Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory

Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory

Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory

By 11.1 min read2114 words

Hola and welcome! Today its about an island that totally enchanted me: Isla Mujeres. I was lucky enough to visit this wonderful place and can only recommend it to you. The small island off the coast of Cancun offers not only beautiful beaches and turquoise blue seas, but also a vibrant culture and plenty of activities. Whether youre travelling alone, with friends or as a family, Isla Mujeres has got something for everyone. Join us on a journey full of experiences and discoveries!

Content: Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Short Travel Advisory

What to expect

Mexico has very few islands, and Isla Mujeres is one of them. Although close to Cancún, the island is a cozy tropical holiday paradise without the hectic high life of Cancún or Playa del Carmen.

However, Isla Mujeres with its colorful houses has an incredible charm, and the beauty of its beaches is second to none. The island is a small, tropical paradise with a very relaxed ambience.

The only town on the island with its rustic houses makes you want to take a long walk. The food on the island is delicious and consists mainly of seafood and Mexican cuisine. And the beach is just too good to be true.

Isla Mujeres Mexico

Isla Mujeres on the Map

Isla Mujeres (“Island of Women“) is a small island on the Mexican Caribbean coast about 13 km north of Cancún and is accessible via the ferry service of the port of Puerto Juárez. The ferry runs every 30 minutes, the journey takes 15-20 minutes.

The island has an area of about 7 km in length and 650 m in width, with an area of 4.2 km ². The west coast has been part of the National Park Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún y Punta Nizuc since 1996.

How to get to Isla Mujeres?

The closest international airport is in Cancún. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Puerto Juárez or Playa Tortuga. This is where the ferries to Isla Mujeres start. The crossing itself takes about twenty minutes. From Puerto Juarez there is an hourly ferry, at some times during the day even more every 30 minutes. From Playa Tortuga in the Hotel Zone of Cancún, the connection has slightly longer intervals.

Once you arrive at Isla Mujeres, you can easily explore the only town on the island walking. For an island tour you can rent a bike, a scooter or a golf cart.

Isla Mujeres in the past and nowadays

Isla Mujeres has been used by the Maya since 550 BC. At that time, however, the island was not permanently inhabited, but there was a sanctuary in honor of the Mayan goddess Ixchel. The Spanish conquistador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba discovered the island in March 1517.

Isla Mujeres today has a population of just over 11,000 inhabitants, who make their living mainly from tourism and fishing.

Isla Mujeres Mexico - Temple of the Mayan Goddess Ixchel

The most beautiful beaches of the island are located in the north near the city center, where the water is calm and looks like a gigantic turquoise swimming pool.

To the south is the Garrafon National Park with the temple ruins of the Mayan goddess Ixchel and a breeding station for sea turtles. Wide coral reefs full of colorful life invite you to snorkel. Only suitable for experienced and certified divers are the reefs of Punta Norte and Manchones in the south, as well as the cave of the sleeping sharks and the positions of two sunken ships.

Isla Mujeres North Beach

On Isla Mujeres, time passes slowly. The center of the only village is just four by six blocks in size and has retained the charm and tranquility of the former fishing village.

During an evening walk among the colorful houses of the island you can watch the fishing families mending their nets, and in the restaurants of the island you can taste the catch of the day prepared according to delicious traditional recipes.

Hotels on Isla Mujeres

If you don’t just visit Isla Mujeres for a day from Cancún, you’ll need a place for the night. You will certainly find a place that you love and would like to come back to.

One of the best things about Isla Mujeres is that it offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and style. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort or a cozy guesthouse, you’ll find plenty of great options on the island.

Isla Mujeres Mexico Hotel at the beach

Here are some highly recommended places to stay on Isla Mujeres:

  • Hotel Playa la Media Luna: Located at the northern end of the island, this boutique hotel offers stunning ocean views of Half Moon Beach, a private beach and a beautiful pool.

  • Na Balam Beach Hotel: Located on the famous North Beach, this eco-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Mayan cuisine and vegetarian options, a beach bar, and a spa.

  • Privilege Aluxes: Located on Playa Norte, this upscale resort has two pools, a spa, a beach club, and great restaurants.

  • Casa de los Sueños: This charming boutique hotel with private access to the sea offers 4 swimming pools, massage services and very tastefully decorated rooms.

  • Ixchel Beach Hotel: This beachfront hotel offers spacious suites with sea views, a pool and snack bar, and plenty of activities for leisure.

Most hotels are located in the north of the island, where most activities are also offered for tourists. For a more secluded stay, you better turn south. From upscale resort to small cheap hotels, everything is on offer – perfect for enjoying the ambience on Isla Mujeres for a few days.

Booking.com

Restaurants on Isla Mujeres

One of the best ways to learn about the local culture is through food. Isla Mujeres offers a variety of restaurants and street stalls offering delicious local cuisine. The cuisine on the island is of course dominated by seafood and fish, and you should not miss that … it doesn’t get any fresher than that! Traditional spices and local ingredients promise unforgettable taste experiences.

In addition to many Mexican restaurants, Isla Mujeres also offers a variety of restaurants with the cuisine from other countries, whose owners could not escape the charm of Isla, so they simply stayed after a holiday.

Here are some wonderful places to eat on the island:

  • Limón: Here you will find a fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, served in a picturesque setting. The Limón is an insider tip for gourmets. A reservation makes perfect sense. An extraordinary experience for all the senses.

  • La Lomita: This restaurant offers a variety of dishes from Mexican cuisine and specializes in fresh fish and seafood. La Lomita is a super cute Mexican with a nice ambiance. And the prices are really fair.

  • Olivia: This restaurant is almost an insider tip because it’s a bit hidden. You can enjoy your meal in a beautiful garden. The owners come from Israel and spoil you with fusion cuisine from the Mediterranean region. Look forward to Moroccan, Greek and Turkish treats.

  • Xantolo: This restaurant is not “just” a restaurant, but also a very nice bar. But you should not imagine a few drinks with small nibbles. The food at Xantolo is as spectacular as the drinks. In short: Top.

  • Aroma Isla: This charming eatery is a gourmet temple for those who like to eat healthy. Therefore, it is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The food is beautifully presented and really tasty. The prices are very fair. And you can also take all the treats with you as a take-away.

Cheap food is also available during the day at the market Mercado Municipal on Avenida Guerrero and in the evening at the food stalls in front of the church Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción. Warning: many locations don’t accept credit cards, better take cash with you!

Isla Mujeres Mexico - Fishing boat with pelican

Isla Mujeres Nightlife

On Isla Mujeres, the entertainment definitely doesn’t end as the sun sets. Although the nightlife of the island is very relaxed, there are some nice places where you can enjoy a few drinks, listen to music and mingle with the locals. Don’t miss out on visiting the idyllic restaurants and bars on the beach of the island, where you can enjoy not only great food but also the fresh breeze from the sea and the sound of the waves on the beach.

For the evening, you could also try these bars:

  • Soggy Peso is located right next to the beach and is known for delicious drinks and often live music. There is usually quite a lot going on here. And the margaritas at Soggy Peso are said to be among the best on the island.

  • El Patio Casa de la Música is located in the center of the village of Isla Mujeres. You can expect delicious food, fine drinks and a great ambience with live music and good events.

  • We have already recommended Xantolo in the restaurants chapter, but the bar operation also deserves a mention when it comes to evening design. If you don’t believe that, just try it yourself.

Also in Avenida Hidalgo in the center there are a lot of trendy bars and restaurants and you will certainly find something that best suits your mood and taste. Or you can simply enjoy the shows of street performers, dancers and fire swallowers, which are offered for a small tip in the evening in Avenida Hidalgo.

Isla Mujeres Mexico - Beach at sunset

What to Do on Isla Mujeres

During the day, Isla Mujeres offers activities around the turquoise Caribbean Sea for all ages. From relaxing on the beach to exploring ancient ruins, there’s something to do for everyone. There are some attractions that you should not miss.

  • Explore Isla Mujeres Downtown. It is really nice. The small town definitely invites you to an extended stroll. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to shop for souvenirs and other beautiful things you can’t resist. Especially on holiday.

  • Visit Playa Norte beach. This is the most popular beach on the island and for good reason. With its turquoise waters and soft white sand, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe and relax.

  • Try your hand at snorkeling or diving. Isla Mujeres is surrounded by coral reefs and a variety of marine life. There are many excursions you can book to explore the underwater world. Particularly spectacular is the underwater museum with sculptures by the artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

  • Visit Garrafon Natural Reef Park. Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a nature reserve and adventure park where you can snorkel, dive, zip-line and much more.

  • El Farito is a snorkeling and diving spot known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life. The spot is marked by a small lighthouse and on a trip, there is much to see under water.

  • During a visit to the Turtle Farm you can experience turtles up close and learn how they are bred and cared for.

  • Explore the ruins of Hacienda Mundaca. According to a legend, it was built by the notorious pirate and slave trader Fermín Mundaca, who wanted to conquer the heart of a woman from this island this way. But he did not succeed. However, there is still a lot to discover in this place today.

  • Visit the Mayan ruins of Isla Mujeres. The temple of the goddess Ixchel is located on the southern tip of the island on a small hill. This is said to be the highest point of the entire Yucatan Peninsula. In the center of the island there are also the ruins of El Meco. The real name of the small town is unknown, the current name comes from an inhabitant of the island who lived near the ruins in the 19th century.

  • If you’ve always dreamed of swimming with dolphins, Dolphin Discovery offers the chance to meet and interact with these friendly marine mammals. You can also meet other marine animals in the park and have a really exciting day.

Isla Mujeres Mexico - colorful caribbean houses

For exploring the island, it is best to rent a bike or golf cart. So, you are flexible and can discover the Isla Mujeres on your own. Relaxing massages, yoga classes and shopping opportunities complete the offer of the island.

Is it worth visiting Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is almost a paradise on earth and definitely worth a visit. With the white sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and an abundance of activities, there is something for everyone to do here. From exploring the ancient ruins to snorkeling and diving, you can do exciting things. The island also offers a variety of restaurants that will spoil you with delicious cuisine. If you’re looking for a place where you can relax and experience new adventures, then Isla Mujeres is probably a good choice.

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FAQs

Where is Isla Mujeres located and how to get there?

Isla Mujeres is an island in the Caribbean Sea and is located off the coast of Cancun in Mexico. There are ferries that depart hourly from Cancun and take about 20 minutes.

What is the climate like on Isla Mujeres?

The climate on Isla Mujeres is tropical and hot with an average temperature of 27°C.  The best time to travel is the winter months from November to March.

What is the best mode of transportation on Isla Mujeres?

The best mode of transportation on Isla Mujeres is a golf cart that can be rented for the day or longer. There is also public transport such as taxis and buses.

What are the main attractions on Isla Mujeres?

Top attractions on Isla Mujeres include the beaches, snorkeling and diving sites such as the MUSA Underwater Museum, as well as Manati Park and Dolphin Discovery.

What are the best beaches on Isla Mujeres?

Some of the best beaches on Isla Mujeres include Playa Norte and Playa Lancheros.

What water sports activities can I do on Isla Mujeres?

On Isla Mujeres you can do water sports activities like snorkeling trips, dives, sport fishing, jet skiing and parasailing.

When is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres?

The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is from December to April,when the weather is dry and pleasant. It is also the best time to watch whales and dolphins.

Is Isla Mujeres safe for tourists?
Yes, Isla Mujeres is safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, you should take the basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables in a safe place and avoiding lonely areas after dark.

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