Destinations

Isla Mujeres is a top destination for honeymooners and couples who want to spend quality time together.  Its serene atmosphere, unparalleled beaches and calm turquoise waters make Isla Mujeres the ideal location for a wedding.

Isla Mujeres or “Island of Women” sits in the Caribbean Sea near Cancún.  Visitors often prefer the slower pace of Isla compared to Cancún and its locals’ warm hospitality is unfettered. 

Scuba diving and snorkeling around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable.  The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are nearby. 

For an awesome dolphin experience, Dolphin discovery is well known for allowing visitirs to interact and swim with dolphins in an enclosed area.

Isla Mujeres, known for it’s quaint and wonderous charm! 

Most Popular Beaches

Isla Mujeres has several fine stretches of beach. The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars.  The soft white sand and level beach area make for an ideal beach volleyball court.  Playa Sol is at the northwestern tip of the island and is the neighboring beach to Playa Norte.  Playa Sol is the best location to watch the sunset and is usually a little less crowded than the neighboring beach.

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation (airports, ferries, etc) How to get there - Various tour boats will take you to Isla Mujeres from Cancún, but for a cheaper and more authentic trip, just jump on one of the ferries.  Puerto Juarez near downtown Cancún is the cheaper one that the locals use, but can be a bit crowded.  Gran Puerto Cancún is located in the hotel zone and is a bit more expensive, around 150 pesos.

If you're in a hurry and have cash to spare, you can charter a Cessna from the delightfully named Aerobanana (tel. 998 87-25040).  Common destinations include Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen.

Isla Mujeres is pretty small and isn't too far to walk from the ferry ports to the main beaches.  But to see more of the island, the best way to go is to rent a scooter.  Like everything in Mexico, you should be able to haggle a decent price.  There are two main roads that run from end to end of the island.  Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps. {Source – Wikitravel}

Entry Requirements; passports, visa, etc. - Traveling to Isla Mujeres, México doesn’t require a passport only an official ID.  However, effective December 31, 2006, passports are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States regardless of destination. 

If you are not a citizen of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, or most Western European countries, you will need to have a visa. 

Languages Spoken / official language – Spanish is the official language spoken in Isla Mujeres.

Currency – The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Isla Mujeres.  (You should do your money exchange on the mainland, as the rate will be better.  However, the majority of shops and restaurants in Isla Mujeres accept US dollars but may give you change in pesos).

Tipping – Since most travelers in Isla Mujeres, Mexico come from the United States and Canada, it's considered best (and is generally the practice) to tip the same people one would tip in the United States or Canada.  Ten to fifteen percent is a good tip for good service. 

Even though All-inclusive tours say that tips are included, it’s always appreciated in Isla Mujeres if you tip for good service, whether in the bar, restaurant, or other service. In an All-inclusive, where there is no value guideline for meal service tipping, a tip at each meal and for the bellboy is always appreciated. {Source – Trip Advisor}

Taxes – Sales tax in Mexico is known as IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado).  Mexico has two sales tax rates: Zero and 15 percent.  The current rate of sales tax on all goods and services classed for the application of IVA is 15 percent. {Source – Mexperience}

Electricity - 120V 60 Hz

2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type

Other (immunizations, health issues) - It’s highly recommended that you buy bottled water during your visit to Isla Mujeres.  Bottled water, depending on size, typically costs 30 - 50 pesos ($2.77-$4.62 USD).  Otherwise, do not drink the water unless your hotel has a water purification system.  Most of the resorts in Isla Mujeres have purified water at all of the facilities located inside the resorts including the bars and restaurants.  The upper-scale restaurants usually have purified water as well, but the water outside of these areas is not safe to drink. {Source – Wikitravel}

If you’re in Isla Mujeres and your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. {Source – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Travel}

Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information

Provided below are the required documents and procedures for a civil marriage in Isla Mujeres:

  • 1. Request for Civil Marriage form. Filled out completely and signed.
• 2. Original and copy of the birth certificates of the bride and groom with apostille attached.
• 3. Original and copy of the bride and groom's valid passport and additional photo ID (driver's license).
• 4. Blood test results (can be done on Isla).
• 5. Mexican entry visa (issued upon entering the country).
• 6. Four Witnesses (with official identification and copies).
• 7. Present the documentation 8 days before the ceremony.
• 8. Payment of $ 5,000.00 pesos

Notes

  • a. Witnesses are required to provide a valid passport, entry visa and an additional photo ID. 
• b. The ACTA DE MATRIMONIO (your proof-of-marriage certificate) is recognized by the United    States, Canada, Francs, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and many other countries.  For a    complete list please inquire at the Civil Registry office. 
• c. It is possible to request the forms for marriage before you arrive on Isla Mujeres.  Send a fax with your request to:
The Civil Registry
Tel/Fax: (998) 877-0751
LIC. MIGUEL MARRUFO PIÑA
OFICIAL 01 DEL REGISTRO CIVIL DE ISLA MUJERES
Or
you may request the marriage form via e-mail by writing our office 
• d. For the day of the wedding, a translator must be present to translate the ceremony from  Spanish to English.
• e. Specify if the wedding will be in the registry office, hotel, restaurant, convention center, beach, etc. Final payment may change due to the location of the wedding.
• f. If either the bride or the groom is divorced, a year must have passed from the date of the final  papers and copies must be provided.
• g. Prenuptial analyses can be done on Isla Mujeres two days before the wedding.

Official Certification of Documents for  Acceptance by Mexian Officials

All foreign documents (ex. Birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce papers, college and professional diplomas, transcripts, etc) which are to be submitted to Mexican Officials for any legal procedure within the country, or for accreditation purposes must be certified by an APOSTILLE

An apostille is an internationally recognized notary certification.  It must be done in the country of origin of the documents, and is usually issued by the State Department of each country.  In the United States, you can get your documents sealed with an apostille by contacting the department of state of the state in which you live.  Usually these are located in your state's capital.  When you speak to someone in the State Department of your state you must ask for the section that gives apostille seals.  These seals are usually quite expensive, and can take some time in order to expedite, so make sure you give yourself time to have your documents properly sealed before you make plans for a wedding, divorce, etc.  In México, if your documents are not sealed with an apostille they are not legally valid and will not be accepted for the purposes for which you intend them to be used. {Source - Tourism office Isla Mujeres}

Tourism Office Information

Tourism Office of Isla Mujeres
Av. Rueda Medina No. 130
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
C.P. 77400
Tel: (998) 877-0307 & 877-0767 Fax: (998) 877-0307
Website: www.isla-mujeres.net/tourism/home.htm

Other Travel related Web sites for the country or location

www.islamujeres.info

www.isla-mujeres.com.mx

www.islamujeresturismo.com

Climate Information

The climate on Isla Mujeres is very much like that of Cancún; Hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico.  July through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months.  The rainy season is May through October. {Source – Myexperience}

High & Low Season for travel - High season for Isla Mujeres starts at the end of November and lasts until the first week in April.  Between December 15th and January 5th, however, hotel prices are at their highest - and may rise as much as 30 to 50 percent above regular rates.

If you plan to visit during Christmas, spring break or Easter, you should book at least three months in advance.

Link to a good Map

Map of Isla Mujeres

Local Attractions & Must Do’s

The scuba diving and snorkeling around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable.  The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla's shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by.  The waters are calm and clear - perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver.

Garafon Park on the southern side of Isla Mujeres lacks a sandy beach but offers snorkeling where fish abound and the crystal clear water makes for an enjoyable swim.

Dolphin Discovery located on the northwest side of Isla Mujeres, on the Penninsula of Sac Bajo, is a small amusement park well known for allowing visitors to interact and swim with dolphins in an enclosed area.

One does not need to shell out the large sums of money to go sport fishing on Isla Mujeres.  Just talk to the local hotel/guesthouse employee and they can set you up with a local fisherman who will take you out fishing.  Prices are about $40/person for 3-4 hours of fishing.  

Although Isla is a relatively small island, it’s fun to rent a gold cart for the day and explore.  Because most folks don’t venture outside the tourist area, they don't find the eastern or southern coasts.  You can rent a golf cart for around $45 for 24 hours.

Isla Mujeres’ nightlife is a lot more laid back then Cancún's but there are still good options.  From small, laid back bars to clubs that go late - you can find what you want. If you want a dosage of Cancún nightlife, jump on an express ferry heading to Cancún in the evening, party the night away and take the first ferry back to Isla at 5 a.m. {Source – Wikitravel}

Top 5 Most Popular Hotels

Welcome to Casa de los Sueños, the newly opened Resort and Spa Zenter, Luxury Boutique Hotel with only eight rooms in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.  Exclusivity is guaranteed with eight originally decorated rooms all with an ocean view terrace, plus a dream Villa with an atmosphere designed to heighten the senses and promote total well-being.  Wake up to tranquility and discover the flavors of nature, comfortable luxury, Mexican hospitality, and Mayan culture.

Ixchel Beach Hotel is a two wing, two phase condotel complex with 117 rooms.  Both properties are designed in a mexican casual and modern stylish buildings located at the beautiful North Beach on the colorful island of Isla Mujeres (Women Island).  Ixchel for the Mayans was the Goddess of love, fertility and the moon.  Walking a few steps from downtown of this friendly island and facing the most beautiful white sand and powder touch beaches of Isla Mujeres, in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean, Ixchel Beach Hotel offers warm personable service in an upscale, intimate island experience perfect for families and romantics.

Palace Resorts is pleased to introduce all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Palace, the latest addition to the Palace Resorts' line of all-inclusive luxury resorts and our first venture onto the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.  This new resort is slated to open fall of 2007 and resides in the heart of Isla Mujeres, the 62-superior deluxe-room all-inclusive Isla Mujeres Palace, combines sensational luxury and charm to sweep visitors away. Here, guests will be able to bask in the tranquility of this picturesque island nestled between the breathtaking Cancun coastline and the Caribbean Sea.

Na Balam means The house of the Jaguar in the Maya language.  Na is for house and Balam for Jaguar. The jaguar was a deity for the old Mexican cultures. Mexican people have a strong cultural tradition for hospitality embodied in the saying "mi casa es su casa" – my home is your home. So as a guest of Na Balam, the House of the Jaguar is your house. The Caribbean Sea and its sunsets within the Maya world can be taken with you with your inner wish to come back home. Na Balam is a refuge for the soul in the Mexican Caribbean on Isla Mujeres, a small island only a 20 minutes from Cancun, it is a site chosen by nature to enjoy every sunrise in México.  The Na Balam Hotel is located on the most magnificent beach in the Mexican Caribbean with tropical gardens and hammocks under beautiful palm trees.

Visualize an expanse of clear blue sea; picture the sun warming your body and the breeze tickling your senses. Imagine yourself, at perfect peace in such a setting...  too good to be true?  Not so, you have just visualized the hotel Cristalmar located on tropical Isla Mujeres, one of the jewels of the Mexican Caribbean. The Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club is a retreat to peace and tranquility in every sense of the word.  The pool side restaurant, La Palapa del Huinic, offers superb international cuisine with Mexican Caribbean flair and our staff is warm and caring, perfect examples of the kind a hospitality for which Mexico is famous. The hotel offers many additional services including an on-site dive shop, game room, golf cart, moped and bike rentals, fishing trips, guided tours of all sorts, and special packages for newlyweds.

Picture this – you’ve just exchanged vows with your soul mate and Mexico’s Mayan ruins are serving as a backdrop. Sound far-fetched? To the contrary, it can absolutely become a reality in Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is located approximately eighty miles south of Cancún and is just one of the many exotic destinations that make up the Mayan Riviera. With its alluring temperatures, Tulum is a fantastic wedding and honeymoon location all year round. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is one of the Caribbean coast’s biggest attractions and the Yucatan peninsula’s most visited Mayan ruin.

Most Popular Beaches in Tulum

Tulum Beach - Boca Paila has yet to be invaded by the All-inclusive resorts and remains as one of the last popular relaxed laid beaches in the area. Along the beach you’ll find inexpensive cabana's for rent drink stands or casual dining.

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation - There are many methods to reach Tulum from the Cancún International Airport, including taxis and the actual resort shuttles or airport private transfer. There is also company called Tucan-Kin that has a no stops shuttle from Tulum to the Airport. Having a private, air-conditioned car can be far more relaxing and time-saving, and removes any issues of "negotiating" the price with a regular taxi. You know upfront what the price will be, and there will be no stops between the airport and your destination unless you want or need to stop somewhere. Tulum is quite a long drive from Cancún International so this is something to consider.

Shuttles can be booked in advance, through your hotel or on the transfer services Web site, or you can wait until arrival and book one directly at the airport terminal.

To drive to Tulum from the Cancún airport, take the highway south until you reach the crossroads leading to the Tulum hotel zone. You will see a sign for Boca Paila and also a plaza on the right side with a large San Francisco Supermarket. At the stoplight, turn left, heading toward the sea. Once you reach the end of the road, you will be at the coastal highway, where you can turn left or right (be sure to check with your hotel before you arrive so you know which way to turn). For general orientation, the archaeological zone is to the left, and Sian Ka´an is to the right. From Cancún it is about an hour and a half drive by car.

By bus - If you prefer a more economical method of traveling south from the airport to Tulum, you can take a bus to Playa del Carmen directly from the Cancún International Airport. The Riviera bus line leaves the airport for Playa about every hour, daily from morning to evening (about $6.50 USD per person, 45 minutes). From Playa del Carmen, you can take either a first- or second-class bus to the Tulum pueblo (about $3.50 USD. per person, two or more hours). First class buses are faster than second class ones, as they do not make as many stops along the highway. Alongside the Tulum pueblo bus station you will find a taxi stop, where you can take a cab directly to the hotels (about $4.50 USD per car, maximum four passengers per vehicle, about ten minutes).

Getting Around Tulum

By taxi - If you need a taxi to get somewhere from your hotel, you can either ask your hotels receptionist, who should have a cell phone or a radio to call the taxi center in the pueblo, or you can just stand out on the coastal highway and flag one down (this is often faster, especially in the high season, when there are more taxis around).

By colectivo - The easiest (and cheapest) way to get around is by Colectivo. These are little white vans that go up and down the highway between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum every 10 minutes or so. The fares vary, depending on how far you want to go, but the most you should pay is 25 pesos (about $2.50 USD).

By bike - Bicycles may be rented in Tulum pueblo, or at Punta Piedra cabanas on the beach. They are an inexpensive way to get around to the ruins, Tulum pueblo, or to many of the areas cenotes.

Entry Requirements - Traveling to Playa del Carmen , México doesn’t require a passport only an official ID. However, effective December 31, 2006, passports are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States regardless of destination. If you are not a citizen of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, or most Western European countries, you will need to have a visa.

Visitors must carry a Mexican tourist permit while in Tulum , which is issued free of charge after proof of citizenship upon arrival. This permit must be given to officials on departure.

Languages Spoken / official language - Spanish is the official language spoken in Tulum.

Currency - The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Tulum.

Tipping - Since most travelers in Tulum, Mexico come from the United States and Canada, it's considered best (and is generally the practice) to tip the same people one would tip in the United States or Canada. Ten to fifteen percent is a good tip for good service.

Even though All-inclusive tours say that tips are included, it’s always appreciated in Tulum if you tip for good service, whether at a bar, restaurant, or other service. In an All-inclusive, where there is no value guideline for meal service tipping, a tip at each meal and for the bellboy is always appreciated.

Taxes - In Tulum, there is a 15 percent sales tax. The tax applies to the purchase of most items. Often this tax is hidden in the total cost of restaurant bills, store purchases, and tours.

Electricity

120V 60 Hz
2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type

Immunizations - Health Issues - It’s highly recommended that you buy bottled water during your visit to Tulum. Otherwise, do not drink the water unless your hotel has a water purification system. Most of the resorts in Tulum have purified water at all of the facilities located inside the resorts including the bars and restaurants. The upper-scale restaurants usually have purified water as well, but the water outside of these areas is not safe to drink.

Tulum Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information

Most of the 4 and 5 star All-Inclusive hotels have Wedding Planners on-site. In Tulum, most hotels can make all the arrangements and supply catering and entertainment. A local wedding planner can take care of arrangements if you want a wedding away from a larger hotel. Either way they will take care of all necessary forms and paperwork for a civil or Catholic wedding, including scheduling your blood tests with a local clinic for a civil ceremony.

You’ll need the following documents for a wedding in Tulum:

Passports – A valid passport and photo-copy of passport for Bride and Groom. The passports must be valid for at least six months.

Tourist Visa - One copy each of the tourist visas for Bride, Groom and Witnesses. These are usually handed out on-flight or presented to you at your port of entry.

Divorce Decree - If either party was previously married, authenticated copies of the Divorce Decree are required. Exceptions can usually be arranged if the Bride’s passport is in the maiden name of the bride.

Widowed - If either partner is widowed, authenticated copies of Death certificate are required. Exceptions can usually be arranged if the Bride’s passport is in the maiden name of the bride.

Birth Certificates - A Birth certificate is NOT required for a groom if he has a valid passport. Birth certificates are only required for the Bride if she is divorced and her passport is NOT in her maiden name.

Marriage Application Forms - These forms are attained from any registry office in Mexico.

Blood Tests - It’s best to get this done in Mexico a minimum of three days prior to the wedding. Otherwise if the tests were done in the U.S., they’ll have to be translated.

Four Witnesses - You’ll need to have four witnesses present for a legal ceremony, and they must have valid Passport - no other ID is accepted. Witnesses can be provided if necessary.

Witnesses not from Mexico must have:

Proof of citizenship or Original Birth Certificate (2 photocopies)
Valid Passport or Drivers license (2 photocopies)

Tourism Office Information

There is no tourist office located in Tulum, though there is a lot of information on tours and activities available at the Weary Traveler hostel located in Tulum pueblo, near the south end of town, just past the main bus station on the right hand side of the avenue.

Other Tulum related Websites

Climate Information & Best Time to Travel

Tulum is a great destination any time of the year, but you need to know what to expect before you go. The weather is pretty much summery all year long (it cools off in the evenings in winter), so the seasons are divided into rainy and dry.

The rainy or wet season usually begins in June or July and lasts until November, with the heaviest rains usually being in July-August. This can mean rain all night, every night, with sunny days, or it can mean rain during the day as well. Rain is usually welcome during this time of the year, as the summer months are pretty hot and the rain cools things off.

The dry season runs from December to May or June. There can be very short downpours or light rains during the dry season as well.

Generally, the coolest months of the year are December-January, and the warmest are June-July.

High & Low Season for Travel - The peak tourist seasons in Mexico are during December and during the mid-Summer, with brief surges during the week before Easter and surges during Spring break at many of the beach resort sites which are popular with vacationing college students from the United States.

Map of Tulum

Map of Tulum

Local Attractions & Must Do’s

Mayan Ruins of Tulum are not to be missed when visiting Tulum. If the ruins themselves weren't enough the fact that the sit on a cliff above a beach, well, enough said. Once thought of as a fortress, the ruins of Tulum are actually at one time a busy location for regional commerce. Tour guides are available to take you thru the ruins and explain each building. They are well worth the price, about $35.00. Visitors are free to swim or sun at the beach below the ruins, and there are several places to take pictures and enjoy the view from above. You hould plan to spend a minimum of three to four hours to enjoy the ruins & beaches of Tulum.

Sian Ka´an Jungle Trip - This is a must do while visiting Tulum. The best trip is through the local community tour group. They offer a guided tour through the jungle with explanations of wildlife, trees, and medicinal plants. The hike takes you through Mayan ruins and wetlands where you end up by a lagoon. There is a short boat tour through the Mayan canals and then you get to cool off by wearing life jackets and literally floating downstream through one of the canals. There are gorgeous orchids and mangroves. The water is crystal clear and very refreshing.

Snorkeling – In Tulum, you will be close to Hidden Worlds and Dos Ojos and many a great cave and cenote for snorkeling.

Most Popular Hotels

Surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation amid the Mayan jungle emerges Ana y Jose Charming Hotel & Spa as one of the legendary lodging treats in Tulum, Mexico. Indulge yourself into a calmer pace of vacation where natural treasures await for you. Relax on the white sand beach, swim in the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and enjoy the warm ambience of this unique hotel thought for people who know what they deserve.

Casa Magna is located on the Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico... between the pristine blue ocean and the emerald green tropical forests and jungles, is nature, in its entire splendor. Think of paradise in these terms: lying in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, facing beautiful white beaches, sipping a cool drink, and enjoying the warm but refreshing breeze caressing your skin.

Dreams Tulum is located on one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Maya surrounded by lush tropical acres, sugary white sand and magnificent colonial architecture. Dream Tulum provides upscale surroundings and combines fun and relaxation with the ancient world of the Maya. Every guest is treated to impeccable service, elegant dining, abundant diversions and personal attention.

Located just in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Los Lirios is a beach front hotel in Tulum only a short drive from the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, offering unusual comfort and lovely spacious rooms to its guests. Los Lirios Tulum cabins are the right place if you want to be totally relaxed, far from stress.

Considered by many as the “Caribbean jewel of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula,” it’s no wonder that so many couples choose Cancúnas their wedding and honeymoon destination. 

The inviting beaches practically guarantee an unforgettable ceremony for any couple. Bride and grooms-to-be can become man and wife while barefoot on the white sandy beaches just as the sun sets.

Cancún’s warm and tropical tempatures are appealing year-round, not only to newlyweds but for anyone wishing for an ultimate vacation getaway. With such a variety of activities - Volleyball, parasailing, snorkeling, wave-runners or just a relaxing day in a hammock - Cancún has it all and it’s your choice and easily available along the many miles of incredible beaches.

As you start planning the rest of your lives together, start planning your perfect Cancún wedding!

Most Popular Cancun Beaches

NORTH SIDE BEACHES  or the Hotel Zone to Punta Cancún.  These are excellent beaches for water sports and swimmers.  The waters are calm, the beaches are clean and there are nice hotels too.  The docks from which the Cruises, shuttles, and water taxis, etc. depart for Isla Mujeres are located on the north beach side.

Playa Las Perlas – Located at the beginning of the Hotel Zone.  It’s a good place for swimming, relaxing and varied water sports.  You can also get the shuttle to Isla Mujeres here.  There are restaurants and bars located along the coast here as well.

Playa Linda – Located in the Hotel Zone.  Dive tours, the Submarine and shuttle to Isla Mujeres are located here.

Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas –Both located in the Hotel Zone.  Swimming, water sports, restaurants and bars are located along this clean beach.  There is also a dock with shuttles to Isla Mujeres and dive/snorkel tours.

Playa Caracol – Located near Punta Cancún.  This is a great beach for children because of the shallow, flat sandy seabed.  It’s also one of the most crowded beaches along the strip.  There are restaurants, bars and numerous activities here.

EAST SIDE BEACHES - The Cancún coast includes both an "ocean side" and a "lagoon side".  By far the majority of the hotels front onto the ocean. There isn't any beach to speak of on the lagoon side.  General beach conditions here are the same as northern beaches.  The sand is course/powder and kept clean of ocean debris. Unlike the northern tip which is somewhat sheltered by Isla Mujeres this strip of coast-line is protected by nothing.  This means that the winds and currents come roaring up and produce very wavy conditions some of the time.

Gaviota Azul, San Miguelito and Playa Marlín – All good for relaxing, swimming and water sports.

Playa Ballenas - A very popular beach in Cancún.  Good for relaxing, swimming and water sports.  There are bars and restaurants.

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation - Cancún International Airport is Mexico's second busiest airport.  It’s about six miles from the hotel strip and nine miles southwest of downtown. 

One of Cancun's best features is its transport links, as most major air carriers in North, Central, and South America, have service to Cancun. There are some extremely cheap charter flight deals available from the UK (from around £100) as well as commercial flight deals from several European carriers.

There is also a first class bus service from the airport to both the ADO bus station in Cancún and to the one in Playa del Carmen.  If you are going to Puerto Morelos, you can arrange being dropped at the appropriate intersection on the way to Playa.

Cancún 's bus station is located downtown on the corner of Uxmal Avenue and Tulum Avenue. Destinations served by bus include all attractions and towns along the coast (the Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Xel-Ha, etc.), and most destinations up to Mexico City.

Getting Around - Cancún is very easy to navigate.  To the South is the airport, to the North is the city and in between on the stretch of land between the sea and the Nichupte lagoon are all the hotels, beaches and bars: the hotel zone or Zona Hotelera. Downtown is where most residents live and it stretches in on the mainland behind the lagoon.

Bus is the preferred way of getting around in Cancún.  Buses are cheap and come frequently.  Most bus drivers are very courteous and will stop for you even if you are not waiting at a bus stop.  After paying the fare, which is on a per person basis, the driver will hand you a ticket/receipt which are usually printed with advertisements.  Just so there are no surprises, do not expect buses to be have amenities such as air conditioning and seat cushions.  Also, most bus drivers speak enough English just to help people visitors get around.

Taxis are plentiful in Cancún, a bit expensive for the hotel zone and airport, but cheap in the downtown.

Entry Requirements - Traveling to Cancún, México doesn’t require a passport only an official ID.  However, passports are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States regardless of destination. If you are not a citizen of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, or most Western European countries, you will need to have a visa.  

Visitors must carry a Mexican tourist permit (tourist card) while in Cancún, which is issued at the time of arrival at immigration.  This permit must be given back to immigration officials on departure.

Languages Spoken / Official language – The official language of Cancun is Spanish.

Currency – The official currency of Cancun is the Mexican Peso.

Tipping - When tipping in Cancún for service, the average tip for servers is between 10 – 15 percent, depending on the service.  In Cancún, All-Inclusive hotel/resorts rooms are assigned to staff thus you will probably have the same housekeeper for your entire stay except for their day off. You can either tip every day or at the end of your stay. If you bring gifts then you can leave a present on the bed every day and a cash tip on the last day.  You can either leave your tip on a table or hand it directly to the person. Tipping rates for housekeeping staff:

1 day stay: $5.00 USD
2 - 4 days stay: $2.00 USD per day
1 week stay: $20.00 USD

Restaurant staff tends to be assigned tables or sections but are moved around a lot so you may have the same waiter for two days then never see them again. Tip according to the service they provide.

Bellboys and skycaps at the airport can expect anywhere from $.50 to $1.00 USD per bag. 

Taxes – There is a sales tax of 15 percent in Cancún.  The tax applies to the purchase of most items and is paid by residents and visitors alike. Often this tax is hidden in the total cost of restaurant bills, store purchases, and tours.

Immunizations - Health Concerns –  It’s highly recommended that you buy bottled water during your visit to Cancún.  Bottled water, depending on size, typically costs 30 - 50 pesos ($2.77-$4.62 USD). Otherwise, do not drink the water unless your hotel has a water purification system.  Most of the resorts in Cancún have purified water at all of the facilities located inside the resorts including the bars and restaurants.  The upper-scale restaurants usually have purified water as well, but the water outside of these areas is not safe to drink. If you’re in Cancún and your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. 

Cancun Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information

Cancún has always been a popular romantic honeymoon destination. Now, weddings are much more popular and most major hotels will be happy to arrange your wedding.  Many hotels have a wedding coordinator on-site or can even refer you to a local company who make marriage arrangements. 

The legal requirements for marriage in Cancún are:

•  Certified copies of birth certificates or valid passports.
• Blood tests taken within 15 days of the wedding date.
• Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including HIV.
• A copy of both tourist cards received at immigration.
• Four witnesses.
• For previous marriages, you will need to show a divorce decree or certified copy of the ex-spouse's death certificate.
• Bride and Groom must arrive to Cancun at least three working days prior to the wedding ceremony to meet with the wedding coordinator and submit all documents.

 For more information Visit Cancún.

Tourism Office Information Cancun Tourism Office

General tourist information available
Calle Pecari #23, SM 20
Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico 77500
Tel: (9) 881-9000 * Fax: (9) 881-9020
Website: www.cancun.info

Other  Related Websites

Climate Information & Best Time to Travel

The temperature of Cancún is warm and tropical, moderated by the marine breeze which circulates through its avenues.  The temperatures are typically between 78 and 96 degrees Farenheit all year round.  During winter nortes (northerly storms) temperature drops sharply.  In the course of a single day, the weather in Cancún can turn from bright sunshine to dark and stormy and back again.  It's not uncommon to look out one window and see sunshine, while rain is falling on the opposite side.  Sun showers and rainbows are frequent throughout the year, but especially during the summer rainy season.  Many weather sites on the Internet will routinely report rain every day and this causes undue alarm among future vacationers.  The tropical storm season lasts from May to December; large hurricanes are rare but have struck near to Cancún in recent years.  Ocean breezes temper the heat and humidity, however this effect is lost the further inland ones goes.

High & Low Season for travel - The peak tourist seasons in Cancún are during December and during the mid-Summer, with brief surges during the week before Easter and surges during Spring break at many of the beach resort sites which are popular with vacationing college students from the U.S.

Map of Cancun

Map of Cancún, & Hotel Map of Cancun

Local Attractions & Must Do’s

Cancún’s nightlife is unlike any other destination on Earth!  For some, a day in Cancúndoesn't start until after an 11 a.m. breakfast, nap on the beach and siesta are arduously completed.  This is your place to shine.

Be sure to check out Carlos and Charlie's, Coronaville and Coco Bongo. Don't be surprised to find yourself dancing in a conga line, laughing your cares away and speaking whatever español you managed to pickup.  A must for the first timers, and always good fun for returners also.  Señor Frogs is another destination you need to add to your Cancún nightlife “to do list.”  A restaurant by day and a dance club by night, it’s one of the most popular spots for vacationers to visit.  The restaurant opens up for lunch serves international types of food such as pasta, chicken and pizza as well as Mexican cuisine all day until midnight.  A cover charge of $5.00 USD will get you into the party after 8 p.m. and includes a souvenir yard glass that you can then pay to get filled with your drink of choice.  One of Señor Frogs famous attractions is the water slide that leads from the club out into the lagoon, just for a little bit of fun!

The beaches are one of Cancún’s most famous attractions, and everyone seems to enjoy the endless activities that abound on almost every beach. Volleyball, parasailing, snorkeling, wave-runners or just a relaxing day in a hammock, it is you’re choice and all easily available all along the many miles of incredible beaches. Because of the International flavor of Cancún’s visitors, you will hear many different languages spoken on the beaches of Cancún, more often perhaps, than at any other beach resort in the world.

Most Popular Cancun Hotels

Cancun gives you a choice of many All-Inclusives or European Plan Hotels.  

 A few of our favorite European Plan:

Ritz-Carlton -Cancún is an exclusive resort considered one of the most luxurious in the world.  Indulgent amenities such as the impressive Culinary Center, the luxurious Kayantá Spa, the new Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center and award winning restaurants come together to create an irresistible oasis of enchantment. Wedding Packages are available and you can contact the hotel here.

JW Marriott Cancún Resort & Spa offers luxurious Mexico vacations that are truly unforgettable.  As one of the most exquisite hotels in Cancún, the 448 guest rooms are opulently furnished with 32-inch flat-panel LCD televisions, Marriott's sumptuous Revive Bedding, and private balconies with stunning views of Cancún's white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.  Rated one of the top spas in Mexico, its exclusive Mayan-inspired spa features 35,000 sq. ft. of spiritual revitalization.  And, with two world-class restaurants, a comprehensive business center equipped with over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and the stunning beauty of the Mexican Caribbean at your feet, the JW Marriott Cancún Resort is undoubtedly an extraordinary Mexican getaway. The hotel does not offer standard wedding packages but if you know what you want can give you a quote.

Paraiso de la Bonita Resort is an intimate and elegant destination located on a private beach just a few miles south of Cancun.  This resort features luxury suites nestled landscaped gardens and lush mangrove.  Each suite is furnished with antiques that have been collected from around the world and each private terrace faces the ocean. This beautiful Riviera Mayan luxury resort also offers fine dining in a variety of restaurants and has a 24,000-square-foot luxury spa. This resort is Adults Only.  General Wedding information can be found on their site.

Maroma Resort & Spa is considered on the best beaches and spas in the world.   Truely upscale and luxury at it's finest. The hotel is on a secluded and private beach about 20 minutes South of Cancun. With only 65 guest rooms the personal service and attention is second  Wedding prices start around $2,300 and the current price list can be downloaded here.

Our Favorite All-Inclusives (remember they plan the wedding for you!)

Cancun Palace has been a favorite for active guests and now the completely renovated resort sparkles with all the brilliance of its white sand beach. With rooms that face the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon, this hotel is just a short walk to Cancun’s famous Hotel Zone.  Cancun Palace has everything you need: new facilities and amenities have been carefully balanced to create an exclusive waterfront ambiance in this vacation enclave.  Cancun Palance offers great wedding packages to meet any buguet.

Dreams Cancun, located on a pristine beach, has been named one of the Top 10 Best Hotels in Mexico. Dreams is located at the tip of the hotel zone in a unique location that almost complete surrounds it with the Caribbean Sea. See hotel # 40 on the map above. Wedding Packages start at just $796 and can go as high as $2,500 for up to 20 guests.

If you want luxury, the Moon Palace has it to offer. What newlywed couple doesn't want a Jacuzzi built for two in your room. The Moon Palace' opulence and exotic surroundings create the perfect setting for a beach wedding. The Moon Palace offers free basic wedding packages and several others with more options to choose from. Endless daily activities, great golfing and full spa facilities make this a top choice. You are offered exchange privileges at select Palace Resorts so you can visit around for some fun.

The Riu Cancun Hotel is RIU’s all inclusive resort with an unmatched location right in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Located on a stunning beachfront property with unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea, this Mexico vacation offers the perfect combination of beauty, convenience and luxury. Their 2008 Wedding Information is available here.

Experience the vacation of a lifetime at the Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun, Mexico. The Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas spectacular beachfront Cancun resort is located on a dazzling stretch of white sandy beach framed by tropical trees and crystal clear turquoise waters. They offer Wedding Packages for any budget.

Where the desert meets the sea, Cabo San Lucas is tropical paradise located on the Baja peninsula.  Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos area have abundant stunning coasts and, unlike much of the world, fewer crowds.  Here, beaches offer an abundance of variety, from the wild and windswept Pacific Ocean coast to calm Sea of Cortez bays and coves.

Newlyweds seeking adventure won’t be disappointed in Cabo San Lucas!  Visitors can choose from whale watching, a Baja racing experience or swimming with the dolphins to fulfill their wishes.  If looking for a laid-back approach, horseback riding is a romantic and scenic way to experience the beauty of the Cabo San Lucas.

The beauty of Cabo San Lucas is yours to enjoy, explore and remember forever!

Most Popular Los Cabos & Cabo San Lucas Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its spectacular beaches which meet the desert landscape in the 1,000-mile stretch of the southern Baja Peninsula.

Medano Beach – also known as "Dune Beach" extends along Cabo San Lucas to Villa del Palmar and is Cabo’s most popular beach.  If you plan to spend the day here, you will need to arrive early to get the best spot.  Shops, restaurants and vendors can be found along the streets of this diverse beach.

Leave behind the crowds by hopping on a water taxi to Lovers’ Beach, the famous Cabo landmark, a strip of sand between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

Solmar Beach - This long, wide stretch of white sand beach is ideal for privacy and relaxation as most people prefer more popular swimmable beaches, but if you want to spend a quiet and peaceful day away from the crowd, this beach is perfect. 

Playa Cemetario - This beach is located Northeast of Cabo and welcomes you with beautiful soft, golden white sand and peaceful swimming without the crowds of Medano Beach.

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation - Cabo San Lucas is served by the Los Cabos International Airport.  Cabo San Lucas is also a popular port of call for many cruise ships.

Getting around - Taxis are readily available and rates are negotiable but a tourist favorite is to rent a motorcycle.  There are many car rental agencies in Cabo San Lucas, most of which have names familiar to travelers in the Americas.  If you are staying in a rental house or plan on many outings from your hotel that are not covered by the hotel then, motorcycle rental will likely be cost effective.

Entry Requirements - Traveling to Cabo San Lucas, México doesn’t require a passport only an official ID.  However, effective December 31, 2006, passports are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States regardless of destination. 

If you are not a citizen of the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, or most Western European countries, you will need to have a visa. 

Languages Spoken / official language – Spanish is the official language spoken in Cabo San Lucas.

Currency – The Mexican Peso is the official currency in Cabo San Lucas.

Tipping - Since most travelers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico come from the United States and Canada, it's generally the practice to tip the same as one would in the United States or Canada.  Ten to fifteen percent is a good tip for good service. 

Even though All-inclusive tours say that tips are included, it’s always appreciated if you tip for good service, whether in the bar, restaurant, or other service.  In an All-inclusive, it’s appreciated if you tip your maid a couple of dollars each and tip the bellboy $1 for each bag and tip your waiters $1 or $2 for each meal service.

Taxes – Sales tax in Mexico is known as IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado).  Mexico has two sales tax rates: Zero and 15 percent.  The current rate of sales tax on all goods and services classed for the application of IVA is 15 percent.

Electricity – 120V 60 Hz

2 parallel flat prongs - "American" type

Immunizations Health Issues - It’s highly recommended that you buy bottled water during your visit to Cabo San Lucas.  Bottled water, depending on size, typically costs 30 - 50 pesos ($2.77-$4.62 USD).  Otherwise, do not drink the water unless your hotel has a water purification system.  Most of the resorts in Cabo San Lucas have purified water at all of the facilities located inside the resorts including the bars and restaurants.  The upper-scale restaurants usually have purified water as well, but the water outside of these areas is not safe to drink.

Cabo Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information

The required paperwork for a Mexican marriage is similar to that required in the U.S., with the difference being that the nearest Mexican consulate must validate all documents (your hotel wedding coordinator can assist with this).

Here are the basic requirements:

• Current passport as proof of ID and marital status.
• Certified copy of both party's birth certificates.
• Tourist card (received upon arrival in Mexico) or visa.
• Names, addresses, nationalities, occupations and ages of both parents.
• Health certificate and blood test (hotels will help set up the tests, which must be done in Mexico).
• Four witnesses (these can be provided by a wedding planner or the hotel locally for an extra fee). Will also need to provide their names, addresses, occupations, ages and photo ID.
• Typically, two to four days must be spent in Cabo San Lucas to complete the requirements, although less time may be required when a wedding coordinator is involved.
• In addition, previously married couples need verification that a minimum of one full year has elapsed from the date of one of the following:
• Divorce: Final dissolution of marriage must be verified with a certified copy of the final divorce decree.
• Widowed: Must be verified with a certified copy of the spouse's death certificate.

There are two forms of weddings performed in Mexico.  One is the Civil Wedding.  Your proof of marriage is recognized as legal throughout the world.  The Civil ceremony is performed by a Spanish-speaking Judge.  A wedding planner can be with you to translate for you. This can be compared to a ceremony performed by the Justice of the Peace in the United States or Canada.  The Judge’s vows are set and can not be altered. 

For the Civil Ceremony the following are mandatory:

• Copy of your birth certificate.
• Lab work completed in the state in which you are getting married.
• Copy of your Tourist Visas (you receive these on the plane).
• Divorce decree if applicable.  It’s necessary to be divorced one year in order to get married in Mexico.

The other ceremony is the Religious Ceremony.  This ceremony is not considered a legal ceremony in Mexico and will not be legally recognized in your home country.  If you want to perform the civil ceremony at your home either before or after your Cabo San Lucas wedding you can, or you can do both the civil ceremony and the religious / Non-denominational wedding in Cabo San Lucas. Click on the Loscaboguide to read more about weddings in Cabo.

Tourism Office Information

Blvd. Mauricio Castro s/n, Plaza San José, Locales 3 y 4
San José del Cabo. Baja California Sur,   C.P. 23400 México.
Tel(s): (624) 146-9628
Website: http://www.loscabos.gob.mx

Other Cabo Related Websites

Climate Information & the Best Time to Travel

The weather in Cabo San Lucas is comparable to Palm Springs.  Most days are hot and sunny with low humidity.

Average highs range from the mid-70s in the winter months to the mid-90s in the summer months, mid – 80’s in the spring and fall.

High & Low Season for travel - The increasing popularity of Los Cabos has made its high season run all the way from October through July.  During the brief low season, August through September, rates are discounted ~ 25%. The area is considered the second fastest growing resort destination in all of Mexico and particularly busy with visitors during the winter high season, November to February.

Map of Cabo San Lucas

Map of Cabo San Lucas or Map of Cabo Hotel Zone

Local Attractions & Must Do’s

For those looking to have fun on the shore, Médano Beach, Cabo’s best swimming beach, boasts popular happy hour hotspots including Billygan’s, Mango Deck, Baja Cantina.

By night, Cabo is one of the hottest party towns in North America with glittering nightlife and a plethora of dining options that make it a favorite.  Also called just Cabo, it has a reputation as the party center of the Baja Peninsula.  With bars such as Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, the Nowhere Bar and El Squid Roe, you can party and dance the night away.

Cabo San Lucas is also a bustling hub for sport fishermen and for travelers looking for outdoor adventure. Try Cabo Adventures for a zip line adventure, swimming with dolphins or a desert safari.

Cabo also boasts some great shopping areas and markets that are perfect for browsing the many artisan goods and handicrafts from all over Mexico.

Most Popular Hotels

The best sites to use to get a list of all the hotels in Cabo are:  TripAdvisor, Apple Vacations, FunJet Vacations.  But below are a few of our favorites.

The Best European Plan (not all-inclusive) hotels are:

The Hotel at Esperanza features 50 ocean view rooms and six luxury suites, ranging from 925 to 3,000 square feet with large outdoor terraces and views of the ocean.  Rooms are furnished with fine linens, plush robes and oversized bathrooms. In-room amenities include televisions, stereos and DVD players. Esperanza’s ocean-view space can accommodate everything from small intimate gatherings, to lavish beach front weddings of up to 100 guests.  Its attentive staff can help you plan the ceremony of your dreams, from flowers to music and everything in-between.  Whether your destination wedding includes a group of 100 or just the two of you, the Hotel Esperanza can help you make it your dream wedding.  This hotel is best booked through a travel agent.

Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos is located at the tip of the Baja called Lands End, and there you will find a luxury beachfront resort surrounded by the desert, abundant sea life and inspiring coastline. This beautiful hotel offers the perfect combination of fun and solitude.  Situated on Médano beach, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos offers safe swimming and easy access to a multitude of water sports. This hotel is best booked through a travel agent.

The Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort is an elegant resort with amazing luxury and service. The hotel is located on a beach safe for swimming. Wedding packages start at $2,200 and all the information on their services including packages, locations for the ceremony and a really great FAQ can be found here.  This hotel is best booked through FunJet.com however using a travel agent to book for you can just save you time in your search. It won’t cost you any extra to do it this way.

Perched on five acres of pristine Medano Beach shoreline, just steps from Cabo’s hottest dining and nightlife destinations, Casa Dorada Los Cabos, Resort & Spa sets an exquisite stage for Cabo San Lucas weddings. Allow their professional staff to craft every detail - from menu suggestions, decorations, and flowers to photography and live entertainment. Choose from a range of alluring settings – including the pool deck, breezy terraces, or our private beach club - each the perfect reflection of the Mexican coast’s breathtaking natural beauty. With fabulous oceanfront suites and inspired cuisine, Casa Dorada will design the perfect Cabo San Lucas destination wedding, just the way you dreamt it

Westin Los Cabos is a great family and large group vacation hotel, the award-winning resort provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation. Each room has a private balcony and ocean view. The hotel offers a private beach, kid’s club, gourmet restaurants and an award-winning spa.  Wedding Package information is found by contacting the hotel directly.  This hotel can be book through a Travel Agent or FunJet Vacations.

The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Cabo are:

The Hotel Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic All-Inclusive hotel (and there aren’t that many great ones in Cabo). It’s just a few miles from town which you will still want to enjoy even though you may stay at an all inclusive.  Rated 6 apples with Apple Vacations and 5 stars with FunJet you can’t go wrong with this hotel. Wedding’s are a daily event and packages start at $770 for a religious ceremony.

Dreams Los Cabos is Apple Vacations ‘best luxury hotel on Cabo’ and they give it a 6 golden apple rating.  Click here to see pictures.  Dreams Los Cabos is the ultimate in an All-Inclusive with all suite rooms, daily activities, three pools, kids club and gourmet dining to name just a few of the amenities.  They have a variety of wedding packages and the least expensive package is free if you book a junior suite ocean view room or higher.  This package is about $800 so you will want to compare other packages & your overall travel costs to see if getting it ‘free’ is really worth it.

Allow Alabama’s diverse landscape be the back drop for your wedding or honeymoon.  Whether you prefer the soft sounds of waves gently washing across sugar white sand or the rugged terrain of a mountain, or a history lesson, Alabama’s your spot!

With over 32 miles of pristine beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Shores and Orange beach is a must stop for any beach lover.  Newlyweds won’t have a problem dancing the night away in a club or finding a secluded bungalow at the beach.

If Alabama’s white sand beaches aren’t what you have in mind for the perfect get away, then its majestic mountains, without a doubt, have the perfect adventure for you!  For more outdoor activities, be sure to visit one of the many National Parks.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is one of Alabama's top attractions is home to Space Camp.  Visitors can choose from a variety of activities and even train like an astronaut.

Alabama – the beautiful.

Most Popular Beach Locations

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Thirty-two miles of beautiful sugar white sands on the prettiest beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.  A visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers the perfect balance of non-stop activity and lay-around-doing-nothing time.

Alabama Gulf Coast Weddings - "I do" love the sound of waves gently lapping on the beach. "I do" love the feel of warm sand between my toes. And "I do" love the idea of a ceremony along Alabama's Gulf Coast. Say “I do” to an Alabama Gulf Coast wedding.  From casual beachside receptions overlooking the breath-taking Gulf of Mexico to elegant white linen extravagances, the picture perfect back drop for your wedding photographs await you!

Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Wedding Facilities  - Fall in love with your ideal ceremony or reception location in the Gulf Shores / Orange Beach area by searching through this collection of meeting facilities.  If you need help finding a location or securing a block of rooms for your wedding party and guests, complete this wedding planning form, and a member of the group sales department will be in touch.  You may also call 800-982-8562.

Any time of the year is perfect to get married on the coast.  Relax, rewind…reconnect with each other or start anew in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach!

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation (airports, ferries, etc)- By car, Alabama is accessible by five interstate highways: I-10 crosses the state from east to west near Mobile in the south; I-20 enters Alabama from the east, traverses Birmingham, and joins I-59 as it traverses Tuscaloosa and exits the state in a southwesterly direction; I-59 enters northeastern Alabama, continues southwest through Birmingham, and exits the state toward the southwest; I-22 enters Alabama from the northwest and ends in Birmingham; I-65 enters Alabama from the north, traverses Birmingham, and ends in Mobile; I-85 enters the state in the east and ends in Montgomery.  

There is one daily Amtrak service through the state: trains 19 (southbound) and 20 (northbound) run from New Orleans to Washington DC and New York City.  The trains stop in Alabama at Anniston, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.  Coach and sleeper service is available, with checked baggage, a restaurant car, a café and a lounge.  See Amtrak for more information.

The biggest airport is in Birmingham and from there, or from larger airports in neighboring states, you can get flights to Mobile and Montgomery.

Entry Requirements - Passports, visa, etc. – A passport is required for entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport.

Languages Spoken / official language - English is the official language of Alabama.

Currency - United States Dollar is the official currency in Alabama.

Tipping - Restaurants in Alabama do not include a service charge in the bill, so you should tip the waiter 15 percent of the total bill. If service was slow or particularly bad, some Americans will tip only 10 percent.  Likewise, if service was particularly good, it is appropriate to tip 20 percent.

Taxes - Alabama has a state general sales tax of 4 percent, plus any additional local taxes which can amount to a combined total sales tax of up to 10 percent in some cities such as Montgomery. {Source – wikipedia}

Electricity - 120V 60 Hz, 2 parallel flat prongs

Other (immunizations, health issues) - If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations.

Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information

In order to get married in the state of Alabama, individuals must be 18 years-old without parent consent.  The cost is approximately $25 and there is not a waiting period between applying and receiving a marriage license or to marry after receiving a license.  Alabama state marriage licenses are valid for 30 days and a blood test is required.

Tourism Office Information

Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 126
P.O. Box 4927
Montgomery, AL 36103-4927

Phone Numbers
800-ALABAMA (800-252-2262)
334-242-4169
info@tourism.alabama.gov

Other Travel Related Websites

Climate Information - Best Time to Travel

Fall temperatures are quite comfortable into late December, preparing for the usually mild wintertime.  The southern region's cold months often call for just a jacket.  The northern part of the state may receive an occasional bit of snow, as the January and February temperatures sometimes dip just below freezing.  However, spring arrives in late February or early March, and by summer the temperatures are into the mid-90s throughout most of the state.

High & Low Season for travel - Good news, there’s no bad time to visit Alabama.  Spring and fall, certainly, offer the most moderate temperatures, but trying to predict beginning and ending dates to those seasons can be tricky.  However, spring breakers flock to the gulf coast between March and April but the remainder of the state has a lot of other activities to offer, without the college crowds.

Map of Alamaba

Map of Alabama

Local Attractions & Must Do’s

A great weekend getaway is closer than you think.  A visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers the perfect balance of non-stop activity and lay-around-doing-nothing time.  Cast your line for deep-sea adventure on a charter fishing trip from Dauphin Island.  Travel back in history with a visit to Fort Morgan, the site of the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay.  If you’d like to commune with Mother Nature, you can take a hike through one of Alabama’s wildlife areas to gaze at gators and shorebirds.

Alabama is distinctly southern and darn proud of it.  If you have a taste for college football, country music and NASCAR, Alabama is a paradise defined.  To the surprise of many, Alabama also has a more modern flavor with Huntsville being the home of a major chunk of the U.S. Space Program.  For golfers, the collection of golf courses winding through the state, known as the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, make Alabama one of the top golfing destinations in the continental United States. 
 

Top 5 Most Popular Hotels

If you crave a luxurious escape to sugar white beaches, emerald green Gulf waters and first-class amenities, the Island House hotel is the place for you!  When you're at this hotel, it feels as if you're on a faraway tropical island, when in fact you're on Alabama's Gulf Coast.  Located within an easy drive of both Pensacola Regional Airport and Mobile Regional Airport, the Island House Hotel is conveniently accessible from I-65 and I-10 and is located in Orange Beach, directly on the Gulf of Mexico, seven miles east of Gulf Shores.  

Perched on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, the Marriott Grand Hotel offers 550 acres of moss-draped oaks that include two golf courses, a health spa with salon and beauty services, four restaurants, and a lounge.  The hotel also offers 37,000 square feet of meeting and event space.  Additional recreational activities include a landscaped free-form outdoor pool with a waterfall and slide, an indoor lap pool, fishing piers on a private beach, a large marina, rental bicycles, tennis, boating, and more.

The Four Points Sheraton is a full-service hotel located directly inside the Huntsville International Airport on the second level.  The hotel features 146 guest rooms, many of which are suites.  The property is convenient to many of Huntsville's major businesses, industries, colleges, attractions and shopping.

The Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park is a 205 room, full-service hotel with restaurant, lounge, fitness room, outdoor pool and jogging trail.  Within walking distance to many restaurants, shopping at the Summit and attractions, this hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Birmingham airport.

Perdido Beach Resort, Alabama's Gulf Coast Jewel is a Mediterranean-style, full-service resort hotel, located directly on the Gulf of Mexico.  Our resort offers 347 guest rooms, many with refrigerators and suites with microwaves.  Each room also has a private balcony.  Perdido Beach Resort offers more than 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space, restaurants, indoor/outdoor pool, exercise center, tennis courts and much more.  This resort has a convenient motor coach entrance, complimentary parking and no resort fees.

Sunny Florida is America’s peninsula of fun, relaxation, and adventure. From Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and the many professional sport teams to the Everglades, beaches, golfing galore, and sport-fishing in the Atlantic and in the Gulf of Mexico…this state offers just about everything to any who are seeking an adventurous vacation. Whether your family is seeking a great summer getaway, or you are seeking a hot beach spring break experience, Florida has it for you. The virtual year round ideal weather makes this an anytime of year hot spot.

Beautiful Hawaii is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. Hawaii’s most unique and endearing feature is its Aloha Spirit: the sincere warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ most attractive temperatures.

There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct qualities and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. The unique experiences you can encounter on each Island in Hawaii makes for a most compelling vacation destination.

Most Popular Beaches

Hawaii has some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. Those listed are merely a sampling of the great offerings Hawaii has for those who enjoy the time in the sun, surfing, or snorkeling. 

• Lanikai Beach, Oahu
• Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai
• Kaanapali - Black Rock Beach, Maui
• Hanauma Bay, Oahu
• Ke’e Beach Park, Kauai
• Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui
• Hapuna Beach State Park, Big Island
• Hulopoe Beach, Lanai
• Poipu Beach, Kauai
• Papohaku Beach, Molokai

Traveler Facts

Travel & Transportation - Flights to Hawaii are readily accessible to Honolulu International Airport in Oahu. There are flights one can take to get to the other Islands once there, but the airport in Oahu is the only one that can be reached from the outside.

Entry Requirements - Hawaii is America’s 50th state and requires no documentation to enter if a U.S. citizen. People traveling from other countries will need to have a passport with them.

Languages Spoken / official language – While English is spoken throughout the Islands, Hawaiian is the official language of Hawaii. Pidgin English is a form of conversational slang used in every day conversation among Hawaiians as well.

Currency – The U.S. Dollar is the official form of currency.

Tipping - It is appropriate to tip between 15-20% of your total bill for services and restaurants in Hawaii.

Taxes – There is no sales tax in Hawaii, but because of a special tax on businesses prices will be higher than what you might find in the mainland U.S.

Electricity – 120 Volt 60 Hz, the same as the mainland U.S.

Immunizations & Health Issues - There are no noteworthy health issues or need for immunizations for travel to Hawaii.

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