Tips for Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is kind like a Cancun’s “Side B”. Yes, there are still beautiful beaches and parties can last all night, but there is also a peacefulness that you can find only here. Below are some tips for Isla Mujeres.
Tips for Isla Mujeres: The ferry
Take a cab in Cancun and drive for way too much money from really nice accommodation, White House Bed and Breakfast*, in Cancun to the port of Puerto Juarez. The water taxi ride costs just under 15 USD (300 MXN) per round trip (so there and back). The ride takes 20 minutes.
Accommodation on Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is located 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun, is seven kilometers long and just 650 meters wide at its narrowest point. There you can see the other end of the island from one coast.
A day on Isla Mujeres
In the morning enjoy the silence of the island before the day tourists arrive, and then go to morning yoga. Afterwards, have breakfast with fresh fruits. And then? Well. There is not too much to do on Isla Mujeres. You automatically adapt to the relaxed way of life. Everything is so cheerful and friendly here. Spend hours on the beach on Isla Mujeres. A little reading, a little people watching, a little admiring nature: The picturesque palm trees that provide shade, the sea that has all shades of blue to offer from turquoise to indigo and is usually really warm to boot. What could be more beautiful? In the evening, there are several options as far as food is concerned. And yet, the center of the island consists of only a few streets that you can quickly explore.
Playa Norte
The beach (Playa Norte) is relatively crowded. But it is also big enough to find a nice spot for yourself. Try Buhos Beach Bar & Restaurant and the Oceanvs beach club. And besides that, that water color and the whole ambiance of the island are so relaxing that all the other vacationers don’t really bother.
Tips for Isla Mujeres: Snorkeling and diving
The snorkeling and diving on Isla Mujeres is really nice, although not as versatile as on Caye Caulker in Belize. With a little luck you can see turtles, dolphins, sharks and in summer whale sharks. You can also visit the underwater museum of Jason deCaires Taylor. It consists of several underwater sculptures that will become artificial reefs.
A trip to Garrafon park at Punta Sur
Punta Sur is the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. You can walk there, but it takes about two hours (one way). It is better to go by bike or rent a golf cart. The prices are similar for almost all providers.
At Punta Sur you can find the remains of a Mayan temple, though the ones in Tulum are nicer, and the statue of Ixchel. She is the goddess of fertility and the moon. Many women once made pilgrimages to her – that’s why the island is called Women’s Island (Isla Mujeres). Quite different from the north of the island, there are also rugged cliffs here.
