Isla Mujeres – A Mexican Gem

View from Rooftop at Chac Chi Hotel & Suites

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Does boutique hotels, beachside massages, swimming with dolphins, and yoga in front of a temple sound exciting?  Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is located about 13 km /  8 miles across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from Cancun.  The tiny island is only 7.5km / 5 miles long and  .8 km / half a mile wide at its widest point. The downtown center area aka Punte Norte is only four by six blocks. The weather and climate are nearly perfect with the average temperature being  27°C  / 80°F with 60% humidity.  The warmest months are typically June thru September.   Catch a ferry near the hotel zone in Cancun for $70 pesos / $5.50 USD each way. Ferries run every half hour and takes about 25 minutes to cross.

Chac Chi Hotel and Suites

Isla Mujeres does not have mega hotels so you can enjoy personalized service from the numerous boutique hotels or specialized bed and breakfasts.  Many of the hotels offer holistic treatments ranging from exotic massages to specialized Mayan treatments.  Rates for a basic massage start at $450 Pesos /  $37 USD per hour or only $700 Pesos / $58 USD for 90 minutes. You could treat yourself to several treatments for those prices.

Lights House located at Punte Sur

There are various modes of transportation around the island. Golf carts, mopeds, bicycles, and taxis are in abundance.  Golf carts are definitely the most popular mode among tourists. You can rent a golf cart for an hour, day, or week. Rates average from $180 Pesos / $15 USD per hour to $650 Pesos / $54 per day for the golf carts. Mopeds are about $500 Pesos / $40 USD per day and bikes start at $80 Pesos / $6 USD per day.  Some of the moped/golf cart companies deliver to your hotel.  For the best prices check with the hotels or with some of the companies off the main street. The highest prices are along the main street near the ferry terminal.

Biking Panoramic Highway

In need of a little adventure, Isla Mujeres has that, too.  Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, visit the Cruz De La Bahía (Cross of the bay) while scuba diving, snorkel at the world’s second largest barrier reef, hold baby turtles at Tortugranja, bike along the Corredor Panorámico (panoramic highway), or zip line over the azul Caribbean Sea at Garrafon Park.  All these activities are available on this tiny island that’s only 7.5 km long.

Restaurant located at the light house and ruins at Punta Sur

Hungry after all those activities? Not to worry, there are numerous open air cafes mainly located in Punta Norte (the north end of the island).  Restaurants and cafes offer a wide range of options from traditional Mexican to seafood dishes to vegetarian at very reasonable prices.

Isla Mujeres is truly a Mexican gem.  It’s easy to get to and has a wide variety of things to do.  You can be as adventuresome and active as you like or simply chill out and relax – your choice.  There are options to fit nearly any budget from backpacker to jet setter.  Make plans to visit Isla Mujeres, you won’t be disappointed.