This post was written for Hipmunk’s exciting new city guide project. I am being paid to write this post, but the opinions are my own.
Tranquility in Playa Mujeres is a given. Yet on this part of the peninsula about ten miles north of Cancun, the day may come when you want to do more than lie on the beautiful white sand beaches surrounding this resort town. If you ask those who have visited this area what the best off-resort adventure is, nine out of ten will insist Garrafon Natural Reef Eco Park tops the list. The reason for this is you will find enough adventure in this park to fill several days. It is a natural park filled with reefs, rocky cliffs, and ocean landscapes with some of the best snorkeling on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres.
Parque Garrafon
Photo by The Global Couple via Trover.com
Take a short ferry ride from Playa Mujeres to arrive at Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres. The Mayans, according to folklore, discovered the island. They dedicated it to the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, healing, and the feminine forces of nature. Thus the name, Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). There is a state of the art restaurant in the park where you can eat lunch daily from noon to 5 p.m. So, no need to pack a lunch. If you need snacks before lunch, you can get them at the park bar beginning at 10 a.m. Day trippers can expect hammocks, lounge chairs, showers, lockers, and dressing rooms on the grounds. So, relax in knowing you’ll be able to store your personal items and freshen up once your day is underway, no matter how you wind up spending it. Here is a smattering of activities that are possible.
Snorkeling
You can snorkel on your own or join an organized group. But because the reefs in this area are the draw and so superb, you might seriously want to consider a snorkeling tour to the best areas. Generally, the multicolored sea life found inside this eco-park is the primary reason so many suggest Garrafon first. Just remember, there are generally no lifeguards on duty.
Hiking
With only a day trip, hire a guide for the best experience. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking. Then, head out along the shore to Punta Sur lighthouse and the nautical museum if you set out alone. This is a nature and wildlife preserve, after all. There will be memories and you’ll want to capture a few, so don’t forget your camera and bottled water.
Swimming
If you like infinity pools with waterfalls, you will find a great one here in the park. Visitors claim you can actually see fish swimming by in the ocean from the pool. There are also several tour options that allow you to swim with the dolphins if this is of interest.
Biking
Water sports take precedence on Isla Mujeres. Yet exploring the island on a bicycle is another way to try to understand your surroundings. The terrain is not very hilly, which means even if you are not in shape you can cycle with just a bit of stamina. Put the sea on one side and the jungle on the other and let the sea breeze push you through the air.
Begin your vacation planning with this list of cheap hotels in Playa Mujeres. Then in addition to this list of best off-resort day adventures, consider snorkeling with the whale sharks or taking a yoga class. The home of Mundace the Pirate is next to Garrafon Park, and can still be visited. As you can see, there really is a little something for every traveler’s palette.
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