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For many travelers, the perfect vacation is filled with sunny days, endless white sand beaches, and aqua-colored water so clear that you can see to the bottom.
The Mexican Caribbean, including destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, has that, but so does a little island called Isla Mujeres that sits off the coast of Cancun.
It has several beaches of its own, including Playa Centro and Playa Norte, and these two beaches near Cancun are among the most visited in the Mexican Caribbean.
The Island Of Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a tiny island measuring just half a mile wide and five miles long.
It sits just eight miles off the coast of Cancun.
The island is home to several stunning beaches, a charming town, luxury all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, great restaurants, and vibrant beach clubs.
What Makes Isla Mujeres Beaches So Special?
The entire Mexican Caribbean coast is lined with beautiful beaches, so you’re probably wondering what makes these two Isla Mujeres beaches so special….
Sure, they all have that soft white sand and water that is so perfectly blue and clear that it almost seems unreal.
What makes these beaches special, though, is the calm shallow waters, swaying palm trees, breathtaking sunsets, and less seaweed than many other Mexican Caribbean beaches.
Playa Centro
Playa Centro is the quieter, less crowded of these two amazing Isla Mujeres beaches, even though it’s one of the most visited in the Mexican Caribbean.
It is the first beach you’ll see when arriving on the island by ferry, so it’s easy to get to upon arrival.
It’s busy because it’s the main beach, and there are restaurants, bars, and shops nearby, but it still has a more laid-back vibe.
Playa Norte
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Playa Centro is Playa Norte.
Playa Norte is not only one of the top beaches in Mexico but among the top 10 beaches in the world.
The coral reef just off the shore enhances its color and beauty, and the calm clear water is perfect for snorkeling and seeing marine life.
Furthermore, it is often without sargassum seaweed due to its location along the coast.
You’ll find more beach clubs on Playa Norte too, so if relaxing with a tropical umbrella drink is one of your vacation goals, this is the place to do it.
Visiting Isla Mujeres
One of the amazing things about Isla Mujeres is the more laid-back island vibe.
Once a small fishing village, the town still retains much of its charm, with friendly locals, authentic restaurants serving up fresh seafood, and small cantina-style bars.
Taking some time away from the beaches and strolling through the town is an absolute must when visiting the island.
Other Things To Do When Visiting Isla Mujeres
For being such a small island there are a surprising amount of things to do during your visit to Isla Mujeres.
Many visitors enjoy renting a golf cart to explore the entire island.
You’ll also find kayaks and paddle board rentals, which are great ways to explore the calm waters.
There’s also the Underwater Museum of Art, which is an amazing attraction worth seeing.
Getting To Isla Mujeres
You might think that a trip to an idyllic tropical island would be pretty costly, but you’ll be surprised by how affordable and easy it is to get to Isla Mujeres if you’re already visiting Cancun.
The round-trip ferry ride only costs around $30 for adults and $24 for children.
Ferries depart every hour all through the day and the trip only takes about 20-30 minutes, and is a trip well worth taking.
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