Isla Mujeres: The Forgotten Coast

When travellers speak of Isla Mujeres they conjure images of pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear blue-green waters. The streets of the Artisania are hustling with tourists, and the bars and restaurants are bustling with revellers.

The ferry arrives every hour, bringing more visitors to this island paradise. Taxis and golf cart rentals parade up and down Av Rueda Medina, from Playa Centro through the neighbourhoods of 23 de Noviembre and Miraflores to the Community Hospital. From there Carrera Sac Bajo continues through the resort zone and to Punta Sur, the southernmost tip of the island.

Isla Mujeres is an island, with two coasts. There is another route to take, to avoid the residential streets and the local traffic. If you turn left at the Maritima de Isla Mujeres (the Punta Sam Car Ferry), just before the airport, then right onto Av. Juárez you can drive alongside the rugged and imposing eastern coast.

A quick right turn as you enter the neighbourhood of Salinas onto Ave. Perimetral Ote, with El Parque Nacional Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres on your right and the Caribbean Sea on your left. Continuing along Payo Obispo, past condos, villas, and private homes, you emerge into open air exposing the magnificent and sea-battered cliffs of The Forgotten Coast.

Isla Mujeres is part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef in the world. The cliffs are made up of primarily coral and limestone formed during the Pleistocene period, which started 2.5 million years ago, The stratigraphic relationships of these rocks, or the layers, would suggest the sea level was five to six metres higher during that period.

Over the years the battering waves, the under current, and, of course, the numerous hurricanes all contributed in the erosion of the rock face. Thousands of years of nature's attention has created the beauty and splendor of this coast, yet it remains mostly ignored by visitors.

Perhaps that is due to the sheerness of the cliffs. However, if you look closely enough, if you take your time, you will find a hidden pathway, down to the secluded and untouched coastline below. Imagine, if you will, an afternoon spent on a secluded beach, a private retreat with the sound of waves crashing upon the timeless rocks. Lounging in a natural salt-water pool, or eluding the hot tropical sun in a cavern carved by Mother Nature herself.

When next you are on Isla Mujeres, and have had your fill of crowded beaches and noisy streets, take a ride along The Forgotten Coast. There are many spots on the way where you can wander along the cliff edge. Look down into the eddies and whirlpools. Gaze upon the gentle surf as it embraces each grain of sand. Feel the incredible power of nature as the waves crash upon the rocks.

Isla Mujeres will leave you with many memorable moments, and if you take the time to visit this eastern coast, perhaps it will no longer be forgotten.... 

Photo Credits:  Swell Destinations

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