Isla Mujeres
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◈ Nestled in the bay of the same name, sits Isla Mujeres. With vibrant, colorful pedestrian streets, it is a picturesque traditional town surrounded by the Caribbean Sea that is home to dolphins, manatees, whale sharks, and many sea turtles.
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Residents have it all: a romantic island that bathes in the first rays of sunrise, a boardwalk edged by Caribbean blue, parks bursting with adventures and an ocean that hides a sculpture collection in its depths.
Picture 4: Gwen Cervantes
◆ Snorkeling or scuba diving in Parque Marino.
◆ Swimming with dolphins and whale sharks, and visiting the turtle farm.
◆ Taking in the view from the southern point.
The Whale Shark Festival takes place in the summer, around the second half of June. Activities include parades, Caribbean dances, water sports, costume and sand sculpture contests.
❖ Museo Subacuático
de Arte (MUSA)
Se trata del primer museo subacuático de México y consta de más de 500 esculturas de tamaño real, diseñadas por varios artistas y elaboradas con el cemento marino generado por el crecimiento de arrecifes de coral.
Uno de los artistas es también el fundador del museo, el británico Jason deCaires Taylor, quien es además naturalista submarino y fotógrafo. La principal motivación para la creación del MUSA fue la recuperación del arrecife, luego de que fuera amenazado por el huracán Wilma en 2005.
❖ Punta Sur
Punta Sur is the southeasternmost point in Mexico, that is to say, where the first rays of sunlight appear, putting on a show for tourists from all latitudes. Since 2001, it has held a sculpture garden featuring artists from around the globe: Vicente Rojo, José Luis Cuevas, Manuel Felguérez, Sebastián, Moncho Amigo, and Bruce Beasley are a few of the creators who donated their works to this open space overlooking the ocean. It is also where Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, love, and fertility is honored. Her temple gave the island its name.
❖ Playa Norte
This beach is one of the most well recognized beach destinations. It has been chosen as one of Mexico’s best beaches for three years running, and in 2018, it was even listed as one of the 25 best beaches in the world. This spot in the Mexican Caribbean offers the most panoramic view of the sunset. You can rent lounge chairs and relax in the shade of palm trees, while soaking up the gorgeous ocean views and turquoise-hued waters. Don’t go without taking a dip in its quiet, crystal-clear water. There are almost no waves here, and the water is shallow for quite a distance, almost like a natural pool.
❖ Navigate the Island Aboard a Golf Cart
Explore it from north to south on bicycle, moped, or golf cart; come across coves, lagoons, bluffs, beaches, inns, and tiny restaurants. Stop by the boardwalk and watch as the uniquely turquoise Caribbean waters lap the edges of the island facing the open ocean. Stroll along it with an ice cream in hand.
❖ Have a Blast in Parque de Diversiones El Garrafón
Surrounded by coral reefs and bluffs that plunge into turquoise-hued waves, this nature park is the ideal location for soaking up the Caribbean ambience and what Mother Nature has to offer. Snorkel, kayak, slide across a zip line, and go on outings on the island.
Those who want to just take in the beauty of this paradisiacal place can relax with a temascal sauna, enjoy the pool with panoramic views, or kick back on a lounge chair or in a hammock.
❖ Festival del tiburón ballena
The Whale Shark Festival takes place in the summer, around the second half of June. Activities include parades, Caribbean dances, water sports, costume and sand sculpture contests, environmental education workshops, and conferences about marine biology, as well as outings to observe up close this viviparous animal that can reach 59 feet long! In addition to swimming with these giants, visitors can join a range of conservation programs that aim to further research into whale shark behavior and thus protect and preserve these majestic creatures.
Magical Towns in
Quintana Roo
