Isla Mujeres is a small island off the northern tip of Cancun that feels like the Caribbean is supposed to feel — colourful buildings, golf carts instead of cars, fish tacos on the beach, and a pace of life that makes even Playa del Carmen look busy. The island is only seven kilometres long and less than a kilometre wide, and it can be explored entirely by golf cart, scooter, or bicycle in a few hours.

Playa Norte, at the island’s northern tip, is consistently rated one of the best beaches in Mexico. The sand is powder-fine, the water is shallow and calm for a long way out, and the sunset views across the channel toward Cancun are extraordinary. Beach bars and restaurants line the sand, and the atmosphere is relaxed and social without being loud or commercial.

The island’s main town — the only real settlement — stretches along the western shore near the ferry terminal. Narrow streets are painted in bright Caribbean colours, lined with small restaurants, souvenir shops, and local bars. The seafood here is exceptional and cheap. Tikinxic — fish marinated in achiote and grilled over charcoal — is the island’s signature dish.

The southern tip of the island, Punta Sur, features dramatic limestone cliffs with a sculpture garden and a small Mayan temple. The views along the eastern coast are wild and windswept, a contrast to the calm western shore.

Isla Mujeres is also one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks (June to September), when these gentle giants congregate in the waters between the island and the mainland.

From Playa del Carmen, reaching Isla Mujeres requires getting to Cancun first (by bus or car, about an hour), then taking the 20-minute ferry from Puerto Juarez. It is a longer day trip, but the island’s charm makes it well worth the extra travel.