This is the view from a small beachfront spot down the steps from Hotel La Joya in Isla Mujeres in the Quintana Roo region of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Daily, I walked down to this beautiful space and calmly swam through the short pathway into the deep water. Snorkeling enthusiasts joined me finding what they were looking for. As catamarans would park as close as possible to the beach, we would smile saying, ‘we get this for free!’ Locals brought their equipment to fish for lobsters, smiling gleefully when they left with their catch of the day. This would bring a lot of money for a local, or a fancy dinner for the family. For 12 full days, I watched locals and tourists alike enjoy this space together respectfully. The city in the background is Cancun, and the pier belongs to a project underway where construction workers worked daily to finish a beautiful new hotel. Maybe in 2023 this will be completed.
The island can be seen in a day, and many take the ferry from Cancun, rent a golf cart at the port, available from multiple vendors, and drive the loop going around the island. If you look carefully to your right, you will see one beach club after another. This is the closest hotel to the famous Garafon National Park, thus the same snorkeling. The Hotel La Joya has a pool, restaurant, ocean view rooms with hammocks and use of kayaks upon request. Park your golf cart with this all inclusive stay. There are a few restaurants across the street a few hundred meters south.
Punta Sur is the southern most tip of the island and not far to walk or take that golf cart. Watch the sunrise and sunset daily. It is the first place in Mexico to see the sunrise and quite famous for this.
The admission is 30 pesos and goes to the preservation of the Mayan temple and beautiful grounds.
Look for the walkway down to the path where you can watch the sun rise and set daily among the beautiful cliffs.
With a short ride, you can park your golf cart in the famous northern part of Isla Mujeres where you will find action packed streets, restaurants, cafes, beach clubs and more. This is where most tourists stay.
Mid Island, there is a large grocery store, Chedraui. This is the closest to a super market with plenty of parking. There are also local restaurants mid island, and my favorite is Doros for a reason; good food and philanthropy! The restaurant has initiated a community children’s library. I attended an event here celebrating the opening of the library. Take your storybook, in Spanish, and donate it while you enjoy great food.
Tiny, the owner, is reading to the neighborhood children September 2022.
Books are circulated from each neighborhood on a regular basis so the children have a variety to choose from.
I do recommend a stay in Isla Mujeres. The people are friendly, and there is a public bus, ‘Punta Sur’, that loops around the whole island for 20 pesos. Enjoy the natural beauty of the southern part, as you will find a slower island pace. The northern part is a 10 minute taxi ride away, and you will find plenty of taxis driving by all hours of the day. This is a place where locals have a tight knit community. They will welcome you as you explore and offer help when you ask. Many speak English, and there is always a translation app to support communication. Let me know if you visit these favorite spots of mine, and let me know what you find exploring this beautiful island!
#islamujeres #mexico #beach #vacation
There are questions about travel to/from the port in Cancun. From the airport you can take a direct taxi for $55, shuttle for $18 pp, or buses (ADO bus to downtown $5 and then local bus J6 directly to port Juarez where you take the ferry to Isla Mujeres 10pesos.) Going, I took the ADO bus and then J6. Returning to the airport, I was well taken care of by Adrian Martinez of Adrian's Cafe Internet, who coordinated transport from Isla Mujeres with a Cancun shuttle for me. Whatsapp: 52-9988444620. His office is located in the northern part of Isla near the local town square a few blocks from the ferry. FYI everybody in Mexico seems to be on Whatsapp.