Isla Mujeres, Mexico – The Island of Women
Isla Mujeres in Mexico is a great way to escape the tourist crush in Cancun. Roughly 9 miles offshore, the island contains the Mexican beach culture of a bygone era. Oh, and the name translates to “The Island of Women.”
Isla Mujeres
First things first, the Island of Women is not populated with more, different or any other classification of women than you would normally find in Mexico. Okay, there is a Bay of Women, but don’t go there. Instead, Isla Mujeres is simply a stunningly beautiful island.
Snorkeling and Diving
El Garrafon National Underwater Park is located on the southwest end of the Island. If you’re interested in underwater fun, this park provides tremendous visibility in warm water. Unfortunately, a private company now runs the park. This, of course, means you have to pay to enter and the tranquil area has a definite touristy feel with kayaks and other water toys for rent. Still, the park is very large and your experience shouldn’t be overly impacted.
If you’re looking for more of a beach town feel, the northern tip of the island should be your destination. Playa Norte’ offers nice beaches, restaurants, hotels and more or less everything you could need. Head out on Zacil Ha road and you can find some fairly isolated beaches.
If total isolation is your thing, there are plenty of remote beach areas on the island. Walk south from Playa Pescador and you’ll leave humanity behind. The same is true if you head north from Playa Lancheros. Just grab a map of the island or ask a local for directions.
Getting There
Isla Mujeres has an airport, but traveling by boat from Cancun is cheaper. There are numerous public ferries traveling to the island. Getting back and forth is no problem. Just make sure you check the schedule for return trips.
Although Isla Mujeres doesn’t live up to its name, there is definite beauty to be found. If you vacation in Cancun, make sure you visit the island for a one-day getaway.
Recomended Reading
Can-Do Isla Mujeres Guidebook in a Map (Map)
Book DescriptionLooks like a map, acts like your best guidebook. The Can-Do Isla Mujeres Guidebook in a Map features more than 45 hotels & condominiums and attractions such as island tours, a pirate's tomb, watersports including snorkeling.
Includes Isla Mujeres island tour, downtown restaurants and attractions, downtown hotels, the beach, Avenida Hidalgo (the main tourist strip), Contoy Island, taxi fares, indexes. 64 color photos. Descriptions include recommedations and prices.
Incredibly detailed, with everything you need to know including what to order at which restaurants, where to shop, play golf, rent a a scooter or a bike, take a bus, find a doctor, mail a letter, or find a bank.
About the Author
Can-Do Travel Guides present guidebook information in a full-color folded-map format, and are the most authoritative sources for up-to-date information about Cancun and vacation destinations along the Riviera Maya.
Review - Just came back from Isla . Used the map all the time. Not only was the map accurate but the additional info was extremely helpful. It lists restrurants, lodging, ferry times and even good tours. An example , they talked that the navy base store had good prices on liquor and they were right on the money. I would completely trust all of their advice.
Review - Though there are a couple of "maps" available and Isla Mujeres is usually covered a page or two in Cancun travel guides, the Can-Do Guidebook in a Map provides more useful information plus the best map over anything else available. It folds to fit in a pocket and is great for exploring by golf cart (the preferred family travel mode on the island). References and recommendations are all good. The whole island is covered, plus other nearby attractions. My only complaint is our copy blew away and was lost (don't leave it on the seat of your golf cart)!
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