10 things to do in Isla Mujeres
10 things to do in Isla Mujeres:
2. get a spa treatment at Isla Mujeres Palace spa. I had the relaxing full-body massage when I fell asleep a few times. It was so good! Once it is done, you can enjoy one of my favorite Mexican drinks – Hibiscus water (agua de Jamaica) or an infusion water. If you can, get a massage very early in the morning or the last thing in the afternoon when it’s not that hot so you can get it done at the outside palapa by the sea.
3. visit the Garrafon park – do zipline, kayaking, snorkeling in this natural reef park … In my opinion, temazcal is also a must. You have to sign up for it at the beginning of your day and the best time to do it is just before you leave so register for the last temascal session. This Aztec traditional steam bath is done by a native-American guy who will explain the basics of temascal to you. I also suggest you to get a VIP pass to enjoy tasty lunch in the restaurant and then pamper yourself with cool views of the sea from a cold jacuzzi on the top next to the restaurant or from one of the pools.
4. Punta Sur – visiting the Southern-most point of Isla Mujeres means visiting the Eastern-most part of Mexico at the same time. If you come here to the Cliff of the Dawn very early in the morning, you might be literally the first person in Mexico to see the Sun :)
5. snorkel the UnderWater Museum – around 500 statues made from ph-neutral clay were placed under water between Isla Mujeres and Cozumel to attract the snorkelers and divers here and thus get them a bit away from the second biggest barrier reef in the world – the Mesoamerican reef to protect it.
The UnderWater Museum project began in November 2009 by English artist Jason Decaires Taylor. I snorkeled part of the UnderWater Museum back in 2011 when I visited the Chankanaab national park in Cozumel so I got to see some statues from pretty close. Thanks for that, as this time when we were trying to get on a boat to the UnderWater Museum, it was very windy and the big waves not only made it more difficult to snorkel but also the water was blurry.
6. relax at the paradise – Playa Norte (North Beach) is situated at the other extreme of the island, next to downtown and it’s very popular. Its crystal clear turquoise water and white sand attract hundreds of beach freaks every day. If you get hungry in between all the swimming and sunbathing, get lunch at Sunset Grill. The huge portions will fill you up until the following day. I highly recommend guacamole and black rice with veggies if you are vegan/vegetarian or fish for the rest of you!
7. ride a golf cart around the whole island – Isla Mujeres is just 7.5 km long and the funniest way to explore the island is definitely on the golf carts.
8. check out the new Sea Walls graffiti on a few buildings around downtown. Maybe it’s better to ask a local how to find the urban street art murals or if you have a local golf cart driver, go with him. The murals are not just any murals. The Sea Walls project was created by the international organization PangeaSeed to raise public awareness of sustainable tourism. The murals focus on ecotourism and conservation of the ocean and the marine species.
9. go shopping – walk around and buy some souvenirs. Trust me, you can find anything from Mexican hats, to tequila shots, postcards, bags, pens, to different kinds of animal representations and Mezcal and Tequila bottles.
Bruce R
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Thanks for bringing back the memories of what we call “La Isla” and the Palace resort. I agree with all your things to do – and would add the turtle farm to the list.
How did you manage the yacht to the resort? When we went, it was via the ferry to La Isla, then taxi to resort. Yacht sounds better.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Well, the yacht was organized for us. Maybe you have to pay extra for it. The turtle farm is there like the last point :)
David
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I never knew Isla Mujeres was so awesome. I’m in Mexico now, and with the Yucatan in my sights, I’ll be sure to check out this island during my stay in the area.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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I so recommend you to visit Isla Mujeres. You will fall in love with it at first sight, David :)