10 Best Islands in Mexico
What are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Mexico?
The best islands in Mexico will simply take your breath away. With the Caribbean Sea, the Gulfs of Mexico and California and the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean bracketing the country on either side, it’s no surprise that Mexico boasts some amazing islands. You’ll also find some fascinating inland islands on lakes.
As well as a spectacular tropical climate, clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches, you’ll find snorkelling paradises, great surfing spots and historic ruins. Find out which ones are the best spots for you.
1. Isla Cozumel
Ancient ruins and amazing coral reef
Ideal para: História, Foto
On the eastern side of the Yucatan peninsula, you’ll find Isla Cozumel. The bright Caribbean vibes of this island permeate the city of San Miguel as well as the beautiful white-sand beaches elsewhere on the island. The colour extends below the water as well, into the bright coral reef and the inhabitants of the warm tropical waters. Take a snorkelling trip to see them up close and personal.
Elsewhere, in the more tranquil parts of Isla Cozumel, you’ll find the evidence of the ancient Mayan society who once lived here. Walk in their footsteps and marvel at the structures that survive to this day.
Isla Cozumel
2. Isla Mujeres
A relaxed island with sandy beaches and a sculpture garden
Ideal para: História, Foto
The long, thin Isla Mujeres is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday of sun, sea and sand. You’ll find golf buggies and mopeds zipping through the streets, and you can hire a golf buggy of your own if you want to explore. Not that it takes long to go around on foot, but why not?
Head over to Playa Norte with its brilliant blue water and white sand to sunbathe or swim to your heart’s content. Or you can make your way south to find rocky Punta Sur with its lighthouse, Mayan ruins and sculpture garden.
Isla Mujeres
3. Isla Holbox
A car-free island in bioluminescent waters
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
Curling around the tip of Yucatan Province is Isla Holbox, pronounced ‘holbosh’. This island is known for its rural nature and lack of cars, though its idyllic beaches have become far more popular in recent years. Take to the water for a swim or hop in a kayak to explore the mangrove trees close up.
After dark, the magnificent bioluminescent waters put on a show of their own, lighting up the beach with an ethereal light. This glow is clearest on dark nights, so if you want to see it in its full glory, avoid full moons.
Isla Holbox
4. Islas Marietas
The Galapagos of Mexico
Ideal para: Foto, Casais
The Islas Marietas sit in the Pacific Ocean, just across the bay from Puerto Vallarta. The islands are uninhabited and make up a national park because of their astonishing biodiversity, sometimes causing them to be called ‘the Galapagos of Mexico’. The skies and the water are both filled with fascinating creatures, as well as the islands themselves, so it’s a great spot for nature lovers.
One other popular draw is the hidden ‘love beach’: a small, secluded beach area, ringed by rocks so it can only be accessed at certain times of day. This marvel of nature makes for great photos.
Islas Marietas
5. Isla de Venados
A protected island with a wealth of wildlife
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Another destination for eco-tourists, Isla de Venados, or Deer Island, lies just off the coast of Mazatlan in the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to a wealth of wildlife, including black vultures, frigate birds, opossums and, of course, the white-tailed deer that its name comes from.
As well as the wildlife, the island has the tropical climate and beautiful beaches that are to be expected from this region of the world. It’s known for being a safe area for tourists. Take to the water on a kayak or hike up to see the Mexican coastline to one side and the wide ocean on the other. Be sure to leave this island as you find it, as it is a protected area.
Isla de Venados
6. Isla Contoy
An idyllic tropical island with a coral reef and nesting birds
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Isla Contoy, a slender spit of land near Cancun, is uninhabited and known for its pristine beaches and sheltered bays, lined with palm trees and nesting sites for sea birds. It’s also located near the Mesoamerican coral reef, making it a great spot for snorkelling and diving, too. Many kinds of sea turtles are common visitors to the waters, along with sharks, fish and all kinds of other marine life.
At the north-most tip of Isla Contoy stands a picturesque lighthouse. Photographers and selfie enthusiasts won’t want to miss it. As September to October is peak hurricane season in the area, it’s probably best to avoid visiting then.
Isla Contoy
7. Isla Todos Santos
A surfing destination in the Pacific Ocean
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Isla Todos Santos, or All Saints Island, sits high on the western coastline of Mexico, not far below the US border. It’s actually 2 small islands, rather than 1, which you’ll find at the mouth of the bay that shares the same name. As you approach the islands by boat, seals may greet you from the rockier parts of the shore.
With the full expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the west, this island is renowned for great surfing, some of the best in North America. This makes it a must-visit for surfers. The rest of the island makes for a relaxing place to explore for those who aren’t so comfortable on a surfboard.
Isla Todos Santos
8. Mexcaltitán
‘Magic Town’ on a constructed island
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas, História
If you’re looking for something a little different, rather than palm trees, beaches and blue sea, then Mexcaltitán might be the place for you. This constructed island is home of an official ‘magic town’, a town acknowledged by the government for its culture and history, laid out in a cross shape, ringed by a circle.
Stroll the streets and discover the square in the centre of the island, bordered by brightly coloured buildings. Discover shops selling local handicrafts perfect for gifts and souvenirs and see the shrimp fishers off the coast in their boats.
Mexcaltitán
9. Isla Espiritu Santo
A rocky desert island and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ideal para: Foto, História
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Isla Espiritu Santo on a boat from La Paz, but the journey is worth it. This island lies sheltered in the Gulf of California, in Baja California Sur, and it, along with the other islands in the Gulf of California, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
The island is a true desert island, made of volcanic rock, which has created a fascinating and sometimes alien-looking landscape, with spits of red rock jutting out into the water. You’ll find more cacti than palm trees on land, but flurries of colourful, tropical fish still populate the waters, waiting for your visit.
Isla Espiritu Santo
10. Isla de Mezcala
A lake island with historic ruined fort
Ideal para: História, Foto
Head inland, to Lago de Chapala, southeast of Guadalajara, to find the small, but fascinating Isla de Mezcala. This island holds a ruined fort that was held by a small group of Mexican independence fighters against the Spanish army in the early years of the 19th century. The ruins now stand as testament to their endurance against incredible odds.
Isla de Mezcala is a quick afternoon trip from Guadalajara where you can book a tour. It takes about an hour to explore the island and its ruins but be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the paths can be uneven.
Isla de Mezcala
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.