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Message
Isla Mujeres Trip Review - Long with lots of pics (Updated with more pics)
Posted on 7/19/18 at 11:39 am
Posted on 7/19/18 at 11:39 am
I got back last Saturday from my first trip to Isla Mujeres. Thanks to everyone who suggested this little gem in the Caribbean. I was there from July 7-14. I flew out of New Orleans to Cancun and arranged for a transfer to the Puerta Juarez through CARM, included in the transfer were my roundtrip ferry tickets. It was a very seamless and easy process. On the way to the ferry, the driver stopped so I could exchange for Pesos...the exchange rate was 18 pesos to the dollar, slightly better than what I saw on Isla.
Ultramar Ferry to Isla from Puerta Juarez. The singer was really good.
I stayed at the Sea Hawk Dive Shop and Suites which was about 50 or so yards from Playa Norte. It was a great little place, my room which was on the third floor, was large with a nice balcony complete with a hammock, couch and coffee table. The balcony also had clotheslines to hang your wet swimsuit and towels to dry and provided beach chairs. It was also located next door to the ChaChaCha Gourment Garden which had live music every night so, I got to hear some good singers/bands.
I found out that the best time of the day to go to Playa Norte was in the morning before all the boats from Cancun and people coming over on the ferry for the day hit the beach.
North Garden Restaurant was across the street from where I stayed so, I ate for lunch twice and breakfast twice. Veggie Omelet with homemade bread and roasted potatoes
First time having a Strawberry Mimosa which was great
Pecan Benedict with Orange Juice
Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Homemade Foccia Bread with salad and a green tea
I also ate at Dopi's, Soggy Peso, Mango Cafe, BallyHoo, Jax, Skull's Landing, The Joint and Ruben's the rest of my stay.
Lobster Tacos at Dopi's on Hidalgo
Chicken Fajitas and several Painkillers at Soggy Peso with a great sunset
Mushroom Swiss Burger and Fries with a Dirty Colada at Jax
Coconut Encrusted Chicken Fingers and Salad at Skull's Landing with a Coke Light. This was my least favorite meal the entire week.
Breakfast Quesadillas and a Mimosa at Mango Cafe
Fish (grouper) and Chips with a Coke Light for dinner at Bally Hoo
Friday I took a Taxi and ventured to the south end of the island where I had lunch at The Joint before walking down to Punta Sur and then back to the Joint for more Frozen Mojitos. The Joint was a great place and had a band playing during lunch.
Chicken Jerk Sandwich and Frozen Mojito at the Joint
Punta Sur
I usually either went for a run or walk in the morning along the Malecon and saw some beautiful sunrises
AFter I got back from Punta Sur and The Joint, I had dinner at Ruben's.
Coconut Shrimp and a glass of Ice Tea
The sunsets were probably the most beautiful I've seen
Last but not least, I had never had a Cocos Frios so I got one from the Sea Hawk and it was very refreshing.
I did this as a solo trip and had a wonderful time! One of the things I really enjoyed was the laid back, no hurry vibe of the Island. It's definitely on my list of places to visit again. Next time I go, I'll probably stay mid-island on the Caribbean side which, although is very rocky, does have some nice, small beaches. I also didn't get to visit the Dolphin Discovery, Tortugranja or Garaffon Natural Reef Park which I will try to do on my next visit as well as try those restaurants which I didn't get to this time.
Ultramar Ferry to Isla from Puerta Juarez. The singer was really good.
I stayed at the Sea Hawk Dive Shop and Suites which was about 50 or so yards from Playa Norte. It was a great little place, my room which was on the third floor, was large with a nice balcony complete with a hammock, couch and coffee table. The balcony also had clotheslines to hang your wet swimsuit and towels to dry and provided beach chairs. It was also located next door to the ChaChaCha Gourment Garden which had live music every night so, I got to hear some good singers/bands.
I found out that the best time of the day to go to Playa Norte was in the morning before all the boats from Cancun and people coming over on the ferry for the day hit the beach.
North Garden Restaurant was across the street from where I stayed so, I ate for lunch twice and breakfast twice. Veggie Omelet with homemade bread and roasted potatoes
First time having a Strawberry Mimosa which was great
Pecan Benedict with Orange Juice
Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Homemade Foccia Bread with salad and a green tea
I also ate at Dopi's, Soggy Peso, Mango Cafe, BallyHoo, Jax, Skull's Landing, The Joint and Ruben's the rest of my stay.
Lobster Tacos at Dopi's on Hidalgo
Chicken Fajitas and several Painkillers at Soggy Peso with a great sunset
Mushroom Swiss Burger and Fries with a Dirty Colada at Jax
Coconut Encrusted Chicken Fingers and Salad at Skull's Landing with a Coke Light. This was my least favorite meal the entire week.
Breakfast Quesadillas and a Mimosa at Mango Cafe
Fish (grouper) and Chips with a Coke Light for dinner at Bally Hoo
Friday I took a Taxi and ventured to the south end of the island where I had lunch at The Joint before walking down to Punta Sur and then back to the Joint for more Frozen Mojitos. The Joint was a great place and had a band playing during lunch.
Chicken Jerk Sandwich and Frozen Mojito at the Joint
Punta Sur
I usually either went for a run or walk in the morning along the Malecon and saw some beautiful sunrises
AFter I got back from Punta Sur and The Joint, I had dinner at Ruben's.
Coconut Shrimp and a glass of Ice Tea
The sunsets were probably the most beautiful I've seen
Last but not least, I had never had a Cocos Frios so I got one from the Sea Hawk and it was very refreshing.
I did this as a solo trip and had a wonderful time! One of the things I really enjoyed was the laid back, no hurry vibe of the Island. It's definitely on my list of places to visit again. Next time I go, I'll probably stay mid-island on the Caribbean side which, although is very rocky, does have some nice, small beaches. I also didn't get to visit the Dolphin Discovery, Tortugranja or Garaffon Natural Reef Park which I will try to do on my next visit as well as try those restaurants which I didn't get to this time.
This post was edited on 7/19/18 at 3:43 pm
Posted on 7/19/18 at 11:45 am to Bryno1960
More pics and details please. I am looking to book something for the end of this summer.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 12:06 pm to Bryno1960
Was Playa Norte free of seaweed?
Posted on 7/19/18 at 12:18 pm to dafuqusay
Sargassum has been bad this year in the Caribbean. What I've heard is that Playa Norte is fine which is should be given the location. Some seaweed but not the 2+ foot deep stuff on other islands.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 12:39 pm to Bryno1960
You stayed in a kick arse spot, we stayed there our first time a few years back.
That area has sprouted new new gems, including a breakfast spot across the street and an outdoor "food court" dinner spot right next door.
Lucky. I love Isla.
That area has sprouted new new gems, including a breakfast spot across the street and an outdoor "food court" dinner spot right next door.
Lucky. I love Isla.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 1:26 pm to HoustonGumbeauxGuy
We visited the island for a day a month ago, hit the north side. Water was real nice and area was awesome. Wish we had stayed there the entire trip instead of Cancun as the sargassam seaweed was horrible.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 3:06 pm to Bryno1960
Nice pics!
There's one place to eat at that you missed and you have to go back now to eat there.
Bastos. The arrachera is unbelievable.
There's one place to eat at that you missed and you have to go back now to eat there.
Bastos. The arrachera is unbelievable.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 3:06 pm to dafuqusay
Playa Norte nor Playa Centro were full of seaweed. As you walked along the beach toward Mia Reef, you could see where they had raked the seaweed into piles. On the east side of the Island, there was a lot of seaweed.
This post was edited on 7/19/18 at 3:19 pm
Posted on 7/19/18 at 3:13 pm to VABuckeye
Thank you! :) There were several restaurants I wanted to try but ran out of time. I budgeted $100 a day for food and drink but only spent $400. It was probably one of the least expensive vacations, airfare and lodging included, that I've ever taken. I'll definitely do it again.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 4:43 pm to Bryno1960
Sunday mornings you can find cochinita tacos for breakfast at various carts right near where you stayed....which is slow cooked and super tender pig. It will change your life.
Posted on 7/19/18 at 11:13 pm to Bryno1960
Where are the bikini pics?
Posted on 7/20/18 at 12:14 am to Bryno1960
Nice trip review!! So glad you hit up north garden. If I had to choose a favorite that would probably be it. Pictures are great and make me want to go back alone. It's a fine place to relax and spend solo.
Posted on 7/20/18 at 9:00 am to SuwMwf
Thanks for the pics...but no pics of the "Swingers Bar"
everyone thinks dirty but there are no seats, just swings, hammocks etc.
I like to stay rustic in "Maria del Mar" right on the entrance dirt street on your first photo (pretty sure)
I love Isla, BTW, they seldom use (never have heard it in 15 years...the term Malecon in Isla)....there is a coast line, but not a true seawalk.
I almost bought a hotel on the south side w a couple of friends... about 200 rooms 20 years ago, until the government stopped it.
(believe it or not asking $ 184,000)
Then tried a 99 year lease and it was also stopped.
Did not see pics of the CAVE OF THE SLEEPING SHARKS ??
Nice pics, Thanks for the post.
everyone thinks dirty but there are no seats, just swings, hammocks etc.
I like to stay rustic in "Maria del Mar" right on the entrance dirt street on your first photo (pretty sure)
I love Isla, BTW, they seldom use (never have heard it in 15 years...the term Malecon in Isla)....there is a coast line, but not a true seawalk.
I almost bought a hotel on the south side w a couple of friends... about 200 rooms 20 years ago, until the government stopped it.
(believe it or not asking $ 184,000)
Then tried a 99 year lease and it was also stopped.
Did not see pics of the CAVE OF THE SLEEPING SHARKS ??
Nice pics, Thanks for the post.
This post was edited on 7/20/18 at 9:04 am
Posted on 7/20/18 at 12:04 pm to rbdallas
quote:
Thanks for the pics...but no pics of the "Swingers Bar" everyone thinks dirty but there are no seats, just swings, hammocks etc.
I walked by several but didn't stop in any. The lady who runs Sea Hawk with her husband is the one who referred to it as the Malecon. By the way, as I was out walking, I found a small and inexpensive bar called Tiny Gecko...great place to stop and have a drink.
Posted on 7/21/18 at 7:36 am to Bryno1960
Yea the "romance" of the word MALECON .. also the MOJITOS ..
now used as a selling point LOL
I love Isla, not to mention the topless options on the beach .... hope you get to go again.
I am leaving tomorrow for Havana, will post pics later.
now used as a selling point LOL
I love Isla, not to mention the topless options on the beach .... hope you get to go again.
I am leaving tomorrow for Havana, will post pics later.
Posted on 7/21/18 at 10:35 am to Bryno1960
quote:
I did this as a solo trip
Did you at least buy a senorita or dos while you were there?
Posted on 7/21/18 at 11:11 am to 4LSU2
There used to be a club on the beach...just south or west of Casa (Cabañas) Maria del Mar whose dance floor would flood each night w the tide .. never stopped anyone .. kinda crazy
Posted on 7/23/18 at 7:37 am to Bryno1960
I just got back as well, great review. I stayed at Privilege Aluxes, which I highly recommend. We did all-inclusive although we hadn't planned to because it was like $10-20 per person which is impossible not to get value. It was nice to have room service breakfast and free drinks and/or lunch when we felt like lounging around the beach/pool, and it didn't keep us stuck in the resort at all. What did, however, was the heat. Wow, we're from NOLA and couldn't believe how oppressively hot it felt. Obviously being in the water was nice but it was tough to walk around town during the day. Most places we ate were off of TD recs and were great, Lola Valentina & Limon were spectacular, but one of the best meals of my life was at Fuego de Mar recommended by a relative. Relatively new, but unbelievable. Highly recommend. We loved our trip, will be back multiple times, although likely not in July.
This post was edited on 7/23/18 at 7:39 am
Posted on 7/23/18 at 7:57 am to TheChiefHasArrived
Bastos. Bastos. Bastos.
If you go to Isla and don't eat at Bastos you cheated yourself.
If you go to Isla and don't eat at Bastos you cheated yourself.
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