Isla Mujeres--Everything Cancun Isn't!!

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While visiting my sister, who was living in Cancun, I began to wonder to myself, "Why do so many people fly here?" It didn't feel relaxing, or tropical, or wonderful, like all the travel brochures seemed to indicate it would. I felt like a "cash cow" American--prey to what seemed like 1000s of vendors on every street. The beaches were overpopulated and highly commercialized. Everywhere else seemed to feel like a Disney version of Mexico. How could I get a genuine view of Yucatan? How could I find relaxation and the spirit of freedom from the U.S. "material world"? Was I doomed to this theme park version? Then, there it was in a little brochure I came upon--ISLA MUJERAS...SPEND THE DAY WITH U...Read More

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Garrafon Natural Reef Park

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Attraction | "Garrafon (El)"

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I came to Isla Mujeres to escape the adulterated, man-made, paradise-prototype called Cancun. I love the “feel” of Isla Mujeres, but even this isn’t perfect Eden. It seems that much of the coastline has been bought up by those wise enough to predict the islands future popularity. Today, I was on a mission to experience the NATURAL ISLAND--to soak in the Caribbean Sea all by myself and peer in at the underworld creatures as they scamper around the reef—just me and the natural world, mano y mano! No boat trips! No Snorkeling groups! No marine park tickets! No fees! No rules!I got a scooter and began scouring the edges of the island for someplace to call my own. I figu...Read More

I came to Isla Mujeres to escape the adulterated, man-made, paradise-prototype called Cancun. I love the “feel” of Isla Mujeres, but even this isn’t perfect Eden. It seems that much of the coastline has been bought up by those wise enough to predict the islands future popularity. Today, I was on a mission to experience the NATURAL ISLAND--to soak in the Caribbean Sea all by myself and peer in at the underworld creatures as they scamper around the reef—just me and the natural world, mano y mano! No boat trips! No Snorkeling groups! No marine park tickets! No fees! No rules!

I got a scooter and began scouring the edges of the island for someplace to call my own. I figured all you have to do is find a nice little peace of beach nestled into one of the rocky crags, hike down to it, and there you go—a one-man paradise! But not so fast, Jacques Cousteau… It’s not as easy as it seems. Most of the best spots are taken. Turtle farms, national marine parks, private boat slips, and dolphin attractions call out to every tourist who passes by to come and help buy up even more property that was supposed to be our God given right to enjoy for free. Next, much of the rest is too dangerous for swimming, unsuitable for snorkeling, or perhaps unable to be reached. So, what’s a man to do who’s on a mission and not willing to pay the $15 entrance fee to Garrafon? The next best thing!

Here’s what you do for an off-the-beaten-path adventure where you can have the same experience as at Garrafon without entrance fees, equipment rentals ($15), towel rentals ($2), locker rentals ($2), and salesmen trying to sell you extras like glass-bottom kayaks, zip-line rides, and pina coladas. No, this is for the pure at heart who want to experience Isla Mujeras stark naked—natural, no perks, no extra frills!! (I would, however, suggest that YOU keep your shorts on!) Go to the south end and pull off the road just south of Garrafon. I parked my scooter out of view of the road. Then I hiked down the steep embankment to a sidewalk below. You will see the park over to the right, but clearly you are not in it. There in front of you is the wide-open sea with reef right below the surface. And of course, it’s teeming with fish just like Garrafon. And it’s all yours! So, I put on my snorkel gear and slid into the water grinning from ear to ear as I realized another mission accomplished. Yes, just the adventure itself seems to make the experience sweeter. When you get out, you look at all those swimming around together at Garrafon and just have to laugh because deep inside you know that you got the same thing (perhaps better) just like God gave it to us and didn’t pay one red peso for it! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 26, 2006

Garrafon Natural Reef Park
Camino Sac Bajo, Lote 26 Fraccionamiento Paraíso Laguna Mar
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
01 998 193 3370

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Isla Mujeres

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Attraction | "South Point"

Down by the Water Photo - Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

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Isla Mujeres—an island polarized. One end (the north end) is more like the “string quartet” version of the island. Here you find the quiet beach, the tranquilizing sun, the lulling of the wind. You can bask on this side for hours in a dreamy half-awake, half-asleep state of mind. But, if you decide to wake up a little bit and put on your adventure hat it’s off to the opposite side for a little more refreshing exhilaration.The south end of the island is a bit more like the “drum circle” version of the island. The water surges and pulsates up against the cliff edges. Whirlpools dance and waves crash almost as if marching to the beat of the drum. Although t...Read More

Isla Mujeres—an island polarized. One end (the north end) is more like the “string quartet” version of the island. Here you find the quiet beach, the tranquilizing sun, the lulling of the wind. You can bask on this side for hours in a dreamy half-awake, half-asleep state of mind. But, if you decide to wake up a little bit and put on your adventure hat it’s off to the opposite side for a little more refreshing exhilaration.

The south end of the island is a bit more like the “drum circle” version of the island. The water surges and pulsates up against the cliff edges. Whirlpools dance and waves crash almost as if marching to the beat of the drum. Although this end of the island serves up a little more in terms of natural awe and wonder, it is no less relaxing than the north end—just in a different way. You are bound to feel more alone on this end. Just you and the sea and the local iguanas which run freely and bask on the warm rocks. You and the coconut vendor who punches the hole in the fruit and inserts a straw for you and then, when your done drinking, cracks it in half so you can enjoy a coconut snack. ($1-$2) Here is where you will catch the best sunset. Here is where you really feel Isla Mujeres. Be sure to walk down past the concrete structure on the point. Take the sidewalk down the bank to the water edge. Here is the best view of the wild sea. It feels like you’ve stepped into some kind of sea-cave netherworld. The water is amazing from this vantage point.

A few tips for your journey to the south end: 1) Bring your sunscreen! You’re completely exposed to the sun once you leave the palms of the north end. 2) Rent the scooter, not the go cart! You can walk faster than the go carts! 3) Make sure you get a coconut. 4) There may be a few venders selling some handicrafts—they’re fun to talk to but I don’t remember them having anything very interesting for sale. But, you might buy something anyway just because. 5) Bring your snorkel gear and stop off beside Garrafon for a real adventure (see my review of Garrafon in this journal).
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 27, 2006

Isla Mujeres
13 Km Ne Of Cancun
Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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