Isla Mujeres, known as the Island of Women, is definitely worth a day-trip from Cancun. If you can stay a few nights I would highly recommend staying a week, or longer, on this idyllic island!
Been to Cancun before? Or perhaps you haven't been to Cancun but not wanting to be part of the known busy beaches, hundreds of resorts and energetic nightlife? Well if you are looking for somewhere to stay around the Yucatán Peninsula with a point of difference. I want to introduce to you a little gem I discovered off the coast of Cancun- Mexico. I am going to share with you some top tips on what to do on the Island Paradise of Isla Mujeres. If you are thinking of staying a few nights and want a touch of luxury I would recommend to stay at Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun, a luxurious, secluded ocean retreat visit their website for rates and more information http://www.zoetryresorts.com/mujeres/
You can see the Cancun skyline from the island, and it's only a short ferry ride, Isla Mujeres is nothing at all like the hustle and bustle of Cancun. It's a lot slower paced and it's an island full of fun, lots of activities, full of colour and that real traditional Mexican culture. The best part of this island is the most amazing blue waters and best beaches and your mode of transport is a golf buggy.
To get to Isla Mujeres, arrange an airport transfer for the Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal (Puerto Juarez). This ferry goes every 30 minutes all day, and takes about 20 -30 minutes to get there.
As you near the island you can literally feel your stress peeling away as the ferry cruises into the bay of Isla Mujeres.
Here are some tips on what you must do whilst staying on this island paradise.
Top 10 things to do in Isla Mujeres (Spanish for Island of Women)
1. Hire a Golf Cart: Its the first thing to do from the moment you step foot on the island. Hire a golf cart/buggy and explore the island's hidden secrets. Its lot of fun and its easy to drive around the island and there is no crazy traffic once you leave the downtown area. Make sure you hire with a reputatuble golf car hire company that will come and rescue you if your buggy breaks down mid way exploring the island. Of course, this happened to me but it actually made it more fun and memorable and we happen to stumble on some beautiful beaches whilst we waited for buggy mechanic buddy. How much is it to rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres? The prices ranges from about $50 – $75 per day or you can even rent from your hotel’s concierge.
2. Spend a day at Playa Norte Beach
While there are other beaches on the island, Playa Norte is the main attraction. Playa Norte is perfect calm and protected the beach that stays quite shallow for quite a distance out from the shoreline and it is super laid back and cruise with some funky little beach bars and restaurants to try out. Snorkel or simply swim and sit back and relax.
3. Wander around Punta Sur
On your buggy head to the very southern tip of the island to visit the Mayan Temple, sculpture garden and breathtaking views. At the very southern tip of Isla Mujeres you’ll also find the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden. Full of unique sculpture and art and walkways winding down to the steep cliffs, here you can look out on awesome views of the ocean on one side and Cancun’s bay on the other. You MUST get the cheesy touristy photo with the BIG IGUANA.
4. Whale shark Diving and Snorkelling with Whale Sharks
If you are lucky to be visiting between mid-May and September you’ll be able to go and swim with the hundreds of whale sharks that gather in the waters near the island. I would recommend you go with an official tour guide (usually found in dive shops) as they are more likely to follow the set standards that ensure the safety and well being of the whale sharks. It may take hours to finally find the whale sharks but when you do find a huge pod its incredible. Its one of the most amazing experiences I have ever done to see these beautiful big creates in their natural habit and swim right next to them as they are feeding on the abundance of plankton. There are plenty of companies selling the day tours on the mainland in Cancun but if you are staying on Isla Mujeres, I would recommend the following tour companies.http://www.islawhalesharks.com
http://www.diveislamujeres.com/aa_diving_price_list.htm
5. Zip lining in Paradise
For the adrenalin junkies, I never disappoint.. I always include a recommended activity for you in my blogs because I am an adrenalin junky. Just down the road from Mayan temples at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres you can see the site of the Garrafon Natural Reef Park. Here you can do a lot of activities that are on offer the the energetic holiday makers.
It all starts here at the top of a 42-foot tower built on the highest part of the park. Its amazing and the feeling of pure exhilaration whilst launched from almost 100 feet above sea level. You literally zip past the cliffs at lightning speed and the waves will have your heart racing. Its a stunning view looking back over to the Cancun coastline.
http://www.garrafon.com/activities-zip-line/
6. Kayak around the Garrison Marine Park
Spend a few hours kayaking around the very southern tip of the island in the most bluest of blue waters you have ever seen. Its a free activity if you have paid to enter the park.
The park also has direct access to a beautiful cliff area called Punta Sur where you will admire the breathless path by the sea that will lead you to the first spot on Mexican soil touched by the sunrise light every morning.
6. Swim with the Dolphins : It is the most exhilarating experience when you can swim with dolphins in the wild in their own natural environment but this is very rare and can never be guaranteed everyday so if you would like to tick this off your list I would recommend to check out the http://www.dolphindiscovery.com on the island.
7. Take a dip and hug a Nurse Shark at Playa Tiburon
Why not meet and swim with the local mexican family pet. Playa Tiburon, which means Shark Beach in English, is set on the west coast of Isla Mujeres. There are a few quaint little beach front restaurants and bars to stop for lunch and a few cocktails.... or maybe 5 or 6 cocktails. This will then give you the courage to swim with the local nurse sharks. For just $5 (USD), you can swim with the locals placid nurse sharks located in sea pens off the coast.
8. Visit the Turtle Farm
The farm provides refuge for loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles ranging in weight from 150g to more than 300kg. It also has a small but interesting aquarium, displays on marine life and a pen that holds large nurse sharks. If you are lucky to be staying from July to November you may get to release the baby turtles back into the sea. Great activity to entertain the kidly winks.
9. Shopping at the markets at El Centro Downtown
Take the time to walk up and down the streets in El Centre downtown in the north end of the island where the ferry terminal is located. Its got a great feel and atmosphere. Check out the fantastic little shops and markets you can pick up some great Mexican souvenir to take home.
10. Buho’s Beach Bar - Swing and Sip
Its a must do when in Mexico to visit a Beach Bar with swings. Order an icy Margarita at Buho's Beach Bar located on the north end of the island on Playa Cocos, the beach famous for its crystal clear waters and brilliant white sand. Simply Swing and Sip and watch the world go by and settle in for the afternoon and watch the amazing sunsets. Sunset Happy Hour is a must with the tempting offer of "Two for One" on Tequila and local beer, and join in a friendly game of Beach Volley.
I could go on with another top 10 must do's in Isla Mujeres but you simply need to experience it yourself. Its a great getaway, a place to relax, unwind, dive, snorkel, swim and enjoy some wonderful sight-seeing, adventurous tours and activities, silky white sand beaches, accompanied by a tranquil and restful atmosphere then head for Isla Mujeres. It won't disappoint. Enquire at your local travel agent for pricing and package deals. Happy Travels! LWJ xxx
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