Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a magical destination for all travelers. With turquoise waters, beaches and boats aplenty, Isla Mujeres is sure to give you chills from it's stunning beauty. This is a guide to Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres History
This lovely, small island has always been revered and held in high regard. It was revered by the Maya as a sacred location, and both residents and visitors continue to commemorate it. The island's history goes back 1500 years, to the time when it served as a sanctuary for Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, medicine, happiness, and the moon. On the southernmost point of the island, there was a temple dedicated to Ixchel that served as a beacon for visitors who came to worship or gather salt. The island was still a Mayan sanctuary when Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba "found" it in 1517.
Isla Mujeres Today
Isla Mujeres is seen as a distinct kind of sanctuary these days. One that offers a respite from the fervor and party atmosphere of its neighbor Cancun across the bay. All visitors are made to feel welcome by the peaceful surroundings, endearing residents, stunning beaches, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine. Despite the fact that most guests only stay for a day, there are plenty of things to do to keep everyone amused for several days.
Is Isla Mujeres Safe?
Isla Mujeres is well renowned for being among the friendliest and safest destinations in Mexico. Due to the island's modest size, serious crime is exceedingly unlikely to occur.
Also, the island is home to a sizable Navy base that maintains order and tranquility. Be sure to watch after your possessions and exercise common sense because any crimes that do occur on the island are usually the result of luck.
Where is Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is a tiny island located right across the water from Cancun, off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Isla Mujeres, which has white sand beaches, blue Caribbean waters, and the second-longest coral reef system in the world thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is in an ideal location for diving and snorkeling. This IS unquestionably island life!
The Best Time to Visit Isla Mujeres
Do you want to know when is ideal to visit Isla Mujeres? Isla Mujeres' tropical climate is very consistent, making it simple to arrange activities around it. Most visitors should be aware of the wet hurricane season because there isn't much of a temperature variation throughout the year (the average temperature hovers around 83 degrees F).
January - April
Weather is ideal, but there is a large influx of tourists. Think about this if you are not a people person.
May - October
The hottest and wettest months of the year, although there is still a lot of sunshine and wonderful warm water for diving and snorkeling. Moreover, the height of the hurricane season is in September and October, so pay attention to the forecast and make sure to purchase travel insurance just in case. You may normally anticipate lower rates at hotels, resorts, and tour operators during this period because there are less people visiting.
November - December
Many people believe that the greatest times to visit Isla Mujeres are in the fall and winter. At this time, the storm season has passed and the humidity is minimal. Evenings can get a little "chilly."
When is Isla Mujeres Hurricane Season?
Isla Mujeres hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak occurring between August and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Isla Mujeres are low (less than half a dozen hurricanes have hit the Yucatan in the past 40 years), but hurricanes traveling near Isla Mujeres can still cause inclement and severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and we always suggest getting travel insurance during these months.
Arrival by Ferry
From Cancun, take a short taxi ride or a bus to the Puerto Juárez ferry terminal. Once in Puerto Juarez, buy your tickets at the Gran Puerto Cancun (Ultramar) ferry dock. You can buy a one-way ticket for 160 pesos or round-trip ticket for 300 pesos. The boats leave every half hour from 5:00 am until 9:30 pm and every hour after that. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Arrival by Catamaran Day Cruise
You can reserve a day excursion to Isla Mujeres from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. These enjoyable vessels take you out on stunning catamarans for a full day of cruising and snorkeling. The classic Isla Mujeres buffet lunch and all-day rum punch are included with full-day excursions. Bring sunscreen! If you only have one day to visit Isla Mujeres, this might be a fun excursion even though you won't have much time to explore the island.
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Renting a golf cart in Isla Mujeres is a very common way to go around the island. Make sure the cart is in functioning order before renting it, and we advise taking a quick video of it before using it to document any dings or dents that may already be there. Look for the greatest quality and service because prices are regulated and the same everywhere.
Taxi on Isla Mujeres
Taxis are plentiful on the island and can easily be flagged down or called by your hotel. Be sure to discuss the prices in advance of taking the ride so you don’t get overcharged. This is an easy way to explore the island.
Rent a Bicycle in Isla Mujeres
In Centro area of the island, you may hire bicycles. Before you start riding, take a quick video of the bike to make sure it is in good functioning order. Pay attention to any knocks or dents on the bike. Ensure certain a lock is utilized. Costs per day range from $10 to $20.
Things to Do in Isla Mujeres
There is plenty to do on Isla Mujeres. Whether you just want to relax or have an adventure, you’re sure to find something amazing to do. Here are some of our favorite recommendations.
Playa Norte, the #9 Beach in the World
If it is pure relaxation you are seeking, Isla Mujeres has you covered. Easily laze away the day in a hammock at one of several beach clubs, splash around in the gorgeous sea, sip on a refreshing beverage in a coconut or get a massage at a pop-up stand on the beach. Your beachside options are endless. Playa Norte is the most famous beach on the island for its perfect white sand and clear waters. It often finds its way onto “Best beaches in the Caribbean” lists.
Punta Sur
Punta Sur, a breathtakingly gorgeous historical/ecological park in the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts. A trip through Punta Sur is a terrific way to get outside and experience something different on the island, complete with Mayan ruins, incredible vistas, paths, cliffs, iguanas, and more. Just to see the clear water here is worthwhile.
Underwater Sculpture Garden
Go on a diving or snorkeling expedition to nearby MUSA Underwater Sculpture Park. Possibly the largest underwater sculpture project in the world, MUSA is home to over 500 sculptures of people, animals, cars, and so much more. Envisioned as an artificial reef, the sculptures are now growing plants and coral on them giving an otherworldly quality to the experience.
Kin Ha
Searching for an alternative activity to do today? At Kin Ha, there is always something to do: diving, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, and everything in between. You won't be let down no matter where your mood takes you. There are numerous terraced pools at this special and magnificent beach club where you may unwind and enjoy the view of the ocean. Everything you would need, including restrooms, towels, and lockers, is included in the entrance price. There is a separate charge for food and drinks.
Snorkeling Isla Mujeres
While Cozumel receives the most of the plaudits for its top-notch diving and snorkeling, Isla Mujeres is also a contender. In addition to the MUSA underwater sculpture garden, a number of other beautiful locations and reefs are nearby and accessible. El Farito, with its vibrant corals and many fish species, is arguably the most well-known. Or, if you are here from late May to early September, you can join a boat tour to go snorkeling with the amazing whale sharks! the biggest marine fish.
Garrafon de Castilla
This tranquil swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing area is a great location to unwind. Just the appropriate amount of amenities, smooth sand, and a beautiful environment. It's possible that this snorkeling spot will end up being your favorite on the island due to its low rates and lack of crowds.
*Do Not Confuse this with the Garrafon National Reef Park, a tourist attraction where tourists can be entertained by confined creatures. Not to mention keeping said animals in constrained spaces. Because we at Island Life believe that these establishments are unethical and because we care about animals, we do not support them.