Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
How to Get There, Things to Do & More
Updated September 2021
Welcome to Isla Mujeres
Breathe it in… the salty air, the wafting of floral incense, the deep sweetness of tropical flora and fauna…exhale slowly. You have arrived in Isla Mujeres.
A beautiful tropical island in the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is a magical destination for travelers of all ilks. With turquoise waters, beaches and boats aplenty, Mujeres is sure to give you chills from its stunning beauty. Here is our guide to Isla Mujeres!
Contents
A Bit Of History
This idyllic, tiny island has been held in high esteem and cherished for centuries. Revered by the Maya as a holy place, it continues to be celebrated by locals and tourists alike. The history of the island dates back 1500 years when it was the sanctuary for the Mayan goddess Ixchel, known as the goddess of the moon, happiness, medicine and fertility. A temple to honor Ixchel was known to exist on the southern tip of the island and doubled as a lighthouse for those who would come to worship or harvest salt. The island remained a Mayan sanctuary until it was “discovered” by Francisco Fernández de Córdoba in 1517.
Isla Mujeres Today
These days, Isla Mujeres is celebrated as a different kind of sanctuary. One that provides a calm serenity from the intensity and party culture of its neighbor across the bay, Cancun. The tranquil environment, charming people, gorgeous beaches and of course, delectable food are a warm welcome for all who visit. Although most visitors only come for a day, there are more than enough activities to keep people of all ages entertained for several days.
Where Is Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Cancun.
Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), Isla Mujeres is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the island life!
How To Get To Isla Mujeres
There are a few ways to get to Isla Mujeres. Note that many larger hotels in Isla Mujeres provide free transportation to town, so check ahead before planning alternative transportation.
By Ferry
From the Cancun bus station you can take a taxi (around $5 USD) to the Puerto Juárez ferry terminal or, if you are up for a more local experience, you can catch the “Ruta 13” bus that will drop you off at Puerto Juárez near the ferry dock. This is far and away the most economical way for one or two people.
Once in Puerto Juarez, buy your tickets at the Gran Puerto Cancun (Ultramar) ferry dock. You can buy a one-way ticket for 160 pesos or round-trip ticket for 300 pesos. The boats leave every half hour from 5:00 am until 9:30 pm and every hour after that. The crossing takes about 15 minutes.
By Catamaran Day Cruise
Throughout Cancun & Playa del Carmen you can book a day trip to Isla Mujeres. These fun boats take you out on beautiful catamarans for a whole day of snorkeling and cruising. Full-day trips typically include all-day rum punch and buffet lunch on Isla Mujeres. Bring Sunblock! While you will have a limited time to explore the island, if you only have one day to visit Isla Mujeres this can be a fun adventure.
Book a highly rated catamaran tour here.
If you feel like upgrading, book a more luxury catamaran tour here.
For more transportation information, check out our Getting Around The Yucatan Guide
Things To Do In Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres Top Highlights
There is plenty to do on Isla Mujeres. Whether you just want to relax or have an adventure, you’re sure to find something amazing to do. Here are some of our favorite recommendations.
1. Hit The Beach!
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.
2. Visit Punta Sur Park
A shockingly beautiful historic/eco park at the southernmost end of Isla Mujeres, Punta Sur is not to be missed for nature lovers. Complete with Mayan ruins, epic views, trails, cliffs, iguanas and more, taking a stroll through Punta Sur is a great way to get outside and experience something different on the island. Seeing the blue water here alone is worth it.
3. See An Underwater Sculpture Garden
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.
4. Parque De Los Suenos at Kin Ha
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.
5. Go Snorkeling
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 that has over 300 excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.
6. Garrafon De Castilla
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.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
When going on vacation in the time of Covid, Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Most of the current policies cover Covid medical issues as well as vacation delays due to Covid. They typically even cover your hotel if you test positive in Mexico and have to extend your trip a few days until you get a negative test. You can easily compare and choose from the top travel insurance policies here.
Where To Stay In Isla Mujeres
There are all types of wonderful accommodations in Isla Mujeres. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For information about the different neighborhoods and great hotel recommendations, check out our Isla Mujeres Hotel Guide.
For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Isla Mujeres Hotel Guide
What To Eat In Isla Mujeres
Whether you’re looking to just grab a bite or go on a culinary adventure, there are some great restaurants all over Isla Mujeres. For some awesome restaurant recommendations at any budget, check out our Isla Mujeres Restaurant Guide.
For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Isla Mujeres Restaurant Guide
What To Pack For Your Trip!
The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation Guide.
Check out our guide for what to bring on your Mexican vacation!
More
MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Cancun, Islands, Tulum and More
Isla Mujeres Restaurant Guide
Isla Mujeres Hotel Guide
Cancun Visitors Guide
Cozumel Visitors Guide
Holbox Visitors Guide
Isla Contoy Visitors Guide
Tulum Visitors Guide
Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide
Getting Around The Yucatan
Cozumel Diving Guide
The Best Cenotes in Yucatan
How is covid testing being handled on the island? We have been visiting Isla for over 10 years and haven’t been in over 2 years now due to covid. Planning on visiting at the end of October. Staying at Cabanas. We will need to be tested prior to returning to the US.
Testing is done internally at most large hotels and resorts, though many visitors choose to be tested at a local lab instead to avoid the possibility of a mandatory hotel quarantine if they get a positive test in the hotel. You can also get tested at the airport, but that’s sort of a last resort option in my opinion. I absolutely recommend getting Travel Insurance though just in case!
I had originally planned to just visit Mujeres for a day with my husband, then we read your guides about the place and decided to stay here. We love it. Such a relaxed vibe here, we ended up staying here for our entire vacation. Thank you!
Excellent guide(s), very helpful for planning a family vacation. We have been to the Yucatan so many times and it was such a pleasure to come somewhere new. Thanks.
I also recommend Guru Beach Club. Great guide here.
I was looking for a chill and amazing place for my birthday celebration and your guide sold me on Isla Mujeres..the island of Women! love that 😊
It was magical. Thank you!
Goodnesses me, ya’ll make it sound so exciting to visit Isla Mujeres! I have used this guide and the others to plan my whole visit! AAAAHHHHH I am so excited! Thank you for making it so easy for me. LOVE your guides!!!