Best things to do in Isla Mujeres
Find out more about those top places in Isla Mujeres
Find out more about those top places in Isla Mujeres
Just off the coast of the touristy resort city of Cancun, Isla Mujeres seems like a world apart. Moving at a carefree pace, the island is one of Mexico’s most relaxing destinations ringed by crushed coral beaches and turquoise seas. What is more, the unspoiled clapperboard villages that pepper the island are a refreshing change from the skyscraper hotels of the nearby resorts. However, the island’s main draw is undoubtedly the chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel in some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular coral reefs.
One of Mexico’s greatest conservation stories can be found at the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm where local fisherman, who once hunted these remarkable creatures, now protect a large expanse of their nesting grounds. Every year some 100000 baby turtles hatch but, due to predatory birds and fish, only around 1000 survive, which only highlights how important the work of the Turtle Farm is.
Most people come to Isla Mujeres for its beaches and Playa Norte is undisputed the best of the bunch. Indeed, once you set foot on the seemingly endless expanse of white sand or take a dip in the tranquil turquoise waters you will not want to leave.
The reefs that life off the coast of Isla Mujeres are some of the Caribbean’s finest and can easily be explored with tours that leave regularly from the island. The most spectacular of these even do their best to let you swim up close with the gigantic but completely peaceful whale sharks that cruise the waters between June and September.
Punta Sur, the southernmost tip of Isla Mujeres, is one of Mexico’s most scenic spots: azure waves crash against tide worn rocks; colorful seabirds barrel overhead; a picturesque lighthouse guides ships to safety; and a crumbling Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility perches on the cliff’s edge. In short, you have to see Punta Sur to believe it.
Set out in the Caribbean Sea, there is no better way to explore the coves and reefs of the Isla Mujeres that by sail boat. Regular tours leave from the island either on single hulled or catamaran vessels that take you out to dazzling coral reefs and tranquil spots where you can go paddle-boarding, swimming and sunbathing.