I have been coming here for a few years now and, although each year sees its changes, it still retains an even balance between a laid back island and the necessity to cater for a growing tourist industry.
Set just off the coast of Cancun, Isla, as it is referred to locally, is a twenty minute ferry ride from Puerto Juarez. The ferries run every thirty minutes from 5am to midnight at a cost of 35 pesos.
The island itself is only a few kilometres long and at its narrowest point you could almost throw a stone from one side to the other.
There are several beaches; my favourite one is Playa Norte with perfect white sand beaches and warm shallow water. Further down the coast on the calm Caribbean side is Playa Lancheros with small beaches and a multitude of barbeque shacks serving excellent grilled fish.
Taxis are cheap and plentiful and the ubiquitous golf carts are available at reasonable rates. Downtown though you can walk everywhere and the main street is all pedestrian, so great for kids.
Hotels, hostels and private rooms are in good supply and unless you are coming in a peak season you should be ok to just turn up and find a place to your liking a few steps from the dock and Main Street. There are many other accommodations spread all over the island so if it’s tranquillity you are looking for it can be found just as easily.
For budget travellers there is only one real choice (for a party atmosphere and great prices) and that is the Poc Na youth hostel near playa norte. For 100 pesos you get a bed and some breakfast to start you off. The bar is cheap and open until 3:30am with live music most nights and a great place to meet fellow travellers. You can book the Poc Na online. Book Poc Na Hostel Online now
A more upmarket location is Nautibeach Condominium situated on Playa Norte with a great swimming pool and the Sunset Grill bar and restaurant situated directly on the beach with live music and swing chairs to boot. Prices for the condos at Nautibeach start from around $100 off season. These are very popular and can be booked via their website.
http://www.nautibeach.com/.
Other resources for Isla Mujeres are listed below.
My perfect day starts with a dip in the ocean to wake up followed by breakfast at Manyana where you can browse the bookshelves or read a newspaper with great breakfasts and homemade bread. Time for a stroll around town and then it’s time to hit the beach. Follow that up with lunch of freshly caught fish at the dock and a few beers then back to the beach to sleep it off. Add a siesta and shower and the time has come to cruise to the old tequila house for a double dose of frozen margaritas before dinner and one of the restaurants on Hidalgo. Finish off with some live music and the off to the Poc Na palapa bar to drink and dance into the night.
Repeat for seven days then go on holiday!
This is a paradise island and a way to do the Caribbean on the cheap without getting too tacky. So, take my advice and get yourselves here before it goes the way of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Viva Mexico! Peter J Smith
Other selected places to stay, all boookable in advance.
Casa Ixchel
Gladys´Apartments
Hotel Cabañas Maria del Mar
Hotel Playa La Media Luna
Hotel Roca Mar
1 comment:
Great post!! I can vouch!!
Take care Pete!!
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