Hola Amigos! We just got back from an awesome trip to Mexico and can't wait to share all the details with you!
We were on Isla Mujeres, a small island in the Caribbean near Cancun. It's only 7 km long and 2 km wide but it's full of charm, with beautiful beaches and a rich history.
Isla Mujeres, (known commonly as just "Isla") has something for everyone, from its vibrant culture to its many attractions. Tony arrived a week early and had a great time SCUBA diving with Pocna Dive Centre, which is conveniently located at Selina.
Selina offers simple but comfortable accommodations from hostel style dorm rooms to full service private rooms. There's also a pool, a restaurant/bar, free daily Yoga classes, a work/share center and plenty of hammocks scattered all over the property.
The diving here is amazing, with wrecks like C-55, C-58, and Ultrafreeze, as well as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. There's an underwater museum with sculptures creating unique scenery.
On this trip, Tony saw green eels, barracuda, porcupine pufferfish, and loggerhead turtles. It was Spotted Eagle Ray season, so there were plenty of those around, but the highlight was seeing two nurse sharks on Grampin Reef.
On the way back from one of the dives, everyone enjoyed Lionfish Ceviche, made from fish speared during the first dive by one of the dive masters. It was a tasty way to help rid the reef of some of these non-native invasive fish.
After Tony's amazing week of diving, we met up and stayed at an Airbnb on the west side of the island. There, we enjoyed escaping the busy life and settled into our own cozy little casita with a small pool and beach palapas.
Isla Mujeres has stunning coastlines with white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Playa Norte is famous for its beauty and sunsets, but we prefer Garrafon Castilla. It's smaller and quieter, with a great restaurant/bar and excellent snorkeling.
No visit to Isla Mujeres would be complete without indulging in its delectable culinary scene, and we certainly have our favourites!
Centro (the “downtown” area at the north end of the island) - We don’t typically spend much time in the Centro part of the island, but there are a few spots we just can’t pass up whenever we visit.
Javi’s Cantina - Our go to spot for lunch! Located in Javi’s grandmother’s family home, their mission is to serve unforgettable food in a casual ambiance experience. Trust us when we tell you, they’ve nailed it!
Oceans - For supper in “Centro” we love Oceans. The atmosphere in and around this restaurant is perfect for couples and those wanting to enjoy the Mexican night life. The bands are amazing, but what keeps bringing us back is the shrimp tacos – grilled, not fried.
Isla Burger - Don’t judge us for this non-Mexican choice, but a trip to Isla just isn’t complete without at least one meal here. Their “Isla Classic” may just be the best burger we’ve ever had! If you do stop in here, ask for Lina and ask about her SCUBA training.
La Gloria (in the central part of the island) a has some of the best and most authentic restaurants we’ve found on the island. This is one of our favourite areas to enjoy supper.
Bastos Grill - We discovered this cantina a couple of years ago and it’s been a regular stop ever since. It’s firm favorite for locals and visitors alike, that’s been serving delicious, fresh, authentic Mexican food for many years.
El Charco" Deisy Y Raul – Recommended to us by the owner of our Air BnB, El Charco is the epitome of a traditional Mexican Cantina. Raul cooks and Deisy serves amazing beef tacos, enchiladas, and lime chicken. It simple, inexpensive, and fantastic!
Limón – Kicking it up a notch is Limón (“lemon” in English) is one of the highest rated restaurants on the island. We made our reservation a month ahead of time and there were only two evenings still available during our visit! The Grill Master – Sergio, presents delectable food in a friendly and personal manner. Once you meet Sergio you will realise that his passion for culinary arts is undeniable!
Sac Bajo, a slender peninsula on the island's west side, hosts our favourite Air BnB. It's just a short stroll to any number of charming cantinas where we enjoy a light meal of appetizers such as ceviche, guacamole, and pico-de-gallo. A couple of beverages and a competitive game of rummy round out our mid-day escapades! These cantinas include La Palapa Del Capitan, Velavento Mangle, and La Carbonera 22.
On Isla, you would need a month to visit every outstanding eatery this island has to offer. For our next trip, we’re looking forward to trying Aurora Cocina & Bar, Isla Brewing, and DeNuccio's.
Shopping on Isla Mujeres is a vibrant experience, blending local culture with tourist allure. From bustling markets offering handmade crafts and jewelry to boutique shops lining the streets, the island presents a plethora of treasures.
Colorful stalls showcase Huichol art and traditional Mexican textiles, perfect for souvenirs. Charming boutiques offer a blend of Mexican flair and international trends, from bohemian beachwear to stylish accessories.
Don't miss sampling local delicacies at food markets, where freshly caught seafood and exotic fruits tantalize the taste buds. Shopping on Isla Mujeres isn't so much about what you buy, as it is about the immersive cultural journey, rich with island spirit.
Beyond its idyllic beaches, Isla Mujeres boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be explored. The island's name itself, Isla Mujeres, pays homage to its ancient past, as it was once a sacred site dedicated to the Mayan goddess of childbirth and fertility, Ixchel.
We always take an opportunity to delve into this rich heritage by visiting the ruins of the Temple of Ixchel, located on the southern tip of the island, where remnants of this ancient civilization still whisper tales of bygone eras.
In essence, Isla Mujeres is a slice of paradise that captivates the senses and leaves an indelible imprint on the soul.
With its unparalleled beauty, rich cultural heritage, and boundless adventures awaiting at every turn, this enchanting island invites travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Just always remember to schedule plenty of time during your visit to just rest and relax.
Adios Amigos!
Viaja ligero, viaja ligero, viaja bien