| |
Beaches, Accommodations, Food and Nightlife
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.
Private home rentals
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.
A quiet, authentic Mexican
experience
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.
 This
little island offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets,
beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and
year 'round warm weather
|
