Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a celebrated island some 20 minutes by ferry from Cancun. And while Cancun certainly receives the tens of thousands of visitors, the island receives just its fractions, some for the day, and others on a voyage of discovery and learning. The island offers spectacular views of the Caribbean. The waters are, perhaps, never so brilliant, clear and turquoise as they are here.

Visitors come for the Playa Norte, often listed as among the ten best beaches anywhere in the world. But today they too for Punta Sur, the easternmost point of Mexico and the southernmost point on the island. The ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Ixchel, for whom the island is named stand here, surrounded today by contemporary sculpture. The sculpture even extends into the the sea in the Underwater Museum of Art, the largest underwater art viewing area anywhere in the world. Snorkel and dive here is popular and helps to spare some of the other coral reefs from too many visitors. Between May and September, the area is visited by whale sharks, too. Swimming with them is among the most memorable experiences one will enjoy here.

The island offers a dramatic beachey boho-chic atmosphere, reminiscent of Holbox. But Mujeres has been at this a lot longer. (Tourism here started growing in the late 19th century!) Sandy streets give way to excellent seafood restaurants serving Tikin Xic, snail ceviches and all kinds of local and Mexican delicacies. And while the island is tiny, every possible service is on hand. 

Getting around is fun too. Bicycles are available everywhere, but splurging for a golf cart or a scooter is not out of the question. 

Nearly all visitors to the island arrive by ferry from Puerto Sam or Puerto Juarez on the mainland. Traditionally, most of them have come from the Cancun Airport. But today, air travel is seeing fierce competition for those arriving from Merida, Tulum, or Chetumal. And they are coming by rail on the Tren Maya. The train in Cancun also opens up your trip to Isla Mujeres to the entire Yucatan Peninsula. There is a whole new spirit of adventure for every vacation you enjoy.