Five Islands You Must Visit in Mexico

Mexico, known as one of the best vacation getaways in North America, has so many interesting facets to it besides the obvious gorgeous beach getaways. It possesses the world’s largest pyramid called Cholula, and is linguistically rich with more than 68 primitive languages and 200 dialects amid its 130 million residents.

Mexico is a food haven for the most exotic cuisines recognized by UNESCO under its World cultural heritage tag coupled with pristine beaches and islands. Mexico is one of the best tourist destinations to visit and experience. 

Mexico ranks second as home to the most significant number of museums in the world. It epitomizes the rich heritage, beauty, and mystique all under one name while offering several exquisite experiences to satiate the traveler in you.

Journey the islands in Mexico while cruising along the Mexican riviera which is known for its lagoons and islands.

Isla Todos Santos

One of the favorite destinations of advanced surfers enticing them with the largest waves in North America, Todos Santos never fails to disappoint travelers. Located on the coast of Baja and offering stay options for the all visitors at Ensenada, the island is among the best spots to capture the rich marine life comprised of seas lions pelicans, seals, dolphins, whales, and other species. It’s a visual treat for divers while they get to experience the charismatic and pristine world that is waiting to be discovered underwater.

Cozumel  Island

Cozumel is located off the coast of the busiest area of eastern Mexico including Cancun and Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya. This beautiful island boasts smooth and silky sand with rich blue water. 

Being the largest cruise port of Mexico, Cozumel Island is always hustling, bustling, and inviting travelers to experience its alluring beaches and noisy nightlife while spoiling them with great restaurants serving wonderful Mexican cuisine.

For the explorer in you, it is advisable to hire a two-wheeler and discover the off-beat locations on the eastern side filled with serene beaches, lush green forests, and beautiful hidden spots under the water.

The island is famous among newlyweds and amateur or seasoned scuba divers looking forward to unearthing the island’s beauty.

Isla Holbox

Situated along the Yucatan peninsula coast, this hidden gem sits far away from the roaring city life and the boisterous surroundings. To visit the island, hop on a bus ride from Cancun to Chiquila and then it’s just a short boat trip to get to Isla Holbox.

Cars are not allowed on the island,  so you can commute via golf carts or beach cruises while soaking in the bohemian vibe of the backpackers, yoga enthusiasts with open-air cooking get-togethers and lazy beach siestas.

With the influx of  new visitors, more boutique hotels are springing up. Isla Holbox may not be the same quiet paradise that it once was, so visit it before the vibe changes.

Isla Contoy

In 1990, the authorities declared Isla Contoy a national park to preserve its rich wildlife and dense tropical surroundings. Isla Contoy looks like a fantasy land from the adventure fables you may have read as a kid and should be on your travel bucket list. It’s home to more than 150 species of birds and a favorite nesting spot for sea turtles. No one is allowed to visit the island on their own. Travelers must be accompanied by licensed tour operators from Isla Mujeres or Cancun, with a daily limit of only 200 visitors. So, make sure that you book in advance. 

Espiritu Santo

The island is a part of the Baja peninsula which is famously known as the point where desert and sea mingle near the coast of La Paz. 

Espiritu Santo sits inside the natural protected area of the archipelago national park with its treasured marine life species inside the crystal clear water. Made of volcanic rock and criss-crossed with many hiking trails, Espiritu Santo offers an exquisite experience for travelers. In the absence of no permanent inhabitants and no lodging facility, there are several overnight camping spots for the adventurous traveler. 

Don’t forget to ask your tour operator to arrange the kayak so that you can explore the island on your own while enjoying its scenic beauty.

Here are a few other activities that you can indulge in while island hopping in Mexico:

• Swim in a cenote (natural sinkhole in the caves)
• An evening stroll along the Malecon (a boardwalk along the waterfront )
• Visit a colonial town and relish the street art
• For music lovers there is Mariachi (traditional music of Mexico), and more!

Author Bio:
Jyotsna Ramani loves putting pen to paper. She is an avid globetrotter and the owner of the adventure travel blog – WanderWithJo.com.  A thrill seeker and a naturalist in the making, a hobby artist and a spiritual junkie – she wears many hats and is often found looking for Tigers in the national parks of India.