18 Unmissable Things to Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico + Tips from a Local

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 this Mexican Caribbean Island 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, 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.

Visit Isla Mujeres: at a glance

The town of Isla Mujeres is small, with a few houses lining the main street, numerous 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 ‘la 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 to 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?

Francisco Hernández de Córdoba discovered the island in 1517. In pre-Hispanic times, the island was dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, love, and fertility. 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, rent a golf cart or a mountain bike to ride around the island. It’s only about 21 km to circle it completely, and it’s 4 km 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 the island is.

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 comforts they offer, including lying on a lounge chair instead of on the beach.

A great option is Zama Beach Club. I haven’t bee,n 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, and 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 to support as I believe dolphins should not be responsible for our entertainment but swim freely in the ocean.

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

👉 If you are coming from Cancu,n 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’ll find a few small beaches. However, it’s not recommended to swim here, as the open sea has strong 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 of promoting conservation.

It’s a spectacular scene, and because the waters are so shallow, 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, and swimming 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 that you stay till the sun goes down behind the city of Cancun, coloring the sky with all the 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 from which you can choose, as well as a variety of great boutique hotel choices.

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.

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 fish 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 suggest contacting local dive shops directly to explore the diving sites and create 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 it offers a wide range of activities that make it a standout 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 minimum spend. The food isn’t the best on the island, but the views are worth it.

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 a critical 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 that is 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. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the island at your leisure 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 take a taxi. It’s faster.

The Isla Mujeres ferry runs frequently throughout the day, departing from various terminals between 7 am and 11:30 pm.

The ferry ride is only 20 minutes long, and it’s 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 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 travel to Isla Mujeres on your own by ferry, which I recommend so that you can enjoy the island at your own pace.

Here are the places from which 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 a similar 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 will catch the ferry at one of the above-mentioned departing points.

From Tulum, you have two public transportation options: bus (ADO), which goes directly to Cancun, or Colectivo, which you can take in Playa del Carmen.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi for approximately 800 MXN, which is more expensive but more comfortable. It’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes in ADO and 2 hours 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 several interesting day trips from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, available 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 recommend checking 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 during the humid summer season, as hydration is essential all year round.

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 just to walk around and to the beach as everything is within walking distance, including the ferry terminals.

Bikes and golf carts are essential for exploring the island, visiting other beaches along the coast, and trying 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 make better decisions about when it is the best time to go to Isla Mujeres for you

The winter months, from December through April, are the high season, with Easter week being the peak season. During this time, prices are higher, 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.

From September through the end of October, there is a greater chance of rain and even hurricanes, although they are rare.

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

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.

Delicious breakfast is also served in your spacious contemporary rooms, which include a sofa, iPod dock, and 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, which is 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, a romantic dinner, a private chef, or anything you need.

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

The cozy rooftop terrace and pool add 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 meals 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 below to compare prices and select your place by location.

Visit Isla Mujeres: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres?

A return ticket to and from Isla Mujeres is 300, and one-way is 160 for adults 15 years and older or taller than 120 cm. Younger kids get a discount. You can pay either by cash (MXN or USD) or by credit card. You can check the schedule here.

Is it possible to drive to Isla Mujeres?

It is indeed possible, but only from the Punta Sam ferry service, which is located just 10 minutes’ drive north of Puerto Juarez. You can check the prices and schedules here.

You will need to arrive at least one hour before departure and buy your ticket before boarding.

Mind, though, that it’s not recommended to take a rental car to Isla, as it’s a useless and time-consuming hassle.

Parking on the island is minimal, and it’s much more enjoyable to rent a golf cart or a bike and walk around the tiny village.

What’s the weather like in Isla Mujeres?

The weather in Isla Mujeres is exactly as you would expect in the Caribbean, perfect for long sun-soaked days, boat tours, and watersport activities.

It’s summer all year round in Isla Mujeres. You should only consider the high humidity levels in the wet season from June through October.

That means more rain, but it will be only a quick and passing shower to make your day hotter and more humid when the sun comes back :).

S,o make sure you pack light, but always bring strong sunscreen, which is better if it is eco-friendly, such as Raw Elements or CeraVe.

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 | Face Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide for Sensitive Skin | With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides | 2.5 oz

✔️ 100% Mineral-based sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen, reflects UVA/UVB rays to help protect the skin. Developed with dermatologists by CeraVe Skincare.
✔️ Oxybenzone free, avobenzone free, and benzene free, this sunscreen contains physical filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
✔️ Formula is oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin

👉 BUY ON AMAZON

Is it better to travel to Isla Mujeres or Cancun?

This is a good question that requires a long answer, and I’ve got you covered as well. In my detailed post Cancun vs. Isla Mujeres, you will find some interesting comparison points that will help you understand which of these two top Mexican Caribbean destinations is right for you.

How many days do you need in Isla de Mujeres?


The number of days you’ll need in Isla Mujeres depends on what you want to do and see. But generally, a reasonable amount of time to spend there is around 2 to 4 days.

That gives you enough time to explore the beautiful beaches, enjoy water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, and visit cool places like the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park or the Garrafon Natural Reef Park.

Plus, you’ll get to try the local food and soak up the island vibes. Of course, if you’ve got more time, you can totally stay longer and make the most of your visit!

How many days do you need in Isla de Mujeres?


The number of days you’ll need in Isla Mujeres depends on what you want to do and see. But generally, a good amount of time to spend there is around 2 to 4 days.

That gives you enough time to explore the beautiful beaches, enjoy water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, and visit cool places like the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park or the Garrafon Natural Reef Park.

Plus, you’ll get to try the local food and soak up the island vibes. Of course, if you’ve got more time, you can totally stay longer and make the most of your visit!

Is Isla Mujeres worth going?

Absolutely! Isla Mujeres is definitely worth visiting. It’s a small but stunning island off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. The above sections on things to do in Isla Mujeres explain all the reasons why it is worth visiting!

Which side of Isla Mujeres is best to stay?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you are a party animal, you want to be in the town of Isla Mujeres near Playa Norte, where the action is.

Otherwise, if you love peace and tranquillity, you may want to choose different areas on the way to Punta Sur.

What’s the best month to travel to Isla Mujeres?

If you are looking for lower rates, fewer crowds, and decent weather, you should choose the shoulder season, such as April or May.

September and October should be good too, but there is more risk of bad weather.

If you like it when there are more people around and the best weather, you will want to choose from December through March.

Can you swim in the ocean at Isla Mujeres?

Yes, of course, in Playa Norte the water is very shallow and calm, and there are no difficult currents.

On the Atlantic side, though, it’s a bit dangerous, and swimming is not advised.

Is it safe to walk around Isla Mujeres at night?

Isla Mujeres is a small island where everyone knows each other, and many safety measures are in place.
However, some common sense and extra caution don’t hurt.

Especially if you are a solo female traveler, I would still avoid isolated dark roads at night and stay in the most touristy areas.

What is the dress code for Isla Mujeres?

There is no dress code in Isla Mujeres. Everybody is very casual and chill. Flipflops and light clothing are usually the norm.

Is Tulum or Isla Mujeres better?

They are two very different destinations whose standard features are amazing beaches and sun all year round.

Isla Mujeres is an island with all its limitations. Tulum has many more options in terms of restaurants, places to stay, and things to do.

However, Isla Mujeres offers a more chilled and safe environment.

Yes, the seawater in Isla Mujeres is so crystal clear that it looks unreal. That’s why snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is one of the best activities.

Is it better to stay in Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen?

The reply would be the same as above. There are more options in Playa del Carmen, but it’s more chilled and safer in Isla Mujeres.

However, the climate would be the same.

Also, when is Sargassum time, Isla Mujeres beaches are usually clean.

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 in planning your trip. If you liked this post, you may want to browse around this site to find other valuable resources about traveling to Mexico and other destinations you have on your bucket list.

Please let me know if you have any questions; I’ll be happy to help!