13 Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico [Insider Tips] (2024)

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Cancun or spending a few nights, these are the best things to do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Among all the amazing things you can do if you travel to Cancun, visiting Isla Mujeres is a must.

A small island located a few miles off of Cancun’s pristine coasts, in the state of Quintana Roo, Isla Mujeres (the island of women) is one of the top favorite destinations for beach lovers. And if you’re wondering, what to do in Isla Mujeres?, the answer is – so much!

Whether you decide to stay for a couple of days or just visit on a day trip, you will fall in love with the island. In this post, I will tell you all about it!

Although it has become super touristy with shops and infrastructures to welcome swarms of tourists every day, Isla Mujeres hasn’t lost its original Mexican Caribbean charm of a small lazy town.

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Visit Isla Mujeres: at a glance

The town of Isla Mujeres is tiny, with a few houses around the main street, lots of noisy street vendors, colorful souvenir shops, and restaurants.

If you move along the south coast, you will get to the southern tip of the island on the rocky coast, whereas on the opposite side, you will find the popular beach Playa Norte.

On the famous beach, you can enjoy the typical Caribbean soft white sand beach lined with palm trees and washed by the blue turquoise sea.

If you have spent your Mexican vacation around the Yucatan Peninsula checking out the Mayan ruins and learning about the local history, you should check out Isla Mujeres then, one of the best places to have some beach time and enjoy the turquoise-warm water of the Caribbean sea.

Make sure you bring your snorkel gear, though as this is the perfect place to enjoy the marine life and the nearby coral reefs, besides a very unique underwater museum of art.

Where is Isla Mujeres?

The beautiful Isla Mujeres is located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, a convenient 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, across the Bahia de Mujeres. In this post, you will also find information on how to get there, from Cancun and other destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula.

I will tell you all about the island and its beautiful beaches and fun things to do in a moment, but first thing first, let’s clarify the name.

How do you pronounce Isla Mujeres?

Since I have been reading and hearing Isla Mujeres being called all sorts of names, let’s make it clear and get it out of the way once and for all.

The beautiful island has only one name and it is ISLA MUJERES, pronounced ‘izla mu’xeɾes‘. Repeat after me I S L A M U J E R ES

Isla Mujeres means Island of women.

It’s not la isla mujeres, islas las mujeres, islas mujeres, isla mujer, my favorite one, isla de las mujeres, isla de la mujeres, la isla de mujeres, isla de los mujeres, islas de las mujeres.

You will need to forget all those variations, which are nice but it’s not what it’s called. It’s only ISLA MUJERES.

So now you can brag with your friends that you know what the real name is. 🙂

How do you pronounce Isla Mujeres?

ISLA MUJERES is pronounced ‘izla mu’xeɾes‘

Why is it called Isla Mujeres?

The island was discovered by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in 1517. In pre-Hispanic times the island was dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, love, and fertility, and believers would bring offerings in feminine forms and leave them on the Beaches.

When the Spanish conquerors arrived and found those feminine figures, they named the island Isla Mujeres.

The 18 best things to do in Isla Mujeres

1. Rent a golf cart and explore the island

First thing first, rent a golf cart or a mountain bike so that you can ride around the island. It’s only about21km to completely circle it and it’s 4km wide.

Golf cart rental is very common on the island because you cannot rent a regular car but also because driving around on Golf carts is much more fun.

You can drive around the entire island in 30 minutes if you don’t stop, but what’s the point right? It was just to give you an idea of how small is the island.

The rental companies are normally in town close to the ferry pier.

2. Have lunch on the beach

Riding towards the southern points you will find on your right a few restaurants on the beach where you can chill and have your lunch there. But the best beaches are on the north side, in particular Playa Norte (North Beach) and Playa del Sol.

If you stay in one of the fancy beach clubs in Isla Mujeres you can have all the comfort they offer, including laying on a lounge chair instead of on the beach.

A great option is Zama Beach Club. I haven’t been but it has outstanding reviews and many people are raving about it. So I thought I would share it.

3. Pay a visit to the statue of Ixchel in Punta Sur

On the very southern tip of the island, known as Punta Sur Isla Mujeres, you can admire the statue of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility in Mayan history, and a sculpture garden right on the cliff where you can admire fantastic views including a magnificent sunset or sunrise on the very further edge you can have both.

4. Have a full day of adventures at the Garrafon

The Garrafon is a park located in the southern part of the island close to Punta Sur, in a beautiful rugged coastline with incredible snorkeling spots, but also offers many other services such as zip lining, biking, kayaking, but also great food and drinks.

It’s a very popular attraction in Isla Mujeres but I was tempted not to include it in this post because they do the infamous swimming with dolphins activity which I don’t want support as I believe dolphins should not be responsible for our entertainment but swim-free in the ocean.

So here I am hoping you won’t sign up for that activity. 🙂

👉 If you are coming from Cancun you can prebook your VIP full-day access to El Garrafon with a ferry included
Book through VIATOR

5. Admire the spectacular views of the eastern side of the island

On the way back you can ride along the eastern side of the island where you can find a few small beaches but not recommendable to swim as it’s the open sea with crazy currents.

6. Dive through the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)

👉 I recommend booking your incredible diving experience at MUSA in advance to make sure you can choose your preferred day.
Book through VIATOR

Go diving in the Underwater Museum, one of the most popular activities in Isla Mujeres. It’s called Musa and it is indeed an underwater installation made of statues from different artists with the purpose to promote conservation.

It’s a spectacular scene and being in such shallow waters, you can scuba dive there even if you are not certified. You can also book this tour from Cancun in one of the dive shops of your choice.

It’s not necessary to be in Isla Mujeres to dive into the Musa.

7. Check out the unmissable Playa Norte Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte is one of the most popular beaches in Isla Mujeres and, let me say that, one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Mexico.

Spending some time basking in the sun on Playa Norte, chilling on the beach swim in the tranquil crystal clear waters is a must! It’s located just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal on the left side.

Playa Norte is probably even more appealing than the beaches on the Riviera Maya, for its calm waters and green and turquoise shades

I recommend you to stay till the sun goes down behind the city of Cancun coloring the sky with all different shades of orange, pink, and yellow.

8. Swim with the whale sharks

👉 Are you planning to join a whale shark tour? I recommend booking in advance so as to make sure you won’t miss it.
Book through VIATOR

If you happen to be around from June through September, you will have the opportunity to sign up for one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

Swimming with whale sharks is possible in Mexico either from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, or also from Baja California.

9. Spend one night on the island

Spend at least one night in Isla Mujeres and hang out in the small town, which comes to life with music and great food as soon as the sun sets behind the sea.

There is quite a good variety of restaurants of all sorts and tastes where you can choose from and a variety of great boutique hotel choices or Airbnb.

Here are a couple of accommodation options in Isla Mujeres to help make planning a little easier.

• Budget option: Hotel Playa La Media Luna – Check rates and availability on Booking.com

• Mid-range option: Isla Caracol – Check rates and availability on Booking.com

• Luxury option: Zoetry Villas – Check rates and availability on Booking.com

You can check out all the luxury hotels in Isla Mujeres in this detailed post linked above.

10. Watch the sunset from Playa Norte

The perfect way to say goodnight to a beautiful day on Isla Mujeres. If Playa Norte is too crowded check out the less populated Playa Sol for a more tranquil experience.

11. Take one of the snorkel tours

If you love the water you must take a snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres and explore the underwater world, swim among tropical fishes and sea turtles by the coral reef, or explore the famous underwater museum.

👉 SAVE YOUR SPOT! Book your snorkeling tour in Isla Mujeres in advance with this highly-rated company.

12. Scuba dive from Isla Mujeres

For more experts, it is possible to scuba dive from Isla Mujeres. I would suggest you should contact local dive shops directly to explore the diving sites and make a plan.

There are many diving spots that you can reach either from Isla Mujeres or Cancun. They basically share the same dive sites, which means that if you go to Isla Mujeres just for diving, it’s not necessary if you are already in Cancun.

However, if you are vacationing in Isla Mujeres for a few days, you should definitely join a diving trip from there.

13. Check out the street art in Centro

Centro is the main part of the island, where you’ll find many bars, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to some incredible street art and murals. You can discover them yourself by wandering the streets or joining this Isla Mujeres street art tour.

14. Relax at Kin Ha

Kin Ha is another beach club in Isla Mujeres but they offer so many activities, they deserve a spot of their own on any list of things to do in Isla Mujeres.

They have a restaurant built right over the water, which anyone can enjoy with a small minimum spend. The food isn’t the best on the island but it’s worth it for the views.

The best part of Kin Ha, though, is the activities. You can rent a kayak, go snorkeling, or even walk out of the pier and jump off the rope swing.

15. Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary located about 30 kilometers from Isla Mujeres. It’s known for being an extremely important environment for nesting sea birds as well as sea turtles and as such, there are strict limitations on who can visit the island.

You can take a tour to Isla Contoy and it’s best to reserve in advance, as only 200 people per day can visit the island.

16. Go on a golf cart bar crawl

Yes, you read that right – golf cart bar crawl. It’s actually one of the top Isla Mujeres activities!

But don’t worry – you ride in the guide’s golf cart so there’s absolutely no drinking and driving on this tour. Instead, you’ll get to experience some spots on the island that only locals know about as well as some tourist favorites.

17. Grab a bite at Mercado Municipal

Mercado Municipal is the local market, where you’ll find a variety of vendors selling all kinds of food. You can find fresh produce but also street food and fresh juices. There are also a few casual sit-down restaurants right outside the market.

18. Go fishing

Isla Mujeres is a great place for fishing, both inshore fishing and deep sea fishing. When you’re relaxing in Playa Norte, you’ll see all of the fishing boats coming in and out – so why not join them?

This inshore fishing excursion is a fun way to catch tonight’s dinner!

Is Isla Mujeres Safe for a woman traveling alone?

The short answer is: “Yes, it is”. If you are concerned about traveling alone as a solo female, worry not. Isla Mujeres is a tiny island and relatively safe.

With all the bars and hostels, it’s very easy to meet like-minded people on the same journey, if you want of course. Or you can just enjoy the island on your own without being bothered.

Then, as usual, the most common-sense rules apply just like everywhere in the world. So, as I usually say, be friendly but not naive. 🙂

You can definitely do all the following activities alone with no problem at all. You can read about other common-sense rules that apply to stay safe when traveling in Mexico.

How to get to Isla Mujeres

👉 If you love things made easy, book your transfer land+ferry from wherever you are through this convenient platform.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun by Isla Mujeres Ferry

If you wish to go to Isla Mujeres on your own, which I always recommend, here are the best ways to do it.

First of all, you must reach the ferry terminals (see below) either from your hotel or from Cancun airport. I would suggest you grab a taxi. it’s faster.

Isla Mujeres ferry runs quite often all through the day and from different terminals from 7 am to 11.30 pm.

The ferry ride is only 20 minutes and just the ride itself makes it all worth it. The views of the turquoise water, while you approach the island, are just breathtaking. Here are the different terminals:

• Puerto Juarez – there are different ferry terminals in Puerto Juarez but the most convenient and modern is the Ultramar. You cannot miss it and it’s the most practical place to get to Isla Mujeres if you reach the terminal in your own car, since that’s where you can easily find a parking spot, either within the terminal ( a little more expensive) or just outside.

You can either join a tour or get to Isla Mujeres on your own by ferry, which I recommend so that you will be free to enjoy the island at your own pace.

Here are the places from where you can get the ferry. Click on the links to check their schedule and price.

Zona Hotelera(Cancun hotel zone) –In the hotel zone you can find 3 terminals from which you can get your ferry to Isla Mujeres.

• Playa Caracol
• Playa Tortugas
• El Embarcadero

They have more or less the same schedule. If you are staying in one of the hotels in the Hotel Zone you should definitely leave one of them.

It’s a little more expensive than the ferry from Puerto Juarez but it’s closer and you can get there by bus. You can jump on any bus running along the hotel zone and tell them where you are heading to. They will tell you when it’s time to get off.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Tulum

Whether you are coming from Tulum Merida or Playa del Carmen, you will need to get to Cancun where you would catch the ferry at one of the above-mentioned departing points.

From Tulum, you have two public transportation options either by bus (ADO), direct to Cancun, or Colectivo, which you change in Playa del Carmen.

Otherwise, you can get a taxi for about 800 MXN, more expensive but more comfortable. It’s about 2 hrs, 30 minutes in ADO, and 2 hrs by Colectivo. 1h 30” in a taxi.

Check how to get from Cancun to Tulum to Cancun in detail.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen

From Playa del Carmen you will need to get to Cancun first and then to the Cancun Marinas to get the ferry. Take either the bus or the Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Cancun ADO station and then a taxi to the ferry.

You will always find a taxi to take you back and forth from the Ferry to the bus station. Make sure you negotiate the price before.

Isla Mujeres Tours from Cancun

There are quite a bit of interesting Isla Mujeres day trips from Cancun either on a catamaran or a private yacht.

These are like guided tours organized by different local tour operators where you usually enjoy some snorkeling in the bright blue water off the coast of Isla Mujeres but you also have some free time to enjoy the island on your own.

I would recommend you check the previous reviews before booking yours.

Some tours also combine Isla Mujeres with Isla Contoy, another spectacular uninhabited island, a protected national park, and a natural paradise.

How to get around Isla Mujeres

Moving around Isla Mujeres is very easy. You can either rent a golf cart or a bike and have a nice tour around the island. Remember to bring water, especially in the humid summer season, but mainly all year round you will need to stay hydrated.

You can also ask your hotel concierge or reception to book it for you as they normally have the best deals.

If you are close to town, it’s best to just walk around and to the beach as it’s everything within walking distance, including the ferry terminals.

Bikes and golf carts are needed if you wish to explore the island and check out other beaches along the coast or try different restaurants.

When is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres?

In general, I believe it’s always a good time to visit Isla Mujeres, however, there are a few things you should know to better decisions about when it is the best time to go to Isla Mujeres for you

The winter months, from December through April, is the high season with Easter week being the peak season when prices are higher and the places are more crowded, but the water is cooler.

In the summer months instead, the prices are lower and you will find warm waters to swim in the Caribbean Sea. Ironically it is also less crowded except for July and August when there is no school.

September through the end of October there is more chance of rain and even hurricanes, although rare.

Summer is also whale shark season for those passionate about wildlife and whales encounter.

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres

Hotel Secreto

Your most elegant hideaway on the island, a design hotel, simple, chic, elegant, and right on the beach at a few minutes walk from the beautiful Playa Norte.

Hotel Secreto has it all, quiet, and simple, with astonishing views, exceptional service, and close to town and beaches.

The delicious breakfast is also served in your spacious contemporary rooms, including a sofa, iPod dock, and a plasma TV.

And if you wish to end your day with a relaxation massage you can enjoy the spa service of the hotel as well. Hotel Secreto has been selected by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the 50 Best New Hotels in the World.

Check prices on Booking.com | Hotel.com

Zoetry Villa Rolandi – all-inclusive

Among the few all-inclusive hotels in Isla Mujeres, I would definitely choose Zoetry Casa Rolandi. It is one of the best hotels in Isla Mujeres.

I haven’t seen this property since it was rebranded, but I know very well the brand, which belongs to AM Resorts, a guarantee of quality among the Top All-inclusive Resorts.

Besides, you can also enjoy turquoise beachfront views and the tranquility of a small boutique hotel, rare to find among this type of property.

If you are looking for peace and quiet and planning not to leave the resort for your stay this is the place for you.

Check prices on Booking.com | Hotel.com

Icaco island village

Icaco island village is what I call laid-back luxury; cozy, minimalist, and sexy.

Although it is not located right on the beach, it still offers great views of the ocean on the eastern coast of the island and the concierge would organize everything for you: tours, romantic dinner, a private chef, or anything you need.

The rooms and public areas’ elegant interior design combines the modern white polished cement furniture and linen with wooden homemade decorations and finishes and fine art.

The cozy rooftop terrace and pool add up to the fancy style of the property.

Check prices on Booking.com | Hotel.com

Find a home to rent in Isla Mujeres

Sometimes I love to rent a place on my own, mostly an entire house, or apartment because I love to go grocery shopping and cook my own meal with fresh veggies and also because I have more privacy.

Renting an apartment is the perfect solution.

I have selected the most beautiful Airbnb in Isla Mujeres and other gorgeous apartments for different price ranges to help you find the best home for your Mexican vacation.

Also, you can navigate through the map here below to compare prices and select your place by location.

Visit Isla Mujeres: Frequently Asked Questions

Things to do in Isla Mujeres: Final thought

Now you have an idea of what Isla Mujeres is like, a captivating destination embraced by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Whether you seek relaxation or outdoor exploration, Isla Mujeres is one of the best spots in the Mexican Caribbean.

I hope this guide was helpful to plan your trip. Please let me know if you have any questions! I’ll be happy to help!