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What islands are close to Mexico?

Author

Mia Moss

Published Mar 10, 2026

What islands are close to Mexico?

The 6 Best Mexican Islands That Aren't Cozumel
  • Isla Mujeres. If the islands near Cancun were siblings, Cozumel would be Owen Wilson, but Isla Mujeres would totally be Luke.
  • Isla Holbox.
  • Isla Contoy.
  • Islas Marietas.
  • Isla Todos Santos.
  • Isla Espíritu Santo.

In respect to this, what island is closest to Mexico?

Cozumel. Just off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the Caribbean island of Cozumel has become very popular with tourists looking beyond the even more touristy locations of Tulum and Cancún.

One may also ask, does Mexico have any islands? Did you know: Mexico has more than 5,500 mi (8,850 km) of coastline with dozens of idyllic islands just off the shores? The most famous island is undoubtedly Cozumel. Whether you're seeking an adventurous experience, romantic getaway, or intimate encounters with Mother Nature, Mexico has an island for you.

Secondly, what islands are off the coast of Mexico?

The 6 Best Mexican Islands That Aren't Cozumel

  • Isla Mujeres. If the islands near Cancun were siblings, Cozumel would be Owen Wilson, but Isla Mujeres would totally be Luke.
  • Isla Holbox.
  • Isla Contoy.
  • Islas Marietas.
  • Isla Todos Santos.
  • Isla Espíritu Santo.

What is the name of the island off of Cancun Mexico?

Isla Mujeres

What is the best island to visit in Mexico?

The best islands in Mexico
  1. ISLA MUJERES. Isla Mujeres is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Cancun, making it an easy day trip and an excellent alternative to the madness of Cancun's Hotel Zone.
  2. ISLAS MARIETAS.
  3. ISLA HOLBOX.
  4. ISLA CONTOY.
  5. COZUMEL.
  6. ISLA SOCORRO.
  7. ISLA PARTIDA AND ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO.

Is the Caribbean part of Mexico?

Is Mexico considered part of the Caribbean? Yes, the Southeast coast of Mexico (Quintana Roo) is a part of the Caribbean. Cozumel, Cancun and Riviera Maya are popular Mexico destinations on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

Is Cancun part of the Caribbean?

The Yucatan Peninsula, painted in yellow on the next images, separates the gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean sea. The peninsula is formed by three states: Campeche on the western part, Yucatan (same name as the peninsula) in the middle and Quintana Roo to the east. So, Cancun is located on the Caribbean Sea.

How do I get from Cancun to Isla Contoy?

To arrive in Isla Contoy, you can either take a ferry from Cancun or from Isla Mujeres depending on where you are staying. It is advised to make your plans ahead of time as only a few tour operators are allowed to bring visitors to the island.

What are the best islands to visit?

Sprawling beaches, rich cultures and untouched pockets of wilderness are just a few alluring characteristics of the best islands in the world.

Best Island Vacations

  • Capri.
  • Fiji.
  • Crete.
  • Hawaii - The Big Island.
  • British Virgin Islands.
  • Corfu.
  • Curacao.
  • St. Lucia.

How safe is Cozumel?

Known as a diver's paradise, Cozumel is considered safe for visitors, since most of the recent drug-related violence has been in cities along the border. Resort areas like Cozumel are generally safe, according to officials, as long as tourists follow basic safety tips.

Is Cancun considered an island?

Cancun Island
Technically yes, Cancun is an island, and is connected to the mainland on each end by bridges. However, Cancun is not considered an island. There are many Mexican islands, but Cancun is not included on the list.

Is Isla Mujeres too touristy?

Compared to the Cancun Hotel Zone or Playa Del Camen's 5th Ave, Isla isn't touristy but it is very tourist friendly. You will get a lot of day trippers during the day but they disappear after dark. You won't find chain restaurants on Isla.

Is Cozumel in the Caribbean?

Isla Cozumel, Mexico's largest island is located in the western Caribbean, 12 miles off the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 45 miles south of Cancun.

Can you stay on Isla Contoy?

Sightseeing and Staying in Isla Contoy
You'll also find Playa Mujeres Golf Club and Terminal Marítima Isla Mujeres in the area. As you plan for your vacation to Isla Contoy, you might not find accommodations in the heart of city, but you can choose from 565 lodging options within the bigger area.

Is Tulum an island?

The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Is Cancun safe?

However, Cancun is far from what I'd consider a completely safe city. There's been a rise in violence across all of the Yucatan Peninsula, as cartels are making a bigger push into the resort cities. In fact, crime in Mexico as a whole has been hitting the headlines recently.

How do you get to Guadalupe Island?

At around 250 miles (400km) from the coast, getting to the island requires a 20-hour boat journey. In addition, you'll need to stay on the boat (called a liveaboard), as the island has no accommodation for tourists. If you aren't in Guadalupe to dive, there isn't too much to do on this essentially uninhabited island.

How do I get to Isla Mujeres?

Ferry: The most common way of traveling to Isla Mujeres independently. Take the Ultramar Ferry from Puerto Juarez, which has departures every half-hour (300 pesos RT). The journey across the bay takes 20 minutes.

Is France an island?

The other part of Metropolitan France, the part not located on the European mainland (aside from various islands off the French coast), is the large island of Corsica, located in the Mediterranean sea southeast of the southern French coast.

Where is the hidden beach in Puerto Vallarta?

Playa del Amor, commonly known as the Hidden Beach, is a feature of one of the Marieta Islands, located some 22 nautical miles west of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at the mouth of Banderas Bay. It looks like something out of a fantasy novel: a wide, sandy cavern with the blue waters of the Pacific rushing in.

Is Mexico in the Caribbean islands?

In geographical terms the Caribbean area includes the Caribbean Sea and all of the islands located to the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America and Mexico, and to the north of South America.

Is Mexico a island?

Gulf of Mexico / Caribbean
NameLocationArea
Great Island
Isla Holbox21°32′16″N 87°13′12″W55.95 square kilometres (21.60 sq mi)
Isla Mujeres21°14′N 86°44′W
Arrecife Alacranes22°22′58″N 89°40′57.8″W

How is Mexico country?

Mexican United States), is a country in the southern portion of North America. With an estimated population of over 129 million people, Mexico is the tenth most populous country and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, while being the second most populous nation in Latin America after Brazil.

Is Puerto Rico an island?

Puerto Rico is an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea consisting of a main island, four small islands, and hundreds of cays and islets. The island territory is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide (8,870 square kilometers), but it packs an amazing diversity of sights, scenery, and culture.

How many islands are in USA?

The United States of America holds claim to 16 territories outside of the United States. These range from Puerto Rico, with over 140 smaller islands and over 3 million residents, to uninhabited territories (and disputed territories) such as Bajo Nuevo Bank, Navassa Island, Serranilla Bank, and Wake Island.

What is the first island east of Mexico?

Isla Mujeres (Spanish pronunciation: ['izla mu'xe?es], Spanish for "Island of Women” (formally “Isla de Mujeres”)) is an island where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, about 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) off the Yucatán Peninsula coast.

What is the first island west of Mexico?

Guadalupe Island or Isla Guadalupe is a volcanic island located 241 km (150 mi) off the west coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean.

Is Isla Mujeres dangerous?

Isla Mujeres is a small friendly island that is very safe and any crime tends to be mostly crimes of opportunity. Don't leave valuables unattended – for example, do not leave your camera or bag in a golf cart or on the beach unattended.

Is Isla Mujeres better than Cancun?

To me Isla has the best of both worlds: hang on a beach during the day and walk to any number of bars, cafes, and restaurants at night. While Cancun (the hotel strip) is a created tourist destination, Isla is an authentic village. It's not for everyone. If looking for a mega resort then best off in Cancun.

Is Cozumel or Cancun better?

If you are planning a snorkeling or diving vacation, choose Cozumel over Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Because it's one of Mexico's most popular port-of-calls, Cozumel has several attractions to entertain visitors, starting with Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.

Is the water clear in Cancun?

The ocean on the east side of Cancun is what you see on billboards and in travel magazines, the infinite shades of blue in the crystal clear water.

What is Cancun Mexico known for?

Cancun, best-known for its white sand beaches, near-perfect weather, and bright blue waters, is the Acapulco of Mexico's Gulf Coast. Cancun, best-known for its white sand beaches, near-perfect weather, and bright blue waters, is the Acapulco of Mexico's Gulf Coast.

Is the water blue in Cancun?

The waters around Cancun have phytoplankton and other organisms that whale sharks and other plankton-feeding fish live on, so the water takes on a slightly greenish-blue color. The Caribbean Sea is a relatively shallow body of water, and especially around the coast of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

What is Isla Mujeres known for?

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful, peaceful paradise just across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from Cancun, Mexico. Known for beautiful white sand beaches, calm crystal clear turquoise waters and the friendliest locals in the Mexican Caribbean.

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun?

Since Cancun Airport is the only airport that passengers coming to the Riviera Maya fly into you might want to know the distance from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. The airport is just south of Cancun City and a direct drive down the 307 Highway. The distance is 52 km or 32 miles. It is about a 45 minute drive.

Should I go to Isla Mujeres?

To visit isla Mujeres should be one of your must-do things if you travel to Cancun. It is a small island located at a few km from Cancun, and although it has become super touristic with shops and infrastructures to welcome hordes of tourists every day, it hasn't lost its original Caraibic charm of a small lazy town.