Wildlife and Nature of Isla Mujeres

Discover why Isla Mujeres is such a special place for nature lovers. Isla Mujeres has a plethora of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna that live on it. Keep reading to find out more about the diverse species that you can encounter during your visit to this beautiful Caribbean island.

Marine Life

It has a great diversity of marine species since it is part of the second-largest reef chain in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef. You can visit it either snorkeling or diving, and you will be able to observe species such as sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, lobsters, starfish and a great diversity of fish, among others species; in addition to, of course, the different and colorful types of corals that make up the barrier reef.

On the other hand, in deeper areas, you may find larger species such as sailfish, manta rays, dolphins and even whale sharks. The latter migrate to the island’s waters between the months of May and September, and swimming with them has become the favorite activity of many visitors for many years. Without a doubt, it is an unforgettable and highly recommended experience, but remember, just like snorkeling and reef diving, it is always very important not to touch anything you see and avoid using sunscreen and other chemical products that can damage their ecosystem.

Terrestrial life, birds and wetlands.

On the land side, the island has a jungle, coastal dunes, and two lagoons that are home to mangroves where numerous types of birds and land animals live and reproduce. It is not necessary to go on any tour to see them, simply by walking in the surroundings you will be able to find pelicans, seagulls and hummingbirds, among many other birds, as well as turtles, land crabs, and the most emblematic land animal of the island: the iguana, counting even with a small monument built in his honor that you can visit in the southernmost part of the island.

Regarding tour options, it is highly recommended to visit Contoy, an island located 40 minutes north, which is very similar to Isla Mujeres in terms of size and biodiversity, but that has been protected for several decades, preserving wildlife intact. It is ideal for snorkeling and for walks along virgin beaches and jungles.

On the other hand, visiting the Turtle Farm which is located on the west side of Isla Mujeres is also highly recommended, since in addition to being able to see sea turtles and learn about the species and their care, with your ticket you will contribute to continue carrying out the conservation efforts of this threatened species.