20+ Super Fun Things To Do In Isla Mujeres
Are you ready to read the ultimate guide on things to do in Isla Mujeres?
Are you a beach lover looking for a tranquil getaway on one of the best beaches in the world? Then, Isla Mujeres is a fantastic choice! Whether you visit the island on a day trip or spend a few blissful days here, there are enough awesome and fun things to do in Isla Mujeres to keep you entertained!
Picture swaying palms, pristine white, powdery sand and shallow turquoise water lapping against the shores gently. Here, you can truly unwind and escape the busy resort life of Cancun. The island is equally perfect for enjoying lazy days on the beach and staying entertained with plenty of adventure activities on Isla Mujeres, ideal for the whole family.
This post is a complete Isla Mujeres guide to everything you need to know about this paradisical island, including the best accommodation in Isla Mujeres, the best restaurants, beaches, and of course, all the epic Isla Mujeres things to do!
Isla Mujeres Quick Guide
🚖Book your private transfer to Isla Mujeres from Cancun Airport.
🏨 BEST HOTELS ISLA MUJERES:
Luxury | Ixchel Beach Hotel
All Inclusive | Mia Reef
Boutique | Icaco Island Village
Value | Bahia Tolok
⛵Best excursions in Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres Snorkeling + Lunch
Where is Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres (or Isla de Mujeres, which means “island of women” in Spanish) is situated just 13 km (8 miles) off the coast of Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea cross paths in the Quintana Roo province.
Best adventurous things to do in Isla Mujeres
#1 Swim with whale sharks
Hands down, one of the most exciting things to do Isla Mujeres is famous for is swimming with the whale sharks! Between June and mid-September, hundreds of whale sharks come to the northern shores of Isla Mujeres, Holbox and Contoy, forming one of the world’s largest congregations.
These gentle giants can measure up to 40 ft in length and live up to 70 years. Swimming with these beautiful creatures is definitely Isla Mujeres must do and something you will never forget! Each whale shark has a unique set of patterns on its skin, and as they glide just below the surface of the sea, their mouth can open up to 5ft wide!
But don’t you worry, whale sharks are herbivorous and feed entirely on plankton!
Book your Whale Shark tour at the best rate here:
READ MORE: 4 TOP Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tours
#2 Go on a snorkelling tour
Isla Mujeres has some incredible marine wildlife, and one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres is explore the underwater world on a snorkelling tour!
You’ll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the best snorkeling in Isla Mujeres and the area’s largest coral reef – Manchones. Manchones Reef boasts thousands of different sea species and is on the list of the top 35 snorkelling spots in the world!
Book your snorkelling trip at the best rate here:
Another way to explore the island’s underwater world is simply snorkelling off the beach. The best snorkelling spot in Isla Mujeres is located at Garrafon de Castilla Hotel. They currently charge 150 pesos ($7.5) to access their private beach, including sunbeds & umbrellas and snorkelling equipment.
#3 Snorkel at MUSA Underwater Museum
If you love snorkelling, you will love exploring the underwater museum in Isla Mujeres! There are several galleries and over 500 sculptures created by local artists, all sunken to the bottom of the ocean.
MUSA was open to provide alternative snorkelling and diving location and to relieve the negative impact of the growing number of dividers and swimmers in the National Marine Park nearby.
The statues also provide an artificial habitat for growing new coral. They were made of pH-neutral cement, coral, seaweed, and algae – the ideal ingredients for the coral reef to thrive. They also have holes in them, allowing small marine wildlife to colonise them and feed off the newly grown plankton.
Visiting the museum is one of the best alternative things to do on Isla Mujeres, combining arts and marine activity! And, by choosing MUSA over snorkelling in the reef, you’re being a conscious traveller!
Book your snorkelling trip at the best rate here:
#4 Learn scuba diving in Isla Mujeres
One of the top things to do in Isla Mujeres for adventurous souls is to learn scuba diving! There are a couple of excellent scuba diving centres in Isla Mujeres that can take you through the theory, pool diving all the way to your first diving adventure is the world’s best diving spot – the Manchones reef and the quirky underwater gallery of over 500 sculptures at MUSA.
Book this scuba diving trip at the best rate here:
#5 Go on a day trip to Isla Contoy
If Isla Mujeres doesn’t give you a small enough island vibe, take a day trip to Isla Contoy, which is located just over 30 km away. Because Isla Contoy is a protected national park, only a few tour companies are allowed to organise tours to Isla Contoy from Isla Mujeres.
A limited number of people can access the island to protect its natural biosphere, and the limit is 200 people a day. The island is a natural habitat for over 152 species of tropical birds and four different specials of turtles, including loggerhead turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill, and leatherback turtle.
Book this trip to Contoy Island at the best rate here:
It is also possible to go on a combined Isla Contoy Isla Mujeres tour: Excursion Isla Mujeres + Isla Contoy from Cancun
#6 DON’T Visit Garrafon Isla Mujeres Natural Reef Park
Garrafon Park is an entertainment centre offering things like kayaking, ziplining and snorkelling. The reason why I don’t support this business is that they keep dolphins in captivity for the pure entertainment of tourists.
In my opinion, there is nothing cool about swimming with dolphins in captivity. If you genuinely love dolphins, you shouldn’t be supporting these kinds of ‘tourist attractions’ either.
Instead, visit MUSA Underwater Museum instead, which is a non-profit organisation with the sole purpose of protecting the island’s coral reef.
Best things to do in Isla Mujeres (You can do them in one day!)
If you’re thinking of what to do in Isla Mujeres but only have one day on the island, you’ll find the answer in this section! Here are the top 10 things to do in Isla Mujeres.
#7 Swim at Playa Norte
Swimming at Playa Norte is one of the essential things to do at Isla Mujeres. If you’re only on one of the day trips to Isla Mujeres, make sure you take the first ferry from Cancun to have as much time as possible to enjoy one of the best beaches on Isla Mujeres!
The best beaches of Isla Mujeres are situated right by the island’s centre and within walking distance from the ferry port in the southwestern part. Playa Norte has everything that you expect from the perfect Caribbean beach – pristine white, powdery sand and calm water with an incredible shade of turquoise. Also, the sea bed slopes very gently, providing a safe environment for kids.
Part of the beach is taken up by the sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, but there is also plenty of space to stretch your own towel, including some area under the lush palm trees, for those that prefer to stay in the shade.
Here, you can spend some blissful time, and when you get thirsty, you can order one of the typical Mexican drinks such as a michelada (a mix of beer and tomato juice), mojito, margarita or a bottle of Corona from the beach bar.
#8 Roam in a golf cart
One of the best ways to get to Isla Mujeres attractions is to hire a golf cart! Golf carts in Isla Mujeres are super common, and due to the road conditions, they’re the best mode of transport and a fun way of exploring Isla Mujeres places to visit.
The island is small, and you can reach its furthest southern point – Punta Sur in a few minutes. Read the following sections for the best places to visit in Isla Mujeres with your golf cart!
Expect to pay around $65 per day for rental, which includes fuel. Also, remember that if you’re renting for more than a day, you should be getting a much better rate and that the prices are the highest during the high season.
TIP | You can find a golf cart rental in Isla Mujeres in El Centro or by the ferry port. But, if you’re travelling during the high season, book your golf cart in advance.
#9 Rent a bicycle
An alternative mode of transport for visiting all the cool Isla Mujeres must-see places is a bicycle! Exploring the island on the bike is also super easy and can be an excellent holiday workout while saving you some bucks! The island is just over 8 km long, and cycling from the Isla Mujeres Centro to Punta Sur takes around 45 minutes.
Bike rental shops in Mexico are called “Rentadora de bicicletas”, and you can find them in Isla Mujeres downtown. I used Rentadora Rasta and paid 250 pesos ($12.5) per day for a little tired-looking bike.
#10 Stroll Avenida Miguel Hidalgo
One of the best downtown Isla Mujeres things to do is stroll Avenida Miguel Hidalgo. The street is littered with souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, and it’s the perfect place to start exploring the island’s centre.
You can simply walk the length of this pedestrianised street or sit down in one of the cafes and watch this colourful, bustling street while sipping a cold drink.
Location | Calle Miguel Hidalgo
#11 Shop for Souvenirs
If you enjoy doing some shopping on your vacation, you’ll be delighted with the choice of different souvenir shops on Isla Mujeres. In fact, browsing the small boutiques and independent crafts workshops is one of the best things to do on Isla Mujeres!
Here, you can find some of the best souvenirs from Isla Mujeres, such as textile products: rugs, embroidery and table cloths, ceramics, wooden objects and silverware. There are also a few quality clothes boutiques.
Most shops are located in the island’s downtown, between Playa Norte and Playa Centro – the two best beaches in Isla Mujeres.
#12 Marvel at colourful murals
What to do on Isla Mujeres in the downtown area? One of the best cool and entirely free things to do in Isla Mujeres is walking around and exploring the island’s colourful street art and murals!
Some of the murals on Isla Mujeres were created to raise awareness of the endangered marine species in Mexico, so exploring them is like a little educational encounter too! Don’t miss one of the largest murals that is located right by the Isla Mujeres letters!
Exploring the murals is one of Isla Mujeres top things to do, and there is even a tour to make it easy and more enjoyable! If you decide to take this tour with Viator, you will be driven in a golf cart and shown all the secret and off-beaten track locations too!
#13 Snap a photo with Isla Mujeres letters
One of the super popular Isla Mujeres activities is snapping a photo with the giant, colourful letters of Isla Mujeres situated on the eastern coast in the island’s centre.
Literally, every city and town in Mexico seems to have a place with similar letters and they always attract many tourists, and taking a photo with the city letters can be a fun activity for the whole family.
The best time for a great photo with the letters is late afternoon when the sun is on the western side of the island, low enough to create some beautiful golden light. If you’re not too flexible with time, just avoid early morning when the sun is behind the letters.
Location | Isla Mujeres letters
#14 Visit Punta Sur
Visiting Punta Sur is, hands down, one of the best things to do Isla Mujeres is famous for. If you have limited time on the island, definitely don’t skip Punta Sur.
Punta Sur is located in the southmost part of the island, just over 8 km away from the island’s centre and the beaches Isla Mujeres is renowned for.
There is a small entrance fee to enter the park. Here you can find a small site with the ruins of a Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility and medicine, Ixchel.
I mentioned earlier in this post that the whole island of Isla Mujeres was dedicated to the goddess Ixchel and the island’s name is also linked to the same goddess. As you walk towards the coast at Punta Sur, you will also see a large statue representing her.
Apart from the historical value, the park also boasts some excellent walking paths, literally curved in the rocks, from where you can marvel at the powerful ocean hitting the shore. You will also be able to get some epic views of Isla Mujeres and even Cancun!
There is also a picturesque lighthouse, a souvenir shop and a cafe where you can take a break and get something cold to drink.
The best time to visit Punta Sur is at sunrise time. As Punta Sur is the highest point of the island, situated at 20 meters above sea level, watching the sunrise from this location is one of the most spectacular activities in Isla Mujeres!
If you’re not an early riser, don’t worry; any other time is also good to come to Punta Sur. Just remember to protect yourself from the heat and take plenty of water with you.
Location | Punta Sur Isla Mujeres
Entrance | 40 pesos ($2)
#15 Spot the colourful Crayon House
If you’re enjoying quirky activities, checking out Crayola House is definitely Isla Mujeres to do for you! Despite not being a house open to the public, it is worth adding Crayola House to your Isla Mujeres itinerary.
The house is colourfully painted with different patterns, and its balcony railing resembles colourful crayons, hence the name Crayon House. When I visited, I actually saw a lady painting on the balcony, and she looked like the owner of the house.
You can see the house on your way back from Punta Sur. Just be respectful, as it’s private property.
Location | Crayola House Isla Mujeres
#16 Sample some craft beer
Are there any craft beer lovers out there? Isla Brewery is the only brewery on the island and visiting it is one of the most fun things to do in Isla Mujeres Mexico. It’s a quaint place, absolutely worth checking out and the best part is that sampling of the beer is entirely free!
You’re going to get to sample all their best brewers including Claro Que Si (a Blonde), the Playa Norte (an American Pale ale), the Tesoro Pirata (a vanilla Porter), the Jamaica Meil Loco (a hibiscus beer), and the Cruda Ayuda (a ginger beer).
As I personally don’t like the bitterness of beer, my favourite was the hibiscus beer, which tasted like a lovely juice. I couldn’t really believe it has 5.5% alcohol!
The friendly guy at the reception of the brewery can answer all the questions. There are a few souvenirs such as T-shirts to buy as well as the beer itself. And if you return the glass bottles, you get 10 pesos back per bottle, which is awesome!
The guy also told us that they are building a beer garden where you can have a better experience of drinking their beer and at the time of you reading this post, the bar will probably be open!
Location | Isla Brewing Company
#17 Watch the sunset at Playa Centro Jetty
If you’re taking a late ferry back to Cancun or staying on the island for at least one night, you can’t miss the epic sunset, which is one of the most iconic things to see in Isla Mujeres!
And one of the best places to witness the evening show of light is the wooden jetty on Playa Centro, which is one of the best beaches on Isla Mujeres. You can find the jetty on the northern end of the beach.
Here you will have a few options – you can either bring your own Cerveza and sit on the jetty or, if you’re a photographer, sit on the beach to enjoy the view of the jetty! If you want to capture an epic photo of the iconic jetty at Isla Mujeres sunset, find a spot on the beach that lets you view it from an angle.
You can also bring a picnic to the beach to make the golden hour even more enjoyable! Alternatively, you can also sit in one of the beach bars.
Location | Playa Centro Isla Mujeres
More fun things to do in Isla Mujeres
If you’re staying on the island a little longer than just one day, here are some more fun things to do at Isla Mujeres for you.
#18 Visit Capilla de Guadalupe
The Guadalupe Chapel is located in the central part of the island near the Isla Brewery and the Crayon House. This quaint chapel is a true gem! It is small, and behind the altar that is made of pretty seashells, there is a huge window overlooking the ocean. The chapel is a super unique and tranquil place ideal for some life reflection, totally worth a stopover!
The church also has souvenir shops, and we’ve been told that the proceeds go towards the construction of the island’s first university! Across the street from the chapel, there is a lively cafe – a perfect spot for taking a break! More about the cafe in the next section.
Location | Capilla de Guadalupe Isla Mujeres
#19 Have a drink at Polo’s Mango Cafe
Just across the street from the chapel, you will find a lively cafe that always seems to be busy, and there is a good reason for that. The cafe is excellent to stop for a delicious breakfast. Some of the breakfast menu items include Mexican and International dishes such as huevos rancheros, breakfast enchiladas, hot cakes, yoghurt bowl and eggs benedict.
The Mango Cafe is also great for lunch. Try their huge fish tacos accompanied by fresh juice, a salad, or veggie quesadillas. If you can’t fit a lunch at Mango Cafe in your itinerary, just stop by for a bottle of cold Corona to experience its great vibe!
Location | Polo’s Mango Cafe
#20 Have breakfast at Aroma Isla
If you want to take a break from Mexican food for a day, have breakfast at Aroma Isla, situated in the island’s centre. The cafe has a chilled vibe and an excellent menu with plenty of vegan and veggie options, including smoothie bowls, omelettes, pancakes, bagels, avo or hummus on toast and more. They also serve Mexican and regional dishes such as enfrijoladas.
Location | Aroma Isla Muejres
#21 La Tortuga Granja
The turtle farm is located in the central part of the island, on the way between the centre and Punta Sur. The place was designed to increase the population of the local turtles. For a small entrance fee, you can self-tour the place and see different species of turtles and the hatching nursery.
You can also buy some turtle food to feed them, which is a super fun activity, especially for the children! If you’re lucky to visit the farm during the hatching season, you can release the baby turtles into the sea, and the experience is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres with family
Entrance | $3
Location | Tortugranja Isla Mujeres
#22 Have lunch at Mercado Municipal
Make sure you include eating in a local restaurant in your things to do in Isla Mujeres, at least once! An awesome place to experience the local vibe and taste some authentic Mexican cuisines such as fish tacos, ceviche and enchiladas is the Mercado Municipal, located in the heart of Isla Mujeres Centro.
Come here for breakfast or lunch and enjoy super low prices and some people-watching opportunities!
Location | Mercado Municipila Isla Mujeres
#23 Take a Yoga class
If you’re looking for some relaxing things to do in Isla Mujeres, joining a morning yoga class in the morning is the perfect activity for you! The Treehouse yoga classes on the island take place on a wooden deck overlooking the stunning beach! There could not be a more tranquil and beautiful place to do some stretches and deep breathing!
Location | Treehouse Yoga Isla Mujeres
#24 Go out in El Centro
Isla Mujeres is generally a tranquil place where you can relax, but you will be surprised to know that at night, the island transforms into a buzzing party place. If you fancy going out, start your night in one of the best bars in Isla Mujeres, located along with Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, and see where the night takes you!
Some of the cool places to experience the Isla Mujeres nightlife are Top by Belo, with a cool rooftop infinity pool, giant screens and cool DJs; the bohemian Tiny’s Bar and Rock Bar, which features live music.
Location | Calle Miguel Hidalgo
#25 Swim Around Mia Reef Sandbar
One of my favourite things to do in Isla Mujeres in the morning was strolling along the Playa Norte until the picturesque sandbar, located right by the Mia Reef Hotel. The hotel is perched on a private islet, and only guests of the hotel can cross the bridge to access it. They also sell day passes for those that want to experience their private beach.
But you don’t have to pay for the pass to enjoy this beautiful area. You can simply swim around it from the shore of the public beach. Make sure you bring your snorkelling mask with you, as the areas under the bridge and by the rocks are packed with different species of fish!
Location | Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
Best Isla Mujeres restaurants
Gin & Greens | One of the best restaurants on Isla Mujeres for fancy cocktails, spicy tuna rolls and ceviche.
Limon Restaurant | One of the best restaurants in Isla Mujeres for hibiscus tacos, coconut shrimp, and lobster.
Lola Valentina | Mexican food with Carrabinean flavours such as coconut curry.
Aroma Isla | Best restaurant in Isla Mujeres for breakfast or lunch.
Polo’s Mango Cafe | One of the best places to eat in Isla Mujeres, the middle of the island.
Restaurant Green Verde | Great for dinner, tacos, and enchiladas.
Best places to stay in Isla Mujeres
Icaco Island Village – Adults Only – Boutique Hotel
This is an adult-only boho hotel in Isla Mujeres, situated a 15-minute walk from North Beach. Rooms come with a sea view and a fully equipped kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a stylish rooftop area with sun loungers and a plunge pool, as well as a complimentary breakfast. Icaco is one of the best boutique hotels in Isla Mujeres.
Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres – All-Inclusive Beachfront Hotel
Hotel Beló is located right on the beach and within a few minutes walk to a selection of bars and restaurants on Avenida Miguel Hidalgo. Rooms come with a fully equipped kitchenette, and guests can enjoy 2 pools, a fitness centre, a bar and a restaurant.
Hotel Secreto Isla Mujeres – Best Midrange Hotel
Hotel Secreto is located 5 minutes walk from Playa Norte and boasts contemporary rooms with a balcony and an outdoor pool.
Ixchel Beach Hotel – Beachfront Hotel Playa Norte
Ixchel Hotel is located right on Playa Norte and within a few minutes walk to all Isla Mujeres restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.
Bahia Tolok – Value Hotel at Isla Mujeres
Bahia Tolok is located 12 minutes walk to the beach and features apartments with a kitchen and balcony. Guests can enjoy a pool and access to a private beach.
📖 ALSO READ: 12 Best Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Resorts & Hotels For An Epic Stay
How to get to Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun
The most popular way of visiting Isla Mujeres is taking a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. Isla Mujeres is only a short boat ride away from the shores of Cancun, and it’s a perfect getaway for those that are vacationing in Cancun!
It is fairly easy to organise one day trip to Isla Mujeres independently – read the following sections for more advice. But, if you want a hassle-free Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun, I’m leaving a few options of some of the best tours run by Viator below.
Luxury Catamaran Cruise to Isla Mujeres | This is a highly-rated and one of the most luxurious catamaran tours to Isla Mujeres. It includes a gourmet lunch, an open bar, snorkelling and free time or a guided tour of the island.
All Inclusive Cancun tour Isla Mujeres | Includes two snorkelling stops, free time in Isla Mujeres downtown, continental breakfast, buffet lunch and open bar.
Catamaran Tour Isla Mujeres | This catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres includes lunch, snorkeling stops and free time to spend on the best beach on Isla Mujeres. There is also an all-inclusive upgrade available.
From Cancun to Isla Mujeres
If you would like to organise your own transfer to the island, this section will answer – how to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. There are no flights to Isla Mujeres, and the only way of getting to Isla Mujeres is by sea.
You can catch a ferry to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez from an Ultramar Terminal located in the centre of Cancun. I recommend downloading an UBER app to your phone to book your ride and avoid having to haggle with taxi drivers that are notorious for overcharging foreigners.
Check the Isla Mujeres ferry schedule for departure times of ferries to Isla Mujeres.
If you’re wondering how much is the ferry to Isla Mujeres is, expect to pay around $23 for a return trip – Cancun Isla Mujeres and back Isla Mujeres Cancun.
The best way to get to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal (other than the private transfer) from Cancun Airport is by taking the ADO bus to the Cancun centre and then an UBER to the port.
TIP | Check the ADO bus and make sure your flight arrives early enough to catch one of the buses and a boat to Isla Mujeres. If you arrive in Cancun late, book your private transfer to your Cancun hotel in advance! I learned it the hard way when we arrived at the airport late and had to pay over the odds for a shared transfer to our hotel!
If you’re staying in one of the hotels of Zona Hotelaria in Cancun, there are also ferries from Cancun to Isla Mujeres available from smaller tourist jetties located in Playa Caracol and El Embarcadero near Playa Tortugas. The tickets from those ports are a little more expensive because you’re paying extra for the convenience.
From Tulum to Isla Mujeres
If you’re wondering how to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres, keep on reading. The most convenient and budget-friendly way is taking an ADO bus from the central Tulum bus station. The bus takes around 2 hours and stops at ADO Terminal in Cancun, from where you can get an UBER to the Puerto Juarez ferry terminal.
From Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
For those that are travelling to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen, there is also an ADO bus station in the centre of the town, from where you can grab a bus to the ADO Terminal in Cancun.
From Cozumel to Isla Mujeres
You first need to go back to Playa del Carmen by ferry and follow the instructions in the previous section.
From Holbox to Isla Mujeres
Unfortunately, there is no ferry that would take you from Holbox to Isla Mujeres. So, how do you get to Isla Mujeres from Holbox? You first need to take a ferry back to the Mexican mainland.
The ferry port that serves that connection is located in the small town of Chiquila. Then, you need to take a bus back to Cancun at the ADO Terminal located within walking distance of the port.
You can also take a shared transfer to Cancun downtown.
How to get around Isla Mujeres?
Since the island is relatively small, getting around Isla Mujeres is super easy. The most popular and fun way of exploring Isla Mujeres is by renting a golf cart! Golf cart rentals in Isla Mujeres start from $65 per 24 days and depend on the time of the year. Also, if you rent for more than one day, expect to get a small discount.
If you want to burn off some calories and save a few bucks, you can also rent a bicycle. The island is small enough for you to reach all Isla Mujeres points of interest by cycling! The rate is 250 pesos ($12.5) per day, and you also can get a small discount if you want the bicycle for more than a one-day rental.
Another way of moving around the island is taxis, which are widely available, especially around the centre. The taxi fare can cost anything between 100 and 200 Mexican pesos ($5-$10).
A brief history of Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres had already significant importance during the Mayan civilisation. The Mayans devoted this island of outstanding natural beauty to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and medicine. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they found many images of the goddess and named the place ‘island of women’ or, in Spanish, Isla de Mujeres.
How to pronounce Isla Mujeres?
So, how do you pronounce Isla Mujeres? Isla Mujeres is pronounced like this:
ee – sluh moo – heh – res
Things To Do In Isla Mujeres: FAQ
What’s the best time to visit Isla Mujeres?
The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is between December and March, during the dry season and with plenty of sunshine. The island experiences a large number of visitors in December during its coolest month, with high averages reaching a comfortable 28 degrees Celcius.
During December, especially at Christmas time, hotel rates, golf cart rentals, and Isla Mujeres excursion prices are at their highest.
May is the hottest month of the year, with daily averages reaching 35 degrees and marks the start of the rainy season that lasts until November. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being September and October.
For the best chances of spotting and swimming with the whale sharks, visit Isla Mujeres between June and mid-September. And, for the best rates, plan your trip during the shoulder season months of April and November.
How many days do I need for Isla Mujeres?
While most tourists do one of the Cancun excursions to Isla Mujeres for one day only, if you can, stay on the island for at least 1 to 2 nights to fully appreciate everything it has to offer and experience the island’s vibe.
Is Isla Mujeres safe?
If you’re wondering how safe is Isla Mujeres, the short answer is – it is very safe compared with the rest of Mexico. It doesn’t, however, mean you can forget about safety precautions that apply wherever you travel.
Don’t leave any valuables unattended in your golf cart or on the beach. If you want to swim, just ask a friendly-looking couple to keep an eye on your belongings while you’re in the sea.
When you go out at night, stick to your group and don’t go over the top with the amount of alcohol you consume – it’s never recommended in a foreign country. The island is also perfectly safe for solo female travellers.
What are things to be careful of in Isla Mujeres?
So, we established that Isla Mujeres is generally safe to travel to. And below, I’m leaving a few more things to keep in mind during your vacation in Isla Mujeres.
- Don’t drink tap water.
- Don’t go over the top with sunbathing during your first few days.
- Don’t get ripped off! Do some research before your trip to get a feel of how much things cost in Mexico. Just because it’s cheaper than back home, it doesn’t mean you’re not getting ripped off. Travel during the shoulder months of April and November for the cheapest rates.
- If you rent a golf cart or a bicycle for more than one day, ask for a discount.
- Don’t lose your return ferry ticket, and check the ferry departure times.
- Get yourself decent travel insurance and enjoy your vacation. 🙂
How big is Isla Mujeres Mexico?
Isla Mujeres is 5 miles or 8 km long, half a mile wide and has just under 23 thousand inhabitants.
Holbox or Isla Mujeres?
Are you wondering whether to visit Isla Mujeres or Holbox? I’ve spent some time on both islands and here are my observations. Isla Mujeres is more family-orientated and geared towards more mature couples. Isla Holbox has a younger crowd and more of a party vibe.
Both islands are stunning, but I personally preferred Holbox, which had more colourful murals, its cool cafes and clothes shops that I enjoyed, and the beach was less busy than Isla Mujeres beaches. However, it is way harder to get to Holbox, and if you have only a few days, perhaps Isla Mujeres is more suitable.
Cancun or Isla Mujeres?
Cancun is a large city with resort-style hotels along its most beautiful beaches in Zona Hotelaria. There is not much character to it, and you will most likely stay in your hotel for the majority of your vacation.
However, Cancun has a great selection of places to stay and a lot of available excursions. Isla Mujeres is a tinny island with a lot of character but don’t expect it to be quiet, especially during the high season between December and March.
What is Isla Mujeres known for?
For the adventurous types, Isla Mujeres is known for its whale sharks, which are some of the largest creatures on earth and one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the region.
Additionally, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike, lending a charming, laid-back vibe to the island’s atmosphere.
And let’s not forget about the stunning Playa Norte. With crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, this beach is one of the most beautiful in Mexico.
Is Isla Mujeres worth going?
If you are dreaming of a Caribbean paradise that’s not too crowded and has a laid-back vibe, then Isla Mujeres might just be the perfect destination for you.
This small island off the coast of Cancun is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and colourful marine life. Visitors can swim with whale sharks, snorkel in coral reefs, or just lounge on the beach with a book and a cold drink.
Things To Do In Isla Mujeres: Final Word
I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to all the fun things to do in Isla Mujeres.
There is so much to explore and enjoy in the stunning Isla Mujeres. This tropical paradise is full of activities to keep you entertained, from snorkelling around coral reefs to spotting Isla Mujeres wildlife.
Whether you come for the day or plan an extended stay, Isla Mujeres has something for everyone. I can confidently say that my time in Isla Mujeres was one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever taken.
I can see why it’s loved by both locals and international visitors alike! If you’re seeking tranquillity, adventure, culture or delicious food – this is your island haven!
Mal xx