Isla Mujeres is located roughly eight miles east of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Located at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Mujeres serves as a treasure trove of North American biodiversity, with bottlenose dolphins, sailfish, and green sea turtles all thriving in its surrounding waters—yet one animal in particular has long suffered due to human activity. Though they play a prominent role in the local marine ecosystem, sharks are often unnecessarily culled due to their reputation as mindless killing machines, and in the Quintana Roo area, the animals have historically been targeted by the local fishing industry as well.
There’s a troubling array of issues that plague the Mexican Caribbean’s native sharks, but fortunately, the animals have one particularly powerful ally on their side—namely, the polished Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, a luxury resort that’s dedicated to preserving the abundant natural beauty found all throughout the surrounding region. The venue is a major proponent for sustainability across all fields, with huge collections of solar panels, an on-site glass bottling plant, and no single-use plastics found across the resort—and when it comes to wildlife, Impression Isla Mujeres has dedicated itself to safeguarding local shark populations, working in tandem with a prominent local organization to bring an end to shark fishing across the region.
Isla Mujeres once served as a prominent worship site for the Mayan goddess Ixchel.
« Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets aligned with the Saving Our Sharks Foundation in an effort to demonstrate the resort and new brand’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity in our stunning backyard, the Mexican Caribbean,” says Alex Zozaya, owner of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. “By promoting sustainable fishing practices, conservation efforts, and responsible tourism, we strive to ensure the longevity of these remarkable creatures and their habitats. Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets’ visitors, including guests and World of Hyatt members, directly contribute to these vital conservation efforts, working to make a positive impact on marine biodiversity and Isla Mujeres’ ecosystem.”
While native species range from the bottom-dwelling nurse shark to the Caribbean reef shark, Isla Mujeres has earned widespread acclaim for its high concentration of whale sharks—and for any serious wildlife aficionados visiting the property, the opportunity to come face-to-face with these gentle giants is just a click away. Working alongside tour company Amstar, the resort offers a curated Whale Shark Experience in the sparkling waters found east of the island. During this coveted day trip, guests can plunge into the ocean and swim alongside massive whale sharks as they congregate to filter feed in the open water—and that’s far from the only ecotourism expedition available for booking. For avid birdwatchers, the Jungle Tour offers insight into the many avian species that thrive along Quintana Roo’s mangrove forests, while the Luxury Sailing And Snorkeling excursion is perfect for discovering the splendid beauty of North America’s Mesoamerican Reef.
Isla Mujeres is part of Quintana Roo, Mexico’s easternmost state.
Water activities at Impression Isla Mujeres range from catamaran cruises to fishing excursions, but there’s a wealth of options for those who prefer to stick to dry land as well. Visiting gastronomes have a treasure trove of drinking and dining venues to peruse across property, with more than ten establishments offering a diverse array of options spanning from upscale Mediterranean cuisine to flavorful rum-loaded cocktails. And for those in need of a little rest and relaxation, the resort spa is equipped with a massive array of treatments ranging from hydrating facials to pod meditation.
Mexico is rife with spectacular ecotourism destinations, but when it comes to encountering the most majestic megafauna found within the Caribbean Sea, it’s tough to find a better place than Isla Mujeres. Beyond the vibrant communities and ancient ruins etched into the heart of the island, there’s a vibrant blend of flora and fauna found just past the shoreline, offering some of the country’s finest snorkeling and diving opportunities—and with venues like Impression Isla Mujeres working to preserve the region’s rich biodiversity, it’s likely that the sparkling waters of the Mexican Caribbean will remain a top-tier ecotourism destination for years to come.
