Isla Mujeres is a 5-mile strip of land located 5.6 miles offshore from Cancun and 42 miles north of Cozumel, Mexico. This lovely island with its beautiful landscapes and bustling streets is a must-visit for visitors to the Yucatan peninsula.
As one steps off the ferry, one is greeted with bustling streets full of small markets and open-air bars, while golf carts and mopeds seem to come and go at random. The best way to see the island is to rent a golf cart, which holds five people. For only $63, it’s a great way for friends and family to traverse Rueda Medina Avenue, the island’s main thoroughfare.
We decided to put our shopping urges to one side and visit the scenic cliffside first. We were not disappointed. The clear water was beautiful and from the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, we could see the resort-dotted skyline of Cancun in the distance.
Finally, the shopping bug took hold, but there was no shortage of options to buy. As we were motoring down the busy streets, we noticed a few men on the streetside selling fresh coconuts giving us a friendly wave. At least that’s what we thought. They were actually beckoning us to stop by their shabby setup to see if they could make a quick sale.
We then stopped by one of the many small shops located on one of the busiest streets of the island. The little shop offered a multitude of knick-knacks from T-shirts and hats to handmade leather purses and rugs.
As we moved north, the beach near Mía Reef Resort is so clear the water could pass as liquid glass. One could be neck-deep in this salty Caribbean water and still see one’s feet perfectly.
After a few relaxing hours at the beach, it was time to return the golf cart back to the rental center. As we made our way back, dozens of mopeds zipped past us weaving through the traffic seamlessly. It’s almost as if the natives know every in and out as they seem to defy the laws of physics. I swear a couple actually passed through cars, or maybe it was just the tequila kicking in.
The ferry ride from Cancun costs $32 and takes a mere 30 minutes. Isla Mujeres is a great way to spend a day. After all, there’s only so much sand, sea, and cocktails one can take.
For more information, visit isla-mujeres.
