isla mujeres mexico
Hi we are Sami & Valeria, an Italian couple who after traveling around the world, fell in love with Mexico! In our Blog you will discover all sides of this big country, from natural and cultural beauties to exploring the hidden and dark sides. Let’s discover together passion & beauty of this amazing folk which once it enters your heart will never leave it again! Also covering our hometown (Rome) 
and many other places where we have lived, we wish you a wonderful reading!
Isla Mujeres Mexico: Best Things to Do
Isla Mujeres is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea 13 km off the coast of the northeastern part of the Yucatán peninsula in the northeastern part of the State of Quintana Roo, right in front of Cancún.
It is part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, which is much more extensive as it also includes over 1000 km² of territory on the continent. The island is about 7 km long and about 650 m wide. At the 2005 census it had a population of 13,315 people, 11,147 were the inhabitants of the town.
Isla Mujeres Mexico: PLAYA NORTE
A 10-minute walk from the Ferry Pier is the popular family beach of Playa Norte or North Beach. This is the main beach on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of the best beaches in the Caribbean!
The water here is calm, and shallow, making it a great spot for families or for just a chilled out day of floating around.
It is a tropical haven that provides a very unique beach experience. Playa Norte is a true picture-postcard location with its emerald green waves, fine white sands, and swaying palm trees. This spotless beach offers a secluded haven where guests may unwind and enjoy the sun in peace.
Swimming and snorkeling are made possible by the calm waves, which expose an undersea environment teeming with beautiful marine life. Additionally, Playa Norte has a bustling beachfront scene with inviting bars and eateries where guests can experience delectable regional food and sip cool cocktails while taking in breath-blowing Caribbean Sea vistas. Playa Norte is a must-see location for beach enthusiasts, regardless of whether you’re looking for action or pleasure.
PUNTA SUR
Punta Sur is located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Here you can visit the Pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or simply admire the stunning views.
Garrafon Reef Park is also located here and is home to the Sculpture Garden. In 2001 the Sebastian Foundation and 23 famous artists from Mexico and around the world created sculptures to represent the Mayan civilisation.
There are different packages available for Garrafon Park . These packages also include activities such as zip-lining, snorkelling and kayaking.
Isla Mujeres Mexico: DAY TRIP TO ISLA CONTOY
Isla Contoy is located 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This natural wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary is 9 km long and 20 metres wide and was declared a National Park in 1998.
Isla Contoy is one of the most important areas in Mexico for nesting sea birds and sea turtles. There is a maximum of 200 tourists allowed to visit on a daily basis. A day tour starts from $75 per person.
MUSA ( Underwater Museum of Art in Isla Mujeres )
One of the most popular activities in Isla Mujeres is to visit MUSA, (Museo Subacuático de Arte). You can tour the underwater museum by glass bottom boat to enjoy over 500 sculptures by the creator Jason deCaires Taylor.
For a better experience, and to get closer to the sculptures, head on a snorkelling tour or go scuba diving. MUSA was created to encourage visitors to visit an alternative area around Isla Mujeres taking the pressure off the nearby reef.
Underwater sculpture parks are created as tourist attractions, but they are also used as artificial reefs to help promote the growth of coral and the return of more marine life. A visit to underwater sculptures (by the same artist) is also one of the top things to do in Grenada, and the Bahamas.
The site in Isla Mujeres is divided into two galleries with 3 salons:
- Salon Nizuc – at a depth of 4 metres and suitable for snorkelling, the Jungle Tour and the Glass Bottom Boat Tour;
- Salon Punta Sam – suitable for snorkelling;
- Salone Machones – at a depth of 8 metres and suitable for both snorkellers and scuba divers.
Isla Mujeres Mexico: GO FISHING
The turquoise blue waters off Isla Mujeres are perfect for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing and spear fishing. The best months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December through to July. If you enjoy tuna fishing the best months are between April and August.
Depending on what type of fishing you enjoy the most, there are many charter operators that will cater for your needs, ranging from charter boats to private yacht tours.
LA TORTUGA GRANJA – TURTLE FARM
Located on Sac Bajo is La Tortuga Granja, the hatching ground for the sea turtles on Isla Mujeres. From May to September these grand creatures lay their eggs in the soft sand where volunteers assist in gathering the eggs and placing them in pens to keep them safe from predators.
From August to October, you can witness the local children and tourists releasing the turtles into the ocean. As with the whale sharks, it is recommended that you don’t touch the sea turtles. Entrance fee is $3.00 per person.
Isla Mujeres Mexico: PUEBLO MAGICO (MAGIC TOWN)
In 2001 SECTUR (Mexican Board of Tourism) put together a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican towns that have a special appeal or magic about them in 3 categories.
Natural Beauty
Historical
Cultural
Isla Mujeres now shares the title with over 80 other towns and cities throughout Mexico. Isla Mujeres has a special charm to it, making it a place you will want to return to again and again. 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 name a few.
GO SHOPPING
Shopping for authentic souvenirs and clothing is one of the top things to do in Mexico as a whole. There are the usual Mexican souvenir shops in Isla Mujeres but if you’re after Tequila or Mezcal, folk art, silver jewellery, hammocks and Mexican ceramics there are certain shops that you should check out. Some of the best shopping can be found along Avenida Rueda Medina, but don’t miss:
- Galeria de Arte Mexicano – Av Guerrero 3 for silver jewellery
- Galeria L’mento Arte – Av. Hidalgo, at Plaza Los Almendros for wooden boxes, ceramics and hand carved goods
- Isla Mujeres Artist Fair – On the first Thursday of every month between November and April the fair takes place in the Zocalo between 4 pm and 9 pm. There are works of art, jewellery, clothing and book stalls with a selection of local food vendors offering Mexican cuisine.
ALL RIVIERA MAYA EXCURSIONS
JUNGLE HOUSE
A unique experience, living the jungle even at home cooking, watching TV, relaxing in the bedroom or enjoying the outdoor area taking some sun, enjoying a margarita or having a barbecue under Mexican Sun!
DISCOVER
