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For such a small, sleepy place, there’s all kinds of issues to do in Isla Mujeres — an island situated off the coast of Cancun in Mexico.
Translated from Spanish, Isla Mujeres means the “Island of Ladies”, named after the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Goddess of fertility and happiness.
There are quite a few unimaginable places to visit in Mexico, however be sure you add Isla Mujeres to the checklist!
A fast, 20-minute ferry experience from Cancun will whisk you away to an island paradise of heat turquoise waters, swaying palm timber and white silky sand seashores.
Isla Mujeres is ideal for a day journey however we suggest staying longer, particularly if you wish to escape the social gathering scene and all the loopy things to do in Cancun. That is the place to come back to get pleasure from a calming island break.
Word: This put up has been up to date in March 2022 to replicate present charges, sights and issues to do (and never do) in Isla Mujeres. Get pleasure from!
On this put up, I’ll checklist the 21 finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres you don’t wish to miss, however first…
Getting To & From Isla Mujeres
You will have totally different choices to get to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport — both by bus, taxis on the airport, or personal transportation booked previous to your arrival.
Many individuals choose to take personal transportation to Isla Mujeres booked with Cancun Airport Transportation. The car offered is a van, and the experience is personal — for those who e-book it, you get the car to your self.
You can too share with a bunch of individuals to scale back the fee. The vans embrace a bilingual driver, air con, and insurance coverage.
To get from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres, the price of the entire van could be $45 one-way, or $75 spherical journey. Click here to learn more.
1. Laze On The Pristine Playa Norte Seaside
A ten-minute stroll from the Ferry Pier is the favored seashore of Playa Norte or North Seaside. That is the principle seashore on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of many best beaches in the Caribbean!
The water right here is calm, and shallow, making it a fantastic spot for households or for only a chilled out day of floating round.
2. Test Out Punta Sur
Punta Sur is situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Right here you’ll be able to go to the Pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or just admire the gorgeous rocky views. It is a attractive place to easily come and benefit from the surroundings.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a fantastic place to loosen up, snorkel and have a drink in Punta Sur, try Garaffon de Castilla — which is situated subsequent to the Garrafon Reef Park (which we checklist beneath, and don’t suggest).
For 100 pesos ($5), you’ve entry to the lounge chairs, showers, change rooms and snorkel gear as effectively. It is a good, mellow spot to loosen up throughout the afternoon.
Garrafon Reef Park is situated subsequent door and is residence to the Sculpture Backyard, ziplining, and different “resort” sort issues. In 2001 the Sebastian Basis and 23 well-known artists from Mexico and all over the world created sculptures to signify the Mayan civilisation.
Word: Whereas we suggest visiting the southern a part of Isla Mujeres, Goats On The Street doesn’t assist Garrafon Park as a result of the truth that captive dolphins are stored right here. Be a accountable traveller and contemplate the place you need your tourism {dollars} to go.
☞ See Additionally: Things To Do in Playa del Carmen – a listing of the highest 21 enjoyable stuff you don’t wish to miss!
3. Lease A Golf Cart (top-of-the-line issues to do in Isla Mujeres)
To have the ability to expertise all of the issues to do in Isla Mujeres we suggest that you simply lease a golf cart for the day. That is fully regular and is a well-liked factor to do.
There are a lot of golf automobile rental companies out there across the ferry port and you’ll count on to pay $45 – 55USD per day for a 2 seater.
If you happen to want to rent a golf buggy for per week you’ll be able to count on to pay wherever between $270 -375. The longer the rental, the cheaper the speed shall be. You will want a sound driver’s licence with a purpose to lease a golf cart.
And, for those who’re into {golfing}, and never simply driving golf carts, be certain that to move to the city of San Pancho on the west coast. {Golfing} is among the high things to do in San Pancho, the course there’s effectively stored and really good! Or, there are some nice {golfing} alternatives in Cancun as effectively.
4. Be a part of a Yoga Class
The Treehouse overlooks Playa Norte and it’s a paradise for yoga lovers. Get pleasure from an early morning dawn yoga class or a night sundown class.
If you happen to’re seeking to get some train throughout your journey, working towards yoga is among the high issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Costs begin at $20 for 90 minutes and there are lessons to swimsuit all ranges. For the most recent timings, and lessons try their Facebook page.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan
5. Stroll Round Centro & Admire The Sea Wall Murals
As responsible travellers, we’re all for the preservation of our world’s ocean and we had been delighted to see the ‘Sea Wall Murals’ of Isla Mujeres.
These murals had been created by numerous high avenue artists from all over the world to lift consciousness of marine species threatened by extinction within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
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6. Day Journey to Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is situated 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This pure wildlife reserve and fowl sanctuary is 9 km lengthy and 20 metres huge and was declared a Nationwide Park in 1998.
Isla Contoy is among the most necessary areas in Mexico for nesting sea birds and sea turtles. There’s a most of 200 vacationers allowed to go to each day. A day tour begins from $75 per individual click here for more information.
7. MUSA (Underwater Museum of Artwork in Isla Mujeres)
One of the vital standard actions in Isla Mujeres is to go to MUSA, (Museo Subacuático de Arte). You may tour the underwater museum by glass-bottom boat and revel in over 500 sculptures by the creator Jason deCaires Taylor.
For a greater expertise, and to get nearer to the sculptures, head on a snorkelling tour or go scuba diving. MUSA was created to encourage guests to go to another space round Isla Mujeres taking the strain off the close by reef.
Underwater sculpture parks are created as vacationer sights, however they’re additionally used as synthetic reefs to assist promote the expansion of coral and the return of extra marine life. A go to to underwater sculptures (by the identical artist) can be one of many high things to do in Grenada, and the Bahamas.
The location in Isla Mujeres is split into two galleries with 3 salons:
- Salon Nizuc – at a depth of 4 metres and appropriate for snorkelling, the Jungle Tour and the Glass Backside Boat Tour
- Salon Punta Sam – appropriate for snorkelling
- Salone Machones – at a depth of 8 metres and appropriate for each snorkellers and scuba divers
For extra data on reserving click here.
8. Go Fishing
The turquoise blue waters of Isla Mujeres are excellent for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, and spearfishing. The very best months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December via to July. If you happen to favor tuna fishing the most effective months are between April and August.
Relying on what sort of fishing you get pleasure from essentially the most, there are numerous constitution operators that can cater to your wants, starting from constitution boats to non-public yacht excursions.
⇒ See Additionally: Puerto Escondido – The Ultimate Travel Guide
9. Swim With Whale Sharks
One other standard water exercise in Isla Mujeres is to swim with Whale Sharks (it’s additionally one of many high things to do in Cabo San Lucas). The best time to go to Mexico if you wish to see these stunning creatures is throughout the summer season months of June to September.
Whale Sharks can attain a size of 14 metres and they’re actually simply light giants weighing in at round 15 tonnes.
Official regulating our bodies have put a cap on excursions at round $145 per individual. The tour consists of swimming with the whale sharks, breakfast, lunch, comfortable drinks, snorkel gear and often a while to snorkel the reefs.
It’s unlawful to the touch the sharks and it’s essential to preserve a distance of two metres. It’s necessary that you simply do your analysis and go together with a good, eco-conscious tour firm that regulates and respects the principles. Take a look at this highly-rated tour with EcoColors Mexico.
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10. Go to La Tortuga Granja (Turtle Farm)
Positioned on Sac Bajo is La Tortuga Granja, the hatching floor for the ocean turtles on Isla Mujeres.
From Might to September these grand creatures lay their eggs within the comfortable sand the place volunteers help in gathering the eggs and inserting them in pens to maintain them secure from predators.
From August to October, you’ll be able to witness the native youngsters and vacationers releasing the turtles into the ocean. As with the whale sharks, don’t contact the ocean turtles. Entrance payment is $3.00 per individual.
11. Get Underwater Whereas Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres has among the finest scuba diving within the Caribbean. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unimaginable caves, and an abundance of sea life — eels, groupers, snappers, turtles, parrotfish and quite a few corals.
A singular expertise is diving on the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks the place a big group of reef, bull, and nurse sharks will be seen sleeping on the underside of the ocean. At a depth of 20-30 meters, this dive website is beneficial for superior divers.
Different standard websites embrace the Machones Reef (800m in size), Tavos Reef, Media Luna, Punta Sur and the location of the Navy Boat Shipwreck (at a depth of 21m). Try Squalo Adventures for scuba diving journeys.
12. Joysxee Floating Bottle Island
Replace: sadly, as a result of a horrible storm, this island isn’t right here anymore and is completely closed.
An island created from plastic bottles! What an effective way to make the most of among the extreme quantities of plastic on the island.
If you happen to plan to go to, be certain that the creator Richard Sowa is in residence. He’ll come and accumulate you by small boat and fees 50 pesos ($2.50) per individual to take you again to his island created from over 150,000 bottles.
Richard explains how he gathers plastic bottles from Isla Mujeres and creates a platform from them by inserting them into baggage. On high of the luggage, he locations picket pallets, plywood, carpet, sand and filth, and rocks after which vegetation mangroves that help in binding all of it collectively.
A go to right here is among the most original issues to do in Isla Mujeres.
13. Snorkelling in Isla Mujeres
In case you are a newbie and haven’t finished a lot snorkelling previously, the most effective place to snorkel is El Farito. El Farito, to the north of the island, is shallow and ideal for inexperienced persons to see colleges of vibrant fish.
Los Machones is extra suited to advance snorkellers with a depth of 35 – 40 ft. Different wonderful snorkel websites embrace MUSA, Garrafon Pure Reef Park and Isla Contoy. For extra snorkelling and diving, don’t miss Mexico’s hottest island and all the unimaginable things to do in Cozumel!
14. Volunteer Strolling Canine
If you happen to love canines, you’ll wish to be certain that to drop in at Isla Animals.
The group right here is at all times on the lookout for volunteers who’re capable of assist out with strolling canines, giving pet cuddles, and for those who’re , bathing, grooming, and aiding on the spay/neutering clinic.
Isla Animals accepts volunteers every single day from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, no appointment is important. Be happy to drop in and say hello and assist out. Volunteering really is among the most memorable and significant issues you are able to do in Isla Mujeres.
15. Go to Mercado Municipal
A go to to Mercado Municipal in Centro is a should in your checklist of issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Not solely are you able to take in the native ambiance, however the genuine meals is affordable and scrumptious.
For as little as a number of {dollars}, you’ll be able to get pleasure from the most effective fish tacos and empanadas on the island. It does shut early afternoon so be sure you arrive round lunchtime.
16. Expertise The Zocalo
Each Mexican city has a central sq. known as a Zocalo (it’s top-of-the-line things to do in Mexico City as effectively). I like to recommend visiting the Zocalo on Isla Mujeres within the night, as you’ll discover meals distributors promoting tasty native Mexican avenue meals. Plus, there’s music, leisure and dancing.
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17. Go On a Purchasing Spree
Purchasing for genuine souvenirs and clothes is among the high things to do in Mexico as an entire. You’ll discover the standard Mexican memento retailers in Isla Mujeres, however for those who’re after Tequila or Mezcal, folks artwork, silver jewelry, hammocks, and Mexican ceramics there are particular retailers that it is best to try.
A number of the finest buying will be discovered alongside Avenida Rueda Medina, however don’t miss:
- Galeria de Arte Mexicano – Av Guerrero 3 for silver jewelry
- Galeria L’mento Arte – Av. Hidalgo, at Plaza Los Almendros for picket packing containers, ceramics and hand carved items
- Isla Mujeres Artist Honest – On the primary Thursday of each month between November and April the truthful takes place within the Zocalo between 4 pm and 9 pm. There are artistic endeavors, jewelry, clothes and e-book stalls with a number of native meals distributors providing Mexican delicacies.
18. Sundown Cruise on a Catamaran
An ideal strategy to finish the day is to get pleasure from a cocktail or two while crusing at sundown round Isla Mujeres. This tremendous enjoyable, 4-hour boat journey consists of swimming, drinks and meals, and naturally, the gorgeous sundown.
Don’t miss the extremely rated Isla Mujeres exercise! For extra data and to e-book click here.
☞ See Additionally: Manzanillo, Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide
19. Eat Tasty Meals
You’re in Mexico, so it comes as no shock that the meals in Isla Mujeres is wonderful! To not point out, that is an island so you’ll be able to count on some scrumptious seafood choices. Listed below are a number of eating places you don’t wish to miss:
- Cafe Mango at Playa Obispo for native Mexican delicacies. An important breakfast cafe.
- North Garden for breakfast by the seashore on Playa Norte
- Cafe Mogagua at Av Juarez at Madero for breakfast and lunch
If you happen to’re backpacking Mexico on a funds, you’ll undoubtedly wish to try the Mercado Municipal for reasonable eats.
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20. Taco and Margarita Tour
Tacos and margaritas go hand in hand! Uncover among the finest taco stands and distinctive margaritas on this enjoyable 3-hour walking and foodie experience.
For tacos, you’ll get to pattern some tasty varieties — Al Pastor, Shrimp, Rooster, Fish & Tripa or Arrachera (beef). And for margaritas, there are some refreshing and fascinating choices as effectively — Pomegranate, conventional lime, Paloma and both Cucumber-Basil or Watermelon-Jalapeno.
Not solely will you have the ability to eat and drink, however you’ll be exploring the island whereas studying extra about Isla Mujeres along with your English talking information. Click here to be taught extra about this enjoyable journey.
21. Be a part of a Biking Journey
Isla Mujeres is the right place to go biking. Throughout this enjoyable expertise, you’ll cycle round the entire island — which is simply 14 kilometres in whole — with a information who is definitely from Isla Mujeres.
Study in regards to the island, go to some neighbourhoods, benefit from the sea views, and cease for drinks and meals alongside the way in which. Click here to be taught extra about this extremely rated, distinctive exercise in Isla Mujeres.
Now You Know What To Do in Isla Mujeres
In 2001, SECTUR (Mexican Board of Tourism) put collectively a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican cities which have a particular attraction or magic about them in 3 classes — pure magnificence, historical past and tradition.
Isla Mujeres now shares the title with over 80 different cities and cities all through Mexico. The island has a particular attraction to it, making it a spot you’ll want to return to repeatedly.
It shares the limelight with the charming cobblestoned village of Tepoztlan and its magical pyramid, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tulum and Taxco, to call a number of.
Isla Mujeres is an ideal trip vacation spot for households, {couples}, solo travellers and backpackers. It’s a type of locations that attracts you again 12 months after 12 months and has a lot to supply guests.
Who couldn’t love its heat azure waters, excellent temperatures all 12 months spherical, enjoyable actions and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets?
Hopefully, this checklist gave you some nice concepts for issues to do in Isla Mujeres in your subsequent vacation. Have you ever visited Isla Mujeres? Add one other exercise or two within the feedback beneath!
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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