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Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres
Last week someone mentioned they would not be going to STJ but to Isla Mujeres this year. Isla Mujeres is our 2nd favorite island and would like to hear your take on the island.
We enjoyed it. Only stayed 2nts/3days at the end of a Cozumel trip. Drawbacks would be the day trippers from Cancun that tended to congest things during the day and evenings. I think we may have gotten bored with a whole week there. Beach erosion has been an issue recently reportedly as well. Looking at the High Rises across the water took away from the ambiance IMHO.
Felt extremely safe and the island being so small a car rental isn't necessary. Golf Carts are a fun way to explore the island. They did have a Boat Snorkeling Trip offered to one of out islands and I believe you can get to the Whale Sharks from here during their migration season. Best fresh fish we have had anywhere and priced cheaply. I would go back but not for a whole week.
Felt extremely safe and the island being so small a car rental isn't necessary. Golf Carts are a fun way to explore the island. They did have a Boat Snorkeling Trip offered to one of out islands and I believe you can get to the Whale Sharks from here during their migration season. Best fresh fish we have had anywhere and priced cheaply. I would go back but not for a whole week.
I was the person who mentioned IM, when asked about my ticker. We're going in March. I'm a wee bit nervous about it, because I'm afraid it won't hold a candle to STJ. But, we've chosen to go there because we only have 5 days, and it seemed like a warm place with beautiful water that is fairly easy to get to. So, I've been reading the Tripadvisor forums, and hope that we enjoy ourselves.
Anything you can tell me about your experience with Isla Mujeres would be appreciated.
Lovermont
Anything you can tell me about your experience with Isla Mujeres would be appreciated.
Lovermont
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ShipwreckPat
- Posts: 139
- Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:03 am
- Location: St John
Last May we had a timeshare about to expire so we hopped on a plane to Cancun. After living on St John for 17 years, we thought a little night life and change of scene would be good but hated it so much, we ditched the time share and booked an apartment on Isla. It reminded us of St John all those years ago but with a Spanish accent and a nice slow pace. We found a new condo with only 6 apts and a roof top pool directly across from the ocean. Rented a golf cart and felt at peace. Fish so fresh, margaritas so large, people so friendly, history on every corner. Loved it. Stay out of town mid day as they bring the day trippers and you can not move for the touristas looking for bargains. Found a restaurant/beach bar with a pool where you can hang all day and use their facilities for the price of lunch. PM me if you want any more details.
After rereading my last post, it sounds pretty negative. I guess I should reiterate that we like Isla Mujeres and would go back, in fact likely will go back.
LV- I think you are right on both statements. You probably will be a little underwhelmed when comparing it to St John. And.... It is a warm place with beautiful water that is fairly easy to get to. I would do a 5 day trip like you are to IM without hesitation. Might be best to enjoy it for what it is and try not to compare it to STJ too much.
I'm terrible with names especially after many Cervesa's and a few Margaritta's so I'm not gonna be much of a help there. I do know that we ate Dinner twice down on the water by the fishing boats and both time the fresh fish was outstanding. There are several restaurants down that stretch. North End is where all of the action is (guessing that is where you are staying). Several Beach Bars, nice sand and water. If you are beach people and like hanging in lounge chairs staring at the water this is the place. I would get out there by 11:00am as the Day Trippers will start showing and it gets quite busy.
You have probably read about a Beach Bar on the South West side(again can't remember the name). We spent a few hours there and didn't particularly like it. Enjoyed the North End much more. Definitely rent a Golf Cart one day (maybe more) to check out the whole island. South End is Punta Sur (I think that's what they call it), great views from there. They charge for use of their bathroom there though, 5 pesos I think. The East Side drive is beautiful. Rugged shoreline, have your camera ready.
Ferry service back & forth is efficient with plenty of departures throughout the day. Cab fare from Port to Airport was $25 or $30. Make sure you know what it is as the Taxi Drivers often try to rip you off. Ours tried on our way back to the airport. Pisses me off when they do this but it is SOP down there. I NEVER tip a Taxi Driver in Mexico. Tripadvisor will be able to help you with Taxi Fares.
If you are staying on the North End you could probably walk to your Hotel from the Ferry Dock or there are plenty of people there with carts that will haul your luggage for a couple of bucks. I would use Pesos instead of $$$$. Typically stores & restaurants will give 10:1 when using $$$$ and the actual rate is more around 12:1.
That's all I got. We were only there for a couple of days. You may already have all of this info. I do know that there are some forums out there just for Isla Mujeres. Wouldn't be comfortable posting it here so you could google it.
LV- I think you are right on both statements. You probably will be a little underwhelmed when comparing it to St John. And.... It is a warm place with beautiful water that is fairly easy to get to. I would do a 5 day trip like you are to IM without hesitation. Might be best to enjoy it for what it is and try not to compare it to STJ too much.
I'm terrible with names especially after many Cervesa's and a few Margaritta's so I'm not gonna be much of a help there. I do know that we ate Dinner twice down on the water by the fishing boats and both time the fresh fish was outstanding. There are several restaurants down that stretch. North End is where all of the action is (guessing that is where you are staying). Several Beach Bars, nice sand and water. If you are beach people and like hanging in lounge chairs staring at the water this is the place. I would get out there by 11:00am as the Day Trippers will start showing and it gets quite busy.
You have probably read about a Beach Bar on the South West side(again can't remember the name). We spent a few hours there and didn't particularly like it. Enjoyed the North End much more. Definitely rent a Golf Cart one day (maybe more) to check out the whole island. South End is Punta Sur (I think that's what they call it), great views from there. They charge for use of their bathroom there though, 5 pesos I think. The East Side drive is beautiful. Rugged shoreline, have your camera ready.
Ferry service back & forth is efficient with plenty of departures throughout the day. Cab fare from Port to Airport was $25 or $30. Make sure you know what it is as the Taxi Drivers often try to rip you off. Ours tried on our way back to the airport. Pisses me off when they do this but it is SOP down there. I NEVER tip a Taxi Driver in Mexico. Tripadvisor will be able to help you with Taxi Fares.
If you are staying on the North End you could probably walk to your Hotel from the Ferry Dock or there are plenty of people there with carts that will haul your luggage for a couple of bucks. I would use Pesos instead of $$$$. Typically stores & restaurants will give 10:1 when using $$$$ and the actual rate is more around 12:1.
That's all I got. We were only there for a couple of days. You may already have all of this info. I do know that there are some forums out there just for Isla Mujeres. Wouldn't be comfortable posting it here so you could google it.
STJ and IM are very different. That said - there is a feel on IM of the "old days" on STJ.
We have spent a week there a few times with friends (met them on STJ!) and catching up on a beautiful beach, having Margaritas at Bally Hoo, and eating fresh caught fish every night made the time fly! We always feel safe there and everyone is very friendly.
Nautibeach Condos are our favorite. They have drastically raised their prices. They are right on North Beach, have a large pool, and the Sunset Grill.
Lovermont we are native Vermonters!
We have spent a week there a few times with friends (met them on STJ!) and catching up on a beautiful beach, having Margaritas at Bally Hoo, and eating fresh caught fish every night made the time fly! We always feel safe there and everyone is very friendly.
Nautibeach Condos are our favorite. They have drastically raised their prices. They are right on North Beach, have a large pool, and the Sunset Grill.
Lovermont we are native Vermonters!
The Fresh Fish on Isla is deeeelicious Beth. We just returned from Zihuatanejo which is a fishing mecca, that's what they do there. Had fish several times and not once did it compare to the two dinners we had on IM.
Never once felt unsafe on IM either and we were out late one of the nights. We go on a trip with Family every March and I am trying to get them off of the All Inclusives(without much success). I was thinking IM might be a good place to start with them. Small enough so they wouldn't feel overwhelmed and safe with friendly people.
Never once felt unsafe on IM either and we were out late one of the nights. We go on a trip with Family every March and I am trying to get them off of the All Inclusives(without much success). I was thinking IM might be a good place to start with them. Small enough so they wouldn't feel overwhelmed and safe with friendly people.
One thing I do have planned is this... we're getting off of the ferry, turning left, and going to Bally Hoo's for a lunch of grouper tacos. I've also been reading about Pomegranate Margaritas that have piqued my interest!Beth Cruz wrote:STJ and IM are very different. That said - there is a feel on IM of the "old days" on STJ.
We have spent a week there a few times with friends (met them on STJ!) and catching up on a beautiful beach, having Margaritas at Bally Hoo, and eating fresh caught fish every night made the time fly! We always feel safe there and everyone is very friendly.
Nautibeach Condos are our favorite. They have drastically raised their prices. They are right on North Beach, have a large pool, and the Sunset Grill.
Lovermont we are native Vermonters!
I am excited to spend some time in Mexico; last time I was there was for a week in Tulum. I do love Mexico and the people of Mexico. The place we're staying at is a mile or so out of town on the bay side; a little cabana right on the water. Complete with bikes and kayaks. I may also go to Contoy Island for a snorkeling trip. I'm sure we'll have a good time, and I appreciate some of the positive comments here. I'll do a TR on the off-topic board when we return.Lovermont... (I'm not a native
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paulandtracie
- Posts: 236
- Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:45 am
- Location: Michigan
The main beach on Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte, is wide on the west end but has experienced quite a bit of erosion at the east end--it is extremely shallow for a long way out, all sand on the bottom. Great for families with little kids because it is so shallow and calm. The sand is white and fine, and the color of the water surrounding Isla is a brilliant turquoise--really lovely. The most oustanding thing for us was the opportunity to swim with whale sharks--they migrate through there every summer. Truly amazing.
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