9 Things to Be Careful of in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island that lies just away from Cancun. It’s a well-known tourist spot with gorgeous beaches, tasty food, and a friendly population! But when traveling it’s important to know the any potential dangers which could expose you to danger. In this post, we’ll look at the things you need to be aware of when traveling to Isla Mujeres.

Is Isla Mujeres Safe?

The name translates to “Island of Women”, Isla Mujeres was a sacred location where women would go to pray to the goddess Ixchel she is the goddess of fertility and medicine. Nowadays, Isla Mujeres is a well-known spot for swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, or just taking a stroll along the beach. A lot of people come to Isla Mujeres each year to take in sunshine, sandy beaches and the sea. Although Isla Mujeres is generally a secure place to go but there are some points to remember to make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable!

9 Things to Be Careful of in Isla Mujeres

1. Don’t be late for your ferry

If you’re considering going on the ferry to Isla Mujeres, it’s important to be on time. The earlier ferry is usually less crowded, meaning you’ll have the chance to secure an easier seat. Also, the island is busy in the morning and in the early evening, so catching the ferry early can help you stay clear of the crowds.

The ferry ticket is just $18 for one-way travel or $25 for a round trip with a discount of 50 percent off for children. If you buy the round trip ticket you’ll be granted access for Cancun’s Scenic Tower of Cancun (Torre Escenica of Cancun).

Make sure you arrive 15 minutes before departure time listed on your ticket. If you’re waiting in line to board earlier you’ll be able secure more seats. Also, because the ferry runs every hour, if you don’t catch an hourly ferry, you’ll be waiting for an additional an hour.

Tips

You should consider taking an all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour as it could be a more affordable and convenient option for an excursion of a day towards Isla Mujeres. For just $60, the catamaran tour includes round-trip boat transportation with lunch, an open bar, a spinnaker activity, access to the beach club to Isla Mujeres, and a visit to a gorgeous reef that runs between Cancun in Mexico and Isla Mujeres for snorkeling (equipment is included too!)!

If you’re seeking to upgrade for an experience that is more luxurious The Albatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour is an excellent choice. I’ve done both the standard tour and the Platinum package and I can say from personal experience that it is well worth the cost!

Its Albatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour offers more cocktails and alcohol options at the bar open to guests. Its VIP Beach Club is less crowded and features more hammocks and cabanas to unwind. Lunch is available. select food from the a-la menu at no additional cost, instead of boxes of food or a buffet as with other tour packages on catamaran. You can choose as many dishes as you like, so it’s practically a buffet however the food was much more delicious.

2. Don’t drink tap water

The tap water that is available in the area that is Isla Mujeres is perfectly fine to shower in however, it could be contaminated with harmful microbes that could cause stomach upsets if consumed. This is why it is advised to avoid drinking or brushing your teeth using tap water from Isla Mujeres. It is safer to drink water from bottled bottles on the island. However, should you not be able to do so do that, boil the water prior to drinking it.

3. Be careful with the sun and heat

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island paradise as is the sunshine, among its greatest attributes. But it is also true that the sun can be extremely strong, particularly during summer. It’s the reason it’s so important to apply sunblock and consume plenty of fluids to remain well hydrated.

If you begin to get lightheaded or dizzy, be sure to locate some shade to get cool. With a bit of organization and planning you will be able to take advantage of the sun while exploring everything Isla Mujeres offers to visitors.

The cost of sunscreen can be high in Mexico and can cost at times four times what you would be paying to buy it here in the US. Don’t be caught off guard during your trip – be sure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen prior to your trip.

Regular sunscreen is laced with chemicals that could harm coral as well as other marine life. This is the reason that many tour guides and local companies in Mexico are dedicated to encouraging the use of sunscreens that are safe for reefs.

Actually, when I was snorkeling at Casa Cenote, one of the most beautiful cenotes of Mexico I was able to see an officer yelling at visitors who were using sunscreen that was not regular!

This has really highlighted the importance of using sunscreens that are safe for reefs to safeguard your reef’s health. Not only are you taking steps to help safeguard the environment, but you’ll also be helping local businesses that depend upon the condition of reefs.

4. Practice caution when swimming

Isla Mujeres is usually accessible to tourists who want to take advantage of the crystal clear seas and white sand beaches. It is important to exercise caution while swimming and take the advice of locals and lifeguards.

Be aware of tides and currents as well as sea creatures that could cause rashes when touched like jellyfishes. If you’re not a good swimmer, it’s ideal to swim in shallow water so that you don’t reach the bottom.

I purchased it at the at the last moment in Mexico for about 70 U.S dollars. I loved it so much I needed to purchase another for him. However, you can purchase it on Amazon for a lot less!

5. Be aware of your surroundings

It’s recommended to stay in areas that are well-lit and populated, with people to assist you in the event of needing help. If you find yourself in a remote area be aware of your surroundings as well as be mindful of the surroundings.

Be aware of who’s in the vicinity and what they’re up to, and trust your gut when something isn’t not right. It’s also recommended to plan out the best way to return to the hotel before setting out in order to ensure that you don’t end up with no way to get home. If you follow these easy guidelines, you’ll be able to protect yourself and avoid dangers that could arise while traveling.

6. Beware of pickpocketing

While picking pocketing isn’t a major chance for travelers in Isla Mujeres, it’s important to keep in mind that it can occur at any tourist spot and be ready. Since the majority of hotels and restaurants in Isla Mujeres take credit cards and debit cards, you don’t need to carry around a large amount of cash. You can carry a few for emergencies or in case you wish to purchase souvenirs from the local market.

7. Don’t assume that it is cheaper to pay in pesos

While it’s generally more affordable to pay with local currency, particularly in the case of credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees, it is not always the situation for Isla Mujeres Cancun or Riviera Maya. I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up losing a lot of dollars before I figured out the issue.

For Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and Riviera Maya, numerous hotels and restaurants employ an old exchange rate. This means you could save money by spending for your meals in US USD instead of Pesos. For instance, if you pay using an exchange rate that was in effect the year before, when 1 USD was equivalent to 21 pesos, then a hotel room costing 4200 pesos will cost you 200 USD. If, however, the exchange rate is currently 1 USD equal to 20 pesos, then 4200 pesos would equal the equivalent of 210 USD. If you want for payment in USD you’d only need to pay $200. But when you pay in pesos, it could be $210 for the exact room!

To ensure that you don’t overpay To avoid overcharging, you should inquire about the cost in pesos as well as USD. In the end, the decision whether to pay local currency or US dollars must be taken on an individual basis. It might not be worth asking to pay in dollars every day however, it is a must for larger purchases!

8. Be prepared to bargain

Although the island is a wonderful spot to unwind and soak in the sunshine, there are a number of vendors along the streets and along the beaches, and a few are aggressive. It is important to remain firm with them and be able to say no if you’re interested in their goods or services. It is important to bargain – and they’ll usually start with a higher price, but they will lower it when you bargain. In the end, a bit of haggling is a part of a day spent on the beach of Isla Mujeres.

9. Get ready to say “no” to timeshare presentations

On the pier at the ferry as you wait to embark on your catamaran or ferry there is a chance to meet Vacation club organizers. They might try to provide you with free transportation to the airport/hotel or incredibly low tours to “90 minutes of your time”.

What do the “90 minutes” for?

The company will accompany you to an elegant resort, offer you a free breakfast and then give you a brief demonstration – all in 90 minutes. Following this, you’ll receive the tour for free or transport as described.

Deal Tips

Although this deal may appear attractive, the “90-minute presentation” never ends in 90 minutes. It is possible that you will lose up to a full day in a high-pressure sales pitch (again speaking from the experience). A few times I was stuck in the timeshare presentation for nearly eleven minutes. It was a total nightmare! I was terrible at telling them that no, but they switched sales reps to speak to me.

Therefore, unless you are able to secure hundreds of dollars (in the majority of cases, anywhere from $20,000 and $30,000 USD) for a membership that is essentially a promise to return or take guests to the hotel each year, you’ll most likely spend a significant amount of your vacation time watching these advertisements.

Guideline for timeshare presentations

If you’ve not attended any timeshare presentations prior to now, here’s an easy guideline to help you determine whether you should attend an event or not.

Are the following questions are yes, then you may possibly benefit from having an interest in a timeshare. If your answers are not yes it is most likely not the right choice for you and a presentation on the subject is pointless.

• Are you retired, or do you have financial independence that allows you to take a lot of time off?
• Do your family members enjoy traveling but don’t mind traveling to the same destination?
• Do you have enough cash to pay hundreds of dollars without having to take the risk of a loan?
• Are you planning to make money from this investment? Do you want to devote time and effort to promoting it?

If the answer to the following concerns are “yes,” then you could find a timeshare seminar worthwhile to receive complimentary transportation and/or a huge discount on excursions. It all depends on your circumstances and how do you consider your personal time over cost However, these three questions can aid you in determining the right solution.

• Do you have plenty of hours in Mexico that you’re willing to spend a few hours?
• Are you working on the tight end of your budget and could need some extra money?
• Are you interested in learning more about how timeshare operates?

If your answers aren’t yes then it is best to be polite and refuse to all promotional agents who are trying to convince you to take your relaxing holiday!

FAQs about Things to be careful of in Isla Mujeres

1. Is Isla Mujeres safe to visit?

Isla Mujeres is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other tourist spot, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution.

2. What are some safety tips for visiting Isla Mujeres?

– Stay hydrated and drink bottled water
– Be aware of your surroundings
– Plan your trip in advance
– Purchase travel insurance
– Take precautions against hurricane season
– Follow the instructions and guidelines provided by local authorities and tour operators
– Rent a golf cart from a reliable source
– Swim parallel to the shore
– Exercise caution while snorkeling to avoid any marine life dangers
– Be cautious of potential scams

3. Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Isla Mujeres?

Yes, it is generally safe to swim at the beaches in Isla Mujeres. However, it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as swimming parallel to the shore and being mindful of any warnings or flags indicating unsafe conditions.

4. What should I be careful of when renting a golf cart on Isla Mujeres?

When renting a golf cart on Isla Mujeres, it’s important to ensure that the rental company is reputable and the vehicle is in good condition. Follow all traffic rules, wear seatbelts, and drive defensively to stay safe on the island.

5. Is the tap water safe to drink in Isla Mujeres?

It is generally recommended to avoid drinking tap water in Isla Mujeres. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to prevent any potential issues.

6. Is Isla Mujeres a popular tourist destination?

Yes, Isla Mujeres is a popular tourist destination in Mexico. Its beautiful island atmosphere, stunning beaches like Playa Norte, and various attractions make it a preferred choice for many travelers.

7. Should I get travel insurance when visiting Isla Mujeres?

Yes, it’s always best to have travel insurance when planning a trip to Isla Mujeres or any other destination. Travel insurance provides coverage for any unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during your visit.

The Wrap-Up: Things to Be Careful of in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island located just 15 minutes boat ride away from Cancun It is usually safe to visit the island. However, there are few things to be mindful of while traveling to Isla Mujeres.

I hope that you’ve discovered some useful information in this article. If you follow these simple safety tips and applying your good sense, you can get rid of these issues and have a fun and stay safe at the beach!