A Family Vacation Destination:
ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO 

Isla Mujeres is the perfect little island for a family get-away. It’s got it all—white sandy beaches, great snorkeling, a bustling village with great little restaurants and shopping galore. The island people are friendly, funny and genuinely warm. “Isla” is a happy place.

Although it is just 4 miles off of the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres seems a world away. 

A short 4 hour flight (or less) from most cities in the North East, it’s nearly as close as Florida, with much more of a tropical island feel.  

Playa Norte, located on the north end near the main town, is the best place to stay on the island.  Just a short five minute walk to town, the white, sandy beach is the most popular spot on the island.  

Where to Stay: 

Nauti Beach Condos, located on Playa Norte is the best spot on the island for families. The condo facility has a definite “resort” feel to it. It is beautifully maintained and has a wonderful, large pool which sits right on the white, sandy beach. The spacious open-air restaurant serves fresh, delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each condo unit has a full kitchen, living/dining, plus two nicely appointed bedrooms.  Daily maid service is included in the price of the room.  Each condo is individually owned, but handled through a rental pool. www.nautibeach.com or email nautibeach@nautibeach.com,  Rates for a large condo for 4+ guests are $300/night during high season. Phone: 52-998-888-0033

Na Balam is a small hotel on North beach which appeals to the zen crowd. It has 28 standard rooms and several suites. Rates range from $200-$300 during high season www.nabalam.com email: nabalam@nabalam.com. Rates start at $200/night high season.  Phone number: 52-998-877-027

Avalon Reef Club is the island’s only all-inclusive resort. It is located on the tip of North Beach. The resort has 55 villas and a pyramid-shaped tower with 83 guest rooms and six suites. Rates start at $169 per adult per day. Check their website for more details. www.avalonvacations.com/Avalon_Isla/IM1.htm

Where to Eat: 

Sunset Grill, located at Nauti Beach on Playa Norte.  Excellent food with wonderful atmosphere. Great sunset spot! Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Moderately priced.

Bistro Francais: located on Calle Matamoros (at the corner of Av. Hidalgo):  Very popular spot for breakfast & lunch. Moderately priced.

Aqui Estoy Pizza:  Located on Calle Matamoros (between Av. Hidalgo & Av. Guerrero) Great pizza! By the slice or a whole pizza to go. Whole pizzas start at $7.50 US.

Manana Restaurant & Bookshop: Located on the corner of Av. Guerrero & Calle Matamoros.  This colorful café  is a great place to hang out while enjoying good coffee and healthy tropical food! Open for breakfast & lunch. Moderately priced.

Chile Locos:  Located on the north end of Av. Hidalgo, this indoor-outdoor café is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. The food is excellent and on the whole, very inexpensive.

Roticeria:  Located on the north end of Av. Hidalgo.  Eat-in or take-out the best rotisserie chicken on the planet. $6 (US) buys you a whole chicken with rice, beans, jalapenos & warm corn tortillas.  Do not miss it!!!

Casa O’s:  Located 10 minutes from town by taxi, Casa O is one of Isla’s finer restaurants with a gorgeous view of the Cancun skyline and the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. Reservations are necessary to get a table in this popular restaurant.

Super Express:  This grocery store is located at the end of Av. Hidalgo on the Plaza.  Families with kitchens can stock up on fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, chips, sodas and more. Inexpensive.

Things To Do:  

Rent a golf cart & explore the island: Except for taxis, cars are scarce on Isla.  Golf carts are the most popular vehicle here, and most tourists rent them for a day or so to explore the island. Many rental companies are scattered all around the main village. Rental prices are fixed and can not be negotiated, as the price is regulated by the government- $35/day, $12/hour.  One day rental is adequate to explore this small island. 

Snorkeling:  Take a trip to Manchones Reef with a snorkeling guide ($15-$20 per person US).  Incredible amounts of tropical fish are found around this reef just a short (10 min.) boat ride from Playa Norte. Do not miss this trip!!! Many companies take tourists out & will swim along with you. Bahia Dive Shop at 166 Av. Rueda Medina in town is highly recommended. 998-87-70340, Jose. 

Garrafon Snorkeling Park:  Garaffon is the only large-scale commercial attraction on the island. Located on its southern tip, most visitors to Garrafon come by ferry from Cancun to snorkel.  Prices range from $20-$40 per person US depending on what activities you want to try. 

Tortilla Factory: this little “hole in the wall” joint is where most of the tortillas are made for the entire island.  It is located a block north of the Plaza on Av. Hidalgo--watch for the sign. It is fascinating to watch and you can buy fresh tortillas and freshly fried tortilla chips at the counter.