Isla Blanca: The Beach Cancún Has Kept Hidden
Written by Alex Ruelas
We know the Riviera Maya is that stretch of coast that goes from Cancún to Tulum. We usually, of the city as its northern limit. After all, it is its central transport hub and its most famous destination. However, north of Cancún, there is another destination. This area, a place of vibrant oceans and huge lagoons, is so close to town that it usually goes unnoticed. Locals know it and for long have kept it quiet.
That place is called Isla Blanca, although it is not precisely an island. It is, well, a heap of white sand. A sandbank, rather. Not big enough to be described as a peninsula, but long enough to harbor some extraordinary beaches and loads of seaside fun.
Where is it?
Isla Blanca is Cancun’s northernmost coastal area. From above, it looks like a slender arm that protrudes almost from the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. On its eastern side, the Caribbean Sea glows blue. I am not kidding: it glows. The color of the ocean in that area, almost directly opposite Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, is as electric as it gets. To the west, the Chacmuchuc lagoon goes on for miles until it crashes with the mainland’s mangrove forests.
On a map, one will barely notice the sandbank. It winds along until it disappears very close to Isla Contoy, a natural reserve where biologists study whale sharks, manta rays, and other creatures. But once you are on it, Isla Blanca feels vast. The beach stretches in every direction, a natural enclave and a reminder of what Cancún and the rest of the Riviera Maya looked like several decades ago.
How to get there
From downtown Cancún, drive along Avenida Bonampak and then, well, keep going. The road leaves the city, winds along the mangroves, and eventually hits a roundabout. It then leads you onto a brand-new highway. This is where Playa Mujeres, Cancun’s second hotel zone, begins.
All-inclusive resorts line the coast until you get to Isla Blanca. You will know you are there because the tarmac suddenly ends and abruptly transitions into a charming, unpaved beach road. Hotels give way to private villas, small beach clubs, and, eventually, the wide-open beach.
Where to stay
Despite it being relatively remote, it is possible to stay in this fantastic place. New hotels are popping up at a head-spinning rate in Playa Mujeres, just south of Isla Blanca. However, if you wish to stay somewhere more private and right on the beach, there are gorgeous private villas that will put you right in the middle of it. And you will not be far from restaurants, beach clubs, and other activities either.
Blanca Beach House - Book direct with Maya Luxe
What to do in Isla Blanca
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is the activity par excellence in Isla Blanca. Shallow and expansive, the Chacmuchuc lagoon is perfect for lovers of the sport. From November till May, steady winds from the north make the lagoon a playground. And everyone can make the most of it.
There are several kitesurfing schools in Isla Blanca. Ikarus and Kitesurf Mexico are some of the most popular, and they cater to everyone, from beginner children to expert adults or novice adults and child prodigies, whichever the case.
Kitesurf is also a matter of local identity. People have been coming here for decades to ride their boards, making it an unbeatable place to learn the craft, enjoy the sunset, and have a smashing time with friends and family.
Just enjoy the beach
At the risk of stating the obvious, simply going to the beach never gets old, especially with many kilometers of white sand to walk along. Usually on Sundays (watch out for crowds), Cancunense families come here to walk their dogs, have a lazy picnic, and spend time by the sea. So whether you are staying here or decide to come for a day trip, walking and being one with the landscape is always a good plan.
Play tennis like a pro
If you like tennis, pay attention. Because, as it happens, Playa Mujeres has a world-class tennis center. The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre Costa Mujeres is a training facility where players of all levels can get acquainted with top-tier sportsmanship.
Inspired by the training regime of the Spanish all-star, the center provides classes for every level based on a methodology tested on the ATP circuit. And although there is no pressure for you to become a pro, coming here is a terrific experience for anyone who enjoys top-notch amenities and premium service. You might also want to wander around the museum and check out some of Nadal’s original paraphernalia.
Golf
Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, the Atelier-Estudio golf course is surrounded by mangroves, dunes, and the beautiful Chacmuchuc lagoon. The 18-hole course offers 7218 yards of fantastic golfing, as well as occasional wildlife sightings. Feel like working on your putt now?
Where to eat
El Cayo
Chill vibes, great seafood, and hammocks by the sea have made El Cayo a necessary stop after visiting Isla Blanca. It is also virtually the only restaurant on the island.
Local fishermen deliver fresh catch right to the restaurant's dock. So if you want to try excellent ceviche that came from the sea where you just went swimming, this is the place. Oh, and there is even a swing, in case you need a picture for your Instagram profile.
Mar-Bella Fish Market
Located in Puerto Juárez, it began as a modest restaurant on top of an actual fish market and then became so popular that it took a life of its own. Mar-Bella Fish Market is adjacent to Playa del Niño, one of the local people’s favorite beaches, which gives it a distinctly Cancunense personality. Also, the menu es wide and varied, with dishes that range from fresh lobster to paella and sushi.
Puerto Santo
A bit more on the higher end, Puerto Santo serves seafood in style. The restaurant is next door to the high-rise buildings of Puerto Cancún, one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. While the main event is Paella Sundays, any evening is good to grab a beer and eat some killer shrimp tostadas and tuna tartare. And sit outside. You will not regret it.
From $800 USD / night