Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island located off the coast of Cancun, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Most people – including ourselves – usually visit on a day trip, as it is an easy way to get away from the crowds along the Riviera Maya. It was once one of Quintana Roo’s best-kept secrets, but now it is still one of the most popular and unique places to visit on the coast. It is the perfect place to watch either the sunrise to the east or the sunset to the west at any of the beaches that surround the island. It is definitely worth the trip.

Isla Mujeres – the Island of Women – has quickly become one of our favourite places to visit on the Riviera Maya. We love this place. It’s like Disneyland for adults. There are many great attractions to keep yourself busy on the island, from snorkeling to zip-lines, and also has some of the most picturesque beaches anywhere on the Riviera Maya. Towards the center of the island, close to the ferry, there is a small town full of great restaurants and popular beach clubs.

There are many great places to go snorkeling and scuba diving on the island, especially nearby Gafferon Park. One of the best attractions on the island – which is still on our list of things to do – is a visit to the Cancun underwater museum, created by English artist Jason deCaires Taylor. There are over 500 sculptures 3-6 meters below the surface that you can swim and snorkel around. This is something we plan on doing later this year, so stay tuned for our pictures from this future adventure.

The first thing we usually do after getting off the ferry, is to rent a golf cart. It easy to take a 2-3 hour drive around the island to visit the south side of the island. There is a really amazing Michelada just outside of town on the side of the road, and one of these refreshing beverages is the perfect way to start your adventure.

On the south side of the island there are several worthwhile beaches, a picturesque coastline and even a small Mayan Ruins located at Punta Sur. Isla Mujeres also has some of the best street art that we have found anywhere in Mexico, and there are many great murals to discover. After your drive around the island, head to one of the many beaches on the north side facing the mainland, grab a bite to eat and settle in to watch the sunset.

The Mayans considered the island a sacred place, dedicated to the Godess Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of medicine, childbirth and fertility. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it the Island of Women, because of all the images and sculptures depicting women.

We hope you enjoy the following pictures, which will hopefully help to inspire you’re next visit to Island Mujeres.

 Isla Mujeres: