photo credit: Carlos Jackson
Traveling by golf cart is a really fun way to explore Isla Mujeres, Mexico. You can also take taxis, or for the skilled, rent a motorbike. We rented a golf cart for two days and started with a sunset drive to Punta Sur (South Point).
After having been on the island for four days, it was the perfect time to take a break from El Centro. We neglected to find out how far the cart would go before we needed to refuel. We got a bit of a scare on our evening drive, puttering along at barely 15 mph, when the gas light flashed on for a moment. We were near the end of the world as far as we were concerned, and it was dark. Plus, we only knew of two gas stations on the island and we had passed both long ago.
Not sure if you can see us in the mirror, but there we are, watching the locals work their mode of transport.
We pulled over and turned off the engine after I noticed the gas tank light flash on and off. Carlos wanted to proceed because we were mere minutes away from the Temple of Ixchel at the southernmost point on the island. I wanted to turn around for fear of being stranded in the dark on this small island. In retrospect, we were safe, and if we had been stranded, we could have just slept under the stars.
That is the most afraid I was during our eight day adventure. Even in our transportation experiences to and from Cancun we felt safe. People seem to be surprised by this. My husband does know enough Spanish to communicate basic needs, so that’s a big plus. We just should have asked about the gas tank capacity and how far it would take us!
“Mayan energy center”
We continued on and made it without the gas tank light bothering us again. It was peaceful at Punta Sur with only a few other couples wandering about. Ixchel is the goddess of fertility, midwifery, and medicine (amongst other things). Plus, it was just a few days after the full moon. The energy was supercharged. Of course we went back in the morning and took photos of the temple, but it was so nice to almost have it to ourselves and enjoy the strong breezes of the sea just after sunset.
Lighthouse at Punta Sur
photo credit: Carlos Jackson
If you are wondering how far the golf cart would have taken us, well we stopped by the rental place the next morning. They checked our tank and it was fine, they weren’t sure why the light flashed on like that. The carts are filled with enough fuel for three or four days of exploring the island! There are several rental places in town, all with different prices. We went with Joaquin because they let us rent a cart the latest in the day (just after 6pm). Go for the 24 hour rental ($55). The evening drive down the island brought a new spontaneous energy to our travel experience and our original plan of a 24 hour rental turned into 48.
Related links: Bohemian Gourmet Bed & Breakfast In The Middle Of An Island
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