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Isla Mujeres is a quaint, unique alternative to the hustle
and bustle of other Yucatan destinations. It is just
a short 20 minute ferry ride from the mainland - you can
reach it in under an hour from the airport.
This little island offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets,
beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and year
'round warm weather. Family and culture is important,
and while tourists are welcomed and embraced, wild spring-break
behavior is not.
Less than 6 miles long, and under 1/2 mile wide at its
widest part, this little island is packed with offerings
for travelers. The north end has the famous Playa Norte "north
beach," which is known as one of the best beaches in
the world. The north end has the tourist district with
many choices for accommodations, from studios to hotel rooms
to condos. There are many shops and restaurant choices
for every taste. Nightlife includes open-air restaurants
with live music, and several clubs are open till the wee
hours.
Just to the south of the downtown tourist area is a strip
of private rental homes overlooking the Caribbean and the
pounding surf. These are close enough to walk to town
for festivities, restaurants and shopping, but far enough
out for tranquility. Experience amazing sunrises and
sunsets from these properties.
Travel a little further south to mid-island you enter the
colonias, where most of the local Isleno's live.
There are lodging choices in this area for immersion experiences. Moving
further south many upscale rental homes dot the seaside,
including the famous Shell House. On the western edge
of the island is the Sac Bajo area, with hotels and houses
situated on calm beaches. This one little island is
packed with choices ranging from budget to adults' only luxury.
You can do as much or as little as you wish. Lounge
in a hammock or lie on the beaches with waiters delivering
tropical drinks, go shelling, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming
or bicycling. No rental cars are available, but be
sure to rent a golf cart to explore the island for a day
or more. Don't miss Punta Sur (southern point) which
includes the easternmost point in Mexico, experiencing the
first rays of sun for the country each day. The views
from the Punta Sur paths are magnificent, with pounding turquoise
surf on a jagged coastline. Take a day trip to nearby
Isla Contoy, a nature preserve, a snorkel tour to Manchone's
Reef, try your luck with Baracuda fishing, or in the summer
months, take an excursion to snorkel with the whale sharks. Don't
miss Sunday nights in the zocalo for local street vendors,
and families dressed in Sunday best.
Isla Mujeres is not for everyone. It is more authentic
Mexico than the planned tourist destinations like Cancun. For
those that prefer large all-inclusive properties with kids'
clubs and unlimited drinks, and accommodations just like
at home, the mainland holds better options. For those
looking for a quieter and more authentic experience - travelers
that like to get a little off the beaten path and experience
the culture around them, but still in a comfortable environment
that caters to tourists, the island is a gem.
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