Top 7 Best Tropical Islands in Mexico to Visit
For a very long time, Mexico islands have been a favorite vacation destination for North Americans. However, the breathtaking Mexican islands have increased in popularity among European travelers as well.
And there is no wonder why, the stunning scenery, or the country’s endless sunshine are just a few of the things that will make a vacation here a dream come true. Not to mention the cultural heritage Mexico has to offer, and the bright white sandy beaches.
Whether you are seeking the perfect place to spend your honeymoon, or just to have an up-close wildlife experience, the islands in Mexico have so many charming places to offer.
Sometimes, looking for that most perfect place to go can be an exhausting activity. Luckily, we have already chosen our seven favorite islands, with their pros, main activities to do, and their highlights.
Why are the Islands of Mexico Special?
When you say Mexico, it’s impossible not to think about the stunning white beaches and the crystal clear waters. Reaching this place is already a magical experience, basically because you can admire the wildlife, and the tropical heritage of this country.
However, if you are coming to a Mexican Island, you will be lucky to:
- Spend your day on a beautiful white sandy beach;
- Admire the abundant marine life while diving or snorkeling;
- Make photos with the most picturesque views;
- Visit the most expensive coral reefs in the world;
- Explore the natural parks of Mexico;
- Have a magical day on a non-touristy beach.
These are a few of the reasons why islands in Mexico to visit are worthy. We recommend you not limit yourself, but keep exploring all of the tropical islands’ paradise.
Little Facts about islands in Mexico to Visit
Mexico is such a rich country when it comes to exceptional sceneries, as such, along both its coasts, you will be pleased to find numerous islands.
Some of them are more hidden; some of them are more touristic; however, all of them have the most colorful, yet exciting coral show, as well as a magical aquatic view.
Many of Mexico’s islands can be easily accessed by coming with a boat from Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, as well as many other touristic spots in Mexico. Please keep in mind that most of these islands are natural parks and eco preservation sites.
You should also take care not to disturb, in any way, the marine wildlife, and be sure to take all your trash with you. We also recommend you to use reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen, for not damaging the subaquatic world.
Now that we have shared all this information with you, here is a list of our top seven islands in Mexico to visit.
7 Islands in Mexico to Visit. Top Picks
1. Cozumel
Right off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, there is this beautiful Caribbean island of Cozumel. There is no wonder why this beautiful island has become a beloved destination for tourists all over the world. Cozumel is even more appreciated than Cancun and Tulum, Cozumel has all the spices for the perfect place to be on vacation.
The perfect white sandy beaches, along with the warm waters and the delicious foods, will make the island experience here a delight. Although more tiny than other islands, Cozumel is very appreciated as a diving destination.
Once reaching this place, you will be surrounded by, pay attention, the second-largest coral reef system on the planet. Yes, you read it right. As such, it’s a pity not to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Now, Cozumel is famous not only for its color reefs but also for the many cruise ships. Those who want to explore the blue waters and lay under the sun, they should try the water activities. You can rent kayaks, snorkeling gear, or paddleboards and float over the blue, clean water.
Cozumel is also the perfect destination for finding peace and quiet and learning more about the Mayan culture. If you are passionate about history, this will be the ideal time for visiting the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site.
2. Isla Holbox
One of the most famous names among Mexican islands to visit is Isla Holbox. This paradise got its place in “52 places to go in the world”, a list made by the New York Times. This undeveloped heaven on Earth has lots of resorts to welcome you.
Located in the North of Cancun, right in the wide Yum Balam biosphere reserve, Holbox Isla is the home for many wild animals too. While reaching this place, you will see flamingos, pelicans, sea turtles, and many more exotic animals.
You can rent one of the golf carts on the island and explore its sandy streets. Don’t forget to spend your favorite days on the beaches lined with all kinds of open bars and restaurants.
One of the most magnificent views from the Holbox Islands is also the most significant attraction: the whale sharks. These beautiful ocean animals come in great numbers here to feed, right in the waters around the island. You will see lots of local outfitters that are offering some day trips so you can see these powerful, yet gentle creatures.
When to Visit: The perfect time to visit Holbox Island is from May to September, precisely the time when whale sharks are in town.
Getting Here: If you are coming to this island, you can take two buses that leave Cancun for Chiquila. Chiquila is a little fishing village, the exact departure point for ferries that go to Holbox.
3. Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is only 8 miles from Cancun, and it has an extraordinary vibe. If you are looking for having a great nightlife and exploring the exotic vibe in some spectacular clubs, look for Isla Mujeres.
Our favorite beach here is Playa Norte, or the North Beach, the most famous stretch of sand in this area. The surrounding coral reefs are fantastic and offer you great opportunities to do snorkeling and diving.
Right in the other part of the island, you will find the ruins of a Mayan temple, a lighthouse that will steal your heart.
The Location: Isla Mujeres is situated seven miles from the coast, and it is separated from Cancun by Mujeres Bay.
The Best Part: One of the most significant parts of Isla Mujeres are the crushed coral beaches. Moreover, the water is perfectly blue, making it the perfect medium to do snorkeling. Whether you go with your partner or with your family, this is a popular vacation destination.
Another great activity here is visiting the turtle sanctuary, also called Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm. Here you have the unique chance to have an insight into the natural medium of these beautiful creatures.
When to Go: The perfect time and weather to visit Isla Mujeres are from November to March.
How to get here: If you are coming from Cancun, you have buses that leave for Punta Sam and Puerto Juarez.
4. Isla Contoy
Although not as popular as the previous islands, Isla Contoy is a not so explored, yet fantastic unknown side of Mexico. The island itself measures five miles in length, meaning around 8.5 kilometers.
This means you can explore the whole island in just one day. Isla Contoy is so little that the government established a maximum capacity of people who can come here. This means there are only 200 guests allowed to come here per day.
If you love nature, you will also love Isla Contoy. This place is a true sanctuary for all kinds of animals, especially for four species of turtle, and around 150 tropical species of birds.
5. Isla Marietas
Isla Marietas is in Banderas Bay. Another landmark will be Puerto Vallarta.
This place is one of the greatest islands in Mexico to visit, due to its fetching volcanic archipelago. Just so you know, this place is a protected marine park, so you have to make sure you don’t do any harm to the marine world.
This is also a great bird sanctuary, where you will meet over ninety species of birds. Among them, you will find the blue-footed booby, the Pajaro bobo cafe (a species of penguin), the white-capped marine swallow, and many more.
If you are passionate about water sports, here you have lots of perfect areas to do snorkeling and scuba diving.
Marietas Island is perfect for those willing to discover some spectacular “hidden beaches.” Some of them have been the “stars” on Instagram and Facebook, so you will find lots of information about reaching them.
The perfect time to go is from November to March. This period of time is also the timespan when the migration of whales takes place. Getting here is easy, as you can book a trip with a reputable tour company, such as Vallarta Adventures.
6. Guadalupe Island
Like no one other, Isla Guadalupe is a small volcanic island, and it stretches 380 kilometers off. This place is exceptional due to the clean water and also the remote location. This magical island is also a unique place to be, as you can finally observe the great white sharks.
The best season to come here and admire the sharks is in July/August. This is the time when young males arrive on the coast, and they find the perfectly warm water. The temperature is around 72* fahrenheit.
If you want to see the more dominant female sharks, go to Guadalupe Island in October or November. To see them better, you can take a liveaboard boat, even if you are not a diver.
7. Isla Espiritu Santo
Last but not least, here is the perfect place to be if you want to see a genuinely untouched paradise. Isla Espiritu Santo or Holy Spirit Island is one of the most beautiful, still intact destinations.
Its location is between the Baja California peninsula and the mainland. The island is surrounded by Sea of Cortez, also described as the “world’s aquarium.” The island is on the UNESCO list and offers perfect hiking trails, as well as beautiful snorkeling and diving places.
Its location is between the Baja California peninsula and the mainland. The island is surrounded by Sea of Cortez, also described as the “world’s aquarium.” The island is on the UNESCO list and offers perfect hiking trails, as well as beautiful snorkeling and diving places.
Last Thoughts…
I hope you will visit at least one of these beautiful islands and finally have a dreamy vacation in Mexico.
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