Just 20 minutes by ferry from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a small island with just 17 kilometers of land. This small Caribbean retreat has a unique culture written by the mayan civilization and a relaxed feel that is very different from its glamorous neighbor, in addition, it is surrounded by white-powdery sand, and the infinite turquoise crystalline ocean.
Here we will give you some useful information for your next trip.
Many boats depart from Cancun everyday. It’s a 25-minute boat ride and Garrafón Reef Park offers tour packages that include your roundtrip ferry tickets.
Isla Mujeres has endless activities to spend the time with, is completely walkable and dotted with fabulous views, mayan architectural gems, and traditional village scenes. As well, you will be able to practice scuba diving along the coral reef, swim with dolphins, do some snorkeling, sport fishing, sailing and even some quality shopping. Sit under the sunlight, shop for artisan jewelry, visit the turtle farm, hike the cliffside trails, and rest at the island’s luxurious resorts.
Lodging on Isla Mujeres ranges from small boutique hotels and beachside resorts to cozy accommodations off the paving path. Great sunsets can be seen from downtown, where small wood houses painted in bright candy colors line the cobblestone streets. The island’s thriving food scene includes excellent regional and international cuisines. And the evening bar scene is lively and entertaining.
Mayan explorers, Spanish conquistadors, and pirates have all sought out the stunning beaches of Isla Mujeres. The Maya were the first to discover this island, turning it into a sanctuary devoted to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, healing, and the feminine forces of nature. This is why the Spaniards named it Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women) when they discovered it.
Pirates came next, including the legendary Captain Lafitte and Mundaca the Pirate, whose hacienda can still be visited next to Garrafón Park. All of these cultural influences can still be seen today as the island honors its legendary past just as much as it embraces its status as a modern, world-class travel destination.
This luxurious jewel on the Mayan Riviera is a major destination for travelers seeking sunshine, picture-perfect beaches, cultural attractions, exciting nightlife, water sports of all kinds, great golf, fishing, and a taste of Pre-Columbian history. The awe-inspiring relics of Chichen Itza and Tulum are both an easy day trip from Isla Mujeres and Cancun. For divers, Cancun provides easy access to the underwater springs of the Cave of the Sleepy Sharks, an underwater sight made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his crew.
For those interested in traditional sports, there are bullfights to attend, and for those interested in dance, Mexico’s famed Folkloric Ballet performs in Cancun. This immensely popular place truly has something for everyone.
Right next to Isla Mujeres, in the Mexican Caribbean, people can tour Isla Contoy, a virgin island and bird sanctuary, protected by the CONANP (Nacional Comission of Protected Natural Areas).
The access to the island is from 09:00 to 16:00, and there's no lodging options, as it is listed as a Sustainable Ecological Station. The island is conveniently located right next to the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest coral barrier reef in the world.
This quiet, beautiful island sits northwest of Cancun and is considered a best-kept secret by many travelers, since it is the perfect oasis for birds and sea life.
In Isla Holbox you will see pink flamingos, pelicans, manta rays, and whale sharks in their natual habitat. While many come for the fishing and diving tours, the island also draws visitors who want to get away from the crowds and experience a leisurely lifestyle among the few Isla Holbox locals.
An obligated visit for adventurous divers and those seeking sunshine and beach action is the Cozumel island. Cozumel’s see-through blue waters offer clear views of tropical fish and the Great Mayan Reef, with its submerged limestone caverns, tunnels, and rare black coral.
There’s also great shopping, horseback riding, windsurfing, and sailing. Travelers can access San Gervasio to see Cozumel’s ancient Mayan temple, the most popular tour available on this gorgeous island.