El Farito in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is definitely a paradisiac island. Located eight miles away from Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo, Isla Mujeres is surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Being a natural paradise and offering many different natural attractions, Isla Mujeres has become the perfect site to practice ecotourism in its unique Natural Parks.

Isla Mujeres is visited every year by thousands of tourists coming from all over the world to admire the exceptional marine life and to dive or snorkel in the amazing Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest reef in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the main touristic activities on the island. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the surrounding waters of Isla Mujeres offer all the possibilities for you to practice. From tranquil shallow areas to incredible deep ones, the Isla Mujeres’ underwater life is an intense experience that you cannot miss.

If you are a nature devotee, Isla Mujeres is the perfect vacation destination for you. It offers several natural parks and Eco touristic tours that you will love.  One of the most magic attractions on the island is the tour to El Farito (The Little Lighthouse). Located 1.5 kilometers away from the island on La Carbonera Islet, El Farito on Isla Mujeres is considered a National Aquatic Park. It stands on a breathtaking reef and offers an amazing view. The turquoise waters that surround El Farito are the home of all types of colorful marine life, an array of fish types and stunning coral formations. That’s why El Farito has turned into one of the sites selected by many tourists to snorkel or to practice amateur scuba diving.

As you explore the transparent waters, you will come across the Virgin of El Farito. This Virgin was originally submerged in the year 1966 to protect the sailors and the fishermen in the area. The image was donated by the underwater explorer Pablo Bush Romero and honors the “Virgen del Carmen”. The Catholic priest John Mc Carthy blessed the image as it was being submerged in the beautiful waters. There used to be an annual boat procession to the Virgin of El Farito in which fishermen offered her flowers and coins, and made all kinds of promises expecting to get good health and a good productive year.  The Virgin was stolen and replaced in 1994 when a new procession accompanied its submersion. This time, it was the priest José Eduardo Perez Hernandez who was in charge of its blessing.

Most snorkeling tours include a visit to El Farito. The Little Lighthouse has the advantage that being so close to the shores of Isla Mujeres, it can still be visited when there is bad weather and other snorkeling sites are closed.

If you are planning a tranquil vacation, surrounded by the invigorating power of Nature; if you really want to experience a different type of vacation; if you want to touch heaven, then visit Isla Mujeres and get deep into the water. Leave a coin to the Virgen del Carmen in El Farito as you swim among the most colorful fish and coral formations. Enjoy El Farito on Isla Mujeres and expect a miracle afterwards.