What to do in Isla Mujeres?

When we look for things to do in Isla Mujeres, the answer does not allow for many doubts: being an island in the Caribbean Sea, it is an ideal place to do water activities and be dazzled by the exuberant marine fauna, within which you can spot turtles and dolphins. thanks to its warm waters. In addition to, logically, enjoying its beautiful beaches.

Playa Norte, probably the most beautiful on Isla Mujeres

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on Isla Mujeres, or the most beautiful for many. For approximately 1 km, its soft white sand extends.

In addition, the height of the water will not exceed your waist even if you walk a lot into the sea, and its calm waters will make this place suitable for the whole family. There is also a good range of bars and restaurants along the entire beachfront, so you can relax on the sand, sunbathe and order a cocktail or one of the typical micheladas (beer with lemon juice, salt and spice).

Arrive to the south of Isla Mujeres to visit the Garrafón Park

This ecopark is located at the southern end of the island, off the coast of Quintana Roo. You can access it by car, reaching km 6 of the Garrafón Highway, or by asking about the tours that depart from the municipal seat of Isla Mujeres to said destination. What you will see will be a spectacle of reefs and species of fish that accumulate in these shallow waters.

You can also practice kayaking, snorkeling or dive into its waters with dolphins. This park also offers a temazcal (traditional sauna) and a swimming pool with panoramic views. You can also visit the cliffs of Punta Sur, a destination that we will talk about later among the things to do in Isla Mujeres.

Immerse yourself in the MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)

Although you don't usually have a special interest in museums, I think this one in particular is a must-see on Isla Mujeres. The Museum of Underwater Art is made up of monumental works made of concrete and arranged on the seabed, which you can appreciate while snorkeling, diving or in a boat with a transparent bottom. In total there are 500 works that make up an incredible experience, being able to swim through the monuments while you submerge to a depth of about 8 meters.

Walking through the city: Main square and Street Art

Even as you unsuspectingly wander around the island you will realize that there are always surprises. On the walls of buildings and alleys, you will find the lines of graffiti artists who have left their mark on the place to make it more alive. Perfect for a photo shoot! It is also important that you know that these murals are not only there to beautify the island, but they are part of an environmental conservation project called Sea Walls Artist for Oceans.

Managed since 2014, it has accompanied the creation of around 300 murals in different countries around the world, promoting a message of ocean conservation through art. Of course, the main square is one of the places that you will pass through during your stay on the island. In this place there are some street food stalls, so you can try Mexican delicacies such as tacos, churros, marquesitas and other fritangas.

Treat yourself to a catamaran ride

If you travel with enough budget, you can access a catamaran ride, in which you can sail around the entire island, snorkeling and sunbathing in the Caribbean sun, surrounding yourself with its beautiful waters. You can purchase this plan as soon as you are in Cancun, but if you arrive on the island and you don't have it yet, you can still purchase it right there. The plan is 100% relaxation, including buffet food and diving or snorkeling with the fish and dolphins.

Visit the Tortugranja and help in its conservation

Not only do sea turtles come to the island to lay their eggs, but there is a protection and conservation program for this species so that tourism does not affect its regular biological cycle. At Tortugranja you can find a turtle aquarium and good information to understand the importance of protecting these beautiful living beings, threatened by fishing nets and the destruction of their habitat.

Contoy Island: where birds nest

Near Isla Mujeres is Isla Contoy, a national park for the protection of birds and marine species. It is also known as "the island of birds" since it has a significant population of birds, and the absence of inhabitants facilitates the permanence and abundant reproduction of several native species. Because it is a reservation with restricted entry, you must arrange the trip there one day in advance, since the number of daily visitors is limited.

Punta Sur, "the dawn of Mexico"

Lastly on this list of what to do in Isla Mujeres is Punta Sur, the easternmost place in Mexico, which makes it the first recipient of the sun's rays every morning. This is why the island's slogan is "the dawn of Mexico." Punta Sur is located near Garrafón Park, so after visiting it you can walk there and admire the landscape of cliffs that this place has. In addition, in this place are the ruins of the Temple of the Goddess Ixchel, who gave her name to the island as we saw at the beginning of this article.