ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO

I recently returned to Cancun to visit my good friend Mike and to spend a few days on Isla Mujeres. I've been to Isla many times and it's always on my things to do when I visit Cancun.

(Tank & Mike)

Isla is only 13kms and a 15 minute ferry ride from Cancun and there are several ferry terminals that you can catch the Isla Ferry from and they usually run from 5am - Midnight. There is only one ferry terminal on Isla. I recommend getting a return ticket (About $300 Pesos) rather then just a one way as the return ticket is a few dollars cheaper.

Many people will visit Isla for a half or full day, but I would suggest staying for 2 or 3 nights or even longer. The Island has a lot to see and is also a great place to just chill out. If you plan to do a day visit, you can always combine a Catamaran day trip to the Island. You'll get to snorkel, have a great lunch and still have time to tour the island, walk around downtown or just lay on the beach. Visit Cancun Sailing to book your trip!

The main Downtown area/North side is easy to get around and to navigate, and most central hotels and restaurants are very close to the ferry terminal. Depending on the location of your hotel, there's a good chance you can walk there. You could easily spend your entire stay on the North Side of the Island or you can take a self tour down to the South Side. The island is only 7km long and many people rent golf carts or bicycles to tour around. You'll find that these choices for transport are the most affordable options compared to taking a taxi.

There are many places to stay on Isla from 5 star resorts to B&B's, Hostels and condo or house rentals. Whether you are travelling on your own, as a couple or with your family, you will find the perfect place for your travel style and budget.

The beaches on Isla are some of the best in world and Playa Norte is a must visit. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. There are many bars, restaurants and beach clubs available or you can pop into a local store to pick up some snacks and beverages to take back to your towel.

When it comes time to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner, Isla has many places to choose from. Whether you want Authentic Mexican, Italian or Pizza, Burgers or Wings, you'll find it on Isla.

For breakfast or lunch visit Tangy My friend, Chef Jose recently opened this great little spot on Hidalgo, which is a pedestrian only street about half a mile long. It's full of shops, restaurants and bars. You'll have to try the fresh made guacamole. It's amazing! Sass Jordan recently stayed on Isla and dined at Tangy!

I always visit Bally Hoo more than once on every trip for their super fresh shrimp or fish tacos.

Also you have to try Tacos Pastore. It's a slow cooked pork taco with Cilantro, Onions and Pineapple.

And of course who doesn't like a freshly made order of nachos topped with salsa, guacamole and hot sauce?

On Av Guerrero there's a great place that I discovered on this trip called Bar Hemingway. It's mainly a locals place and you'll find it has a great patio for ice cold drinks, people watching and for seeing the locals perfect their Samba skills!

You'll find that Isla is a very safe place to walk around night or day. And you can come across some great little stores or restaurants.

If you do stay in Cancun or on Isla during the baseball season, try and take in a Tigres Game. It's Triple A caliber and the team and fans are great! General admission tickets are just 20 Pesos. That's about $1.50 Cdn!

There are many direct and indirect flights when travelling to Cancun. I've traveled via Houston and Dallas and I've flown direct from Calgary. This trip I booked my flight with Aeromexico who recently started flying out of Calgary. If you don't mind travelling via Mexico City, which was very easy to do with an airport easy to navigate, you'll save yourself a lot of money. I saved nearly $400 for my round trip fare compared to a direct flight and the service and experience with Aeromexico was great!