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Millions of travelers flock to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean each year in search of stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
But this year, one island destination near Cancun stands out among the crowd for its award-winning and sargassum-free shores: Isla Mujeres.
A mere 15-minute ferry ride from Cancun, this tiny tropical paradise boasts two beaches that are widely regarded as some of the best in the world by several metrics.
Clean, safe, and sargassum-free, travelers are flocking to Isla Mujeres this year for a taste of its paradisiacal shoreline.
With that in mind, here are 5 reasons travelers are heading to Isla Mujeres’ idyllic beaches this year.
Award-Winning Beach Experience
While dozens of coastal destinations in the Mexican Caribbean claim to offer the best white-sand beaches in the region, few can compete with Isla Mujeres in terms of international prestige and beach awards.
Despite its size of just four square kilometers, Isla Mujeres boasts two top-rated white-sand beaches: Playa Norte and Centro. These quaint shores have won an impressive number of international awards, including being named the number-one beach in Mexico by Tripadvisor.
This year, both beaches are Blue Flag-certified, meaning they meet extremely high cleanliness, safety, and environmental standards.
This ensures travelers can enjoy a welcoming beach experience year-round.
Keeping Sargassum At Bay
One key reason behind Isla Mujeres’ beach success is a constant effort to keep local beaches free of sargassum seaweed, an issue that other Mexican Caribbean hotspots like Playa del Carmen and Tulum struggle with each year.
Due to its strategic location and excellent preparedness, Isla Mujeres has succeeded where others have failed: keeping beaches sargassum-free year-round.
And even when sargassum poses a threat, Isla Mujeres employs dozens of cleaners to remove seaweed, ensuring optimal swimming conditions for travelers.
Conveniently Close To Cancun
Isla Mujeres’ top-rated beaches are a delight for thousands of daytrippers, many of whom flock to the city from nearby Cancun.
A mere 15-minute ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres is both conveniently close and affordable, making this the premier choice for a beach getaway from the mainland.
Travelers can visit Isla Mujeres by booking a ferry ticket on Ultramar or a similar provider.
Tickets are competitively priced, with a one-way journey coming in at just around $15 per person and departures available throughout the day.
A Safe Experience For The Whole Family
Isla Mujeres is a breath of fresh air compared to other Mexican Caribbean destinations, which occasionally grapple with safety scares and the effects of organized crime.
Home to just 20,000 residents, Isla Mujeres boasts a calm, laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for exploring local culture & nature.
Most areas in the small island are home to either hotels, resorts, or smaller accommodations, which are patrolled by local and state-level police officers.
Top-Rated Luxury Resorts
Isla Mujeres is a hotspot for luxury travel and high-end experiences that can only be had at one of the island’s lavish properties.
From established brands such as the famed Zoetry Villa Rolandi, with its 35 ocean-facing suites, or newcomers like the recently-opened Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, travelers can enjoy a wealth of luxury options when traveling to Isla Mujeres.
Over 12 all-inclusive resorts and nearly 200 boutique hotels ensure that a taste of Caribbean heaven awaits travelers across all price points.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, guests staying at the newly-opened Impression by Secrets can enjoy a private transfer to the island from the mainland on a luxury yacht. Panoramic views from atop the cliff await travelers in the most exciting new resort.
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