Want a great holiday but don't know where to begin?

The trick to getting the best out of Isla Mujeres is a little inside knowledge so that you see the real Mexico and not the views of the island when you are tourguided around like a flock of sheep.

First step, get some transport...hire a car  in Cancun and drive it over on the car ferry (from Punta Sam in Cancun) or once you are on the island hire a golf cart or rent a moped. If you haven't driven a moped before then a golf cart might be better -  too many tourists falling off or bashing into lamposts in a panic!

SECOND opinion - you do not need a car on isla. Take a taxi, van or public bus to Gran Puerto Cancun (the new ferry) and buy a round trip ticket for 140 pesos. It is a wonderful boat ride - the water is stunning on a sunny day.

Okay, you have some wheels, pick up a map (hardly necessary as it's not exactly a sprawling metropolis but easier than asking for directions.

Maybe not absolutely necessary, but great to be able to find all of the locations of the great establishments listed below. Check out www.cancunmap.com

A few tips before you set off:

Isla Mujeres is geared up for tourism so most of the locals speak English but learn a few phrases:

• Hola = hello
• una cerveza por favor = a beer please
• como estás? = how's is going (or "que onda?" if you want to sound like a real local!)

Pay attention to the road signs; most streets downtown are one way only!

Don't let your child drive your golf cart.; it's not a real car but it is a real road!

The Must-Do List

Actvities

Playa Norte - beautiful beach

Zama Beach Club in Sac Bajo - beach, pool and restaurant

Turtle farm in Sac Bajo

Swim with the dolphins  in Sac Bajo

Snorkelling etc at Garrafon Park

Snorkeling at Hotel Garrafon de Castilla beach club

Walk around the cemetery downtown

Sunbathe at playa sol

Go for a sunset swim on Playa Norte

Stroll the ocean walkway at Punta Sur below the Mayan ruin

Rent a golf cart and see the entire island up close 

Check out the cemetery in centro, where the grave of Pirate Mundaca is.

Be inspired by art at La Noruega Art Gallery on Plaza Isla Mujeres.

Shop the stores in Centro

Breakfast 

Mañana book store and café

Color de Verano French café downtown (sadly, it is now closed)

Cafe Cito (waffles with coconut ice cream!)

La Cazuela M&J  moved to Hotel Xbulu-Ha on Guerrero

Bistro Francaise for terrific waffles and French toast

Loncherias in front of teh local market

Lunch 

Hotel Na Balaam on Playa Norte beach

Jax Bar & Grill for hamburgers

BallyHoo for, margaritas and fish and chips - it's a bar on the Dock behind the Gas Station Downtown. Jose Luis mixes a mean one.

Rolandi's Italian restaurant downtown (also a good spot for dinner)

Miramar near ferry docks

Sergio's Playa Sol

Cocktails/Happy Hour 

Buho's beach Bar on Playa Norte (also known as the swing bar)

Almar Lounge, Casa de Los Sueños sea front bar and restaurant (good spot for dinner, too)

Bally Hoo (best margaritas on the island, great sunset view)

Adelita's for a selection of tequilas and great 2 x 1 deals

Happy Hour at Playa Sol watching the  fantastic sunset

Dinner 

Olivia's (Moroccan fish is to die for! Atmosphere is stunning after dark) 

Casa O's (also good at sunset). Sadly, this place has just closed.

Villa Rolandi's Sac Baj

Sunset Grill on the beach, Playa Norte.

Bamboo restaurant (sushi and cocktails, too)

Bistro Francaise

After Dinner Dancing/Nightcap

Bar Om downtown

Fayne's Bar downtown - salsa dancing and cocktails

Miguel's Moonlight

La Luna- new nightspot on Isla Mujeres located in teh old La Pena location for those familiar with the island