Pack your own pillows!
by toontown
Unless you want to pack just carry-ons, which is possible on Isla, because you don't need much to wear, I highly recommend getting big light sports bag and packing a couple of comfy pillows from home. Sometimes beds in Mexico can be on the hard side, but no complaints if you have good pillows! Take a couple of swimsuits, shorts and t-shirts, hat, and something a little nicer for the evening. But it is very casual on Isla. Take a jacket or sweater on Isla in case ir gets windy, which can make it a little chilly some evenings. Shoes: flip flops or beach sandals, running shoes for longer walks, and a pair of dressier sandals for ladies. Toiletries and medical supplies are on the expensive side so take them with you, including lots of sunscreen and aloe lotion. But there is a great pharmacy where you can get what you need if you forget anything. Take a disposable underwater camera for pictures of all the great fishes on the reef when you go snorkelling. Along with our pillows in the sports bag, we take our snorkelling stuff: fins, mask and snorkel. Also a couple of really lightweight floatie rings for the pool or ocean. You can also inflate the rings slightly upon your return trip for cushioning breakables. Leave the expensive jewellry at home.
Cheap tour
by senoritamc
Get on the bus that stops on the malecon.
It is really cheap. For the four of us it was like a dollar. It will take you over most of Isla. You get to see their small airport, their lagoon, the navel base, streets, and houses. It will go in a circle and drop you off where ever you want.
A Great Breakfast Spot
by dek516 about Cafe Cito
Cafe Cito is a bright and cheerful spot that makes for a very pleasant breakfast. The decor is bright blue with a beach theme. Tables by the window, which look out on colorful shops and homes, are especially nice. Breakfast options include croissants, rolls with coconut jam (very good), crepes and egg dishes. Drinks include hot or iced coffee and cappuccinos.
A big plus to Cafe Cito is that it opens early, by 8am. Some other breakfast spots don't open until 9 or 10am, which limits your beach time!
The one downside to the cafe is that it's a bit overpriced, although pretty much on par with other food options on the island. A hardboiled egg and two rolls cost 40 pesos. Still, the experience is worthwhile. Bread with coconut jam.
Snorkeling at Garrafon
by novemberromeo
I went to Castillo de Garrafon at the edge of the park. They charge 30 pesos and offer a locker, beer and equipment rental for a reasonable charge. If you are an experienced swimmer/snorkeler, you can swim from there to the reefs at Garrafon. Be careful crossing under the docks. Watch for traffic. The lifeguard at Garrafon will also want to put a life jacket on you (which seems hazardous to me--bobbing in the waves around the corral heads).
Put this on your MUST DO List: Isla Contoy
by ricknkat
We took a 6+ hour boat tour/ snorkeling trip to Isla Contoy and had such an amazing time that it was by far the highlight of our entire trip. Please see my Isla Contoy Day Trip Travelogue for my journal entry on this very memorable experience.
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dining/kitchen La Puerta Azul
Fire dancers
Colorful graves
North Beach, Isla Mujeres
