Two Must-Do Island Escapes from Cancun

Isla Mujeres- The Island of Women 

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they were fascinated by a Yucatán island with many images of Mayan goddesses representing the moon, fertility, childbirth, and medicine. They named this isle Isla Mujeres —the Island of Women. 

Even today, the feminine touch abounds here as Mother Nature has blessed this offshore jewel in so many wonderful ways. It’s no surprise that Isla Mujeres has been named one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (magic villages) for its natural beauty, cultural riches, and historical relevance. 

Renting a golf cart is the best way to explore this small island once you arrive via ferry from the mainland. They’re fun, easy to drive, and it’s almost impossible to get lost — after all, it is an island, only five miles long and 400 yards at its widest point. But it’s big on adventure!   

We loved exploring authentic Mayan ruins and history from the amazingly picturesque Punta Sur, where the rising sun first touches Mexican soil. This point’s rocky cliffs, crashing waves, and multi-hued waters are truly captivating. 

Diving and snorkeling are very popular here due to the clear tourmaline waters and abundance of sea life. Zip-lining over the Caribbean Sea is another exciting adventure. Beaches are spectacular, kids love the turtle sanctuary, and the colorful street art is some of the most spectacular we’ve seen in Mexico. 

The vibrant town is a shopper’s paradise, and indulging in local island cuisine and delightful cocktails, with feet in the sand under palapa-thatched roofs and swaying palms is unforgettable. 

All this and more made it easy to fall under Isla Mujeres’ magical spell. You will too! 

Isla Holbox- Mexico’s Best Kept Secret 

The tiny island of Isla Holbox (pronounced hole bosh) is located to the northwest of Cancun and is just 26 miles wide and one mile long. Just six miles from the mainland, the island is separated by a shallow lagoon that serves as a sanctuary for thousands of flamingoes, pelicans, and other exotic birds and sea creatures. 

The true beauty of the island is that it’s pretty much unknown. There are no paved roads (rather they are made of packed white sand) and no vehicles with the exception of a few work trucks. All visitors arrive by ferry or small plane. And once on the island, the way to get around is by foot or bike. 

But there are miles and miles of pristine undeveloped beaches, and sparkling Caribbean waters teeming with incredible marine life, including the gentle giants of the deep — docile whale sharks. It’s truly an undisturbed hidden paradise. 

Most of the island residents are fishermen, so you can imagine how amazingly fresh the seafood is here, as well as the authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with love by the locals. The village also boasts its own eclectic collection of street art. 

So, what else is there to do in this off-the-beaten-bath pristine piece of heaven? You can swim with the whale sharks from June to September, bask on pristine beaches, walk a never-ending sandbar, nap in hammocks strung between palm trees (one of our favorites), swim in a crystalline cenote, take a boat tour, kayak the mangroves, or experience the bioluminescence phenomenon. That’s a lot of laid-back fun for a tiny isle.  

Let’s just say this island is about perfect escapism. 

A blog by Noreen Kompanik, Travel Writer