ISLA MUJERES TRAVEL TIPS
Isla Mujeres, Spanish for "Island of Women”, is a captivating and compelling little island geographically located in the Caribbean Sea, about 13 kilometres (8.1 miles) off the Yucatán Peninsula coast. It is approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) long and 650 metres (2,130 feet) wide. To the east is the alluring Caribbean Sea with its moderate surf and windward rocky coast, and to the west crystal white sandy beaches and the skyline of Cancún can be seen across the clear aqua waters.
Transportation on the island of Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis, golf carts and moped scooters. Golf carts, mopeds and bicycles can be rented for a couple hours, half and full day periods. There is also a new bus service that runs from the downtown to the different culturally distingtive neighborhoods, called colonias in Spanish (where most locals live) and out to restaurants and beach clubs of the south end. The main bus stop is located near the Ultramar Ferry terminal within walking distance and marked by bus stop signs.
There are vast locations serving any type of cuisine you want. Isla Mujeres cuisine consists of anything from fresh seafood cooked with local and traditional recipes, Regional Mexican, Yucatecan, Italian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Israeli, French, Thai, Cuban and Maya cuisine along with street vendors serving tacos traditional sweets. There are plentiful options for accommodations including hotels, condos, houses, and hostels.
Calle Hidalgo, is the main dining and entertainment area for tourist and locals alike, but don’t miss out on the many eateries throughout the colonias offering cheap to moderate expense options. Also located on the north end is a famous beach called Playa Norte, it has numerous beach clubs offering food, drink and live music. Isla offers endless entertainment attractions including swimming with dolphins, North Beach temazcal, sound healing, cuisine and art classes, catered home meal celebrations, massage, dinner cruises, golf cart and bicycle tours, snorkel and PADI diving as well as many more can also be experienced on the Island.
The island of Isla Mujeres is located close to the colorful Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest reef system, which makes the area popular for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks made famous by Jacques Cousteau. Visit one of the popular snorkeling spots, Garrafon Park, with its shallow reefs and very mild current. The Cancún Underwater Museum with over 500 permanent life-size sculptures, created by English artist Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western coast of Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of four different types of sea turtles. Visit the Tortugranja (turtle center) located mid-island noted for their turtle rehabilitation and breeding. This facility is open to the public visitation.
All this and more makes Isla Mujeres is a must do on your bucket list!
