Welcome to Isla Mujeres!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the (dis)advantages of visiting Punta Sur Isla Mujeres.
Let’s jump in!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- At the southern point of the island, you will discover a lighthouse, a sculpture garden, and the remains of a temple honoring Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility.
- Punta Sur is the origin of the legend of MERMAIDS!
- Punta Sur is famous for its sunsets, and it is the FIRST location in Mexico to enjoy the morning sunlight.
Disadvantage: Location
Let’s start immediately with a disadvantage: the location. Punta Sur is not easy to get to. Bear with us.
Starting from Cancun, you must first make your way to one of the ferry terminals located in Puerto Juarez or the Hotel Zone. The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres is short, taking 15–20 minutes across the Caribbean Sea. However, the journey doesn’t end there.
Once you arrive on Isla Mujeres, you must get to Punta Sur, located at the island’s southernmost tip.
It’s still a 7-mile (10km) journey from the ferry terminal to Punta Sur. So you can get a rental car or a taxi ride (105 Mexican dollars).
But you could also RENT A GOLF CART (a famous transportation mode in Isla Mujeres). After 20 minutes, you should reach the beautiful southernmost point of the island.
DID YOU KNOW: After closing 2023 with record-breaking tourism numbers, hotels at Isla Mujers are packed in 2024, with occupancy rates above 80% showing that the island is becoming quite the tourist spot!
Advantage: The Legend of the Mermaids
Before you go to the best activities that Punta Sur offers, you NEED to know about the tale of the Mermaids.
Guardians of the Sea:
The mermaids were believed to inhabit the surrounding waters of Punta Sur Isla Mujeres, acting as protectors of the sea.
They were seen as spirits who watched over the marine life and ensured the balance of the ocean’s ecosystem.
Luck and Protection for Fishermen:
Fishermen who respected the waters and treated the sea with respect experienced good fortune, big catches, and safe travels. The mermaids were believed to guide their boats, protect them from storms, and lead them to rich fishing grounds.
Encounters and Offerings:
There are tales of fishermen encountering these mermaids, describing them as beautiful and ethereal beings with long flowing hair and shimmering tails (as we know them from on TV).
To gain the mermaids’ favor, fishermen would leave OFFERINGS, such as flowers, shells, and food, near the water’s edge or in the sea.
Advantage: Things To Do
Now, what is there to do once you are at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres?
Let us give you a deep dive into the BEST activities in Punta Sur!
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Sculpture Park
The number one item, and one of the MOST UNIQUE experiences in Punta Sur is visiting the sculpture park.
WHAT’S SPECIAL: The southern area is home to the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden (see here for the location), featuring a lighthouse, Mayan ruins, and large ocean-themed MURALS and SCULPTURES dedicated to the Mayan goddess IXCHEL (goddess of love, fertility, and medicine) (more about this later).
Moreover, the park also has an outdoor art gallery and sculpture garden with sculptures created by artists worldwide. The statues are a modern representation of the Mayans.
To enter the park, you need to pay 130 pesos (7USD), with this you have access to the lighthouse and the temple of Ixtchel.
And the best part?
Each statue has a QR code next to it! So, you are admiring these statues with a view over the Caribbean Sea and learning about the Mayan civilization.
TEMPLE of Mayan Goddess Ixchel
Isla Mujeres is a mini-paradise in the Mexican Caribbean!
The Mayans considered this location SACRED because of its historical significance and breathtaking views over the Caribbean.
According to legend, Ixchel would use her powers to help women with fertility and childbirth, making the island a SACRED PLACE for pregnant women and couples seeking children.
At Punta Sur, you can visit the famous Mayan temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Ixchel.
Visiting the Mayan ruins will give you a deep understanding of the Mayan culture, which is always beneficial if you’re traveling further in Mexico.
Punta Sur Lighthouse
Another MUST-SEE attraction in Punta Sur is the LIGHTHOUSE. It’s not just a typical lighthouse; it’s an iconic landmark that has become a symbol of Cozumel.
The Punta Sur Lighthouse, also known as El Farito, is a historic lighthouse built in 1902. It served as a navigational aid for ships and stands about 20 meters (65 feet) tall.
The lighthouse itself CAN CLIMBED, with 133 steps its quite challenging but it offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Caribbean Sea
Sunsets in Punta Sur
Last but not least, catching the sunset is a MUST if you’re planning a trip to Punta Sur Isla Mujeres.
This south point offers panoramic views of the ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the Yucatan Peninsula.
You can check out the sunset timetable here. Make sure to be there half an hour early to enjoy the sunset fully!
You will feel at the very edge of the world as you watch the colors of the sky blend and change with the setting sun.
Other activities in Isla Mujeres
Next to the activities above, there are also a few other activities that are worth your time!
Playa Norte, located on the norther tip if the island, is a great spot to catch amazing sunsets, with shades of pink, red, orange, and purple in the sky, often with live music and beach clubs along the beach. The beach has been recognized as one of the best beaches worldwide time and time again in various outlets, including TripAdvisor.
Finally, the Garrafón Reef Park is another top choice for viewing a spectacular sunset. Here, you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island and the sunset simultaneously.
Disadvantage: Wildlife in Punta Sur Isla Mujeres
Marine Life:
- Occasional Sightings: While the waters around Punta Sur are home to tropical fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks, these marine animals are more commonly observed through snorkeling or diving excursions rather than from the land-based Punta Sur area.
Bird Species:
- Limited Birdwatching Opportunities: Even though Punta Sur Isla Mujeres is home to over 130 species of birds, the chance of spotting one is challenging due to the area’s exposure to strong winds and lack of dense vegetation.
Iguanas and lizards:
- Rare Encounters: There are few terrestrial iguanas and small lizards, but spotting them is rare and not guaranteed.
Advantage: Where To Stay in Isla Mujeres
Luxury
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets – Adults Only – All Inclusive: Situated in the heart of Isla Mujeres, this hotel is one of the most ones on the island. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including pools, spa services and an on-site restaurant. And the best part is the rooms have the most AMAZING views of the Caribbean Sea.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation we choose.
Mid Budget
Hotel La Joya Isla Mujeres: Situated near the beach, this hotel provides comfortable and affordable rooms with views of the Caribbean Sea. It offers on-site bar and restaurant services as well as free Wi-Fi in all areas.
Budget
Selina Poc Na Isla Mujeres: This hotel is located in the heart of Isla Mujeres. It offers comfortable and modern rooms with great views of the Caribbean Sea. It also provides free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor swimming pool, and a terrace bar where guests can enjoy a drink or two!
What is special about Selina is the community they have for travelers and digital nomads. You have co-working spaces available, and you can meet a lot of like-minded people.
Conclusion
That’s it for this blog post about Punta Sur Isla Mujeres!
With all the different activities available on this side of the island your trip to Punta Sur Isla Mujeres can only be full of amazing experiences.
Let us know in the comments below which activities you incorporated into your trip!
Can’t get enough of Isla Mujeres? Read our blog post on Isla Mujeres (Definitive Guide)
