Isla Mujeres is an island in Quintana Roo that lies off the Yucatan Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Cancun in southeastern Mexico. To get there, you can take a ferry from some docks in Cancun (in Puerto Juárez, El Embarcadero, Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol or the car ferries that leave from the Punta Sam terminal and leave approximately every 3 hours) or, you can also charter a yacht that does that tour.
The temperature in Isla Mujeres is about 32 degrees , being a tropical, humid and hot climate and in the months of September and October you can find a rainier climate. The rest of the year, most of the time is hot and dry. A curious fact is that since Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico, it is where the sun rises first and where the sun's rays arrive first at dawn.
Isla Mujeres in Mexico is a vacation destination thanks to the fact that it has been developed for tourist activities aimed at relaxation, fun, and aquatic experiences, especially during vacations, combining hotel services (food, drinks, and lodging) with leisure activities (such as swimming pools, snorkeling activities, shopping, diving in the nearby coral reefs, activities on the beaches that are of fine sand and water activities in its crystalline waters) in order to try to satisfy the desires of tourists and that they can easily access each one of these activities. By the way, you will find a variety of hotel offers that fit all kinds of budgets; since, there are quite expensive and luxurious hotels and others that are more accessible.
You may be wondering why the name Isla Mujeres was given , well, to find out, let's go back in history. It turns out that in ancient times, in this place offerings were offered in a female form to the goddess Ixchel who was the Mayan goddess of love, gestation, abundance, the moon, water and medicine; then, the island itself was a kind of sanctuary dedicated to her, attended by many women praying especially for fertility. Later, when the Spanish colonization took place, they discovered several figures, objects, statues and others, with a female form; Thus, it was how they decided to call it Isla Mujeres.
That said, let's see some of the activities we can do if we visit this paradisiacal place:
Playa Norte , considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and visited in Isla Mujeres
This beach is one of the favorites not only in Mexico, but also in the world for several reasons; for example, it has crystalline waters, the sand on the beach is white and its waters are calm; so, you can visit with the whole family (with children); In addition, it is not deep because you can enter the sea, walk in just under 200 meters, and still the water will reach your waist. Additionally, you will find a wide range of entertainment venues such as bars and restaurants; then, you can relax on the beach, tan while having a beer, cocktail, michelada or other drink and/or food. This beach has an extension of 1 kilometer and is also one of the widest beaches with about 100 meters wide; therefore, you will not feel overwhelmed by the number of people. You can rent a sun lounger with an umbrella for approximately $55,000 COP or $11 USD, items for diving, paddle boards, among others.
Likewise, there are other beaches that deserve to be mentioned because they have their charm: Playa Paraíso, Playa Tiburón, Playa Pescador, Playa Garrafón (it is one of the favorite places to do water sports such as kayaking and diving. Or, you can enter the Garrafón Natural Park where you can relax in hammocks, chairs and chaises or loungers and food). Also, there is Playa Centro and Playa Albatros, which have Blue Flag certification, which means that they meet certain criteria of quality, safety and environmental education.
Kin Ha Park
This park is located at the southern end of the Island where you will find a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and you can hold all kinds of events with live music on weekends. Next to Kin Há is the boutique hotel Casa de Los Sueños where you can stay and find offers for guests in collaboration with Kin Há. The restaurant is located right in front of the sea where you can taste the best of Mexican and American gourmet cuisine. This place has several terraces where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks while sharing with your family, friends or colleagues. In addition, it has 3 swimming pools (one for children, a pool with an infinity view and another pool with a bar for adults only. Also, a pier where you can have sunset views, jump into the sea and swim and/or practice snorkeling or use water toys .
You may also be interested in: Most used water toys in the sea
South Point
As its name indicates, it is in the south of the Island. Punta Sur is considered a small paradise with a viewpoint where you can see the incredible Caribbean and even more if it is at sunrise or sunset and you can take many pictures, since it is the easternmost point of Mexico and where sunrise a little earlier than in other parts of the country, that's why some call it "the dawn of Mexico"; In addition, it has various colorful iron sculptures. Punta Sur has Mayan relics for the worship of the goddess Ixchel that we mentioned earlier and iguanas, which is an animal that you will see very often walking freely and cliffs walking along the seashore where you can relax and have fun. You can explore Punta Sur on foot, in a golf cart that you can rent or by bicycle while you take the fresh air and have a different, relaxing and fun experience.
Rent a Yacht or Catamaran
If you want to have other types of experiences, you can rent a yacht or a catamaran if you have enough budget to navigate the entire island and also practice snorkeling, tanning or sunbathing on board in the loungers that are on the boat. This plan is preferable that you take it in Cancun; but, if you don't have it when you are in Isla Mujeres, it is also likely that you will find it when you are there. If you want to practice snorkeling, you will see the wonder of fish and sea species that live there. Renting a yacht or catamaran to visit this place is an amazing experience.
You may also be interested in: Yacht rental in Cancun
contoy island
This island is located near (30 kilometers) from Isla Mujeres and is an uninhabited island, with an extension of about 9 kilometers long; This island is a natural bird sanctuary thanks to the fact that it has been designated as a park for the protection of birds and marine species, where more than 200 species have been recorded, including herons, terns, pelicans, crocodiles, manta rays, 3 kinds of sea turtles that are in danger of extinction, among other species. Also, it is a paradise of virgin beaches where you will be able to enjoy an environment of mangroves and lagoons. You should know that if you would like to visit this incredible place, you must arrange the minimum trip one day in advance; Since the number of daily visitors is limited.
walks around the island
While you walk or go through the streets of Isla Mujeres, you will notice graffiti on various walls and buildings; Because these murals are part of a project called Sea Walls Artist for Oceans which seeks to promote ocean conservation. This beautifies the city and makes the tour of local people or tourists more fun. Also, you can get to the main square where you can taste local and street food such as tacos, churros, among others. There is the main church of the Island called Immaculate Conception Parish.
Having said the above, Isla Mujeres is obviously an excellent destination to vacation, walk and meet with your family or friends and enjoy the colorful reefs, the impressive cliffs, water activities, yacht or catamaran tours, bird watching , and walk around the island while you taste the typical food of the place. We assure you that you will have an excellent experience.
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