If you are on vacation in Cancun you have to go to Isla Mujeres, whether you are staying in a hostel in Isla Mujeres or just come to spend a day
Only a few kilometers away from the city center is Puerto Juárez, a small fishing community where you can find different boat options to cross the island. If you stay in the hotel zone, there are also options departing from Playa Langosta and the Cancun Theater. Ideally, take your boat before 10:00 a.m. to take advantage of the day and get to know as much as possible.
A day in Isla Mujeres
April is a good month since the weather is very nice and there is not too hot. On board the boat prepare your camera because the colors you will see in the sea will be unique, a turquoise blue sea of transparent waters will accompany you in much of your journey.
You will also have a view of the hotel zone of Cancun and Playa Mujeres, hopefully you can see turtles or dolphins. Before arriving at Isla Mujeres, on your left side, you will have a unique view of North Beach, while on the right side you will see the reef and its lighthouse.
Once on the island you can walk its streets on foot, by bike or renting a golf cart. On this occasion I only toured the northern part of the island where Playa Norte is. This beach is the best known and one of the 10 most beautiful in the world, it is only 10 minutes walk from the jetty and if you get lost, the local people can tell you how to get there.
There are several options to relax and enjoy the day according to your budget, from lying under a palm tree or renting an umbrella with a lounge chair to spend the day in an exclusive beach club with all the comforts.
But why is this beach so famous? I think because it is a huge natural pool where there is no current and little swell, in addition the water is transparent and the sand is white and soft that extends for several meters. In fact, when you enter the sea, you walk several meters and the water continues to reach your waist. Without a doubt, it is a beach that I recommend for families with small children.
If you decide to stay on the beach you can find some of the most typical dishes such as shrimp cocktail, fish ceviche and pineapple stuffed with seafood. ‘Isla’, as many of us say, also has a great gastronomic variety for all tastes and budgets, from slices of pizzas, sandwiches, Mexican and Italian food to vegan options.
On the main avenue, in addition to finding restaurants and bars, you can buy handicrafts from various parts of Mexico, but mainly from Chiapas. In different parts of the island you can find picturesque carts that sell the most typical drink of the place: coconut water.
The sunset is the perfect time to enjoy it from the boardwalk, either alone or accompanied. The southern path was my last discovery, since in the afternoon it is pleasant to walk, see the sea, observe the houses and buildings in the area. This part of the island is a quiet and safe place; If you are a good observer you can discover a couple of curiosities on the facades of their houses.
If you return along the side of the street and walk, you will find a couple of typical Caribbean houses that the first settlers of the island built and still remain standing. I love art and my surprise was to find a couple of murals by artists with different styles.
Before the sun goes down I hurried to return to North Beach and see, sitting in the sand, one of the most incredible sunsets. An immense red star that amazes by its size and brightness quickly hides resembling melting in the sea.
After having witnessed one of nature's most wonderful shows I had to walk to the pier to board my ship back. Without a doubt, my visit to Isla Mujeres was very worthwhile and I enjoyed it to the fullest.
