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Just off the coast of Cancun lies a stunning island that is known for its beautiful white, sandy beaches and crystal blue waters – Isla Mujeres.
Perfect for the tourist who wants to escape the overpopulated and busy Cancun, most especially during high peak seasons such as spring and summer, Isla Mujeres offers stunning landscapes, unlimited fun in the water, and pristine beaches.
Unfortunately, one of its most popular beaches – Playa Norte – is becoming less accessible to tourists after some hotels have begun illegally limiting the free use of the area, with sun loungers and umbrellas taking them over.
What Is Happening?
People who choose to come to Isla Mujeres, whether to stay for the day or at one of the resorts, come in search of an island paradise that feels miles away from the mundaneness of everyday life and offers them peace and tranquillity.
Tourists have increasingly felt that missing in Isla Mujeres after feeling tension from beach vendors and hotel staff who have not allowed them to bring their own food and drinks with them to the beach and not allowing them to leave their towels on the sand.
Staff from the hotels on the beach force visitors to rent their sun loungers, which is not considered legal practice, unbeknownst to many tourists who choose to visit.
This has caused some of them to take to social media, telling their audience that hotel owners will not allow them to put towels on the beach instead of purchasing a sun lounger for the day, causing the destination to come under fire.
In case you were not aware, President Andrew Manual Lopez (AMLO) has decreed under his current administration that all beaches in Mexico are public, meaning that it will not cost anyone to use them, and no one will be forced to make purchases of any kind unless they want to.
That means it is illegal for hotels to limit access to tourists and could lead to them being fined up to one million pesos ($59,821 USD)- something to remember if you find yourself in this situation.
It also means that the use of the beaches by hotels, who place their umbrellas and sun loungers out past their assigned areas, is also not allowed and is deterring more and more tourists from returning.
If Isla Mujeres is to keep its reputation as one of the best beach destinations in Mexico, it better think quickly and respond appropriately to these issues if it wants continued business and no million-peso fines.
Isla Mujeres As A Must Visit Destination
Isla Mujeres often finds itself on many travel experts’ lists for being an amazing beach destination for tourists.
It consistently wins awards for being a gastronomic haven, a water lovers paradise and one of the best ‘magical towns’ in all of Mexico.
While its neighbour Cancun continues to welcome millions of tourists to its doorstep, Isla Mujeres sets itself apart because of its laid-back and tranquil vibe that so many seek from their vacation.
Isla Mujeres is home to the MUSA, an underwater sculpture museum that not only is a unique attraction for tourists but also promotes marine life and healthy coral growth, doing its bit for the planet.
The island is also home to the Tortuga Granja, a turtle sanctuary that houses various sea life such as seahorses and manta rays.
Here you have the opportunity to witness the sea turtles and even swim near them, depending on the season – a total must-do activity.
You also have Garrafon Park – Punta Sur, which is located on the southern tip of the island and offers incredible natural reefs to explore, as well as some breathtaking landscapes and watersports galore.
The island is truly a water lovers paradise, and hence why so many people come to check out Playa Norte.
Hopefully, as it is brought to more people’s attention on social media, hotel owners and beach vendors will refrain from limiting access to tourists.
Otherwise, they could be threatened with unwanted fines and some very unhappy visitors!
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William
Sunday 17th of March 2024
I wish they would enforce this.