Islas marías island is a tropical archipelago that makes up part of the general district of Quintana Roo in the south-eastern coast of Mexico. The islands are believed to have been discovered by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. The majority of the islands are part of the municipality of Playa del Carmen, but the uninhabited Islas Cozumel are administratively a part of the state of Quintana Roo. The total land area is approximately 1,724 hectares. The archipelago is composed of six main islands: Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Isla Tulum, Isla de Juárez, Isla de los Césares, and Isla de la Concha.
Contents
All About Of Islas Marías Island
History
The islands were first explored by Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage. There is some evidence that the islands may have been discovered as early as the 6th century AD when a group of Mayan refugees settled there and created an agricultural society. The natives called the archipelago Islas de Cozumel, which means “Islands of Spice.”
The Spanish colonized the islands in 1524 and renamed them Islas Marías after Catherine of Aragon, wife of King Henry II of England. In 1697, Elias Bouçau sailed through these waters to claim sovereignty over the island of Isla de la Juventud, now Cozumel. The islands were later captured in 1747, by Rear Admiral Sir Charles Saunders and Pedro Romero who attempted to protect British shipping interests along the Yucatan shore through a military intervention on behalf of Spain against Dutch pirates. They took them under British protection as part of their Atlantic blockade between May 18th – 22nd after which they became known as “The Cape Isle”, but this agreement was short-lived.
Climate
The islands have a tropical climate with little seasonal change. The average annual temperature ranges from 27-32 degrees Celsius and the rainiest season is May to November. The islands’ marine ecosystem is assisted by a number of endemic species such as the manatee.
Places to Visit
The Isla Contoy is the island of Cozumel that is most often visited by tourists, but there are many other places to explore and experience. The main island has dining spots like Punta Laguna with a perfect view for snorkeling, or Table Rock for a fun dive (manta rays love this place).
Island hopping can also be done in some parts including taking dromedary rides in Palmar Norte where locals gather every day at 9:45am offering bird-taming tours. Visiting Xcaret – A foreigner may have heard of the place, Xcaret is a Mayan archaeological site and today it is only open weekends to give visitors access to 15 water-themed attractions.
Culture
Even though the culture is a mix of various indigenous groups like the Maya, British and Spanish influences are very evident. There are also some places that reflect traditions from other parts of Mexico such as Papantla which during Corpus Christi week celebrates with parades, music and fireworks in commemoration of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Politics
Mexico exercised sovereignty over the islands until 1898 when they were ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Paris after winning their independence from Spain. Since then, Cozumel has been a municipality within Quintana Roo state and is administered by a municipal president who is directly elected every four years along with members of an executive committee. The island serves as a municipality without an elected council. In 2000, while on the island of Cozumel and Xcaret, an election was in progress which resulted in pro-Castro Cuban Roberto Sanchez being voted municipal president despite the two parties united against him because of his ties to Fidel Castro’s growing communism regime not only in Cuba but all throughout Latin America too.
Government services
There is no airport on the island and all visitors arrive by ferry from Playa del Carmen or Puerto Morelos. Quintana Roo state provides all police, firefighting and ambulance services to the municipality of Cozumel plus ambulance service to Isla Mujeres. The primary hospital for tourists is located in San Miguel de Allende but most medical care on the island can be found in Cancún or Playa del Carmen.
Tourism
The main draw to the island is its snorkelling and diving. Other activities include exploring the Mayan ruins, kayaking, windsurfing and boating. The most popular season is from December through March when temperatures are mild but there’s a chance of rain.
Transport
A ferry from Playa del Carmen docks in Cozumel about every hour during the day. There is also a bus service that links Cancún with the island but it’s more expensive and there are no direct connections between Cozumel and other destinations on Quintana Roo.
Cuisine
The cuisine on the island is similar to that of Mexico but with a few imported items such as shrimp, lobster and scallops. Local favorites include tripas (tripe) cooked in unique styles such as chili con carne or with roasted green chilies, carnitas (pork) wrapped in banana leaves and simmered for hours in a spicy sauce, barbacoa de puerco (barbecue pork), panuchos (breaded deep-fried fish) served with mayonnaise and avocado, ceviche made from tilapia or shrimp marinated in citrus juices , and tilapia caught from the local reefs.
Conclusion
Islas Marías is a small archipelago located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The islands are made up of the two largest islands, Isla Verde and Isla Grande, as well as a number of smaller islets and rocks. The islands are known for their clear water, white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and scuba diving opportunities. Visitors can find many different types of accommodation on the islands, from luxury resorts to family-run homestays.
FAQs
1 ) What Are The Climate Conditions Like On The Islands?
Ans: The climate is tropical, with a fairly warm temperature all year round. The average summer temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius, while during winter it can drop to around 18 degrees Celsius.
2) Are There Any Specific Wildlife That I Should Be Aware Of When Visiting Islas Marías?
Ans: There are a number of different types of wildlife that you may encounter when visiting Islas Marías, including birds (including toucans and macaws), spiders, iguanas, and small mammals such as rabbits and hares.
3 ) What Are The Best Beaches To Visit On Islas Marías?
Ans: There are many beautiful beaches on the islands, but some of our favourites include Caleta Bay (Isla Verde), Playa del Coco (Isla Grande), and Bahia de los Duendes (Isla Tulum).
4 ) Are There Any Governmental Services Available On The Islands?
Ans: Yes, there are a number of government services available on Islas Marías, including health care, education, and tourism.
5 ) Are There Any Restaurants Or Food Outlets Available On The Islands?
Ans: Yes, there are a number of restaurants and food outlets available on Islas Marías, including some that serve international cuisine.
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