Mexico - ANY INFO ON Isla Mujeres ???

I finally found out that this is a little island just off of Cancun

Has anyone been there who can give advice on hotel? sights? food? activities?

I've heard it's off the beaten path and a place for quiet and relaxation - which if true all sound good. Thanks

joeytay I am going to move your thread to our Mexico Forum. I'm certain you will find lots of helpful answers to your questions.
Please continue to follow this thread there.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

It's a popular destination for booze cruises that depart from Cancun. :)

Check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g150810-i360-Isla_Mujeres_Yucatan_Peninsula.html.

Trust me, you'll hate it. Nothing but white sand beaches, a little market, no spring-breaking body-shot-ters in sight, atmosphere is too relaxed, service too good, the lack of huge resort hotels is disconcerting, and I found it impossible to determine when happy hour ended. I kept getting two beers for the price of one no matter what time of day. Aargh.

Stay away. Trust me. And tell everyone you know what I said.

(If you must go, I would certainly not check out the Na Balaam hotel. In fact, I would avoid any hotel along the broad, white sands of Playa Norte. And I would be no means frequent the hammock-only beach bar called Buho's.)

It's been several years since we were there and it has been developed more. We have stayed at Cabanas Maria del Mar on North Beach and also in downtown. Downtown is only a 5 min walk to North Beach. Na Balam is next door to Marias and looks like a really nice place but two to three times the price of Marias.

There are now several all-inclusives on the island. One is on the little pennisula by North beach and the others are along the coast.

There is not much to do on Isla but lay on the beach, take a boat trip, eat, drink , relax etc. You can rent a golf cart and tour around the island. It is a really small island, but not small enough to try and walk to the other side (I know, we tried LOL)

Now you are making me want to go back!

Agree with all of the above....it's a great little island to go to to get away from the Cancun crowds. We only went for a day trip but I could see spending a few days there. Very relaxing, great beaches, quiet, fun, no big crowds. Renting a golf cart was fun and adventurous. Good snorkeling. Mostly mom and pop-type places to eat, unless of course you are at a resort (we frankly didn't see many resorts on the island).

The only thing I am unsure about is if Isla Mujeres suffered any damage from last years hurricanes.

Isla's recovery from last year's storms was fast and complete. It is better than ever based on recent reports. We plan on spending some time there in December.

As noted, Isla is a nice, relaxing escape - away from almost all activity. If that's what you want, you'll like it. It's a cheap ride from the Cancun public pier.

we made reservations at a restaurant at a hotel there...I can find the name if youare interested. It included transportation from Cancun on a catamaran. One of the best moments of our trip was the ride from Cancun to the Island of Women :)

I haven't been to "Isla" in about 10 years, but the last time I went, the town was literally abuzz with countless motorbikes on the streets. Is this still the case? Of course, if you spend most of your time in an all-inclusive on the beach, maybe it's no big deal.
Also, back in the day (mid 90's for this post) all the talk about a secluded island in that area focused on Holbox. Anybody have any experience with it?

I haven't been to "Isla" in about 10 years, but the last time I went, the town was literally abuzz with countless motorbikes on the streets. Is this still the case? Of course, if you spend most of your time in an all-inclusive on the beach, maybe it's no big deal.
Also, back in the day (mid 90's for this post) all the talk about a secluded island in that area focused on Holbox. Anybody have any experience with it?
Just got back from there this week. Did a 1 day trip on the ferry from Cancun.Fare $20 rt.There are three different ferry lines running from three different terminals in downtown Cancun. It is a forty minute ferry ride.
We Rented a golf cart ($45 booked on ferry) and spent 6 hours touring the whole island. Had lunch at a great Restaurant in Hotel Rolandi.
This is a must see.

Trust me, you'll hate it. Nothing but white sand beaches, a little market, no spring-breaking body-shot-ters in sight, atmosphere is too relaxed, service too good, the lack of huge resort hotels is disconcerting, and I found it impossible to determine when happy hour ended. I kept getting two beers for the price of one no matter what time of day. Aargh.

Stay away. Trust me. And tell everyone you know what I said.

(If you must go, I would certainly not check out the Na Balaam hotel. In fact, I would avoid any hotel along the broad, white sands of Playa Norte. And I would be no means frequent the hammock-only beach bar called Buho's.)

Based on your comments, I think I should buy a ticket.

Seriously, we are going there in a couple of months because of everything you've mentioned. Fortunately, most folks go to Cancun, and Cancunners (is this a word??) just come to IM for day trips.