The Island of Women , a five-mile long plot of land just off Cancuns northern shore, is one of the most popular destinations for daytrippers. Its coral reefs and tropical fish draw crowds of water sports enthusiasts, while roads tightly packed with clothing and craft shops lure those in search of souvenirs.

Directions from Cancun

Avoiding street vendors sales pitches for trips to Isla Mujeres is significantly more challenging than actually getting to the island. A number of tour companies, including Aqua World and Sun Tours, organize trips to the Isla, so options are many. The hotel zone, malls and downtown are saturated with kiosks offering packages, though prices and promotions vary. Each of the groups also has its own itinerary, so it is helpful to know what you are looking for. Some tour boats take you for a halfday stay at a private beach club, and then drop you mid-town for a couple hours of shopping. These tend to include a buffet lunch and drinks, and range from $30- $45USD, depending on the season. Snorkeling and other equipment rental are generally an added expense. Other tours transport you by ferry directly to the mammoth eco-park and coral reef, Garaffón, at the southern end of the island. Packages cost between $35 and $55, and include water activities for families.

Many of these organized trips transport you on a party boat with blaring music, non-stop MC commentary and an open bar. The independent-minded traveler may want to catch a ferry directly to Isla Mujeres at one of the many embarkation points within Cancun. Boats leave from the Embarcadero (Blvd Kukulcan, Km 4), Puerto Juarez, and Punta Sam for around $2-3 each way, and dock near the islands ever-popular Playa del Norte (North Beach).