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Isla Mujeres

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Overview

Isla Mujeres (Spanish for "Island of Women") is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, 13 km (8 miles) off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancún. Isla Mujeres has an enticing small-town vibe and is

Wikivoyage guide · 20 sections

▸Introduction263 chars

▸Understand698 chars

Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary to the goddess Ixchel (goddess of fertility and childbirth) for about a thousand years. In the early 19th century, the island was a haven for several notorious pirates, including Mundaca, who lived on the islands for quite a few years and built the Hacienda Mundaca. Around 1850 local settlers established the village of Dolores.

Peak season is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler. Summer temperatures are sweltering, with blazing sun and highs well over 32 °C (90 °F), although summer visitors (from mid-May through September) have the opportunity to see whale sharks which gather in nearby waters in groups that can contain up to 400 sharks.

▸By boat1,679 chars

1 Ultramar Ferry, Av. Rueda Medina, ☏ +52 998 881 5890, info@granpuerto.com.mx. first boat leaves Puerto Juarez (Cancun) at 05:30, last boat leaves Isla Mujeres at 00:00. The modern ferries of Ultramar connect the island with Cancun. Recommend buying an open ticket (no specific departure times). M$300.

Facts

Rank

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia1,223 words

Introduction

Island off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico Isla MujeresAerial view of southern portion of Isla MujeresIsla MujeresMap of Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, MexicoShow map of Quintana RooIsla MujeresIsla Mujeres (Mexico)Show map of MexicoInteractive map of Isla MujeresGeographyCoordinates21°14′N 86°44′W / 21.233°N 86.733°W / 21.233; -86.733Adjacent toGulf of Mexico, Caribbean SeaLength7 km (4.3 mi)Width0.65 km (0.404 mi)Administration MexicoStateQuintana RooMunicipalityIsla MujeresDemographicsPopulation12,642 (2010) Isla Mujeres (Spanish pronunciation: ['isla mu'xeɾes], Spanish for "Women Island", formally "Isla de Mujeres") is an island where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) off the Yucatán Peninsula coast in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long and 650 metres (2,130 ft) wide. To the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and to the west the skyline of Cancún can be seen across the water. In the 2010 census, the namesake town on the island had a population of 12,642. The town is the seat of Isla Mujeres Municipality. It is located within the Eastern Standard Time Zone, which is UTC-5.

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▸Get around662 chars

The island is about 7 km in length, but the main town area is extremely compact and very walkable. Taxis from the ferry terminal will take you anywhere in town for M$30, but for excursions to the far side of the island the best option is to rent a scooter or golf cart. Like everything in Mexico, you should be able to haggle a decent price - assume M$25 a day as a starting price for a moped rental. There are two main roads that run from end to end of the island. Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps.

▸See1,855 chars

Note that Tortugranja, the former sea turtle hatchery on the island, has closed as of September 2021.

1 Hacienda Mundaca (Located on the road to Garrafon, 3.5 kilometers before Playa Lancheros and Playa Paraíso.). 19th-century hacienda built by Caribbean pirate Fermin Mundaca. The hacienda includes walls, arches, exotic plants, gardens, birds breeding place, cattle and orchard.

North Beach (Playa Norte). The stretch of beach that runs along the northern end of the island. It has shallow waters and stunning white sand. The beach is full of fun restaurants and bars as well as several hotels. This is where the majority of travelers will spend their beach time so it can get crowded during peak season.

Playa Sol. At the northwestern tip of the island and is the neighboring beach to Playa Norte. Playa Sol is the best location to watch the sunset and is usually a little less crowded than the neighboring beach. Although it is less crowded, the water is not as shallow and clear as Playa Norte. One other advantage is that drinks are less expensive along Playa Sol.

2 Punta Sur (At the southern tip of the island). A small ruin that was once a lighthouse and temple to Ixchel, goddess of fertility. There's a modern art sculpture park in the area as well. This is the highest point in the Yucatan Peninsula at a whopping 20 m (66 ft) of altitude. Free after 5PM.

3 Museo Subacuático de Arte (Underwater Art Museum) (hire a boat from the docks or arrange a tour with a divemaster), ☏ +52 998 206 0182. Daily 09:00 - 14:00. An underwater sculpture garden that's also a home for tropical fish, coral, sea turtles, etc. Popular scuba diving site just south of Isla Mujeres. There are statues of people (including some with their heads in the sand and butts facing up), whimsical objects, and even a submerged Volkswagen Beetle. (updated Sep 2024)

▸Water activities3,810 chars

Whale Shark Tours. From mid-May through September hundreds of whale sharks gather in the waters near Isla Mujeres, with peak season in July and August. Trips can be booked anywhere on the island, but official operators who have agreed to uphold certain standards and implement safety measures to protect the sharks operate mostly out of dive shops and charge a set price of US$125 (2011) with possible discounts available for multiple trips; street vendors will charge as little as $80 per trip, but these are not official tours. Tours will generally include breakfast, snorkeling gear, 8-10 people per boat, a 45-60 minute trip out to the whale shark area, and then 3-4 trips in the water with the sharks for 2-15 minutes each time, depending on the number of sharks (more sharks, more time in the water). The return trip includes lunch, ceviche, and a snorkel at a local reef. All passengers must wear life-jackets in the water unless you have your own wet suit, a useful tip since it is much easier to swim with the sharks in a wet suit than it is in a bulky life jacket. up to US$125.

1 Garafon Reef Park. The southern side of the island lacks a sandy beach but offers snorkeling where fish abound and the crystal clear water makes for an enjoyable swim. The reef that lies within the protective buoys has been severely damaged by storms and years of careless treatment by snorkelers, but a revamp of the park several years ago has created a healthier environment for the coral, and it thrives more with each passing year. Entrance to the park is expensive. Tour boats from Cancun bring hordes of day-trippers who mostly stay within the park, so it can become quite crowded during the peak of the day. A useful tip for those staying on the island is that you can snorkel in the waters adjacent to the Garrafon park for about 40 pesos, and the sea life is still very impressive. (updated Sep 2024)

Scuba diving and snorkeling. Around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable. The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by. The waters are calm and clear - perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver. With 50 accessible sites, Isla Mujeres is a great option and a little unknown with all the hype that Cozumel (its large neighboring island) gets. Those staying in Playa Norte may enjoying snorkeling in the lagoon next to the Avalon Hotel which has a respectable number of fish in an easily-accessible location.

2 Mexico Divers PADI / SDI Resort (Diving Isla Mujeres), Av Francisco I Madero SM 1 MZ 20 Lote 10, Hidalgo y Guerrero, Isla Mujeres, Q Roo, Mexico. (next to OXXO Store), ☏ +52 9988771117, info@mexicodivers.com. 8AM-8PM. Mexico Divers PADI Dive Resort #22901 is a family-owned Dive Center with the knowledge, quality and professionalism that a diving operation requires to make your vacation in Isla Mujeres a safe and memorable experience. (updated May 2020)

3 Squalo Adventures, Smaz 001 Mza 018 Lote 0160, Av. Hidalgo #27, Col. Centro, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (in front of Rooster Cafe), ☏ +52 998 274-1644, toll-free: +1-855-577-8256, info@squaloadventures.com. 8AM-9PM. PADI Dive Resort on Isla Mujeres, offering scuba diving, snorkeling and PADI courses.

Aqua Adventures (Booking office on Calle Hidalgo, actual dive center at Marina Paraiso). Nice and relaxed dive shop that advertises itself as the only PADI-certified shop on the island.

Go Fishing. You do not need to shell out a lot of money to go sport fishing on Isla. Just talk to the local hotel/guesthouse employee and they can set you up with a local fisherman who will take you out fishing. Prices are about US$40/person for 3-4 hours of fishing. Whatever fish you catch, you can take to a local restaurant and they will prepare the fish however you like.

▸Land activities2,295 chars

Beach Volleyball. Isla Mujeres has several fine stretches of beach. The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars. The soft white sand and level beach area make for an ideal beach volleyball court. The main volleyball-playing area on Playa Norte in front of Buho's swing bar is now gone, a victim of changing tides and a diminishing beach which locals attribute to the moving of sand from the surrounding ocean floor to build back Wilma-damaged Cancun's beaches. Alas, the big, beautiful pre-Wilma Playa Norte is no longer, though there is hope that it will eventually come back.

The town and townsfolk. The tourists are the visitors on the townsfolk's turf, and it truly helps to have a little Spanish language ability. Do not be afraid to eat the food, even from the very small and humble-looking restaurants. For instance, for US$5 you can get a half roasted chicken (skin crispy and marinated in Achiote), beans, rice, home pickled peppers and carrots, pickled onions, and a stack of tortillas - more than 3 or 4 people can eat. If you go in late spring through summer, stay on the northeast coast. Even though it's rocky and not swimable, the refreshing and constant breezes off the ocean keep that side of the island nice and balmy. The town has a fair-sized population of dogs and cats running loose. If you eat on Hildalgo St. (the main drag closed from traffic), you will find many restaurants, and most folks sit outside in warm weather, and the puppies and kitties discreetly position themselves for the occasional dropped morsel. Don't let them upset you. The whole town is very laid back, and if one goes with the flow, it works well. If you treat the local folks with respect, you will be treated in kind.

Rent a golf cart/bike/etc.. Although Isla is a relatively small island, it is fun to rent a golf cart for the day and explore. Because most folks don't venture outside the tourist area they don't find the eastern or southern coasts with their own tucked away private beaches or the other villages on the island that have great food and activities. You can rent a golf cart for US$50 for 24 hours, and official prices for mopeds are US$30 for a day (2019). US$45.

▸Eat887 chars

Hidalgo Street is full of restaurants catering to the tourist crowd and tends to be the most lively and also the priciest, while the central portion of the island is where the locals tend to eat and has slightly lower prices. Beach restaurants are also plentiful, with options near the ferry terminal being more lively while those on Playa Norte and other beaches featuring a more relaxed atmosphere.

Fish is fresh and bountiful, and dishes like ceviche are popular and delicious. A signature island dish is Tik-n-chik, which is a whole fish marinated in achiote and grilled. Dining options include everything from an exquisite lobster dinner to a slice of pizza. Some of the best food on the island comes from carts: taco stands and vendors selling corn on the cob and tamales in the town square. Be aware that eggs, corn, or milk is rarely refrigerated here because of local tradition.

▸Mid-range2,586 chars

Amigos, Av. Hidalgo, ☏ +52 998 877 0624. Amigos' menu specializes in Mexican dishes. There are a few vegetarian dishes, like most places on the island.

Asia Caribe, #9 Avenida Hidalgo, Centro Isla Mujeres Mexico (1/2 Block North of the town square), ☏ +52 998-204-9357. 4-10PM. Chef Peter Krinsky uses fresh Mexican ingredients - chili, lime, coconut, pineapple, fresh fish, jicama, cilantro and more - to create delicious Asian cuisine. Thai-style fresh and fried spring rolls, Tom Yum and Tom Khaa Kai soups, Drunken Noodles, Coconut Shrimp, Fish a la Bangkok, and Sticky Pork Ribs are just a few of the menu options. Vegetarians have a whole page of dishes to choose from that can be served with or without tofu. Fish is purchased almost daily from the local fisherman. US$10-20.

Bally Hoo. Located on a dock a few hundred yards north of the ferry dock. The open air restaurant serves fresh seafood and some of the best margaritas on Isla Mujeres.

Fredy's Bar And Restaurant, Miguel Hidalgo 13 (on north end of Hidalgo Ave). Doesn't look like much, but they know how to cook a fish and do up shrimp. Freddy himself is quite a character, and will do his best to charm you and make you regulars. He makes an excellent garlic-butter catch of the day.

Miguel's Moonlight, Av. Francisco I. Madero 1 (on Madero just off Hildalgo Ave). Miguel's serves up great food and drinks. The seafood special includes lobster, shrimp and fillet of fish for US$15. The owner, Miguel, makes excellent drinks. Miguel is also the nicest owner on the island; he talks personally with his guests and will remember you if you ever return!.

Minino's (north of the ferry terminal on the beach). Next to the docks, this restaurant features huge drinks, an extensive seafood menu, and what locals described as the best ceviche on the island. Tables are right on the sand, service is prompt, and the patrons include a mix of locals and tourists. US$10-15 per person.

Sunset Grill, SM 002 Mz 88 Lote 9, Av Rueda Medina (Playa Norte), ☏ +52 998 865 4148. This upscale option is great for a sunset dinner. It's right on the beach, and one can either eat in the open/bar-restaurant area on in the sand with torches to light your meal. Two "romantic" tables are set right along the water with torches and can be reserved for M$200. Seafood dishes are high-quality and well-prepared, service is excellent, and the ambiance is unbeatable. US$20-25 per person for dinner.

Qubanos, Av. Hidalgo, ☏ +52 998 214 2118. Authentic Cuban cuisine. Consistently ranked one of the island's best. Lunch and dinner only.

▸Drink1,560 chars

Isla's nightlife is a lot more laid back than Cancun's but there are still good options. The livelier nightlife seems to be found on Hidalgo Street, while the beach bars are more relaxed. Also, like all beach towns in Mexico, it is usually "Happy Hour" someplace, and beer is 2 for about US$3, mixed drinks, 2 for US$5. The "beach bars" on the north end have rotating happy hours. Try a michelada, which is a beer mixed with fresh lime juice and a variety of other sauces - the perfect delicious island drink. If you want a dosage of Cancun nightlife, jump on an express ferry heading to Cancun in the evening, party the night away and take the first ferry back to Isla at 5AM.

La Adelita, Av. Hidalgo. Isla's only tequila bar with over 150 different tequilas.

Buho's, Av. Carlos Laza (on Playa Norte). This laid-back bar on the beach has swings, hammocks, and an impressive wooden canopy. Those looking for a good place to enjoy the sunset may particularly enjoy this bar. Snacks are served until 5PM, with the bar staying open much later.

Chi-Chi & Charlies, Playa Norte. A perfect spot to watch the sunset and share a drink with Tomas, the coolest toothless bastard you've ever met. Make sure you try the "high octane jet fuel" and learn about the "two basics".

Pocna Hostel Bar. Bar in the Pocna Hostel. A cool palapa bar that is on the beach. Open late and serves cheap beer/drink specials. Great international crowd.

Romi's Bar. Romi, an Isla legend and owner, serves up fantastic drinks. Located at the Posada Del Mar Hotel. (updated Jun 2021)

▸Budget945 chars

1 Selina Isla Mujeres Pocna. Dormitory style rooms, a few singles. Great bar on the beach and has cafe that serves simple meals and complimentary toast and coffee breakfast. They also offer dance lessons, Spanish classes, magic shows, and volleyball tournaments for free throughout the day and evening. There are nightly parties at the bar. This hostel is right on the beach, so beware of some mildew/mold, especially on pillows and in the backpack lockers. US$9-15 per night, singles are $30, camping is $6 per night per person.

XS Hostel, Plaza Isla Mujeres Segundo Piso (entre la Av. Hidalgo y Av. Juarez), ☏ +52 998 2010203. Offers six private/semi-private rooms each equipped with bathroom, air conditioning, four beds and bed linens and a blanket are included. Beds are bunk bed style and they have a safe and storage area (safe, locker, storage area). Access to the recreation room and patio equipped with games and cable TV. US$17-20.

▸Mid-range1,795 chars

Belmar, Av. Hidalgo. Nice and clean rooms, but could not store bags after check-out. US$46 per night.

Ixchel Beach hotel, Playa Norte, ☏ +52 998 999-2010, fax: +52 998 999-2011, reservation@ixchelbeachhotel.com. At Playa Norte, on the beach. Depending on the season, US$55-100 for a double room.

Hotel Las Palmas, #20 Av. Guerrero, ☏ +52 1 998-236-5803, info@laspalmasonisla.com. Canadian owned and operated, one block from North Beach, but far enough away not to hear it. Clean, comfortable rooms with either two double beds, one king bed or king with kitchenette studios available. All pillow-top beds, fast working AC, hot water and pressure. Some rooms with mini fridge. Free, powerful, wide-bandwidth WiFi! Owners live on site. Rooftop terrace also includes a dipping style pool, sun lounges, hammocks, beach bed and many areas to sit and relax. US$60-90 taxes included, (depending on time of year).

Maria’s Kankin, Km. 4.5 Carretera al Parque El Garrafón, Fraccionamiento Mar Turquesa, ☏ +52 998 877 0015. 9 suites in minimalist, Caribbean-inspired décor, each A/C suite has a mini-bar, internet, sofa bed, and writing desk & chair.

Playa la Media Luna Hotel. Small hotel on the northeast side of the island, near the Avalon Reef Club. The hotel is quite charming. It has only 18 rooms, and it was designed so that each room feels as though you are isolated from your neighbors. Each floor has a sitting room, with books all over the place. It is owned and run by a local family (two young women run it, Kin and Maria. Also, the famous fishing Captain Anthony Mendillo has his Keen M Deep Sea Fishing office there.

Seahawk Rooms. Low-priced rooms (starting at US$40) are in an older building while the newer building has more luxurious rooms and suites (at prices up to US$225).

[edit] Former Maya ruins on Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres is among the smallest islands in the Caribbean. Isla Mujeres, Mexico, January 2007 In Pre-Columbian times, the island was sacred to Ixchel, the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" after the many images of goddesses. The first information available about Isla Mujeres is from between 564 and 1516, when it was part of the Maya province Ekab. There were four Maya provinces in the area of the modern state of Quintana Roo. The Maya exploited the salt the island produced in the salinas (small, interior lagoons), using it in food preservation and medicine and as a currency. A temple to Ixchel stood in what is now Hacienda Mundaca (Mundaca Plantation). The island was also a favorite stopping place for pirates in the early 1800s. The shallow lagoon on the mainland side was a good place for sailors to sit out major storms, clean their hulls, and trade for salt. Pirates Henry Morgan, Jean Lafitte, and Hernán Mundaca spent time there. Mundaca lived on the island for quite some time, building a large hacienda with which he hoped to entice a local beauty, Martiniana (Prisca) Gómez Pantoja, into marriage. She married someone else, to his regret. A bit of the hacienda remains, and once served as a zoo.[citation needed] A small Maya temple was once on the island's southern tip, but in 1988 Hurricane Gilbert extensively damaged it, leaving most of its foundation but only a very small part of the structure. Since the 1970s, along with nearby Cancún and its Hotel Zone, there has been substantial tourist development in Isla Mujeres. Like much of the tourism industry, Isla Mujeres was economically devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, although case numbers remained relatively low on the island.

Transportation

[edit] View from lighthouse on the southern tip Transportation on Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis, golf carts, and moped scooters. As of 2005[update] there were 121 taxis, 500 golf carts, and 1500 moped scooters. A bus service also runs from the downtown to the different neighborhoods, called colonias in Spanish (where most locals live). The island was formerly served by Isla Mujeres National Airport, but the airport and landing strip have closed. Ferry service to the mainland[edit] Three main ferry and catamaran companies (UltraMar, Cancun Sailing, and Jetway) run to the island from Puerto Juárez, Cancún, and Gran Puerto. Many party boats also make day trips to Isla Mujeres. The island is popular with day trippers, but activity quiets down in the evening after the tour groups leave.

Tourism

[edit] Aerial view of Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres has fostered a strong restaurant industry and culture, with many restaurants throughout the island. There are numerous places to eat fresh seafood cooked with local and traditional recipes, and other restaurants offer Mexican, Yucatecan, Italian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Israeli, French, Thai, Cuban, and Maya cuisine, among others. In the north is El Centro (downtown), whose central axis, Hidalgo Street, is the main dining and entertainment area. Also on the north end is the famous beach Playa Norte, which recovered quickly after Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005. Besides these attractions, swimming with dolphins can also be experienced at the Island. Isla Mujeres has been a popular location for destination weddings for several decades, with the island's larger hotels sometimes used for wedding parties. Weddings are performed throughout the island, primarily at beachside venues on its west and north sides. Isla Mujeres is close to many coral reefs, such as the one in Garrafon Park, an attraction popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Cancún Underwater Museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, is off the island's western coast. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. There used to be a facility named Tortugrana on the southern end of the island for the rehabilitation and breeding of sea turtles, but this closed in 2021. The island's relative proximity to Cuba has made it a popular stepping stone for Cubans trying to reach the United States in recent years. Isla Mujeres is considered one of the world's best places to catch sailfish. Beachside homes in Isla Mujeres

Life on the island

[edit] Many homes have been built on the island, including those of people who have lived on the island for generations, affluent condos or houses for seasonal use, snowbirds, fishermen, and those working in the tourism and restaurant industry. The island also has a dedicated yacht and boating presence, with many docks on the west coast, including some designated for seasonal use. In general, the island's population declines in the winter due to the decline of tourism during that season. Some island residents ferry to and from Cancún daily for school or work. Shopping on the island for residents was limited for many decades, making day trips to Cancún (sometimes on a specialized ferry for automobiles and shipping trucks) necessary to purchase items such as a television or foods not stocked at one of the many minisupers (locally run convenience stores) or the downtown supermercado (supermarket) in the city square. As the tourism industry increased in the late 2000s, businesses such as Chedraui began to establish a presence, reducing residents' need to go to Cancún. The island has many stadiums, including a full-scale baseball park and organized football venue, along with makeshift dirt or sand fields on which local children and organized teams play. Technology on the island (particularly in the colonias) was humble for many years, as it was slow to adopt innovations in entertainment beyond the standard television. By the early '00s, technologies such as cable television, the arcade cabinet (most commonly an original or repurposed Neo Geo) and cellular phones began to become commonplace in local households. Quinta Region Naval (Base), Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 2022 Isla Mujeres is the home of Mexican naval base Quinta Región Naval. Very little violent crime has been reported on the island over its history. The island has a reputation for its relaxed nature, as the safety of both residents and tourists is unusually high. The biggest danger to residents has historically been the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes, some of which, such as Hurricane Carmen and Hurricane Wilma, have caused devastating damage.