"Reflecting Back On Several Trips" Isla Mujeres by pacia

Isla Mujeres is an island located off the coast of Cancun, accessible by a 25-minute ferry ride from the mainland. It's a small island, approximately 5 miles long and a 1/2 mile wide at it's widest point.

Ferry Arrival

As the ferry pulls toward the dock on the West side of the island, you will notice a few other ferries and a large number of fishing boats parked along the coast. This is the busiest side of the island, hosting several restaurants, the bank, many tourist shops, and of course, the main ferry dock. Even on this busy bay-side of the island, the water is a beauliful, clear blue.

North Beach

To the North lies North Beach (Playa Norte),* the wide, white, soft-sanded, palm tree-dotted beach. The water is calm, crystal-clear, and perfect for swimming (once you walk out a ways to get deeper than your knees!). This is also the widest part of the island, and just behind it is the "downtown" area, where most of the 'action' is at night.

The East side of the island is open to the Caribbean Sea. The waves crash along this rocky coast, and it's gorgeous! There are a lot of homes being built up along this side.

The West side of the island faces the bay toward Cancun. Along with the Ferry dock, this side has a lot of restaurants along the coast (tables and chairs in the sand). As you go South along the West coast toward the quieter end of the island, there are a few beach clubs, residential areas, hotels, and and water parks.

*In 2006, Hurricane Wilma greatly shifted the sands of North Beach, and it is much smaller now. However, over the past several years I've been there, the beach has been drastically different each time...always moving around and reshaping - hopefully it will be back soon. There are plenty of other beautiful beaches here to enjoy as well.

• Pros:The friendly locals, crystal-clear sea, soft white sand, amazing food, quaint atmosphere, and the quirky, very colorful vibe.
• Cons:Massive condo/resort development, "discovered"
• In a nutshell:A beautiful little Mexican Caribbean island!