
    The Harbor Master has not received notification that the Magana Ferry has closed their operations, but company employees report they have received their settlements (liquidaciones), the ticket office and the business offices are closed, and no one is providing information. Although relatively few locals use their services, due to frequent breakdowns, many say they feel a deep sense of regret that this pioneer in maritime passenger transport is disappearing.
   Carmen Puc, a frequent Magana passenger, said, "I don't want the Magana ferry to stop providing transport. It is true they have left us stranded many times, but I have great esteem and respect for them. We may have complaints about the service, but not about the employees. From the women in the ticket office on up to the sailors, captains, and engineers, everyone has always behaved very well, including waiting for people when the boat was about to leave and someone arrived at the last minute to purchase their ticket. They would put down the ramp again, which you would never expect from the Ultramar". Other frequent passengers commented that they preferred the resident price for a round trip ticket of 50 pesos at Magana over the 84 pesos charged by Ultramar, and said they disliked that Ultramar was more demanding regarding identification.
    When questioned about whether Magana had closed, the Harbor Master, Ismael Gonzalez Gil, said he has not received any notice, in writing, nor in person, indicating that the company has discontinued service permanently. He said, "All I know is that the ticket office is closed. I heard they have paid off their staff, but I can not say officially that Magaña has closed down. The community has coverage because Ultramar is providing service; also Barcos del Caribe are planning to come to Isla Mujeres, and will probably begin operating in September."

Isla Mujeres at Tianguis Turistico
Isla Mujeres en el Tianguis TurísticoVer mas

Cablemas: Expensive, deficient service
Cabalemás, servicio caro y deficiente .. [+] Ver mas

Tuesday....

Looking forward to arrival of Regatta
Esperan ansiosos a los veleristas.. [+] Ver mas
    Economic benefits are expected from the arrival of the relatives and friends of the sailors competing in the 48th edition of the Sol al Sol Regatta from St Petersburg. The full impact of improved business is expected after the crews competing have all arrived on Tuesday, with activities continuing thru Friday, when they begin returning home.
   In Isla Mujeres, merchants report that sales fell after the Easter holidays ended, and they are looking forward to boats bringing visitors from Cancun, and then business dies off after 5pm. It is noted that golf cart rentals are popular with those visitors who arrive for a few hours during the day. It is noted that there have been on mishaps among nautical recreation, and there are tours leaving for Contoy, to go sport fishing, and to view the corals and fish underwater. Meanwhile, fishermen are catching fish, but both their inventories and demand are low.

Drones allowed for locating whale sharks
Mediante drones ubicarán al tiburón ballena.. [+] Ver masFull article & photos at this link
    The Director of the Whale Shark Reserve, Jose Juan Perez Ramirez, said CONANP (National Commission for Protected Natural Areas) will allow the use of drones to locate whale sharks during the upcoming season of watching and swimming with the giant fish. He said these devices do not affect the area, and on the other hand, they will help the licensees locate the shale sharks. He also said they are also not preventing the use of propeller guards, which protect the fish in the event of contact.
   Training courses are being offered for the 160 licensees for the season which is scheduled from May 15 to September 17. Regarding the controversy generated by foreign guides last year on some boats (of up to 32 feet with 10 tourists maximum, plus crew), the official said, "All guides who are trained to fulfill their work are welcomed." He explained that his agency oversees the area of the Whale Shark Biosphere Reserve, while the Wildlife Department is in charge of the area known as "Aguas Azules", which is east of the Reserve.
     He said he has no information about the plan to place buoys in the whale shark viewing area to protect it from freighters and cruise ships, because that is something that could be done in upcoming years by the Secretary of the Environment (SEMARNAT) and the Secretary of Communications and Transport (SCT).

First sailboat to arrive: "Azzurra"
“Azzurra”, primer velero en tocar puerto[+] Ver mas

April 25   On Sunday at 2:20pm, the sailboat/yacht "Azzurra", under the leadership of Tony Castagno, crossed the finish line of the 48th edition of the Sol al Sol regatta. The second boat was "Split Decision".
The Navy provides security and protection in Mexican waters, and military ships are near each boat as they arrive, as part of the safety measures. Two hours later the sailboat "After You" was crossing the eastern part of the National Marine Park, while the boat "XTC" was expected to arrive around dusk, and the rest should arrive during the night and on Tuesday.
   The competition began on Friday morning when 12 boats set sail from St. Petersburg, however the "Whiskey" returned to port due to navigational problems. On Thursday there will be an event declaring the participants as Distinguished Visitors, during which the Sister City agreement will be signed.
   The Azzurra, XTC, and Split Decision arrived first, second, and third. The legendary boat "Tattoo" had been in fourth place on Saturday, but according to the satellite report this afternoon, they were still north of Cuba, with these boats following: . Blue Heron, Cat Trax, Severance, Midnight Sun, and Geodesic. Lucky Jack is expected to take fifth place, who is in front of this group of boats, and should proceed thru the Yucatan Channel this afternoon. The times of each boat will be analyzed and the overall winner will be declared on Wednesday. Azzurra took the Cruise Class without competition, and in the Cruise A category, Split Decision is currently the winner.

Monday.....

The first sailboats enter the Yucatan Channel
Primeros en ingresar al Canal del Yucatána.. [+] Ver mas

Hard times for fishermen
Mal, la llevan los pescadoresm.. [+] Ver mas
   Things are not going well for fishermen during this closed season on loabster, because there are many risks if they go far from the coast, because many have older engines, and they lack money to buy new ones which can cost up to 140,000 pesos each. Plans for aquaculture have not materialized. There are over sixty days remaining to the closed lobster season. (Lobster fishing resumes July 1).

“La Ratita” Noguera, pilar del béisbol[+] Ver mas

This is a lengthy article about Jose Luis Noguera, aka "La Ratita, 63, who continues to play baseball, and is a local, legendary shortstop.

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This blog is brought to you by....

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.

Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

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.

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 or hop on the bus. We also have room for 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

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. Stroll five minutes southward down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes southwest to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or other options. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the 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.

April events

Sunset ~7p
Moon rise over the Caribbean
April 21 6:54pm
April 22 7:44pm Full Moon
April 23    8:33pm
April 24    9:24pm
April 25   10:14pm
April 26   11:04pm
April 27    11:54pm

Every Tuesday & Thursday at 10am: Sergio's Batik class. ~3 hours long. 400p includes materials.
Kid's classes every other Saturday at 12:30: March 26, April 9 and April 23.

To reach the classroom enter the doors shown in the photo & go through the building, into the courtyard. His classroom is on the right. If this front door is locked, go left around the side of the building to the back/seaside and enter the courtyard from there. LINK to FB page w photos & more info

Every Tuesday and Thursday: Free spay/neuter clinic (Isla Animals)
Consults 100p, Vaccines: parvo & distemper 50p, flea & tick meds 20p, wormer 10p. Helpers always welcome! Isla Animals, Mundaca Hacienda, 10am-4pm (No food morning of surgery/water ok)

April 7, Thursday 4-9p Casa de Cultura: Artist Fair (Last of the season)

April 7, Thursday at 6:30pm on the Town Square, in a "Sesion Ordinaria" (That usually means a regular session of the City Council) the Music Trova (repertoire) of Isla Mujeres will officially be declared a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the state of Quintana Roo.
It doesn't mention if there will be a performance, but since it is happening on the Town Square rather than inside the Town Hall, that seems like a possibility.