It's time to take a breath, Isla Mujeres

Just breathe!

Put your feet up, breathe in, breathe out, and relax! 

The high season crowds are starting to thin out, giving everyone on the island a much-needed break. 

Schools are back in session in Canada, the USA, and Mexico, reducing the thick masses of families traveling to sunny locations for the annual spring vacation.

Dropping off friends at Ultramar boat

There were many afternoons this year when we avoided Centro between the peak hours of eleven in the morning to four in the afternoon, when the fleets of golf carts are at their busiest. 

Sunburnt day-trippers from the Cancun hotel zone pour off the tour boats and are caught up in the swirl. Typically, most first-time visitors rent a golf cart, tour the island, snap a hundred selfies, and get back on their assigned boat by late afternoon. 

It’s a good way to get an overview of the island, but there is so much more to discover than white sandy beaches and spectacular viewpoints.

Even though the many islanders employed in the hospitality industry love the increase in tips, by the time high season starts to wind down, everyone is exhausted and longing for peace and quiet. 

The tempo will ramp again in late June when summer holidays bring North American and European families to the island to snorkel, dive, and swim with the manta rays and the whale sharks.

Participants of the procession

Last week, just as we were dropping friends off at the Ultramar passenger boats to begin their trek back to their summer home in Canada, we got caught up in the annual re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 

At least two or three thousand worshippers followed the actor depicting Christ, who was dragging an enormously heavy cross. There were Roman Centurions, the Roman judges and officials, and a crowd of followers, many of whom were dressed in period costumes. The event began in the morning and encompassed all three of the larger Catholic churches, and ended around three in the afternoon at the large church in the square.

Umbrellas for participants

It’s a fascinating contract to see the participants of this solemn religious procession trekking six kilometers under the blazing sun and at the end intermingle with scantily-clad tourists. Just one of the many oddities of living in a tourist destination.

For a few weeks, everyone can take a breath, spend time with their family and friends, and rest up for the summer onslaught.  April and May are our favourite months on Isla. The weather is usually hot, sunny, with little or no rain and the streets are somewhat quieter. It’s a perfect time to enjoy our island paradise.

The almost-famous Sparky

Hasta Luego

Lynda, Lawrie, and Sparky

Isla Mujeres Mystery Series

Available as e-books and paperbacks, 

in online book stores