Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide

If it is pure relaxation you are seeking, Isla Mujeres has you covered. Easily laze away the day in a hammock at one of several beach clubs, splash around in the gorgeous sea, sip on a refreshing beverage in a coconut or get a massage at a pop-up stand on the beach. Your beachside options are endless. Playa Norte is the most famous beach on the island for its perfect white sand and clear waters. It often finds its way onto “Best beaches in the Caribbean” lists.

Go on a diving or snorkeling expedition to nearby MUSA Underwater Sculpture Park. Possibly the largest underwater sculpture project in the world, MUSA is home to over 500 sculptures of people, animals, cars, and so much more. Envisioned as an artificial reef, the sculptures are now growing plants and coral on them giving an otherworldly quality to the experience.

  Explore snorkeling and scuba trips to MUSA here.

Looking for a different way to spend your day? Diving, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, and everything in between are always on offer at Kin Ha. No matter where your mood guides you, you won’t be disappointed. This unique and wonderful beach club also has several terraced pools to relax and look out at the sea. The entrance fee gives you access to everything you may need such as lockers, towels and washroom facilities. Food and beverages are at an additional fee.

While Cozumel gets most of the praise for its world-class snorkeling & diving, Isla Mujeres is no slouch either. Besides the MUSA underwater sculpture garden, there are several other lovely sites and reefs easily within reach. Perhaps the most famous is El Farito with its bright corals and and colorful fish. Or, if you are here at the right time of year (late May to early September), take a boat tour to experience snorkeling with the incredible Whale Sharks! The largest fish in the sea.

  Check out this popular snorkeling tour

This off the beaten path place to swim, sun and snorkel is a perfect place to relax. A spectacular setting, soft sand, lounge chairs and just the right number of amenities. With very affordable prices and few crowds, this may become your favorite place to snorkel on the island.

*DO NOT CONFUSE THIS with the Garrafon National Reef Park, which is an entertainment center that uses captive animals to entertain tourists. Not to mention houses said animals in small enclosures. We at Island Life do not support such places because we feel places like these are unethical and we love animals.

Mercado Municipal is the central market of Isla Mujeres and is the perfect place for an authentic, no-frills meal. This lively local market offers a glimpse into island life with authentic meals at unbeatable prices. The atmosphere inside the market is always bustling and vibrant, with locals gathering to haggle over prices and enjoy lunchtime snacks. Whether you want delicious eats, fresh juices, or local produce, you will find it at Mercado Municipal. Come with an empty stomach, explore the different stalls, and try a bit of everything.

Keep in mind that Mercado Municipal can be busy at lunchtime, but the craziness of the food market is one of the reasons we love it. Some of the most delicious, fresh food on Isla Mujeres is at the market. Don’t miss out on the vibrant fish tacos and savory empanadas.

Isla Mujeres is known for its stunning multi-hued sunsets, and one of the best ways to experience the golden hours of sunset is on a cruise. ​​A sunset cruise off the shores of Isla Mujeres is the perfect way to end a day of exploring the island.

  There are a few sunset tours on the island, but the most famous is probably the sunset cruise offered by The Joint Reggae Bar n’ Grill. This 3-hour sunset sail includes live reggae music, unlimited drinks and more!

You can’t beat exploring Isla Mujeres on a golf cart or bike. While cars are permitted on Isla Mujeres, very few are on the island. This makes golf cart rentals the best way to get around, and let’s be honest; they are so much fun! Isla Mujeres is also the perfect destination to rent a bike and explore. You can rent a bike on the island for around $10-$20 (USD) per day.

You can easily rent a golf cart when you disembark from the ferry, and it will cost between $50-$65 for a day. You will need a valid driver’s license to rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres. Once you get your golf cart, follow basic road rules and watch out for pedestrians. We recommend stopping at North Beach and Punta Sur to see the Mayan ruins dedicated to the Goddess Ixchel.

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful and vibrant town positively covered in beautiful street art, from the well-known sea wall murals to intricate paintings on buildings downtown. Trust us, you will want to have your camera handy while exploring the island and looking for street art.

The sea wall murals on Isla Mujeres offer a dose of art and activism. Many of the ocean-themed art pieces were created to raise awareness about important issues, including ecotourism, sustainability, and the conservation of whale sharks. They are scattered all around the island, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding some.

Did you know that Isla Mujeres is a fishing paradise? It’s true! The breathtaking turquoise blue waters of Isla Mujeres offer various fantastic fishing options. Fishing here includes deep-sea fishing, spearfishing and inshore fishing. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, fishing around Isla Mujeres is a great way to spend the day on the water.

Typically, the fishing excursions offered on the island include fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. You can catch a variety of fish, ranging from marlin and dorado to snapper, grouper and even tuna and mahi-mahi. It just depends on the season.

  This highly recommended Private Inshore Fishing Experience is perfect for the whole family. Your group will board a private boat, head a few miles from the Isla Mujeres coastline, and spend time trolling for fish. Cast your line in the hopes of hooking barracuda, snapper, grouper and more, depending on the season.

Is there a better way to enjoy island life than a calming yoga class with the waves lapping on the beach next to you? Build on those relaxing island vibes with a yoga practice that makes you feel centered and peaceful.

Most beach yoga classes on the island are 60-minute classes for around $20 (USD), and there are classes suitable for all fitness levels. Early birds can start their day with a morning session with the highly recommended Treehouse Yoga. If you prefer an evening practice, they also offer sunset yoga classes.

Discover the charms of the Isla Mujeres pedestrian street of Miguel Hidalgo. This is a spot where you can enjoy the lively ambiance of the island. On this colorful avenue, you can find quaint boutiques, many restaurants, and a variety of tour operators.

We recommend visiting in the evening once the heat of the day cools down a bit and the entire avenue lights up. Avenida Miguel Hidalgo is a fantastic place to take an evening stroll and enjoy the fun island vibes of Isla Mujeres.

Remember that the restaurants in Miguel Hidalgo are catered towards tourists and can be slightly more expensive than those on the back streets. However, the quality of the meals is excellent.

Isla Contoy is one of the most enchanting day trips in the Mexican Caribbean. Beautiful and uninhabited Isla Contoy is just 18 miles (30km) from Isla Mujeres. On the protected Isla Contoy, you can find stunning white-sand beaches, over 150 species of birds, and nesting grounds for sea turtles.

Many day trips to Isla Contoy include snorkeling, a tour of the island, and lunch. You’ll also have enough free time to explore or simply lounge by the beach and soak up the sun!

  There are plenty of excellent day tours to choose from, including this highly recommended Isla Contoy Eco Adventure. This guided tour offers sailing and snorkeling on the beautiful Isla Contoy, along with a history of the flora and fauna of the island. After exploring, the tour includes a delicious lunch and open bar at an Isla Contoy hot spot. Note that most Contoy tours depart from Cancun so make sure you book a tour from Isla Mujeres if you are staying there.

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Isla Mujeres. The waters around the island are on the migration route of whale sharks, making this one of the best places to spot them. From May to September, you can swim with these gentle giants in the waters off the coast and take in their enormous size and grace.

Whale sharks are incredible creatures, and seeing them in their natural habitat is nothing short of a spectacular experience. While snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks, you can also see manta rays and other marine life. Note that touching the whale sharks or inhibiting them in any way is strictly forbidden.

  This highly recommended Whale Shark Swimming Tour offers a swim with whale sharks, followed by relaxing on Playa Norte beach with a fresh ceviche lunch. Be sure to request Isla Mujeres pick up when booking.