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Have you been thinking about packing your bags and flying straight to Cancun now that summer is basically just around the corner?
When it comes to all-inclusives, quality time at the beach and just a hassle-free international vacation without bureaucracy, Mexico’s tourism powerhouse is truly hard to beat, but before you go ahead and take action based on that burning FOMO, hear us out:
As counterintuitive as it may sound, summer isn’t exactly a great time to be in Cancun. Yes, resort rates are cheaper, and crowds on the main public beaches may be minimal, but there’s one major drawback that most travelers naively overlook, ruining their entire beach vacation:
Sargassum.
Have you ever seen those downright awful photos of the Cancun waterfront, with a thick swath of stinking seaweed tarnishing the otherwise pristine, powdery white sand?
Yes, this time of year the Mexican Caribbean is typically ravaged by the annual sargassum bloomand from the hotel zone to the quieter resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, there seems to be no escape from this phenomenon.
…until you catch the 20 minute ferry to the paradise island directly across from Cancun:
Paradise found just off the coast of Cancun
As impressive as its size is, as a small island measuring just 7 kilometers long and 0.7 kilometers wide, Isla Mujeres punches well above its weight.
From powder-sugar white beaches and turquoise seas to relaxing holiday resorts where the traffic chaos of the mainland does not apply: it is Cancun on a much smaller scaleand completely surrounded by water. That is a good decision for us, but there is more:
Unlike most of the Caribbean coast of mainland Mexico, Isla Mujeres practically survives beautiful and devoid of sargassum in summer, when the algae typically multiply faster, both because of warming seas and the stronger nature of the currents that bring the algae ashore.
Why, you ask? It all has to do with geography:
We may have to get a little technical for a moment, but it helps explain why Isla Mujeres is often less affected by sargassum.
How does Isla Mujeres avoid most of the seasonal Sargassum?
Most sargassum is carried to the Mexican coast by the prevailing easterly and southeasterly winds. Isla Mujeres lies just offshore, while many of the most popular beaches face both west towards Cancun and the mainland and north.
The result? Much of the sargassum floats past the island and makes its way to the eastern coastline of the mainland, where it is more likely to wash up. This natural positioning helps protect many of Isla Mujeres’ beaches of the worst seaweed accumulation.
In short: the island is naturally protected, and if you’re wondering which beach is least likely to see sargassum this season, not just on Isla Mujeres, but in the entire Mexican Caribbean, it’s Playa Norte, or “North Beach.”
Often mentioned in the prestigious, bucket list-worthy rankings of ‘Best Beaches in the World’, Caribbean perfection has become a reality:
Fine white sand, lagoon-like crystal clear seas so shallow that you can walk deep into them and still never dip below your waist, and a dozen canteens serving fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
On that note, be sure to stop by Javi’s Cantina, just a few blocks from Playa Norte, for reasonably priced margaritas and a killer shrimp ceviche with guacamole. Tfraying of the path seal of approval.
How safe is Isla Mujeres now?
Another one The area where Isla Mujeres excels, aside from the sargassum-free, paradise beaches, is safety.
It scores an impressive 84/100 on the Traveler Safety Index, based on reports from travelers who have actually been there, not some keyboard bureaucrat holed up in a basement somewhere spewing out overly cautious travel advice for some government or other.
Let’s just say that if you really want to relax and enjoy your much-needed time in the sun without any worries, you simply can’t go wrong with Isla Mujeres, even more so than Cancun:
These impressive safety levels are attributed to the fact that the island’s economy largely revolves around tourism, and local authorities are no-brainers when it comes to the welfare and safety of their guests.
It is just over six kilometers long and about half a kilometer wide, so the tourist zones are compact, walkable, well-lit at night and closely guarded.
Pickpocketing and pickpocketing, while uncommon, aren’t exactly unheard of, so we’d keep our heads together while taking a dip on the beach and leaving things unattended on the sand, but violent crime against tourists?
Extreme rare.
The perfect Cancun dupe
We must say that despite its small size and the fact that it does not have its own airport, a short ferry crossing is required and most arrivals are filtered through Cancun International Airport (CUN), Isla Mujeres. do it is very busy regardless of the season.
North Beach in particular can feel particularly hectic among day trippers, and as it is now one of the few beaches in the entire region with little or no sargassum, you can expect larger crowds to congregate here during the day.
The nice thing about this island, though, is that it’s not just a Cancun dupe for when seaweed infests the Mexican coast: it’s a full-fledged destination that might just warrant the entire weekend.
Before you go ahead and book that time off, be sure to do a quick destination check on the Entry Requirement Checker: This is your one-stop tool for verifying visa restrictions applicable to US passport holders, and entry and residence rules.
Back to Isla Mujeres.
More than just beaches
Punta Sur, the far south of the island, has cliff paths, crashing Caribbean waves, sculpture gardens and incredible sunset views. The easiest way to reach the island is to rent a golf cart – the best way to explore the island – and take a relaxing tour along the rugged coastline.
In addition to the scenery, Punta Sur is home to the remains of a temple dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel, which ancient people believed represented the moon, fertility and childbirth.
Isla Mujeres is also located at the northern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and the coral-rich waters along the eastern side are one of its main attractions. Think of clear water, unique coral formations, colorful tropical fish and underwater sculptures that look like entire sunken lost cities.
For a glimpse into island lifetake a look at ‘Downtown’, or as the locals call it, ‘Centro’:
It is the main settlement on the island and is centered around the shop-lined Avenida Hidalgo, where you will find the usual mix of souvenir shops and family-run restaurants, or take a small detour to La Gloria, a relaxed neighborhood that has retained much of the character of a fishing village.
How to get to Isla Mujeres this season?
The the easiest The best way to get to Isla Mujeres this season is to fly to Cancun first.
Once you reach Cancun (the city), head straight to Puerto Juárez and hop on the 15/20 minute ferry, operated by Ultramar, that goes straight to the island.
Ferries run almost every half houreven now out of season, so you have plenty of flexibility and leeway to explore Isla Mujeres, either as a day trip or as an entire destination.
Any advice? This is not one of those places you want to rush through. Stay overnight.
Stay all week because once you get there it’s the to leave that feels like the real hassle.
