The view from the ferry. Playa Norte.
Destination: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Most guide books always give a warning for the strong currents over the Carribean side of the island. They also mentioned that Isla Mujeres has a perfect beach for kids and toddlers due to its mild tides and waist deep water. It is also ideal for snorkelers.
The island was named Isla Mujeres when the Spanish conquistadores found a sizable number of female idols. The Mayans used the island as sanctuary for the female goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.
To get there you have to take the 15 minute ferry from Puerto Juarez or Gran Puerto if you are going on foot. If you are going with a vehicle, you have to take the ferry at Puerto Sam.
Here is our day itinerary:
1 Punta Sam Ferry dock
Most tourists go to Isla Mujeres on foot. I noticed that the Punta Sam ferry dock is where most of the locals go. It is a no frills ferry and cheaper than Punta Juarez.
Boarding starts right away the ferry arrives and it is on first come, first serve basis. Make sure to arrive at least an hour early.
We took the 11:00 am ferry. It cost us about $15 one way ticket for the car plus a passenger. The driver is considered free. It took about 45 minutes to get to the island.
Once on the island, you have the option to rent a golf cart if you need to further see the island. By car, it would take about 10 minutes to drive from north to south of the island. Is is possible to get around on foot.
Arriving at Isla Mujeres.
View from the ferry dock.It took us about 10 minutes to drive from the ferry dock to the south side of the island. We decided to take the scenic walk to the lighthouse. The guide book noted that there is a Mayan ruin, we didn't found anything significant in the area. Instead, we found the scenic view by the cliff and a fertility idol.
Entrance inside the lighthouse is free.
Cliff side view.
Mayan fertility goddess, Ixchel.3 Tortugas Granja - Turtle Farm
Isla Mujeres is a turtle sanctuary where the giant turtles lay their eggs in the sand to hatch. Those turtles were used to be illegally poached but now it is on the endangered species that the government had it federally protected.
The turtle farm is a no frills attraction for kids. Entrance fee (0r donation) is about $3.
White turtle.
Maddie found a friend.
4 Beach time at Playa Secreto
This place was mentioned in the guide books as the best place to bring the toddlers. You won't get wrong at this place with its white sand, calm, clear and waist deep water. It look like a natural swimming pool. Maddie had a great time running back and forth in the water.
What a smile!5 Dinner at Playa Lancheros
This is probably one of the memorable dinner I have in a long time. It's a no frills beach hut that serves fresh grilled fish. Looking around, most customers that dine there were primarily locals and people in the know. I am glad that we decided to take the last ferry back to the mainland.
The best cheap eats in town!
Ahh, island life. This is maybe not my favorite beach in the world but it sure is in my short list of places that I will go back to. I can see now why women would want to put their name on this island. Isla Murejeres indeed!
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