Hiking Tour to the Manchones Reef on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is located eight miles away from the Bahía Mujeres. It is only five miles long and half a mile wide but it is full of natural treasures to know, which turn this tiny island into a paradisiac vacation site. Its incredible history and archeological sites; its legends and stories; its amazing landscapes and its diverse natural life are the main attractions that Isla Mujeres has to offer to its thousands of tourists every year.

This former fishing village is now a paradisiac vacation site where shopping, dining, and enjoying are everyday routines for tourists from all over the world. There are plenty of tours for visitors to select among: from getting to know the island by hiking or bike riding to getting into the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea for snorkeling or fishing. Fun never ends on Isla Mujeres.

If you are a Nature devotee and expect to enjoy the most relaxing and tranquil vacation on the beach, then Isla Mujeres is the best destination for you. The typical tours include snorkeling or scuba diving in the marvelous reefs of the island accompanied by professional guides. But if you prefer to spend a day out of to the water sometime, try enjoying the hiking tour to the Manchones Reef on Isla Mujeres. This reef is located southwest, just off the shore of Isla Mujeres and is the most popular reef on the island.

Manchones Reef is the perfect site for snorkelers and scuba divers because there, they can appreciate the most amazing and diverse marine life and the beautiful and colorful reef formations. Some of the underwater attractions include the famous MUSA, an underwater museum that displays ph neutral human-size sculptures that foster varied and interesting coral formations; the Sleeping Sharks Cave with the marvelous view of wide-open eye sleeping sharks and El Farito with its famous Virgen del Carmen. If you walk along the shores on Isla Mujeres, you will be able to admire the beauty of the scenery: an immense mass of crystal water where boats and ships of all sizes and colors slowly sail along the sea and “human fish” taking a dip into the sea in their snorkel gears to admire the natural paradise that the Caribbean Sea has to offer.

Taking care of nature and respecting it is one of the main rules on Isla Mujeres. For that reason visitors are not allowed to throw garbage on the floor and should always remember to wear biodegradable sunscreen.  It is advisable that you take your hiking trip on comfortable shoes because the ground may be slippery or steep on certain areas. Also, bringing your camera is an excellent idea! You will certainly want to take photos of everything during your walk since the scenery is amazingly beautiful and you will be able to spot the most strange ground fauna and many different types of plants and vegetation.

For a relaxing and tranquil experience on Isla Mujeres don´t miss the opportunity to take a walking day along the marvelous Manchones Reef. The experience is unique and invigorating and nature will wrap you in its arms.

Cecilia Vittori