Things to do in Isla Mujeres: The 21 Best Places to Visit

Isla Mujeres is a small island in Quintana Roo, just 20 minutes away from Cancun. It has gorgeous beaches with soft sand and clear water.

People come here to relax on Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in the world, but also to snorkel and dive on the world’s second largest reef.

If you’re planning to visit, check out my complete guide with 21 things to do in Isla Mujeres!

You’ll find all the best attractions, a one-day itinerary, my hotel recommendations for every budget and how to get to Isla Mujeres.

I also have a special section with my tips for traveling to Isla Mujeres on a budget.

Are you ready to discover Isla Mujeres?

The must-see activities and places to visit in Isla Mujeres

1. Garrafon Park

Garrafon Natural Park is a must-see in Isla Mujeres, as it offers a beautiful place to relax and various activities.

The beaches of Isla Mujeres are often crowded and the great advantage of Garrafon is that it offers a much more peaceful and exclusive alternative. 😎

It is a small private beach that you can access by paying an entrance fee (the basic one starts at 1300 pesos) that includes lounge chairs, umbrellas, 3 zip lines, an oceanfront pool, kayaks and snorkeling equipment.

It is a perfect place for snorkeling, as Garrafón is part of the longest coral reef in the northern hemisphere and hosts a rich ecosystem.

You can also just relax in hammocks among the palm trees and enjoy a restaurant.

• How to get to Garrafon Park: It is located in Punta Sur, the southern end of the island (10min by cab from the ferry). Address: Carretera Garrafon Lote 9 km 6, Supermanzana 9, Isla Mujeres.
• Important: try to get there early (around 10.30 am) because sun beds and umbrellas are included, but they might run out. 😉

2. Garrafón de Castilla

Right next to Garrafón Park, you’ll find a cheaper, less crowded and quieter option: Garrafón de Castilla.

It’s not a luxury place, but it’s great for visiting Isla Mujeres on a budget.

It’s a simple beach club with the same amazing water for swimming or snorkeling, a restaurant and the basic amenities you need to enjoy yourself (lounge chairs, lockers, showers).

Go there now -before it gets too popular- because soon it will be full of tourists.

• Entrance fee 100 pesos (includes snorkel equipment rental and lockers)

3. Explore Punta Sur

South of Isla Mujeres lies Punta Sur, the highest point on the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is a must-see place in Isla Mujeres for its stunning ocean views, its Sculpture Park with 23 outdoor sculptures, and the ancient temple dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility.

You can reach it through the Garrafon Natural Park, along a beautiful path facing the Caribbean Sea.

4. Relax on one of the best beaches in the world

Playa Norte is one of the 10 best beaches in the world, according to the Travellers Choice Awards.

When you see its white sand and calm, warm, shallow waters, you’ll understand why!

You can walk about 650 ft into the sea and still be waist-deep.

It’s a 1 km long public beach with different sections. There’s a quieter part with restaurants (not bars) that’s ideal for families.

It’s a popular beach and it can get busy in high season, but it’s also one of the widest beaches in Mexico (328 ft wide), so you won’t feel cramped by the crowds.

Don’t miss the sunset at Playa Norte, it’s stunning. And if you’re an early bird (like me! 😉) the sunrise is also gorgeous.

• You can rent chairs with umbrella (500 pesos for the whole day) or two lounge chairs (700 pesos for the day)
• Playa Norte is 500 meters to the left of the ferry terminal

5. Enjoying the less crowded beaches

Playa Norte is the most famous beach in Isla Mujeres, but there are others worth a visit such as Playa El Pescador, Playa Tiburón, Playa Paraíso, Playa Na Balam, etc.

At Playa Pancholo, the sea is rough and therefore there are few people. It is ideal for sunbathing on the beach, but not for swimming.

Playa Lancheros is a small beach known for its restaurant serving Tikin Xic fish. It gets busy at lunchtime, so it is better to go in the morning or after 3 pm, when it is peaceful.

6. Sunbathing at Kin Há Park

This is a little hidden gem, much less visited than the Playa Norte area.

Few people know about it and that is why it is a must-see in Isla Mujeres.

“El Parque de los Sueños”, also called Kin Há”, is a beach club that lets you enjoy the island to the fullest.

It is a small complex overlooking the Caribbean Sea that has a restaurant with terrace, an infinity pool with bar, several areas to relax under the sun, and easy access to the sea.

Kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling equipment are available for rent.

• How to get to Kin Ha: 15 minutes by cab from the ferry terminal (100 pesos)
• Open from 8am to 11pm
• Minimum entrance fee of 500 pesos.
• Kin Ha Facebook page

7. Exploring the streets of Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres has more than just beautiful beaches. If you have time, make sure to explore the island:

–Miguel Hidalgo Street: this is the main street of Isla Mujeres with 1,8 miles of shops, restaurants, bars and live music. You can walk along it day and night safely.

–The colors of Isla Mujeres: with its street art and colorful houses (check out the Crayola House), wandering through its streets is a feast for the eyes.

–Walk along the boardwalk: this is the best way to tour the island from north to south in 40 minutes, with a view of the sea. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find several attractions such as the statue “la Trigueña” and the colorful Isla Mujeres sign (corner with Abasolo street) which is perfect for photos.

8. Snorkeling in paradise

Snorkeling is a must-do activity on Isla Mujeres for two reasons: its clear waters and its closeness to the Great Mayan Reef which is the second largest in the world after Australia’s 🤩

If you want to snorkel in Isla Mujeres without booking a tour, you can go near the MIA hotel in Playa Norte. I also recommend you to go to beach clubs like Kin Ha, Garrafon de Castilla and especially Garrafon Park that provide you with the equipment.

but keep in mind that taking a tour lets you see much more!

El Farito (5 minutes by boat) is one of the most popular dive sites on Isla Mujeres. It is the smallest lighthouse on the island, surrounded by a reef with fish, corals and the submerged statue of the Virgen del Farito, the holy patron of the fishermen.

You can get there with a 1 hour tour, but I suggest taking the longer tour that also includes part of the Underwater Art Museum at Manchones reef.

9. Diving in Manchones Reef

Isla Mujeres has about 50 dive sites for all levels (from beginner to advanced).

My favorite one is Manchones Reef, which has lots of corals and fish, and is part of the MUSA, the world’s largest underwater museum with 470 sculptures.

These statues were made to replace corals that have been lost due to mass tourism and pollution. They are a new home for the biodiversity that lives on the ocean floor. ❤️

You can’t dive in Manchones by yourself because you need the equipment and a boat, so you need a guided tour.

• Book the diving tour in Manchones here. It includes diving equipment and boat transportation from Cancun to the bay of Isla Mujeres:

10. Taste the Mayan specialty

A specialty of Isla Mujeres is Tikin Xik fish: a grilled fish with onion, achiote and other spices.

It is a Mayan recipe that I had already tried when I visited Isla Contoy, but I really suggest ordering it at the restaurant at Playa Lancheros or Playa Tiburón.

It is a large dish to share (about 290 pesos) with rice and salad.

Also, the view is very nice and the waves are calm so it is a perfect place to enjoy Isla Mujeres with kids.

11. Discover Isla Contoy

Only 30 km from Isla Mujeres lies Isla Contoy: one of the most beautiful places in Mexico!

This small, almost deserted island is a national park that hosts the most important seabird nesting site in the Mexican Caribbean.

Access is limited to 200 people per day, and it is required to book a tour to have the chance to enjoy its peaceful beaches and clear waters.

The visit to Contoy includes free time on the beach, a short guided tour of its trails (for those who want) and a delicious lunch of Tikinxik fish.

This is heaven on earth!

• Check out: How To Get There And What To Do in Isla Contoy

12. Swimming with whale sharks

This is an amazing activity to do in Isla Mujeres!

From June to September, whale sharks come to enjoy the warm waters of Isla Mujeres and Holbox, and you can see them up close.

They are protected, so you can swim with the whale sharks with a guide, following some rules:

-You can’t dive with them, but you can swim or snorkel near them at a maximum distance of 6,5 ft

-You can’t touch or feed them

-You can’t jump into the water from a boat

And don’t be afraid: the whale shark is the largest fish in the world, at 12 meters long, but it’s harmless 😉

• Book this whale shark swimming tour, which also includes pick up from your hotel, all equipment, free time on Isla Mujeres and lunch:

13. Support local craftswomen

If you want to bring back a souvenir from Isla Mujeres, I suggest that you stop by the Cooperativa de Mujeres Artesanas de Isla Mujeres. It is a very small place where several artisans sell bracelets, earrings and colorful necklaces.

It is the best way to support the local economy, in a responsible way and at a fair price. Besides, they are very friendly.

• Address: La Gloria MZA. 160 Lot 5, Isla Mujeres. Facebook Page
• Outside you will see a sign “The Women’s Bead Cooperative” and “Artesanías de Mujeres de Isla Mujeres”.

14. Sail on a catamaran

A catamaran ride in Isla Mujeres is one of the best ways to have fun in the sun and sea in the Riviera Maya.

It’s a day tour from Cancun with music and open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), perfect for relaxing in a lively atmosphere.

It takes you snorkeling on the reef (1h), with free time in Isla Mujeres and lunch on the beach.

15. Hacienda Mundaca

Built by “retired” pirate Fermín Mundaca in 1862, Hacienda Mundaca or Hacienda Vista Alegre then covered almost half of the island and was surrounded by beautiful gardens.

He dedicated it to a local beauty known as the “trigueña” to persuade her to marry him, but she chose to marry someone else.

Today you can visit what remains of the hacienda with its gardens, part of the house, some sculptures, canyons and a pond. There are also iguanas walking around.

• Entrance fee 30 pesos, open from 9 am to 5 pm, the tour lasts 20-30 minutes
• Located 300 meters from Lancheros Beach

16. Go fishing

You can fish in Isla Mujeres, both inshore and offshore, but there are several things to consider:

• It is not easy to fish off the coast of Isla Mujeres: there are many rocks, and besides the swimming and snorkeling areas, you have to be very careful not to fish on the reefs, as they are protected.
• The best season for fishing in Isla Mujeres is from January to the end of June.
• Inshore, you can find mainly barracudas, other species such as yellowtail. Offshore you will find dorado, sarda, mackerel, etc.

17. Visiting the cemetery

I love the colorful tombs in Mexican cemeteries.

It might be a strange visit for some, but I liked exploring the Isla Mujeres cemetery with its blue hues, flowers, candles and unique monuments.

There’s also the tomb of Fermín Mundaca (the one at Hacienda Mundaca that I told you about). You can spot it by the skull and crossed bones, a reference to his pirate life.

It’s actually empty because he died in Merida and was never brought back to the island.

18. Visit the turtle sanctuary

The tortugranja, or turtle farm, is a place to visit on Isla Mujeres.

It’s not a place where turtles are exploited and where you can swim with them, but a conservation site.

There are sea and land turtles, and an aquarium with fish and other marine species.

Isla Mujeres is an important nesting site for giant turtles between May and September. They are now protected by the government and their eggs are moved to a safe place away from predators.

The baby turtles are kept in tanks, and then travelers and students from the island’s schools help them go back to their natural habitat.

This way, thousands of turtles are saved every year.

• Admission 30 pesos, the visit is short, but it is for a good cause
• Sac Bajo Highway Km 5, Fraccionamiento Mar Turquesa, Isla Mujeres

19. Participate in a yoga class

There are several yoga studios on Isla Mujeres, but the Treehouse is my favorite, as the classes are held in front of Playa Norte.

It is the perfect place to start the day with the sound of the waves of the Caribbean Sea.

Classes are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 am and 9:00 am, and Wednesday through Saturday at 6:00 pm.

I suggest taking the class in the morning because there is hardly anyone on the beach and it is very peaceful.

20. Isla Mujeres Museum

This is the only museum on Isla Mujeres, and of course it is a maritime museum.

The Captain Dulché museum features explorers Ramón Bravo, Jacques Cousteau and Ernesto Dulché Escalante. There are photographs, beautiful ship models, anchors and various maritime objects related to the island.

Besides the museum, there is a beach club with restaurant and bar, a volleyball court, a swimming pool, small cabanas and deck chairs on the beach.

• The museum is free of charge
• Captain Dulché Facebook page

21. Dolphin Discovery

Please do not do this activity on Isla Mujeres. ⛔

The big entertainment company Dolphin Discovery offers packages to swim with dolphins and take expensive photos with them.

Where to sleep in Isla Mujeres?

I don’t recommend you to arrive at Isla Mujeres without a reservation because prices go up easily and everything fills up quickly.

Here are some of my hotel recommendations for all types of budgets:

• Nomads Hotel Hostel & Beachclub: a gorgeous new hotel located in front of the sea, beautifully decorated, with pool, hammocks, bar and terrace. Nice rooms from 99 euros, but collective dorms cost only 10 usd per night! An incredible price for this kind of service.

• Posada Paso del Sol: small hotel with very good value for Isla Mujeres. Clean, comfortable bed, good location near the ferry, Playa Norte and restaurants. from 73 usd a night!

• Privilege Aluxes: this is a beautiful all-inclusive hotel on Isla Mujeres, reserved exclusively for adults. It is located on a sandy beach very close to Playa Norte, and has 2 pools, 2 restaurants, a beach bar, a spa, air-conditioned rooms and a king size bed. From 203 euros a night or 275 usd a night all inclusive!

• Mia Reef Isla Mujeres Resort: is known for its unique location on El Yunque Islet. It is surrounded by water and has a private beach as well as a pool, bar and restaurant. The hotel is less luxurious than the Privilege Aluxes, but welcomes children (there is even a babysitting service and a game room). From 300 usd per night all-inclusive.

How to travel to Isla Mujeres on a budget

I like to watch my budget so I can travel more often. 🤓

If you’re like me, here are some tips to visit Isla Mujeres on a budget:

-The cheapest way to get to Puerto Juarez from Cancun’s hotel zone is by taking the R-1 bus (red) that drops you off right here, near the pier. The ticket costs 12 pesos.

-To save money on drinks on the beach, it’s best to buy everything (water, drinks, snacks) at the Oxxo at the Cancun Maritime Terminal or at the Isla Mujeres Oxxo, which is just to the left as you get off the boat.

-You can enjoy Playa Norte without paying for a sunbed. The same goes for Playa Sol, where it’s easier to find a shady spot under the palm trees. Don’t forget to bring beach towels, a hat and sunscreen, as the sun is strong.

-For cheap eats in Isla Mujeres, it’s better to avoid the beach. The municipal market is always a good option, and I also liked the restaurant El Poc Chuc (corner of Juarez Avenue and Abasolo street) with delicious tortas (sandwiches) for only 35-40 pesos.

-For a cheap hotel on Isla Mujeres, I recommend the great Nomads Hostel with its dorms at 15 usd a night.

-Sometimes taking a tour is cheaper than going on your own. In Puerto Juarez, you can join a tour to Isla Mujeres with the local cooperative: for 500 pesos, it’s a full-day tour from 9am to 5pm that includes the port fee of 50 pesos, boat transportation, 2h of free time on Isla Mujeres, snorkeling at El Farito and lunch (fish or chicken tikinxik).

Getting around Isla Mujeres

Driving a car is not the best way to explore Isla Mujeres, as parking spaces are limited on the island.

You can choose from bicycles, or golf carts and scooters if you want a motorized vehicle.

The average cost of renting a golf cart on Isla Mujeres is 850 pesos for the day, from 10am to 5pm. You do need a driver’s license to rent one.

There are many rental companies and you can find cheaper prices as you walk away from the pier. Avoid the vendors who approach you when you get off the ferry: they charge extra.

You can also arrange to have your golf cart delivered to your hotel if you are staying on Isla Mujeres.

The island is small enough to walk around, but the sun is strong, so it’s better to start early and wear a hat or cap.

How many days in Isla Mujeres

Many travelers take one day to go to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, but you can spend 2 or 3 days on Isla Mujeres to better enjoy the beach.

Visit Isla Mujeres in 1 day

Playa Norte is the most popular beach because it has everything (restaurants, sunbeds, etc.).

But if you want to see more of the island than just Playa Norte, here’s a one-day itinerary:

• In the morning, catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres – book your ferry ticket here!
• Rent a golf cart or a bike and head to Garrafon de Castilla Park to spend the morning there (snorkeling, relaxing, swimming)
• Walk to Punta Sur to see the sculpture park and the temple of Ixchel
• Go to Playa Lancheros to try the famous fish Tikin Xic
• Go to Playa Norte, the most popular beach on the island
• You can join a snorkeling tour at El Farito, but you need a group of at least 4 people (very easy in high season)
• Watch the sunset at Playa Norte or Playa Sol, right next to it
• Before leaving, you can stroll along Higaldo Avenue

How to get to Isla Mujeres: plane, ferry, bus

Flight to Isla Mujeres

There’s no direct flight to Isla Mujeres, you have to fly to Cancun first.

Many airlines fly to Cancun (KLM, United, Aeromexico, Iberia, etc) from Europe and North America.

To find your cheap flight to Cancun, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner: it’s the easiest way to get the best price!

How to get from Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres

It’s easy to travel to Isla Mujeres from Cancun airport.

First you have to go to Puerto Juarez to catch the ferry. Here are the different options:

• Get a taxi: the advantages are that there is no waiting time and the trip is direct, but it is the most expensive option.
• By bus: ADO buses leave every 30 minutes and go to downtown Cancun (90 pesos). Then you have to get from downtown Cancun to Puerto Juarez, by cab (about 90 pesos) or by bus 13 which is cheaper.
• By public transport: colectivos (shared cabs) are the cheapest option but you have to wait for the van to fill up.

Getting from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by ferry

To reach Isla Mujeres, you have to take the ferry from Cancun.

There are different piers:

• Puerto Juarez: only 3 km from downtown. With 2 docks practically next to each other, the newer and better one is called Gran Puerto. It’s a 30 minute trip with Ultramar, departing every 30 minutes from 5 am to 8:30 pm, then every hour until 11:30 pm.

The ferry has limited seats – Book your round trip ticket to Isla Mujeres (valid for 6 months after the departure date):

• Cancun hotel zone: there are 3 docks with Ultramar – Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, El Embarcadero (Playa Linda). Click here for the ferry schedules to Isla Mujeres.

Getting from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres

To get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun to catch the ferry, it takes 1 hour, by bus or car.

If you don’t have a rental car, you can take private transportation (about 500-600 pesos one way) or the ADO bus that leaves every 15 minutes from the Alternate Terminal in Playa del Carmen for 80 pesos.

Make sure to choose the right arrival terminal and not the one at the Cancun airport.

Once you arrive at the ADO Terminal in Cancun, you can take a cab to Puerto Juarez ($100MXN) or a Route 1 bus that passes in front of the station.

Can I bring luggage on the ferry?

Yes, your ticket includes 1 piece of luggage up to a maximum of 25 kg. Measurements: 45 x 70 x 27cm

Beware of scams at the dock

In Puerto Juarez, someone might approach you saying that the ferry has been cancelled (which is not true) to offer you a private transport.

The shuttle is real and goes to Isla Mujeres, but it is much more expensive and longer than the ferry.

Can you take your car on the ferry?

Yes, you can.

The only place to board the ferry with a car is Punta Sam, 8 km from Cancun.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach Isla Mujeres. I recommend arriving an hour early.

-Departures with Ultramar: see ultramar Carga schedules here. It costs 400 pesos and includes up to 4 people per vehicle.

-Departures with Marítima: 5h15, 8h15, 11h15, 14h15, 17h15, 20h15. It costs 482 pesos and includes passengers.

Is there parking near the Cancun ferry?

Yes, there is a large multi-story parking lot in Puerto Juarez.

The rate is 11 pesos per hour, and there are also daily rates.

And you can also find free parking in the area (on the street).

Isla Mujeres vs Isla Holbox: What is the difference?

People often ask me which one is better, but they are very different.

There are more things to do on Isla Mujeres, more restaurants and shops, so it’s a great place for friends, couples and families.

But there are also many more tourists, and it gets busy during the day as most visitors come from Cancun for the day.

Isla Mujeres is not a place to relax in complete peace and quiet, but to have fun in the sun in a more lively atmosphere.

Holbox, on the other hand, is still less crowded than Isla Mujeres. The streets are dirt roads, the vibe is very laid-back and a bit hippy, with small hotels.

There are long sandy beaches with few people, it’s amazing!

But keep in mind that there are more mosquitoes and the streets get muddy when it rains.

• To learn more about Holbox, check out My Complete Guide To Isla Holbox!

Money in Isla Mujeres

You can use U.S. dollars in Isla Mujeres, but the exchange rate is not good: it’s better to pay with Mexican pesos.

You can exchange up to 300$USD with your passport at HSBC, Banamex, Banco Azteca or CI Bank.

There are several ATMs where you can withdraw pesos but it’s important to use only bank ATMs.

Unfortunately, there are cases of card fraud on the island, so I suggest you use your credit card only to pay for the hotel.

Safety on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is safe and there are police officers on the streets, but as everywhere (especially in tourist destinations!) there are skilled pickpockets.

So don’t leave your bag unattended, don’t leave valuables (e.g. your camera) in the golf cart, etc.

When to go to Isla Mujeres

High season is from November to April: it’s dry and the temperature is around 77°F.

Low season is from June to October: risk of hurricanes, more rain, high humidity.

The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is from December to February.

Isla Mujeres tourist map

Here is a map with the points of interest on Isla Mujeres:

Video of Isla Mujeres

Still not convinced? Watch this video of Isla Mujeres to see how beautiful the island is.

Rent a car for a trip to Yucatan

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Yucatan and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
• Riviera Maya: The 35 Epic Things to Do!
• Bacalar: The 18 Best Places to Visit
• Cancun: the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Isla Contoy (Cancun): Everything You Need to Know For Your Visit
• Isla Holbox: Top 10 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Tulum: 21 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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