Exploring the Island of Isla Mujeres

Despite our new found appreciation for relaxing, we were still beginners while we were on Isla Mujeres and still needed to get out and do at least one activity each day. The beauty of renting a golf cart on Isla Mujeres meant that we could take our time exploring the island at our own pace. It’s quite amazing how much is jammed onto this little Mexican paradise in the Caribbean Sea.

We spent our days cruising around the island, stopping to enjoy the stunning views.

Here are some of our favourite places you should be sure to check out if you’re coming to visit Isla Mujeres.

Tortugranja Turtle Farm

This place has a beautiful story.

Until about 20 years ago, fisherman on Isla Mujeres would lie in wait along the shore each summer night as the enormous turtles emerged from the ocean to lay their eggs. Afterwards, the fisherman would swoop in and size the tired turtles as easy prey. A few years ago, a group of concerned fisherman and private activists began collecting eggs in order to preserve the species. Shortly thereafter, the Mexican Fishing Ministry established the Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras in order to protect the sea turtles and increase the population.

They are doing an amazing job of conservation and protecting the turtles in the area.Since the farm opened, tens of thousands of sea turtles have been released and there are now six different species of turtles living on the island.

The Turtle Farm is found near the centre of the island and allows visitors to walk through both indoor and outdoor pools to observe young turtles, from newborns up to one year of age.

Check out the best places to stay on Isla Mujeres

The Turtle Farm is very peaceful, right on the water, with very few people walking around. We often had pools all to ourselves to watch the beautiful little animals.

Entry was only 30 pesos per person which is around the $2 AUD mark, and you could stay for as long at you like. Grab a fresh coconut on the way in (or out!) to keep you hydrated.

Tortugranja Turtle Farm || 77400 Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Learning How To Relax On A Mexican Island

Punta Sur Sculpture Garden

Right at the opposite end of the island is Punta Sur, on the highest elevation in the Yucatan is the home of an ancient temple honouring the Mayan Moon Goddess. The Mayan Moon Goddess was seen as the Goddess of childbirth and marriage, and had the power to bring about birth and rebirth. The Moon Goddess is still important for the Mayan people.

An Essential Guide To Isla Mujeres

This is also where you will find the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden, an outdoor art exhibit in a tropical setting with the most azure blue water surrounding you on all sides. The Sebastian Foundation, along with 23 artists from Mexico and around the world created the exhibit in 2001 using modern shapes and bright colours to interpret the legendary spirit of the Mayan civilisation.

The main town of Isla Mujeres

Go for a wonder around the main town of Isla Mujeres to check out some of the best restaurants and Mexican food on the island.

The town is super cute, with buildings of all different colours, coloured flags zig zagging along alleyways and beautiful murals painted onto the buildings. Around the town is also where you’ll find heaps of the cheaper accommodation options, with hostels, home stays and airbnbs available for rent throughout the town.

Renting A Golf Cart On Isla Mujeres

Make sure you stop to pick up a few souvenirs and try some of the local ice-cream, because it’s absolutely delicious.

Playa Norte Beach

Give yourself at least a couple of hours during your visit to check out Playa Norte and relax on the beach under the shade of the tall palm trees. Playa Norte Beach is the main beach on the island and is generally a little more crowded than the rest of the island.

The beach has a few beach bars and restaurants scattered around it, where bikini tops are no problem and bare feet are expected. You can also grab a cocktail from the bar to take back to enjoy on your beach lounge or towel.

The water is warm and calm here and it’s also a great spot for swimming.

The Ultimate Island Life

The Shell House on Isla Mujeres is some of the most instagrammable places to stay in the whole world. You can find it on airbnb if you want to stay here and check out everything the cute little shell house has to offer. Unfortunately it was already booked during our stay, but we still attempted to get a photo!