Punta Sur (Isla Mujeres) is a great tourist stop to enjoy some adventures. Is Isla Mujeres’ highest zone, exactly 20 meters over the sea level, from where you will have the best view of the whole Caribbean sea. We suggest to start the tour early in the morning, and, of course, not to forget water and sunscreen (ecologic, for the sake of nature).
On this side of the island, you will find some little Mayan ruins to explore and learn more about this culture. One of the main features of Punta Sur is its atmosphere, which is full of cliffs offering an amazing landscape. Another feature of this spot of the island is a lighthouse that can be found on-site.
Punta Sur is the south end of Isla Mujeres, but it’s present practically in the whole history. If you get to visit the island, you can’t miss this nice spot. Beaches surrounding Punta Sur have an impressive color. From its highest point, you will be able to see Cancun and the whole Isla Mujeres bay.
Anywhere you go in Punta Sur is full of history, beauty, and amazingly stunning views. Punta Sur is way less crowded than Playa Norte. A reason for this may be the fact that is on the other extreme of the Island. If you are looking for somewhere quieter to explore Isla Mujeres, Punta Sur may be a good choice.
How to get to Punta Sur?
As its name states, it is located on Isla Mujeres south and is also where the island ends. To get there, first, you have to consider your current location. If you happen to be in Cancun, taking a ferry would be necessary. This would take 15 min approx. and you’ll be taken to Isla Mujeres. Once there, you can either take a local taxi, rent a bike or rent a golf cart to drive to Punta Sur. Punta Sur offers lots of history, great restaurants, natural parks, and impressive views. Some water sports can also be enjoyed in this zone of the island. Wondering what to do first? Check this list out.
Isla Mujeres history
To visit Punta Sur is to know a bit of Isla Mujeres history since Ixchel Mayan Goddess Temple is located here. Ixchel was the goddess related to the moon and fertility. There is this story about Mayan women who used to bring her offerings in female form to ask for fertility and easy birth. When the Spanish arrived and saw these offerings, they decided to name the beautiful island after this curious fact, so they named it “Isla Mujeres” (“Women Island”). There are still ruins of this temple which you will be able to visit and go deeper into its history.
What to eat in Isla Mujeres?
Even though Punta Sur is quieter than Playa Norte, restaurants with exquisite dishes can be found. If you want to enjoy a delicious meal, you will not need to leave Isla Mujeres’ south area. There are plenty of restaurants with different atmospheres and menus suiting all kinds of visitors’ tastes.
If you are visiting Punta Sur, we recommend you to visit Acantilado, a charming restaurant with seafront tables. While enjoying food, you will be able to watch a beautiful sunset or the sea’s immensity and rest your feet on the warm sand. They’re widely recognized for their seafood + Mexican food fusion, a factor which has given popularity to it all around the south area.
If you do are willing to leave Punta Sur to get some food, another option is the restaurant Pizza &a…More, in Playa Norte (not that far anyway) which is not as crowded, but it has great service and delicious pizzas, which, if your not the want-to-try-something-new type person, could be a very good choice.
Tortugranja (Turtle Farm)
Thanks to its soft and warm sand, Isla Mujeres is one of the giant turtles’ favorite coasts to spawn. From decades ago, this happens from March to September. For many years, turtles and their eggs were hunted by humans and animals because of its shell and the inside of eggs for human consumption.
Since some years ago, Mexican Federal Laws accomplish the task of protecting adult turtles and their eggs. These are placed in safe zones to keep them safe until the day of birth. Once born, baby turtles are escorted during their first journey to the sea by kids from local schools and tourists wishing to contribute to this activity.
Apart from this nice task, the Tortugranja is home to many sea and terrestrial adult turtles and a little aquarium with several fish species that complement the experience.
Jardín Escultórico
At Punta Sur, you will also be able to enjoy an amazing contemporary art exposition created by 23 sculptors from Mexico, Europe, and other regions in collaboration with Fundación Sebastián (Sebastian Foundation). This exhibition was created in 2001. Some famous sculptors like José Luis Cueva decided to represent the Mayan spirit through modern and vibrating colors.
It’s an ideal place if you like culture, creativity, and history. If you wish to spend some quality family time or to know more about this great island and its ancestors, don’t forget to bring your camera to this garden so you can take photos of the art pieces and take some nice memories from Punta Sur.
As you may have realized, Playa Norte is not the only magical place that you can find at Isla Mujeres. Punta Sur has its charms as well. If you are still confused about how to get to Isla Mujeres, you can book a transportation service with us and make your vacation an exciting aquatic adventure.