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2 Beaches On This Popular Island Near Cancun Receive Awards

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One thing that is guaranteed when people book their vacation to the Mexican Caribbean is that they are going to come across some beautiful beaches

The region hosts sugary-white sands and crystal blue waters that are like something out of a picture-perfect postcard, and millions of tourists flock each year in search of some needed rest and relaxation, with the promise of the hot Mexican sun as a given.

aerial view of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres

Mexico now has many Blue Flag beaches, which are awarded as such by the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to those who meet environmental standards of safety and services, as well as being in pristine condition. 

So if you see a Blue Flag on the next beach you find yourself at, you know it is going to be a good one!

Two Blue Flag Beaches 

An extremely popular island just off of Cancun known as Isla Mujeres has been awarded a further two Blue Flag certifications for its Central and North beaches, and for good reason; these beaches look exactly like the paradise that so many of us dream of. 

The island has been making headlines recently as its popularity has been rising exponentially, with efforts to maintain itself as a sustainable travel destination, as well as grow its security efforts in order to make it safer than ever for travelers to visit. 

@travels.with.lauren 5 things to do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 #islamujeres #islamujerestour #mexicotravel #mexicomustvisit #mexicobackpacking #islamujeresmexico ♬ Sweater Weather (Sped Up) – The Neighbourhood

There has also been an increased effort in cleaning and beautifying their already magnificent beach areas, with teams of locals from the community dedicating their time and effort to keep them tidy and orderly in the face of the island’s growing popularity. 

Over 150 people are part of this cleaning initiative, whose main focus is waste management and care of the sands, preserving the environment and making it a suitable place to sun worship the day away. 

This work has inevitably led to the Blue Flag certifications being awarded, adding to the ever-growing list of beaches that now have the award on the island and surrounding areas such as Cancun, meaning there are plenty for you to choose from!

@montanadarby Add this Mexican island to your bucket list! 📍Isla Mujeres, just 20 mins from Cancun in Mexico! #mexico #islamujeres #travel #backpacking #travelitinerary #islandlife ♬ Bad Habit – Steve Lacy

A Closer Look 

Both of these beaches are already extremely well-known for being perfect choices to spend the day. 

Playa Centro, with its swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and sugary white sands is sure to be a favorite of anyone who checks it out. 

Home to a ton of amenities and shallow, crystalline waters, the area is perfect for swimmers and snorkelers, as well as those who want to lounge in the sun all day long, managing to keep its tranquillity still remarkably intact despite the island’s growing popularity among tourists. 

That being said, there is still a liveliness to the place, and it definitely won’t be somewhere you will run out of things to do if you visit!

boat at Playa Centro, with backdrops of palm trees

If you are looking for a calm, laid-back beach to go to, Playa Norte might just be the place you’re looking for. 

Not only is it probably one of the best beaches in Isla Mujeres, it was also voted as the most beautiful beach in Mexico in this year’s TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice awards. 

Playa Norte radiates that laid-back, serene atmosphere that is sought after by many and offers an array of relaxing lounge spots that have great food and drinks to top it off. 

The island itself is definitely a location that stands on its on two feet as a destination to vacation in, but even a day trip on the ferry from Cancun to this stunning beach locations will be well worth your time!

Playa Norte bay aerial view

What Else Does Isla Mujeres Have to Offer

Now along with its ever-growing list of Blue Flag beaches, Isla Mujeres has some other stand-out attractions that are sure to make your trip an unforgettable one!

One of the most unique options is the Underwater Sculpture Museum (MUSA), an innovate project designed to maintain sustainability efforts in the ocean, which is constantly being affected by climate change. 

The museum has some breathtaking underwater sculptures that will change over time, as coral grows and marine life settles in and around them; a definite must-see!

sculptures at the MUSA, growing algae and coral on them

If you are a lover of giant sea turtles, you are going to love visiting the ancestral hatching ground for the magnificent creatures at La Tortuga Granja, which is host to a variety of sea life, acting as a conservation site and perfect for a day trip.

Punta Sur is located at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, home to an ancient temple that dates back to Ancient Mayan times, honoring a Moon Goddess. 

History lovers will be able to see some incredible views from the naturally carved cliffs where the ancient ruins are situated, and can even see as far as Cancun, showing you just how easy it is to get here from the popular tourist destination. 

And now, with Blue Flag beaches as part of the draw, you are not going to want to leave!

Punta Sur Beach

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