This pearl of the Caribbean Sea in Isla Mujeres is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Mexico; its crystal clear waters and white sand invite tourists to forget all accumulated stress and immerse themselves in a trip of pleasure and adventure. With this Complete Guide we will mark your way through North Beach.
1. Where is Playa Norte and how do I get there?
As its name indicates, it is located in the northern sector of the beautiful Quintana Roo island that is Pueblo Mágico de México. To access the island you must board a ferry in the Cancun hotel zone or in Puerto Juárez. Once at the island's maritime terminal and just 700 meters to the left of it, you will find Playa Norte.
2. How is the weather in Playa Norte
The climate in Isla Mujeres is warm subhumid and Playa Norte is no exception, with light rainfall in summer and an average temperature of 28 0C. Don't worry, what predominates in Playa Norte are sunny days, so leave your umbrella at home and prepare your swimsuit, suntan lotion and sunglasses.
3. What is the beach like?
Playa Norte is famous for its calm and crystal clear waters, which give the feeling of being in a huge blue pool. It is a public beach with an area of almost 1,000 meters and white sand. The waters are shallow and you can go up to 200 meters without exceeding your waist. Comfortable hotels are set up on the beach for you to stay at full throttle and there are magnificent restaurants that will be delighted to please your culinary tastes.
The sunsets at Playa Norte are widely known for their beauty and splendor. As a curious historical fact, Playa Norte was the first Mexican point touched by the Spanish in 1517 when they made their first expedition under the command of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba.
4. What can I do in Playa Norte?
One of the strengths of Playa Norte is the availability of various types of environments, since its large area of land allows it. The first thing we recommend you do when you arrive is to rent beach umbrellas, since on season days they can run out quickly.
If you go with friends perhaps what you are looking for is party and fun, and you were right in going to Playa Norte. The place is mined with beach bars with a youthful atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide variety of Caribbean drinks and cocktails of your choice.
There are quieter areas, ideal to go as a family or with your partner. Several restaurants are located in these sectors, with exquisite sea menus, Mexican and international food and all kinds of drinks and snacks. The calm and shallow waters of Playa Norte are optimal for the little ones to take a dip and play near the shore without any risk, of course, always under the watchful eye of an adult.
The most romantics will be able to enjoy long walks along the beach shore and wait for the splendid sunset of Playa Norte to be ecstatic with the color palette that is displayed on the horizon.
5. What are the best hotels to stay in?
Playa Norte has, on the beach itself or in its vicinity, with a modern and comfortable infrastructure for a comfortable and unforgettable stay. The Ixchel Beach Hotel, located in the center of Playa Norte, is a 4-star hotel and has an excellent restaurant, bar and an outdoor pool area from which you can directly access the beach.
The Nautibeach Condos Playa Norte is a comfortable hotel with small apartments equipped with a fridge, kitchen and other necessary utensils so that you don't have to leave Playa Norte if you don't want to. In case you want to take a walk around the vicinity or around the island, the hotel has a car and bicycle rental service. Nautibeach Condos Playa Norte is one of the best lodging options for its convenient value for money.
The Mia Reef Hotel is a luxurious resort with spacious rooms and balconies with a Jacuzzi. It has 2 restaurants and a picturesque bar in the pool area; It also has courtesy bicycles for walks along the beach.
Cabañas María del Mar is a comfortable hotel associated with La Casa de la Luz Spa, where you can receive massages and facial treatments, either in the Spa or in your own room. The Hotel Na Balam is surrounded by a lush tropical garden and its clients can relax in comfortable hammocks located in the pool area.
The Privelege Aluxes Hotel is a luxurious 5-star establishment, with an elegant structure, equipped with hydromassage bathtubs in the rooms and some suites even have a small private pool. The hotel has 3 restaurants and 2 bars, as well as an exclusive beach area reserved for its guests, with umbrellas and deck chairs.
6. What are the best restaurants?
There is a large number of culinary offerings to delight the palate near Playa Norte or on the beach itself. The Tuturreque Restaurant is praised for its seafood and excellent staff attention; We recommend the grilled octopus, a delicacy! At Dopi's Restaurant they prepare some lobster tacos to lick your fingers; Dopi is the owner and cook of the place, so everything is homemade.
For the little ones, the Angelo Restaurant has a varied menu of pizzas and affordable prices. In the Marina Muelle 7 Restaurant you can taste an exquisite lobster and all kinds of fresh seafood. A little further away is Sunset Grill, which is a quiet and romantic restaurant on the beach, which has the most varied national and international menu. Probably the gastronomic delights of Playa Norte and nearby places will make you return to your city of origin with a few extra kilos, but it will have been worth it and the weight loss regime will be more tolerable.
7. Where are the best clubs and bars?
It's time for the party! For the more lively tourists there is a wide variety of nightclubs and bars in Playa Norte and in the rest of Isla Mujeres. The Jax Bar & Grill is a casual venue serving tacos and burgers and countless exotic cocktails.
Towards the center of the island is Rock Bar, where you can start the night with good live music and ice cold beer. Tiny's Bar, also located in the center of Isla Mujeres, is a place with a party atmosphere where we recommend the tequila with a Habanero touch, the best on the island! Another option for the party is the Tequilería La Adelita, a bar with outdoor tables with a good atmosphere and inexpensive, which even allows you to bring your own food and only pay for the drinks.
The Ice bar is an air-conditioned place that is located inside a cold room. The temperatures are very low, making a notable contrast to the warmth of the island. Don't worry about a possible cold; Upon entering they will provide you with a coat.
8. How can I tour the entire island?
There are some famous golf carts that can be rented by the hour or even days, which will allow you to explore the island in comfort. For the more adventurous it is possible to rent motorcycles and bicycles; there are also common taxi and public transport options. Outside of Playa Norte, in Isla Mujeres you will find a wide variety of attractions to complete an unforgettable vacation, such as Isla Contoy, El Farito, the Garrafón Arrecifes Natural Park and swimming with dolphins.
9. What attractions does Isla Contoy have?
This small island of just 3 km2 It is 45 minutes by boat from Isla Mujeres. In its depths it houses an impressive universe of coral reefs and marine fauna, and you can also see a large number of birds of all kinds.
10. Where is El Farito?
El Farito National Aquatic Park is located less than 2 km from Isla Mujeres and receives its name because there is a lighthouse buried in a reef. The area is excellent for diving and appreciating corals and marine fauna made up of a great variety of fish. The Virgen del Farito, submerged since 1966, is venerated by the local fishermen for being their protector in the seas.
11. What is the Garrafón Arrecifes Natural Park like?
There is no better place to snorkel in Isla Mujeres than Garrafón Park, endowed with a large number of reefs where tropical fish of all colors live. If your desire is not to dive, you can rent a kayak, since the waters are so crystal clear that you can see the aquatic fauna from the surface. If you want some more adrenaline, there is a zip line where you can jump over the sea. It should be noted that some species at risk live in the marine ecosystem, so you have to enjoy visiting Garrafón with environmental responsibility.
12. Who can I go swimming with dolphins with?
Dolphin Discovery is an aquatic entertainment company that gives you the opportunity to swim with dolphins, caress them and even receive a kiss from these friendly animals. This prestigious operator also teaches diving classes with various levels of learning. The most advanced and daring divers can come into contact with not so friendly animals such as bull sharks or stingrays, of course with the proper safety measures.
We have reached the end of this magnificent beach trip. As always, we encourage you to leave a brief comment about your experiences and experiences in this tropical Mexican paradise.
