Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Stay Here:

Sunset at Na Balam

Privledges Aluxes Hotel- Nice mid-size resort at North End of the island. The food was just ok, best not to buy all inclusive package. Some rooms have views of the local cemetery, so if that isn't your thing, then best to request a room overlooking the pool or beach. Great location for walking into town for dinner or renting golf carts.  http://www.privilegehotels.com

NaBalam Resort: Great no frills resort with simple rooms, but on a spectacular beach with great food and beach service. Less expensive than Privledges Aluxes. An easy 10 minute walk into town. The yoga classes at Na Balam are incredible. We loved taking class with Lal! Worth going back just for his classes. The beach at Na Balam is particularly nice because its shallow and clear for at least 20-30 feet. If you don't stay here, you can always rent a beach bed for the entire day for around $20USD.  http://nabalam.com

All of the Eating and Touristy Stuff:

Isla Mujeres is a long skinny island (around 7 miles) , and can be split up into three areas: North End, South End and Mid-Island. 

Best way to get around the island is in golf carts. It takes about 1 hour to drive around the entire island in a gold cart. They can be rented near the marina at various locations.

The South End's main attraction are some ruins, which aren't terribly impressive. It's still worth going to see this site because there is a great path that leads down to the ocean, and a great photo op at the Easternmost point of Mexico. There are also tons of iguanas and crabs to see. The South End also has the Zoetry Hotel. Its possibly the nicest hotel on the island, but is removed from most of the restaurants and nightlife. At night you would need to take a taxi to the North End for dinner, unless you eat at the hotel restaurant called Casa Rolandi, which serves Italian food. 

Beaches at the North End

The North End has the nicest beaches and the majority of the restaurants which line Hidalgo Street. We liked Lola Valentina for healthy options, blended drink, and had good meals there for breakfast and dinner. Olivia has decent Mediterranean food but usually requires a reservation. There are many pizza places on Hidalgo Street, and they are all decently good. 

The Mid-Island actually has the best food on the entire island, according to both locals and tourists. Two must try are Mango Cafe for breakfast or lunch, and Bastos Grill for lunch or dinner. 

If you're an animal lover, its worth checking out the local animal rescue group, Isla Animals. They do a great job with spaying and neutering the local strays, raising awareness in the community and getting a large number of animals adopted. http://islaanimals.org

Isla Mujeres has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. There are many companies who can take you out on a day trip. They all generally go to the same locations: The Farolito (lighthouse) and the Museo (and underwater sculptural museum).

Getting Around:

You can take a taxi anywhere on the island for around $5, and anything on the North End is walkable. Golf carts are rented by the half day or day.

The ferry to and from Isla leaves every 30 minutes and is around $14 roundtrip. No need to buy advanced tickets. There is a taxi stand outside both ends of the ferry. Its around a 10 min walk from the ferry to the Privledges Aluxes Hotel.