Activities & Recreations
Beach “Playa Norte” (Home of Ixchel Residences)
From dawn to dusk, the beaches offer the tourists a wonderful view of white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Playa Norte
A white-sand beach that invites you to swim, practice watersports, get a tan, sleep in hammocks under a coconut tree and enjoy the fresh seafood sold here. The most spectacular and splendid sunsets can be seen from this beautiful beach.
Playa Paraíso, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios.
These beaches are located on the bay of Mujeres, on the western side of the island. There you can enjoy a rich and varied seafood dinner, such as the famous “tikin-xic”. You can also buy handicrafts and folk clothing, take a photo with nurse sharks, swim and snorkel and enjoy the variety of marine species we have.
We are not responsible for heart attacks caused by such beauty.
El Meco
It is an important Mayan archaeological zone, known as the center of mayan civil and religious functions. Its original name is unknown. El Meco was the nickname of a 19th century local resident, probably nicknamed El Meco because he used to limp (cojo in Spanish). Strategically located on the coast in front of Isla Mujeres, El Meco is thought to have been an important point for navigation during the post-classic Maya period along the peninsula; it is related to Isla Mujeres and had strong relationships with its inhabitants.
Ecotourism
On Isla Mujeres, ecotourism is an active part of the tourist industry, where you can find places for nature and adventure lovers. You can visit protected areas such as Contoy Island or the Birds´ Island, where you will learn how to respect the environment, since it is a natural reserve that has become the most important home to marine birds on the Mexican Caribbean.
You can enjoy the adventure of ecotourism by visiting diving sites such as the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, Cuevones, Half Moon, Barracuda Valley, which will provide an unforgettable experience and your best adventure ever.
Hacienda Mundaca
Hacienda Mundaca was built by Fermín Mundaca de Marecheaga, a pirate and slave trader that sought refuge on the island after fighting against the British Navy in 1860. The hacienda includes walls, arches, exotic plants, gardens, birds breeding place, cattle and orchard. It is located on the road to Garrafon, 3.5 kilometers before Playa Lancheros and Playa Paraíso.
Both Fermín Mundaca y Marecheaga and “La Trigüena” were real life persons; the former was born in Spain and the latter on Isla Mujeres. Without knowing it, they wrote a love story that has become part of the cultural tradition of the islanders.
Thanks to this great love story, Isla Mujeres has gradually become an ideal spot for newlyweds. Its unique beauty, quietness and hospitality make it a perfect place for people in love, who will certainly hear about the romantic legend created around the lives of these two local characters.
Shopping in Downtown
When you arrive to Isla Mujeres, you will feel like in a charming village while you walk along its paved streets and visit the church, the main square, town hall or cultural center, or when you sit under the park trees or on the eastern mole facing the ocean. If you prefer, you can explore the handicrafts shops that offer items from all around Mexico. At noon, you can enjoy a cool drink in a bar with live music; after visiting downtown Isla, watch the beautiful sunset on the beach, in a good restaurant, while you enjoy a delicious dinner.
There might even be a festival on the main square with folk dances and handicrafts exhibitions.
Later you can go dancing in the discos and bars of downtown Isla Mujeres
Punta Sur
Punta Sur is located on the southern tip of the island, up to 20 meters above sea level. It is an impressive natural formation next to Garrafon reef that offers a wonderful view of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun Island and Isla Mujeres bay.
At Punta Sur nature has carved the cliffs in a truly beautiful architectural way. Beautiful sculptures by Mexican and international contemporary artists dot the place and enhance its natural beauty.
Garrafon
Garrafón is Isla Mujeres´ Natural Park, named after a unique reef with shallow waters and soft currents that allow us to discover the beauty of the Caribbean´s underwater life.
The park is famous for its colourful fish that swim around you and for the coral reef that surrounds it. You can snorkel, admire the corals, sunbathe, visit the aquarium, enjoy seafood or fast food, buy handicrafts, folk and beach wear.
Open daily from 8:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Tel.: 52 (998) 849 4950
e-mail: ventas@garrafon.com
Web-Site: www.garrafon.com
Turtle Farm
Isla Mujeres has been home to the giant sea turtles, which lay their eggs on its soft sand, from May to September. During many years, sea turtles were killed for their meat, shell and eggs, but now Mexican Federal Laws protect them. Eggs are deposited in protected areas to keep them safe from predators. After they are born, the turtles are transferred to ponds and then taken to the sea by the local school children and tourists who help them return to their natural habitat.
Seeing hundreds of sea turtles that survive thanks to the care and love of the islanders is a unique experience and an example for the rest of the world.
Isla Mujeres´ turtle farm is located on the southern part of the island, and supported by
Mexican government and private funds.
It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teléfono: 52 (998) 877 0595
e-mail: turtfarm@cancun.com.mx
Dolphins
At Dolphin Discovery, in the southern part of the island, you can swim with dolphins, discover their incredible abilities, and have the opportunity to touch them and be kissed by them.
This interactive encounter with the most amazing marine mammals in nature is both fun and educational.
In addition to the docility dolphins transmit, their intelligence is unique, therefore they have become an option in health care: dolphin therapy is used to treat all kinds of diseases, whether brain, emotional, physical or psychic. The treatment is based upon the system of ultrasound dolphins have and the effects this system has when it enters our body, since it stimulates our central nervous system.
Isla Mujeres is where this miracle of nature takes place and disabled children have experienced astounding improvements.
Tel.: 52 (998) 877 0207 Isla Mujeres
Tel.: 52 (998) 883 0779 Cancún
Web-Site: www.dolphindiscovery.com
Shopping
For those who love shopping, Isla Mujeres has a great variety of regional handicrafts, as well as from the rest of the country, in addition to sophisticated jewellery stores.
There is a lot to see on the island, including small handicraft shops inside hotels and restaurants.
In downtown Isla Mujeres you will find jewellery stores, boutiques and souvenirs on almost every corner. You can explore the town on a golf cart !
Nightlife
After admiring the unique beauty of the sunset on Isla Mujeres, it is time to enjoy exciting nightlife, in places with a Caribbean and magic touch that make them unforgettable.
