Isla Mujeres

Located off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the main islands of the Mexican Caribbean. The island is small, but it has a pleasant tropical climate, with an average temperature of 81º F, and a romantic setting that makes it a perfect place for honeymooners.

On this island, which is rich in culture and natural resources, you’ll find numerous tourist attractions, including beaches with fine sand, archaeological ruins like the Templo de Ixchel, and historic buildings, such as the Hacienda Mundaca. For outdoor recreational activities you can visit the Parque Marino Garrafon (Garrafon Marine Park), the ideal place to go scuba diving or snorkeling in coral reef areas inhabited by hundreds of colorful fish. The island has top-notch hotels with beach clubs offering amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. In the downtown area you’ll find a wide variety of stores where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs, such as beachwear, T-shirts and crafts made of wood and conch shells. As for the cuisine, the restaurants serve international and local fare. At night, in the bars and nightclubs, you can enjoy reggae and Afro-Caribbean music until the wee hours of the morning.

Ferry boats run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juarez or Puerto Cancún on the mainland. The island is also popular with day trippers, but activity quiets down in the evening after the tour groups leave. On the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and on the west the skyline of Cancun is seen across the clear waters. On the north end is Island Town with a famous beach called “Playa Norte” which has recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005.

See also: Cozumel, Riviera Maya, Cancun