3 Unknown Mexico Islands For A Crowd-Free Escape

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Despite how headlines read about Mexico this week, take it from our team of experts here at Travel Off Path who know the real Mexico — not the misguided take regurgitated over and over on TV.

Venturing into Mexico’s unknown isn’t dangerous. You just have to know where you’re going.

Obviously, going into the heart of Mexico’s infamous crime organizations off the typical tourist trail is not advised.

But there are many other destinations in the shadows of Mexico’s global icons, well worth the extra bit of adventure.

Even if you aren’t the adventurous type, don’t worry. The 3 islands we’re set to reveal are all in close proximity to major all-inclusive resort destinations, yet not often publicized as add-ons to your vacay.

They are safe, navigable, and virtually crowd-free.

In fact, one of them even has a visitor cap, but we’ll tell you how to score a spot.

Let’s go!

1) Isla Contoy: Cancun’s Pristine Paradise Few Know About

You know Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, but chances are you’ve been missing out on the white-sand oasis of Isla Contoy.

Heck, I just got back from Cancun a few days ago, and not once did I see any ads or hear of any fellow vacationers’ plans to visit.

There are a couple of reasons for that. One, the islands has a strict 200-person daily limit. Second, it’s not nearly as marketed as other popular excursions such as Tulum and Akumal.

Isla Contoy is Cancun’s last frontier. With millions visiting each year, that means only 73,000 at most can visit in a calendar year.

So, is it possible to make a reservation?

Yes, with some advanced planning. A last-minute decision likely won’t be in the cards for you.

Contoy Adventures has the Travel Off Path stamp of approval for a seamless trip.

Expect to pay up to $175 person (another reason why many opt for other excursions).

Prepare for a full-day trip (7 to 9 hours) with snorkeling gear provided, and note that peak season lasts through April.

2) Isla Marias: A Cluster Of Untouched Paradises

Well, we weren’t expecting “Puerto Vallarta” to be a trigger term this week, but there’s no escaping it…

However, we’re happy to report after an unexpected influx of violence taking place in one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns, the city is back on the up and up.

The wild stretch of coastline wrapping Puerto Vallarta is known as Riviera Nayarit with trendy surfer towns like Sayulita, but what’s often missed is Islas Marias, a a remote archipelago turned UNESCO-protected eco-destination just off the coast.

Believe it or not, up until 2019, it was actually a federal prison rivaling Alcatraz in terms of surrounding gorgeous scenery.

One reason it’s off-radar is because it’s still under operation by the Mexican Navy, so wandering around on your own is limited — plus the fact the ferry schedule is sporadic at best with service just once a week.

You’ll arrive on Islas Marias on Friday from either San Blas or Mazatlán with the option to return on Sundays, which means your only option is a stay for two nights, three days for the ultimate thrill-seeker.

With beaches as postcard-worthy as Chapingo Beach, there are far worse places to spend a few days lounging around.

3) Mexcaltitan: The “Venice Of Mexico”

Even more of textbook “hidden gem” in Nayarit is Mexcaltitan, an urban island that’s been commonly dubbed the “Venice of Mexico”.

This is not a beach destination per se — it’s a map-dot circular island that’s cultural, festive, unique, and practically unknown to the masses.

Mexcaltitan floods every rainy season, which may not seem like a draw to visit, but it’s actually a sight to behold and well-planned for with raised walkways, elevated homes, and boats replacing foot traffic during heavy rains.

It’s true, you can tour the island by canoe just like the real Venice, but we recommend tacos and fresh seafood here over pizza and pasta.

While you can visit from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s newest airport in Tepic is even closer to reach one of Mexico’s most unparalleled destinations that’s worthy of topping your travel bucket list.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.