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| This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte. |
Follow Isla Mujeres News & Events on Facebook for highlights of news & events, and more photos & videos
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News from the Municipal Facebook site..... ( FB page link)
Municipal activities for the prevention of delinquency and crime on the island and in the Continental Zone
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FB News Sites about Isla Mujeres
Tvisla Mujeres
Taxi concession holders must pay a fee per vehicle under the new Mobility Law LINK
(This information has already been translated. They're also required to have insurance, airbags, and newer model vehicles.)
On Tuesday night, at beach in the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Meres near the "El Meco" ruin, ten undocumented Cubans were arrested, with the Captain of the boat, whose nationality wasn't released.
A security guard notified the police and Navy at11pm, who immediately arrived aboard an interceptor-type boat. State police provided assistance with the arrests on a beach by the Flamingos restaurant, along the highway between Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam. The Cubans were turned over to authorities with the INM (National Migration Institute).
The high powered boat, "Mar Azul", with four 300 HP Mercury engines, can be seen at the Naval pier, flying a US flag, but information wasn't released about its registration or ownership. There have been cases in the past where traffic in undocumented Cubans involved boats stolen from Florida marinas. This activity was common for more than two decades, but has been much rarer lately.
Sources: Por Esto (link below) & TVQRoo LINK
Club Loman's Green and the El Pescador beach club are sponsoring an athletic event on Sunday, April 7th at 7am for children aged 4-12 at the Mundaca hacienda, on Avenue de los Peces. There will be male and female categories, in the following groups: Age 4-5 will run for 200 meters, Age 6-7 for 400m, Age 8-9 for 800m, and Age 10-12 for 1600 meters. Registration is free on Monday-Friday 5:30p-7p at the airfield, bring your CURP card. Numbers will be handed out Friday at the airport 5p-7p Awards will be given at the El Pescador club at 10am after the race.
Parents complain about Director of middle school restricting access to bathrooms for students.
Video of caskets needing attention in the cemetery
Lifeguard training
In advance of the Easter holidays, Naval personnel with the Isla Mujeres base are training staff with the Civil Protection departments of Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Cancun, to improve their performance during rescues. VIDEO
Noti Isla Mujeres
Holbox: On the verge of a sanitary emergency LINK
Link to Naval website and phone number for those seeking a career with VIDEO of Naval base
Photo of the Monument to the Fishermen at night
Personnel with the Tortugranja are conducting talks at the primary schools of the island and the Continental Zone about conservation of marine flora and fauna and the environment of Isla Mujeres. The Director of the Tortugranja, Deline García Canto, said, "With these talks, we seek to raise awareness in children, giving them knowledge of Nature through experiences, showing them natural spaces, creating empathy with living beings and talking about the importance of keeping Isla Mujeres a green municipality."
She also spoke about the work of the Tortugranja staff during the nesting season of sea turtles, protecting them while nesting and gathering the eggs for incubation at the facility, and reminded residents not to disturb or hinder the turtles. She encouraged the islanders to respect the natural resources of the island to make it a better place to live.
IM Noticias
No electrical failures have been recorded since the installation of the Mega Generator Plant at the airfield, which is considered provisional until the eventual replacement of the underwater electrical line, which comes from the mainland near Punta Sam to the northern part of the island. The replacement cost of the submarine line is estimated to be about 30 million pesos.
The CFE (Federal Electrical Commission) is planning to move the overhead wiring on Rueda Medina underground and the generator is ready to provide electricity in the event of any interruptions. Last week, the CFE was doing work between their offices and the kindergarten just north of colonia Salina Chica.
Implementing security measures in ferry terminals that are similar to airports
On April 1st, in advance of the Easter holidays, security measures similar to those at airports will be implemented at the ferry terminals of Isla Mujeres, including metal detectors and random inspections by security personnel. At the terminal in Gran Puerto, a random system using lights will be used, with passengers pushing a button and having their possessions inspected if the light is red.
This announcement came after increased security was observed at the Isla Mujeres terminal by Naval personnel and Federal police.
Expecting 20,000 to 30,000 tourists daily during Easter vacations
It is noted that the island is popular with domestic tourists during this holiday, and preparations are being made in regard to trash collection, since the amount nearly doubles. Preparations are also being made for increased security and coordinated operations of other agencies including Civil Protection, the Red Cross, and the Navy.
La Tertulia
Residents and entrepreneurs with businesses on Rueda Medina are complaining about the parking situation and asking for intervention by Traffic police, because the situation is causing traffic jams and is hazardous for passengers exiting and entering taxis and for pedestrians. It is noted that there are now similar problems in the colonias such as Salina Chica where large trucks have difficulties making deliveries. Photos & VIDEO
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Link to Por Esto's Isla Mujeres section
Click on Spanish headline for the original article & photos
Isla Mujeres news briefs
Breves de Isla Mujeres
The Navy is offering careers and opportunities to develop professionally, and benefits include medical care, savings fund, scholarships, life insurance, mortgages, compensation, housing fund, retirement pension, 20 days of vacation, a secure salary, and a work environment with order and discipline. Contact info is given.
The Crime Prevention agency is conducting talks in the primary schools, and has provided various crime prevention programs in the past two years, creating links between the police and the population and promoting a culture of respect and healthy family lifestyles. They are working to prevent vandalism, delinquency, and to ensure that Isla Mujeres continues to be the safest municipality in the state of Quintana Roo.
The Tortugranja has been conducting educational talks about care of marine animals and the environment. Turtle nesting season is May 15-Oct 15, and these efforts have been increased in anticipation of the upcoming season. They are focusing on students in grade 3-6th.
Undocumented Cubans arrested after guard 'blows the whistle'
Por “pitazo” caen indocumentados
See translation in TVIM section above.Small boats restricted to port by Cold Front #46
Cerró el puerto por el frente frío 4
March 27 The tourism catamarans and other boats over 40 feet, including the ferries, continued to operate, while the small boats were restricted and unable to go to Isla Contoy or operate in the Bay. There were no boats going out for recreational diving, nor for sport or commercial fishing. The strength of the winds decreased around dusk, and increased in the night.Port authority renovates old dock
API adapta vieja estructura para más atraques
The APIQRoo (state Port Authority) dock will have an expanded capacity following the renovation of its concrete pier, for the mooring of recreational boats, allowing large boats to bring tourists to the island. The dock is over 50 meters long and will be able to accommodate four large boats at the same time. This is in addition to the wooden pier (aka the former Magana ferry pier) which was renovated this winter, and between the two this will triple the capacity compared to the Easter holidays last year.The cost of the renovation of the concrete pier was not disclosed, but it is considered to be minor since the structure was evaluated and found to be in good shape. It was built over four decades ago and was used back then for the pangas that helped supply the island.
The concrete dock renovation should be completed in less than three weeks before the holiday season begins, and is expected to serve a half dozen boats that serve locations including Garrafon, El Pescador, and Dolphin Discovery, among others.
In recent years, the Port Authority has served about 5 million passengers annually (counting each passenger twice...once arriving and once departing). There have been unconfirmed reports that Ultramar plans to stop using the Port Authority terminal for its ferries coming from the Cancun Hotel Zone and to bring those passengers to a private dock near the Luxury restaurant instead.
~25,000 tourists arriving daily
Arriban unos 25 mil turistas por día
Although the Easter holidays haven't begun, the Coordinator General for the Port Authority on the island, Rosa Elena Rios Hernandez, reports peaks of 22,000 to 25,000 people daily have already been reached, and she expects this for the remainder of the month and during April. She said last year during the Easter holidays, there number of passengers reached 27,000.Ms. Rios said the largest number of passengers arriving occurs in the morning and departures increase considerably, in the same proportion, in the afternoons. Operations for berthing and the departure of each of the ferries have been sped up, to decrease the amount of time that passengers spend waiting in the terminal.
Tourists enjoying clean beaches
Playas limpias reciben al turismo
Enrique Lima Zuno said that last year there were reports, at times, of up to 35,000 tourists daily during the Easter holidays. A similar number of visitors arrived at times in December of last year when massive amounts of sargasso washed up in the Maya Riviera and in Cancun, so travel agents were promoting the island as an alternative. He said the arrival of sargassum to the beaches of Isla Mujeres has been considerably reduced, thanks to the placement of wooden breakwaters, which reduce sand erosion and have aided in growth of the beaches.Lack of governmental assistance during ban on grouper and lobster
Pescadores “sortean” veda de mero y langosta
In the past three years, governmental authorities haven't provided temporary employment for the fishermen during these periods of restriction. Previously, they had received a fixed salary for doing tasks for the benefit of the community such as painting, cleaning, sweeping and planting gardens, either in the morning or in the afternoon, which helped them deal with their precarious economic situations during these times. It is noted that going out to sea can cost them up to 2000 pesos in gasoline, which they don't always recover.There is a higher demand during Lent, and they are currently catching and selling other species including pez ballesta (triggerfish) cojinuda, coronado and el boquinete (hogfish). Although they can't leave port when the seas are rough, they benefit from the cold fronts and 'suradas', which cause their catches to increase, when they can go back to work. The lobster catch was good this season, and there is plenty of inventory in storage. (The grouper closure is only two months, ending April 1st. The lobster ban began on March 1st and the season reopens on July 1st.)
Isla Mujeres: Among the safest destinations
Isla Mujeres, entre los destinos más seguros
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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 & fast 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, BBQ grills, safes, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer & dryer, loungers. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio & our backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking, 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 neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Within ten minutes walk are a variety of restaurants including Mango Cafe, Brisas, Manolitos, La Chatita, 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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Full moon rising over the Caribbean
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March 20 6:51 March 21 7:54 March 22 8:55 March 23 9:55 March 24 10:53 March 25 11:50 Painting by Pamela Haase Sunset ~6:50-7 Sunrise ~7:05-6:40 |
March Events
Provided by MaraVilla Caribe & Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events
Plogging events to clean up the island are held on Saturday mornings 8-11, meetup locations at this LINK . Volunteers welcome! Here's the Accion Isla LINK
The Little Yellow School House is serving tasty lunch specials that change weekly on Wednesdays 11:30-1p, located on Paseo de Peces in La Gloria, the wide east-west street with Mundaca, Catholic Church & University and the Bead Coop. LYSH provides education & therapy for Isla's special needs kids. Memorable, fun experience, tasty affordable food & a good cause. More info: LINK
On the first Monday of each month, there is usually a civic ceremony in the morning, often on the Town Square.
Fishermen in this region are banned from catching Lobster, Grouper and Octopus in March. Lobsters kept in captivity continue to be available, along with frozen tails. LINK
Carnaval Schedule
Friday, March 1st Noche de Gala/Gala NightCoronation of the Kings & Queens in all categories
Presentation of dance troupes
Dance to live music byYerbabuena
Town Square 8:30p
Saturday, March 2 Noche Cubana/Cuban NightPresentation of dance troupes
Dance to live music by Grupo Junior Klan
Town Square 8:30p
Sunday, March 3 Carnaval Parade-Fantasy
Contest of Decorated Floats/Carts
Procession is on Rueda Medina from the Naval base to the Fishermen's Monument at the Traffic Circle
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Afternoon of Fantasy
Bouncy houses, Children's Costume contest, dance troupe performances and show for kids
Town Square 5p
Night of Fantasy
Presentation of the Queen of Diversity, Performances by dance troupes, Performance by Silvanna Show
Town Square 8:30p
The parades are Sunday & Monday at 3p from the Naval Base to the
Monument to the Fishermen, so Rueda Medina will be closed. Although the
map doesn't show it, traffic is usually detoured down Juarez & the
section of Hidalgo that is south of the Square (which usually affects
where parking is allowed on Juarez, temporarily.)It says...Due to celebrations for Carnaval 2019 in Isla Mujeres, March 1-5, there will partial, temporary road closures for the performances of the dance troupes.
On March 3 & 4, Rueda Medina will be closed during the parade. Please plan ahead, and thank you for your understanding.
Monday, March 4-Carnaval Parade-Regional & Comedy
Contest of Decorated Floats/Carts
Procession is on Rueda Medina from the Naval Base to the Fishermen's Monument at the traffic circle.
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Comedy & Regional Night
Costume Contest for Adults
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Comedy by Macta
Town Square 8:30p
Tuesday, March 5-Fat Tuesday
Show by DJ's
Playa Centro 3p
Tuesday Night of Carnaval (Fat Tuesday)
Presentation of Dance Troupes, The Will & Burning of Juan Carnaval
Dance to live music by Caribbean Kings
Town Square 8:30p
On or around March 4th, there is usually a ceremony commemorating the arrival of Francisco Hernandez Cordoba in 1517, who is credited with discovering the Yucatan and what is now Mexico, after landing on Isla Mujeres. The expedition of 110 men and 3 boats sailed from Cuba and and sailed around the coast, battling with the Maya, until all but one were injured, and over 50 had died.
Thursday, March 7 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Friday, March 8 International Women's Day. These are the women of LYSH, providing education & therapy for Isla's special needs kids.
Saturday, March 9 Downtown at 8p on the court by the Town Square
Saturday, March 9 Casa de la Cultura at 8p, jazz-funk-rock fusion band Sr. Mandril.
Free. On the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo.Sunday, March 10 Pescador baseball field 1p Cocteleros vs Cancun Rockies 20p
Thursday, March 14 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Sunday, March 17 St. Patrick's Day
Monday, March 18 is a day off for the birthday of Benito Juarez, which is on March 21st.
Tuesday, March 19 is Dia de San Jose which may be celebrated with a dance on the Town Square
Wednesday, March 20 is Spring Equinox
Thursday, March 21 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Thursday, March 21 at 8p on the Town Square. Music of Isla Mujeres
Saturday, March 23 The Quintana Roo Tigres will play the Campeche Piratas at the El Pescador baseball field oat 1p. This is a preseason game & the field is in front of Chedraui.
Rabies vaccination campaign at the following locations & dates 9a-2p. Free, Pets must be at least three months old and not pregnant or lactating.
Wednesday, March 27 at 9p bike ride around the island, meeting up at Abasolo & Juarez.
Thursday, March 28 Artist Fair 3-8p Casa de la Cultura on the back street Guerrero at the cross street Abasolo
Saturday, March 30 Sonora Dinamita 9p Pescador baseball field in front of Chedraui. Tickets on sale.
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
LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation)
LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres
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