Only eight miles off the Yucatan mainland, Isla Mujeres, or “the Island of Women,” is a picturesque departure from the tourist-laden Hotel Zone and frenetic nightlife of Cancun. The sleepy little tropical paradise is only five miles long, surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Isla Mujeres is a must-do day trip when visiting Cancun or Riviera Maya.

To get there, take the 22 minute Ultramar ferry from one of four terminals in Cancun. Playa Tortugas offers the most departures (hourly from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). The cost is $70 pesos each way (about $5 USD). Travel Maestro tip: To get to Play Tortugas, take any city bus on the Hotel Zone to km. 6.5 on Kukulcan Boulevard for only $9 pesos (less than $1 USD).

The main town (el Centro) is very compact and walkable – only four blocks by six blocks of narrow streets filed with the requisite souvenir shops and a couple restaurants. Silver is competitively priced on Isla Mujeres and there are a few excellent folk-art boutiques selling high-quality pottery, wood carvings and weavings that surpass those in nearby Cancun.

The best way to see the island and get a feel for local life is to rent a golf cart and explore at your own pace. There are many vendors available and all day rentals range from $50 – $75USD. You’ll need to leave your driver’s license with the office and reclaim it on return. Travel Maestro tip: Reserve your golf cart on the ferry ride over to expedite pick up and get a favorable price.

5 Highlights to See on Isla Mujeres

Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) – This small indoor/outdoor conservation facility is a hatchery for native Green, Hawksbill and White sea turtles. The eggs and hatchlings are protected from predators until they are released into the sea at about one year of age. Tens of thousands of young turtles have been released with the help of local school children. Visitors can participate in the releases May – October, as well. ($30 peso admission)

Plastic Bottle Floating Island – A unique three-story home of self-described artist, singer-songwriter, eco-architect Richart Sowa is built on a hand-made island of 150,000 plastic bottles, reclaimed plywood and sand. The house has a kitchen, sitting room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a dry compost eco toilet and a conch shell shower. The house is surrounded by mangroves, fruit trees and edible plants, and rain is collected for running water. For $5 USD Richart will ferry you 30 yards out from shore to give you a tour of his sustainable island and share his eco aspirations, ideology and even his delicious solar-baked cake and homemade wine. Travel Maestro tip: Spending 90 minutes with Richart on his island off the island was fascinating and one of the highlights of my day on Isla Mujeres.

The Joint – This delightful Reggae Bar-n-Grill is a small outdoor restaurant with a friendly staff, a lazy dog, constant music and an island vibe. Park your golf cart, have lunch under the shade of a thatched canopy and slake your thirst with the best frozen mojito on the island.

Punta Sur – At the southern end of Isla Mujeres on a bluff overlooking the sea lies the ruins of a small Mayan temple, believed to be dedicated to Ixchel, Goddess of the Moon and Fertility. Centuries ago Mayan women would make a pilgrimage to the island temple to get blessings for fertility. The path to the temple goes through Punta Sur Sculpture Garden, a field populated with colorful modern art of renowned sculptors that interprets the spirit of the Mayan civilization. The views and photo ops from the highest and most easterly point in the Yucatan are sensational. ($30 peso admission)

Garrafón Natural Reef Park – The ecopark, operated by Dolphin Discovery, offers an array of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaks, a dive platform and an infinity swimming pool, in addition to programs to swim and interact with dolphins. There are shaded hammocks and beach chairs, bicycle tours and a zip line course. Unfortunately, most of the reef has died, but the fish are plentiful and colorful. Several (relatively pricey) meal- and drink-inclusive day packages are offered. ($89 – $199 USD). Travel Maestro tip: The park is a nice place to spend the day, but unless you’re staying on the island or have an urgent desire to interact with dolphins, I’d suggest you spend your time exploring and get your beach time back at your mainland resort.

While the bustling tourist corridor of Cancun and Riviera Maya is packed with activities and nightlife, the beauty and tranquility of Isla Mujeres is the Un-Cancun. I highly recommend you take a day to experience the slow-paced local life of Isla Mujeres. For more information and help arranging your Yucatan vacation, contact the expert Vacation Advisors at Covington Travel.