Guide To Isla Mujeres

About Isla Mujeres

In stark contrast to Cancún, Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a laid-back, simple and comfortable island where visitors go to relax and take part in a wide variety of water sports.

The feel here is tranquil, rustic and easy-going. You can count on the hotels being comfortable and clean, without the commercialization of their Cancún counterparts.

People who travel to this island tend to live out an experience involving some water-based adventure or just relaxing completely on the island's soft white beaches next to the deep turquoise and blue waters.

It's also a top destination for honeymooners and couples who want to spend quality time together.  Families do holiday here as well, although they tend to day-trip from the mainland as a week or two permanently on the island may prove a bit too quiet for the energetic.

Day-trippers from Cancún arrive on ferries during the day, and make the island a hive of commercial activity as they wander around the town, shopping, eating, drinking and haggling with the numerous souvenir and crafts vendors. The beaches are also busier during the peak daytime hours as they too, fill up with the day-trippers.

But when the evening ferries leave, the island calms down again returning to its natural serene and tranquil state.

If you want to experience a fervent night life, glitzy hotels and a faster pace, stay in Cancún, across the water. But if you're looking for a romantic getaway or a place to relax, unwind, dive, snorkel, swim and enjoy some wonderful sight-seeing, silky white sand beaches, accompanied by a tranquil and restful atmosphere then head for Isla Mujeres.

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Key Attractions

Isla Mujeres Beaches

Now called Playa Norte, this beach is the best (and most popular) in Isla Mujeres. Soft white sand and turquoise blue waters greet you there and set the perfect scene for sunbathing, swimming and relaxation.

All of the Mainstream Guidebooks give detailed information about the beaches, their locations and main attractions on Isla Mujeres. Find a guidebook on the Mexperience Bookshelf!

Snorkeling

A good place to snorkel on Isla Mujeres is Playa Garrafón (see below for details) where you'll be treated to views of brilliantly colored tropical fish.

Another good place for snorkeling is the Manchones Reef and Bahía Mujeres (Women's Bay).  Both locations require boat transport out, and this can be arranged locally.

Fishing

Fishing trips can be arranged locally with the boatmen's co-operative. The costs can be shared by grouping together with other people and include a boat & crew, equipment, bait, food and refreshments.

Swim with Dolphins!

Called Dolphin Discovery, this aqua center offers you the opportunity to swim with dolphins in a specially adapted enclosure. You'll be shown an educational video and given some lessons with the trainer in the pool. Afterwards, you get to experience 15 minutes of free swimming time with these magnificent creatures.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Ferry - You can get a ferry to Isla Mujeres from five main places on the mainland:

• Punta Sam (also a Car Ferry) 3 miles north of Cancún
• Puerto Juarez 1.5 miles north of Cancún
• Playa Linda at Cancún
• Playa Tortuga at Cancún
• Club Náutico Dock at Xcaret

Taxis - Taxis are not metered on the island, so agree your price before you get in. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price. Another good reason to Learn Spanish.

Golf Carts - Many people on the island get around on golf carts; they are clean and quiet, and because the island is quite small, they are very effective. They are not expensive to rent and make an ideal vehicle to explore and get around the island during your visit.   There are a number of special rental agencies along the main street, near the market.

Moped / Bicycle - As an alternative to a golf cart, you can also rent a moped or pedal bike to get around the island. Because the island's traffic is limited, riding a bicycle is relaxed and safe.

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Local Events Calendar

No local events currently recorded.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of the island, close to the main port. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about money and currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Busy Times: Because of its location and appeal, the tourist season on the Island is a little different to that of other places on the Yucatán Peninsula. The most expensive months are December to the end of May. If want to save money, go between June and November. The island can get quite busy during the daytime, but calms down again in the evening and night when the day-trippers from the mainland and the nearby Island of Cozumel leave.

Snorkel Safety at Playa Garrafón National Park: At times the water on the snorkeling reef at the national park can get a bit choppy, making snorkeling difficult, or perhaps dangerous. If you're not a strong swimmer, don't venture out too far; although most of the reef is shallow, there are some steep drops.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find Hotels in Isla Mujeres

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Restaurants

Bucaneros. International, Argentine food. Hidalgo, No. 11, Centro. Tel: (998) 8770126

El Sombrero de Gomar. Mexican food. Av. Hidalgo, No. 5, Centro. Tel: (998) 8770509

El Nopalito. Vegetarian Food. Av. Guerrero, No. 70, Centro. Tel: (998) 8770555

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When Night Falls

Although Isla Mujeres is not strictly speaking a party town at night, you can get some entertainment when the sun goes down on the Island at local bars and restaurants.

If you want clubs, loud bars and all night dancing, you'll find these in abundance across the water in Cancún.

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What to Buy in Isla Mujeres

A barrage of vendors will be out in force trying to sell you an array of crafts including rugs, glassware, onyx and silver as you arrive on the island and as you wander around elsewhere. Isla Mujeres is not really a place to shop for anything specific other than jewelry (see below), although with all the eager ambulant salespeople, some bargains on Mexican arts and crafts can be struck - and prices can be lower than those in Cancún or Cozumel.

The Island is known for its jewelry - and you could take home a fine piece of craftsmanship from here, be it a ruby, sapphire or diamond. Loose stones can be bought if you prefer, and then crafted into fine gold and silver jewelry to your specification.

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Local Climate

The climate on Isla Mujeres is very much like that of Cancún: Hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico. July through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months.  The rainy season is May through October.

Live Weather Report:

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