Category: Ingles

Isla Mujeres is a small village with colorful festivities.

The most important festivities of Isla Mujeres are:

1. La Inmaculada Concepción, celebration of the saint of the island.
2. The Carnival, in march.
3. La Regata Internacional de Sol a Sol, abril.

Today, we going to talk about the oldest sailing sporting event between the United States of America and Mexico: La Regata del sol al sol.

One of the most important festivities of Isla Mujeres: La regata del Sol al Sol

Isla Mujeres is well known for more than its beautiful beaches and its perfect climate all year round.

Its privileged location and its friendly population allow it to be the ideal host for international sporting events such as the Regata del sol al sol.

What is it?

The Regata del sol al sol is an international Race of 456 miles to Mexico from St. Petersburg, FL. Specifically to the beautiful Mexican island of Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancun.

The objective of the competition is to navigate their boats to Isla Mujeres, and the first ones to achieve them are given a trophy.

It should be noted that there are only “Perpetual Trophies”.
The trophies that the winners receive are called “Perpetual” and are returned the following year to be given to the next winner.

When is it?

Every year the dates change. For the 51st annual regatta will begin on April 22 to April 29, 2022.

Why is one of the most important festivities of Isla Mujeres

First dreamt up in 1969 by the then President of Mexico and leading yachtsmen from the Gulf Coast area.

Since then, the race has attracted competitors from all over the US and Mexico and has seen some highly competitive campaigns take on the 456 Nm course and post some impressive times.

The hospitality of the Island of Isla Mujeres cannot be exceeded by any race destination.

The Jose de Jesus Lima family has been instrumental in keeping this event a viable, fun regatta.

The race is handicapped on the Performance Handicap Rating Formula for a distance of 500 nautical miles (now rated 456 KN) and is a navigator’s race in that the course crosses three major current complexes.

A highlight of the event for many is the Regatta Amigos, the post-race sail around the “Island of Women,” the yachts overloaded with native youngsters having the time of their lives.

Many of the children who raced many years ago are now leaders of the Island and all have many wonderful memories of this experience.

A close second in popularity is the on-the-spot basketball tournament between the Isla Mujeres team and U.S. crewmembers.

By sea or by air, be part of this amazing experience. The team of La Joya Hotel is ready to welcome you.

Surely you have heard of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, two incredible islands off the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Without a doubt, they are just what you imagine when you think of a Caribbean island: white sand, a beautiful turquoise blue sea, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Knowing both islands would undoubtedly be a complete experience. However, we know that holidays cannot last forever. So, if you only have the opportunity to visit one of them. Here we will give you the information you need to make this decision.

Which has better beaches, Isla Mujeres or Cozumel?

It would be unfair to say that some of them have “ugly” beaches, but we are talking about the best right?

A beach of white sand and crystal clear waters with beautiful turquoise tones and considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and the world is Playa Norte, on Isla Mujeres.

This beach is famous for its shallowness since you can walk up to 656 ft, and the water does not go above your waist. In other words, you don’t have to be a great swimmer to enjoy this wonder.

The 1/2 mile long sandy area is perfect for sunbathing and practicing sports and entertainment activities in absolute comfort.

And as if that were not enough, the food and drink service offered by its bars and restaurants on the beach is first-class.

Other charming beaches on Isla Mujeres are Playa Lancheros and Playa Garrafón, in the beautiful Arrecifes Garrafón Natural Park, which we will talk about later.

Also, remember that there is no sargassum on Isla Mujeres at any time of the year. Unlike Cozumel, where there is sargassum, although not too much like in Playa del Carmen, for example. That allows you to enjoy what the Caribbean Sea has to offer.

That does not mean that Cozumel does not have beautiful beaches. It has beaches such as Palancar, considered the best on the island because it offers all its visitors the best services for snorkeling, kayaking, and parachuting.

All this is thanks to the fact that a large part of the Mesoamerican reef is there. It´´ s the best place to appreciate a great variety of tropical fish.

Which is bigger: Isla Mujeres or Cozumel?

Of these two islands, Cozumel is the biggest. It has an extension of 184.46 square miles, turne it the 3º largest island in Mexico.

Its large size has made it a favorite island for cruise ships. Hundreds of them arrive on its shores each year.

This island is ideal for touring on a Vespa or by car, even in 4×4 vehicles, because some areas are not as accessible because they are protected areas.

Isla Mujeres is 435 times smaller than Cozumel. It has an area of 0.42 square miles. It makes it ideal for a bike ride along the coast.
Another good option is to take a ride in a golf cart.
Any option will be fun and allow you to know every corner.

Which is more expensive?

Cozumel has more capacity for hotel, food, and commercial services. 

As most tourists come from abroad, Cozumel tends to be more pricey. Also, it is a little further from the mainland compared to Isla Mujeres. That makes it more expensive to transport goods. 

But the prices are not limited only to the food. It is even in the lodging.

Because of this, if you are traveling on a budget, it is more recommended that you visit Isla Mujeres.

Is it easier to get to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel?

It is easy to get to both islands. The process is almost the same: get to the nearest city and take a boat.

The difference is that Cozumel has an airport and can also arrive by plane.

How to get to Isla Mujeres?

We have already talked about this , but it´ s always good to remember it.

To get to Isla Mujeres, you first need to get to Cancun. Once there, you can take a ferry to two places: Puerto Juarez or the Cancun Hotel Zone, more specifically, in El Embarcadero.

The ferry ride between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is approximately 20 minutes. There are a lot of schedules, leaving from 7 in the morning until midnight.

If you want detailed information, you can visit our blog that we did about this topic, where you will find:

• How to get to the different ports by bus.
• Rates and where to buy your tickets.
• Transfer time.
• what to eat

And much more.

How to get to Cozumel?

Cozumel can be reached in two ways: By ferry from Playa del Carmen or by plane directly to Cozumel International Airport. It can be taken from Ciudad MX (The Mexican capital) or in some cities of the United States.

The cheapest way to get there is from Playa del Carmen.

The ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel leaves from the Central Pier of Playa del Carmen, a few steps from the Fifth Avenue of Playa del Carmen.

The transfer is about 35-40 minutes and the ferries set sail from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Two companies offer the transfer (Ultramar and Winjet), the approximate price is 25 dollars per person, round trip. In case you want to cross your car, it would be the Calica-Punta Venado terminal.

If you are short on budget, we recommend traveling with the shipping company Winjet. The price of the trip is cheaper, but only if you pay in mexican pesos.

This advice applies to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres alike.

Which one has better nightlife?

Nightlife in tropical Caribbean and Mexican destinations is full of color, rhythm, and flavor.

Actually, none of the islands is characterized by its great nightlife. Since the people who visit them usually dedicate the whole day to activities such as swimming or diving and end up tired. That is why they usually go to bed early.

However, this does not mean that there are no places to spend a night out.

Although Cozumel has more entertainment venues due to its larger population and tourist influx, on Isla Mujeres are also good clubs and bars to have a good time as Jax Bar & Grill, Rock Bar, and Tiny’s Bar.
You can find more places to party on Isla Mujeres here.

About Carnivals, in Cozumel, you can find one of the best carnivals, so if you travel on these dates, you can celebrate it.

Isla Mujeres also celebrates a colorful carnival. Its festivities of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 are very lively

Although, if what really matters to you is a place to party all night, we recommend you go to Isla Mujeres. It is only 30 minutes from the zone that never sleeps in Cancun. You will find the liveliest atmosphere in the Mexican Caribbean.

So, which island is better?

Choosing between Isla Mujeres or Cozumel can be very difficult. We cannot deny that both islands have their charm, so this decision will have to be made according to what you are looking for.

Even so, we can assure you that you will have incredible experiences and a vacation that you will want to repeat.

If you decide to visit Isla Mujeres, the La Joya Hotel will be waiting for you. With the best ocean view and a private entrance to the beach, you will enjoy your vacation 100%

How do you get to this tourist destination?

Isla Mujeres is an island in the Mexican Caribbean located 13km from Cancun. From the coast of Cancun, you can see Isla Mujeres.

An interesting fact is that many swimmers train to cross by swimming. The tour is done in groups with several coaches supervising.

To get to Isla Mujeres you have many options. Many years ago, you could only get there by leaving Puerto Juárez but, now there are more options.

Let’s start by explaining how to get out of Puerto Juarez.

The best option is to take a boat from the Ultramar company. These ferries leave every half hour from the port to Isla Mujeres. You can buy your tickets from their online page, they will be valid for at least six months.

The round trip has a cost 23 USD.

To get to the port, you can do it with a taxi (the cost varies depending on where the trip starts) or using public transport.

As a data, public transport maintains a cost to date of $13 Mexican pesos. If you pay with a dollar, the change will be returned to you in Mexican pesos, approximately 5 pesos.

Where can I take my transportation to Puerto Juarez?

To take the bus, you can do it from the city center or the Cancun Hotel Zone. They pass very frequently and are easy to identify as they are Route 1.

Either way, you can always ask a local. People in Cancun act very friendly and are always willing to help tourists.

You should know that Uber is not available in Cancun, but there is an application that allows you to take taxis quite safely called Easy Taxi; You can download the application from the App Store of your choice.

How to get there from the Hotel Zone?

In addition to sail from Puerto Juárez, there is the option of departure from the Hotel Zone from Playa Tortugas, El Embcadero or Playa Caracol. This option is the fastest, the same with the Ultramar company.

In addition, the cost of the round ticket would be approximately 25 USD and can also be purchased from their online site.

On the way to paradise

It depends on the option you choose, will be your experience on the trip

In the Ultramar company is the option of traveling on the roofed part of the boat. It has air conditioning and windows that allow you to see the sea. You can also travel on the second floor outdoors.

As you travel, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery and, if you are lucky, you will see dolphins or turtles on your sailing. In the same way, you can see some fish since the water is very crystal clear.

How does Isla Mujeres receive you?

Just arrived, you can find needlefish on the pier that welcome you with great joy and some artisans who will kindly offer you a little piece of Mexico on your way to the city.

Forgot your swimsuit? Do not worry about that. Everything you need, you can find just when you arrive. There are a wide variety of supermarkets and shops throughout the island.

What kind of food can I find in Isla Mujeres?

You cannot miss the fresh fish and seafood restaurants. All of these are found all along the coast.

If you are interested in other types of food, you are in the right place. There are restaurants of all kinds. However, you will find them a little more to the center of Isla Mujeres.

And if we talk about food, in the afternoons in the main square, you will find food from the region. This is where you will find a characteristic dessert of southern Mexico: the “marquesitas.”

Marquesitas are very crunchy and traditional from Yucatan. It is filled with Edam cheese, although they have several more options for you to enjoy as you please.

This dessert usually costs less than $ 3. It is worth trying when you visit this region of the country.

Go for all!

If you are going to tour the entire island, you can do it on foot. But our recommendation is to be more comfortable using some means of transport.

First of all, a good idea to rent a golf cart, you will see that they are very common in Isla Mujeres. You can rent them in front of the port where you arrived.

They will offer to rent the cart by the hour, half a day, a full day, or more. All they ask is that you have a valid driver’s license.

After signing your contract where the rules are explained, you are ready to start your tour.

Not only that, but you can also rent motorcycles or bicycles. You can still find these in the same place, in front of the port.

Why do we recommend a vehicle?

Because it allows you to know the other side of Isla Mujeres. There is a road on one side of the port, overlooking the open sea and a lot of many rocks.

It is not advisable for swimming. However, it is perfect to look around if you go on the road. And yes, you can also go by bicycle; since there is a cycle track.

Make the most of your time on the island

There are several activities that you can do, here we leave you the most emblematic:

Turtle Farm or “Tortugranja”:

In the center of the city, there is a sea turtle sanctuary. They arrive during May and leave in September. And they do it to lay their eggs.

To care for the species, both volunteers and government personnel are responsible for moving the nests to safe places. These are known as “Tortugranjas” or turtle farms.

After the nests are laid on the farms, the turtles are put on in ponds. If you are there when turtles layout, you can accompany these friends to the sea with children from local schools and other tourists.

Together they will make sure to return them safely to their marine habitat, an unforgettable experience.

In addition to having various species of sea and land turtles, of different ages; the site has enabled a small aquarium with fish and marine species that complement the walk through the site.

A tip regarding sea turtles:

Don’t take flash photos of them. l Flash hurts their eyesight and especially their sense of orientation, making them vulnerable to predators.

Know North Beach: The best of Isla Mujeres

This place is considered one of the best in the world and the best beach in all of Mexico.

The white sand and crystal clear water will blow you away. You can walk into the sea and the water will not go beyond your waist. This option is excellent to go with children.

Although if what you are looking for are a party and fun, you will find small bars on the beach with a very fun atmosphere.

Due to its geographical location, it is the best place to watch the sunset, without a doubt, something you will not want to miss.

Go to Punta Sur:

If you go to the other end of the island, you will find Punta Sur. The first place in Mexico to receive the sun’s rays.

It is also the highest point on the island, where cliffs form.

Admission is free. However, there is another place nearby where it is very popular to take photos. Being in a private area, they will charge you a little less than 2 dollars per person.

Get to know Garrafón Natural Park:

In this park you will find a huge reef area where you can snorkel or dive, they have different activities such as zip line or temazcal.

We recommend you visit their online page to see what you can do there.

Where can I go to eat in Isla Mujeres?

There is also a fishermen’s association in Puerto Juárez and Isla Mujeres that can take you on a tour around the island.

One part of this tour is feeding fish and watching them jump for food.

This tour includes a meal, consisting of a typical island fish: Tikinxic. This is cooked over the embers. Not only that, since the same fishing community is the ones that provide the fresh fish to the restaurant.

Here you will eat rice and salad, which together with the fish, are unlimited. The only thing that is not included are drinks, which you must buy directly at the restaurant. This tour costs 25 USD and lasts all day.

Is it true that I can relax in Isla Mujeres?

Yes. The best thing about the island is that: no matter the time of year, you can always enjoy a good climate, sun, and beach. Relaxing on this island is all you need to forget about the world.

Everyone who lives or works here makes every effort to maintain sanitary measures. We want you to be safe and calm.

Thanks to the local government, measures have been taken to avoid crowds in public spaces. There are no risks of contagion if you visit this place and follow the Health measures.

We advise you to be able to stay at least one night. It will help you enjoy the natural spectacles that Isla Mujeres offers throughout the day and have a memorable vacation.

Enjoy your vacation on the best beach in Mexico!

If you are planing visit Mexico, surely you have been looking for secure places. Thats why we present you 3 Secure places to stay in Quintana Roo, the Mexican Caribbean.

Cancun

Let’s talk about Cancun.

It is known for being an amazing vacation site, but you might prefer to stay in the Hotel Zone. This amazing zone was made with your commodity in mind. You will find everything you need for your stay here.

There are plenty of hotels that provide All Inclusive solutions for your vacation. This zone is secured by Marines and Mexican Military, in order to provide a safer space for everyone in Cancun.

Is it safe to visit Cancun? 

If you want to know where to go, you can ask locals for places to visit. Mexican people are really warm and are always willing to help people that come to this amazing vacation paradise.

You can take taxis to anywhere you want along the 25 km wide Hotel Zone. Busses are also really safe, and are the cheapest way to move from one side to another in this area.

We strongly recommend you to stay only in the Hotel Zone, outside this area there is not much to see, only small malls and worker houses.

Not only you won’t find anything interesting outside the hotel zone, but you might expose yourself to city type problems, like any other city has, such as delinquency, pickpockets, and car accidents to name a few. Nevertheless remember to take caution, the only way to stay away from problems is to keep you safe and careful.

If you still with these recommendations don’t feel safe enough to stay in Cancun, do not worry. There are still more options to consider.

Cozumel.

It’s incredibly safe to travel to Cozumel since thousands of tourists visit every year

Cozumel is the largest island in Quintana Roo. And is the 3rd largest island in Mexico.

Is it safe to visit Cozumel?

If you like diving, you will love this island. Here is the most part of the Mesoamerican reef, the second biggest reef in the world. Being an ideal place to appreciate a wide variety of tropical fishes.

 Also, it has beaches such as Palancar, considered the best on the island since it offers all its visitors the best services for snorkeling, kayaking and parachuting.

Cozumel has more capacity for hotel, food and commercial services than Isla Mujeres. because of this, it tends to be more expensive.  Also, it is a little further from the mainland compared to Isla Mujeres. Which makes it more expensive to transport goods.

But the prices are not limited only to the food, it can also be seen in the lodging.

So, if you are traveling on a budget, it is more recommended that you visit Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres.

The best option of the 3. Isla Mujeres is a really small island located 13 kilometers to the Cancun coast. We recommend you to choose your hotel there, to enjoy an amazing view with turquoise and crystal clear waters on a spectacular white sand beach.

Is it safe to visit Isla Mujeres?

Some people have talked about insecurity in this area, but are not told that this happens on the continental Zone, really far away from the beaches.

There aren’t really many articles in English that talk about security in the Riviera Maya. The ones that speak about this, do not provide enough information, furthermore, most of the things they write are untrue.

That is why we talk about how secure it is to travel to Quintana Roo: home of the Riviera Maya, Cancún and Isla Mujeres.

Let’s begin with Isla Mujeres; it is the most secure city of all Quintana Roo state, violence cases only happen outside the island on the continental zone.

That’s right, Isla Mujeres has a continental zone that isn’t touristy. Most of the places here are homes, most of them like other homes from other cities.

There is an exception, which are the ports that are in front the island over the sea, which definitely are really secure. As a matter of fact, there are some hotels next to these ports, you can find some of them along the seashore.

We must highlight that the beaches that are in the continental zone of Isla Mujeres can’t be compared with the ones in Cancun, not even with the ones located in Isla Mujeres Island.

This amazing and tiny island has always been preached, not only for its beautiful beaches, but for the tranquility you can breath in all the island.

Do you know that Isla Mujeres is known for not having Sargassum? Learn more about why there is no Sargassum in Isla Mujeres in this link.

Yes, you read correctly. There is no sargassum on Isla Mujeres. This is because of his privileged location.

But before going into details, let’s go part by part.
Do you already know what sargassum is?

We explain it to you below.

Everything about Sargassum.

In this section, we present you with some information about these macroalgae. It began to arrive in 2014. Since then, its presence has been felt every year. Some of them with more frequency.

What is sargassum?

Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats in island-like masses and never attaches to the seafloor. They inhabit tropical seas around the world.

It is characterized by having structures called aerocysts. They are small balls filled with gases that help the sargassum not to sink. As a result, they are seen floating on the beaches.

Normally, It serves as an important habitat for many marine species. It provides food, shade, and shelter for fish, shrimp, crabs, and turtles.

There are seasons in the year when its presence is minimal, and in seasons when the sargassum crisis is acute, there are always crews dedicated to collecting the seaweed from the beaches.

Where does sargassum come from?

The sargassum that reaches the Caribbean coast comes from two places:

In front of Brazil, in the north of the terrestrial equator and the Sargasso Sea.

First of all, we have the Sargasso Sea. It is in the North Atlantic Ocean.

It is formed thanks to the marine currents that circulate in a clockwise direction. As a result, the algae gather at this site.

Typically, cyclones and hurricanes help the sargassum from this region to spread to our beaches.

However, in recent years large numbers have been seen reaching the Caribbean shores. But without the need for hurricanes.

This phenomenon is due to increased pollution and global warming. By having more heat and organic material, the ideal environment is created for these algae to increase their growth rate.

That created the second place where they come from:

Northern Ecuador. They accumulate off the coast of Brazil and, thanks to marine currents, enter the Caribbean.

When does sargassum arrive?

The appearance of this phenomenon for a few years now has allowed biologists to observe a pattern.

In the Riviera Maya, due to air currents, sargassum begins to affect from April.

It begins with the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures and lasts until September. But it peaks during the summer.

How does sargassum affect?

Sargassum is a seaweed that has recently been multiplying in an atypical way in the Caribbean Sea. It is affecting the ecosystem, marine life, and the tourism industry in 19 countries including Mexico and U.S.A.

As an invasive species, it affects at different levels:

Sargassum affects the view of the place.

This is the most noticeable when you get to the beaches. That blue sea of ​​white sand is covered in sargassum that turns it brown or yellow and takes away its charm.

When there are massive arrivals, the same citizens organize days to clean the beaches. In addition, different mechanisms to contain it in the sea are already being studied:

Specialized nets, vessels to remove it at sea, and even barriers inside the sea.

How can I be sure there is no sargassum on Isla Mujeres?

You can check the state of the beaches from wherever you are through the following link. These monitoring are done daily, so the information will be updated.

As you can see, there is no sargassum on Isla Mujeres. Therefore, they are always an ideal option to enjoy all the attractiveness that the beautiful Caribbean Sea offers.

Sargassum affects native species.

The presence of sargassum on the beaches of Cancun is not considered a serious risk to people’s health. But it can be toxic to some marine species.

In adequate quantities, this algae helps the proper functioning of the ecosystem. Its excess harms by causing an absence of light and lack of oxygenation.

By floating in the waters where seagrasses and coral reefs are, blocks the passage of light and prevents the photosynthesis of the species.

It also affects turtles, since, as we talked about in one of our blogs, they come to the Riviera Maya every year.

When the hatchlings are born, they immediately seek to reach the sea. If it encounters sargassum, the young can be trapped and become easy prey for predators.

Sargassum affects beachgoers

Bathing in waters full of algae is not a pleasant experience because of various reasons.

To begin with, it makes swimming difficult. Since these macroalgae will always be on the surface, they could interfere with mobility.

Also, they can be the habitat of small crustaceans that usually cause hives on contact with the skin, which is quite annoying.

And as these decompose, they give off an unpleasant odor and release gases. Those are capable of causing dizziness and headaches in sensitive people.

How do I prevent sargassum from being a problem for my holidays?

You don’t need to cancel your plans to visit these beautiful beaches.

Just take a few simple measurements. Thus, your vacation will continue to be a dream.

Identify sargassum-free beaches.

There is a whole ONG that observes the behavior of sargassum with satellite images, drones, and boats to know where, when and in what volume it is going to arrive.

Thanks to this monitoring, you can know in real-time the state of the beaches.

In most cases, in the morning there are already clean beaches for you to enjoy.

Remember that there are beaches that are always clean, such as Playa Norte. Don’t forget: there is no sargassum on Isla Mujeres.

Stay at the hotels located on the beaches that are least likely to receive sargassum.

We recommend you play it safe and stay in Isla Mujeres. Its permanently turquoise beaches await you for an unforgettable summer.

The Hotel la Joya team will be waiting for you. Where in addition, you can enjoy private access to the beach and an environment surrounded by nature.

We are taking the strictest hygiene measures so that you can travel safely.

Have a plan B.

Have you heard of cenotes?

A cenote is a deep water-filled sinkhole, which is fed by the filtration of the rain and by the currents of the rivers that are born in the heart of the earth.

They are the ideal option for swimming on hot days. The water in a cenote can reach a maximum of 24 ° C or 75.2 F°

Another option could be to visit an archaeological zone, such as Chichen-Itzá. Visiting this Wonder of the World could take you a whole day.

In addition, in the area, are different lagoons in which you can navigate and see incredible landscapes.

Now that you have all this information, you are ready to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. Sargassum will no longer be a problem and you may not even come across it on the beach if you decide to go to Isla Mujeres.

Take in that beautiful turquoise sea from your window at an oceanfront hotel like La Joya and swim on an algae-free beach.

You can also enjoy your holidays in a hotel where we take hygiene measures very seriously. All this so that you only worry about using sunscreen on the beach and enjoying everything Isla Mujeres has for you to the fullest.

Beer has his own day! And it is not surprising, since Beer is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Because of its natural and exquisite flavor and aroma, it is to be expected that everyone has ever tasted this liquid in their life. And one of the best places to celebrate it is in Isla Mujeres.

Although it arose in a small bar in Santa Cruz, California (United States), today this tradition has traveled more than half the world.

The reasons to celebrate International Beer Day are:

• Gather with friends and enjoy the taste of beer.
• Celebrate those responsible for brewing and serving beer.
• Unite the world under the banner of beer, by celebrating the beers of all nations together on a single day.

In honor of beer day, we bring you the 5 best options to have a few drinks.

1.-  El Borracho Burro Cantina

It is an outdoor bar with Mexican and regional food. Some of them not so popular but no less delicious. An example of this are kibis, which go very well with a cold beer.

And talking about beer, in El Borracho Burro it costs around 25 MXN. That is, just over a dollar and they have live music every day.
This place is well known for its excellent atmosphere, although they close early.
Their prices? Completely accessible to anyone. And the food? The best on the island. You definitely have to try it.

If you travel with your pet, this place is perfect, because it is pet friendly.

It is located near the Garrafón park and the La Joya hotel.

You can learn more about them here

2.- IceBar Mexico Isla mujeres.

Its literally the coolest place in Isla Mujeres!

Icebar Isla Mujeres is a bar made entirely of ice, hidden from the Caribbean sun and heat. The only bar where everything (chairs, furniture, glasses …), absolutely everything is made of ICE. A unique tourist attraction in this entire area of ​​Mexico.

It has prices ranging from $ 15 to $ 33 dollars, and in their facebook account they can answer any question you have. We leave it here

3.- Rock Bar

Rock Bar, located on Hidalgo in Centro Isla Mujeres is a fun little bar run by a wonderful Italian couple. They offer a friendly atmosphere, fair prices and good music. You can even request for some rock song!

Highly recommended for your Isla Mujeres visit. Especially if you want to meet new people.

People say it’s the best bar on Isla Mujeres, but there’s only one way to find out.

But remember, this place only have drinks.

4.- Tiny Gecko Bar Isla Mujeres.

Tiny Gecko is an awesome experience! The food, drinks and live music are great. But the best is the sight. Definitely the best on the Malecón of Isla Mujeres.Ocean side seating on the malecon with warm breezes is the best.

If you like live music, it starts at 5:00pm daily. And, if you want a drink out of the menu, bartenders will make it for you!

Don’t miss this spot! It has a lot of good reviews on Trip Advisor

5.- Isla Brewing Company

Isla Brewing Company is the first & only micro brewery in Isla Mujeres, making & distributing hand crafted beers on the island.

Come and enjoy free tastings at the tasting room 10:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday, except Sunday.

You may need a golf cart or a bike to get there, but it’s worth it.

Extra option:

Catamaran Sailing Tour

If you feel that the above options are not very Caribbean, the catamaran sailling tour is all you need. They have prices starting at $ 89 plus taxes.

They have prices starting at $89 dollars (plus taxes). This includes, among other things, an open bar of drinks and an incredible party on board!

If you travel in a group, you can also rent one for exclusive use!

So now you know, come and enjoy of the best beaches of the world in the best hotel of Isla Mujeres.

In La Joya Hotel you can enjoy of the best of the caribbean with all the sanitary measures that will make your stay the best of all.

Have you ever wondered what is the largest fish known in the ocean? Here you have the answer. Here it is, the giant friend of the ocean: the whale shark.

Neither shark nor whale. Fish!

That’s right, the whale shark is a fish. More exactly, the largest fish in the ocean.

Despite their large size, those who research them consider them the friendliest giants in the ocean. This is due to their peaceful nature and their diet, as they feed on the smallest creatures in the ocean: Plankton.

How does whale sharks feed?

His oral cavity is so large that a seal could fit.

Despite this, this species of fish feeds on small life forms. Some of theme are krill, phytoplankton and algae, although it can also consume small crustaceans, such as squid and crabs larvae and small fish.

The whale shark sucks in a large amount of water and food by closing its mouth, and then the water is filtered through its gills and expelled.

On the other hand, all foods that exceed 3 millimeters in diameter are trapped in the oral cavity and then ingested.

Where can you see them?

This friendly giant likes warm waters, where the temperature exceeds 21° C or 70° F. Why? well, this is because the warm waters are the habitat of their main food source, plankton. Which, in addition, grows near the surface. For this same reason it is easy to find them swimming at shallow depth.

An example of these warm waters to which they arrive is found in Isla Mujeres.

Swim with whale sharks!

That’s right, this huge fish comes to Isla Mujeres every year and it is possible to swim with it between the months of June and September.

In fact, Isla Mujeres is considered one of the best places to dive with whale sharks in the world.

The tours during these months leave practically daily and from different points.

Isla Mujeres is one of the destinations that has one of the largest offers for this activity. Some packages include food and even snorkeling at other beautiful reefs in the area.

 What as a general rule everyone will include is the guided tour by experts to get to know this species.

They will teach you the basics you should know about the whale shark, as well as ways to preserve the species.

Take advantage of this vacation to meet the ocean’s giant friend: the whale shark.

Ask to La Joya Hotel Staff to know more about this amazing creature and available tours in the region.

The importance of taking a break

We are facing difficult times for our physical and mental health. Most of us are feeling stressed. Have you consider taking vacations?

Definitely, we need some vacations. But not necessary that mean go out from our country.

A relaxing break can help to reset your mood and can reduce or prevent stress, but let´s see deeply some beneffits.

Taking Vacations Relieves Stress

Each year, the American Psychological Association (APA) surveys people across the United States about stress. The last survey reveals that Americans have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Another study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations work to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with stress and anxiety. 

What does it means? We really need to take a break.

A good vacation can help us to reconnect with ourselves, so you can feel more relaxed.Just planning a vacation keeps your mind off things that can stress you out.

Added to this, When you are doing something that makes you happy your brain gives you a boost of dopamine, the hormone, and neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. 

Taking Vacations Helps Prevent Illnesses

There is a whole field of research called psychoneuroimmunology that finds stress and its adrenal dysfunction can alter your immune system and make you susceptible to numerous illnesses.

Fresh air and sunshine are good for our health. Fresh air increases oxygen in our blood and in turn, gives us more energy. Sunshine is a mood elevator and can help people ward off depression.

Stress is one of the major contributors to heart disease and high blood pressure. Long-term studies in both men and women have shown that vacations can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Men who vacationed regularly were more than 32% less likely to die from a heart attack. For women who vacation regularly, that figure jumps to 50% less likely to die from a heart attack.

Taking Vacations Improves Your Sleep Quality

Now more than before, we are facing a lot of changes. Evidence from China and Europe suggests that prolonged confinement is altering sleep in adults as well as children.

Not having a routine and staying in the same space can also lead to insomnia.

There exist many ways to prevent it. Meditation, mindfulness and muscle relaxation are some of them.

Studies have shown that people who take vacations and travel regularly reported an almost 20% improvement in their sleep. While on vacation, they averaged an hour more of quality sleep, which even carried over to when they returned home.

So, no matter if you go out of your town or not. Taking vacations is important!

This is Important!

Definitely taking vacations is good for our bodies and minds. It has a lot of benefits, now, if  we want to enjoy our free time in other city or maybe in other countries, there are very important things to consider.

Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19?

 For Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are considered fully vaccinated:

2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If it has been less than 2 weeks since your 1-dose shot, or if you still need to get your second dose of a 2-dose vaccine, you are NOT fully protected.

Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated. 

Being fully vaccinated is a plus if you want to go to another country (and for a lot of other things).

But remember,  we are all in this together, so, care yourself is care your loved ones.

How do I Know if I am a Population At-Risk?

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19. But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of medical conditions who increased your risk of present severely ill from COVID-19

If you or a person who you live with is in this group, please, stay at home.

Does your Home or Destination Have Requirements and Restrictions for Travelers?

State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements upon arrival.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, it is important that you follow these travel restrictions. 

And remember. Not only countries and cities have restrictions. Check if your airline requires any health information, testing, or any other documents.

Consider This If You Decide to Travel this vacations.

Once you chcked the restriccions, and decide to travel to take a very necesary vacations, here we are some advices

Take a COVID-19 Testing Before and After your Vacation.

Testing before and after travel can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. The CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test one to three days before your trip. Delay travel if you’re waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test three to five days after your trip. Even if you test negative, reduce nonessential activities for seven days. If you don’t get tested, reduce nonessential activities for 10 days.

If at any point you test positive, stay home. Immediately isolate yourself and follow public health recommendations.

Also, when you are back at home, be in quarantine for at least 14 days. Even if your test was negative. This step is very important.

Remember: All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States.

Be Sure to Pack  Essential Safe-Travel Supplies.

When it’s time to pack for your trip, grab any medicines you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Face masks: Skip valved masks, bandanas, and neck gaiters, which don’t provide a tight seal and allow too much air to escape.
• Tissues
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
• Thermometer
• Face shields: They are not an equivalent substitute for face masks, but they can be helpful as a reminder not to touch your face or mask.

This you need to take into Consideration to Stay Safe when you Travel.

No matter how simple it may sound, the best way to stay safe is to keep your hands clean, avoid touching your face, and stay away from people you don’t live with.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
• Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Refrain from eating or drinking on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.
• Stay in quarentine 14 days before and after your trip.

If any of this feels too stressful to think about or prepare for, that’s a good sign it’s best to stay home and avoid traveling altogether.

The least considered but the most important: Isla Mujeres great weather.

For the north hemisphere, the first months of the year are winter. When you think in winter, the first thing that comes to mind is cold, wind and snow. brr* Well, that’s all the opposite when experiencing winter in the Caribbean.

For comparison, let’s see the weather in La Jolla USA.

La Jolla is one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S.A, and in summer it is very sunny.  The average high temperature stays between the 60 degrees and high 70. The ocean temperature  warms up during the summer, reaching 68° or 69 ° F. 

Usually, this temperature it’s pretty cold for swimmers , but with a wetsuit, you can barely  find it cold. Fortunately, there is rarely any rainfall during these summer months  and sunset is around 8pm, who means that you have enough hours of sunshine to enjoy the city.

In summer, this sounds like a great place to visit, but in winter the ocean temperature stays quite cold, going around 50° fahrenheit and anything below 64° will feel too cold to swim comfortably.

If you want to know more about the things you can do in both La Jolla and Isla mujeres here is the link to our blog.

That’s why going to a Caribbean island sounds great to begin the year!

Do you know how the weather is in isla mujeres? It’s phenomenal all year!

If you want to escape from winter, and get a cold, Isla Mujeres is waiting for you.

This island has been blessed with a great weather all the year, but if you are used to cold climates, winter is the best season: is warm, but not as in summer; the days are clear and temperature kept between 67°and 83°.

So, what’s the main difference between winter and summer in the Caribbean?

All the information above, doesn’t mean that summer is extremely hot, but is perfect if you live in temperatures under 30° F and want an escape from snow and ice or simply want some sun and sand to relax from a chaotic year.

 A breathtaking experience: swimming with bull sharks.

Some wild animals emigrate from cold areas to warmer areas, one example is bull shark.

Bull shark season takes place in the Yucatan Peninsula, precisely because of the warm waters from Riviera Maya’s coast. Appreciating these magnificent sharks alive and in their habitat is a real privilege that we can enjoy.

These magnificent animals swim in the Riviera Maya in winter!!

This is an experience that can only be lived in winter because female bull sharks need warm water to give birth, they choose the Mexican Caribbean to do so.And the best time for their baby sharks to spawn is between December and March.

You can interact with these animals that measure around 9 feet and can weigh more than 500 pounds. Due to their preference for lower depths, you’ll find bull sharks swimming at around 75 feet below the surface.

Most of all, you’ll be able to swim with these imposing sea creatures without interrupting their environment.

Seems too much adrenaline?? You can watch them swim too!

Yet, if you’d still like to go underwater but would rather keep your distance from the bull sharks, you can certainly do so. The bull shark observation tour allows you to get close, but not too close.

While you’re in the water, you can still feel the rush of adrenaline even several feet away from the sharks.

If you need more information, companies like Aqua World will be pretty interested to give you more information about this.

Here is what you need to swim with sharks in Isla Mujeres:

As you need a lot of skill to dive with bull sharks in Mexico, you must have your certifications in order. This activity requires at least 20 logged dives.

Also, you must have been diving in the last 2 years.The important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe with your diving knowledge so you can fully enjoy seeing these wonderful animals in their own world.

Start the year like never before: Stay cool and relax walking with complete privacy in a beach.

Some hotels like Hotel La Joya have private entrances to the beach, but what does it mean?

Less people in the beach, and given the situation with the Covid-19 now more than then is a real advantage so you can enjoy your vacations without any worry about being surrounded by people.

Does that mean I’m safe in Isla Mujeres? Absolutely Yes!

Every hotel, restaurant and even theme parks are taking seriously the Covid-19 pandemic. We all have careful sanitizing rooms and luggage. Since the start of the pandemic the protocols have been took ferociously. All to keep you and your loved ones secure.

You can check out in this link what Hotel La Joya is doing particularly with Covid to make you feel safe.

Being this safe ensures you instant relaxing.

Tune in with nature and open your inner self to spectacular views and breathtaking moments that can only be told by people who have experienced it on their own.

“Everything is perfect but the view is what makes every penny worth it. I felt total peace, calm and safety in this hotel. Definitely will go back.”
-Traveler.

International tourism have seen all of this magnificent place. They have enjoyed so much what Isla mujeres has to offer, that you should do it too.

If you want more information regarding Isla Mujeres, email us down below, we will be glad to hear from you soon.

Wait. Where and what is La Jolla?

Maybe you have listen about La Jolla, a beautiful place in San Diego, California in front the Pacific Ocean coast

La Jolla is an excellent place to swim but also a great place to take surf lessons because it has waves big enough to surf but not so big to be dangerous.

And, if you love nature, La Jolla cove is the best place you can visit. Sea lions and seals are commonly there and besides that you can have a snorkel tour exploring the sandy and rocky reef in the area’s ecological reserve where you are surrounded by garibaldi, harmless leopard sharks and various other reef fish.

Talking about food, you can find every kind of food. If you want a hamburger, you could go to BURGER LOUNGE (perfect for families) or HENNESSEY’S LA JOLLA (Casual spot with an Irish feel great for a late-night dinner).

If you want seafood, GEORGE’S AT THE COVE is the perfect place, where there is a gorgeous  view of the ocean. Even you can find international food: Italian, french, mexican or japanese.  Is important to say that most restaurants only have pick-up service for sanitary measures.

But, have you ever listened about “La Joya”?

Let’s now meet this new and mystery place called: La Joya.

La Joya is a hotel in Isla Mujeres, México, a paradise in the Mexican Caribbean, in front of wonderful crystalline and turquoise waters where you can witness the 1st sun rays who touch Mexico every morning.

This is the place to come to enjoy a relaxing island break. But don’t worry if you want something more savage, it is 20 minutes by ferry to Cancun.

One of the best things you can do is rent a golf cart because that way you can tour the entire island.

After you rent a golf cart, you  can go to Punta Sur, the tallest point of the island, where there is an incredible viewpoint  and cliffs. The ideal place to take photos.By the other side is Punta Norte, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and main beach on Isla Mujeres where you can just relax and enjoy the day. A curious fact is that this was the first point that the Spanish conquerors touched, back in 1517.

What can I do in La Joya?

Do you like snorkeling? Well, you’re going to love the natural reef park “Garrafon”. There live a lot of marine species, from starfish to fish of all sizes. We strongly recommend using biodegradable sunscreen to avoid damaging the corals and avoid touching the species in the reef.

But if you want a one in a life experience, Whale sharks are waiting for you!

If you need more information about this or want to know other incredible activities, La Joya staff will be glad to answer all your questions.

Traditional Mexican cuisine since 2010 is an intangible cultural heritage, and, in this area, you could find unique mexican food like Tikin Xic.

Tikin Xic is a huge, freshly caught,  marinated and grilled fish; usually accompanied with a side of rice, salad and habanero sauce. The habanero sauce is optional, but don’t lose the chance to taste it, just be careful.

And that’s only the most popular dish in the island. You could find any kind of real mexican food like:
Tacos, Kibis, cochinita, pozole, tortas, chilaquiles and a lot of freshly seafood brought from the sea every day!

So, why not visiting “La Joya” this holidays?

In La joya you will have all the incredible activities of Isla mujeres in just a few minutes. And even better, La joya is in a very privileged place in front of the sea. You can rest under a small cliff overlooking the sea, next to a secluded cove. Just imagine the view in front of your eyes every time you look at the window. You can’t get tired of it.

Another interesting thing in La Joya is a pool in front the beach and beach umbrellas where you can relax.Don’t know how to get there?

That’s not a problem. La Joya offers airport transfer, you only have to worry about is to arrive to Cancun International Airport. Booking on our website and knowing what activity you will do first. Not feeling in the mood to go outside? just enjoy your room with our room service, a massage and free Wi-Fi. Also take the opportunity to share your photos.

And what about Covid-19?

In La Joya, we have a strict sanitizing measures in order to make your vacation safe and enjoyable.

• Physical distancing. We add signs to maintain a SAFETY DISTANCE of at least 6 feet of separation from fellow guests all the time.
• We place HAND SANITIZING STATIONS all around the properties.
• PRIVATE ROOMS are being disinfected and sealed for your protection to ensure you are the first to enter the room after it is CLEANED and DISINFECTED.
• Complimentary FACE MASKS are available at the front desk.
• The TEMPERATURE of all our arriving guests will be scanned.

There you go.

A new experience is ready for you here in La Joya. Do not miss the opportunity to visit another country.

You will love swiming in the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean in the company of incredible sea creatures unique to the area and taste a world recognized food made with the origin recipes.

We are waiting for you. Book your room now.