25 BEST Things to do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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Are you looking for a guide to the best activities in Isla Mujeres? Maybe one with insider information you haven’t already read a hundred times before? You’ve come to the right place!

Your vacation time is precious, and I understand how difficult it can be to narrow down the best activities. That’s why we created this list – to remove the guesswork!

We have spent a lot of time on Isla Mujeres and tried just about everything you can do here. From swimming with whale sharks to golf cart bar crawls there’s something for every type of traveler.

We even included important info on getting to this island. There’s a lot to know (and even more to do) about this little slice of paradise so let’s dive in!

Things to do on Isla Mujeres

1. Relax at Playa Norte 

Considered one of the best beaches in Mexico (and in the entire world!), Playa Norte is one of my all-time favorites. It’s located on the north side of Isla Mujeres, only a 10-minute walk away from the docks where the ferry arrives. With crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, white sand, this is everything you could hope for from a Caribbean beach. I honestly consider it a mandatory stop if you’re visiting the island!

It does get crowded during the high season, but the weather is ideal for almost the entire year, so you can visit anytime. There’s no entrance fee, and you can bring your own snacks and drinks. You can rent chairs and umbrellas at the beach clubs and hotels for $10-20 USD, which I strongly recommend given there’s not much shade. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and your snorkel equipment as there are lots of fish around here to see!

One thing I really love about this beach is that there are all kinds of restaurants on Playa Norte, and many of them will serve you right under your umbrella. How perfect is that?

Besides all the normal beach activities, you can take a yoga class at The Treehouse. It’s my favorite yoga place in the world and has an incredible view of the ocean. Check out activity #21 for more info on these great classes!

Related Read: Love pristine beaches? Check out the absolute best beaches in and around Cancun!

2. Rent a golf cart 

Because Isla Mujeres is such a small place, it’s really easy to walk around the main area. However, if you want to get to all of the best attractions you’re going to need some wheels. I don’t recommend a regular car as parking is difficult, so the best option is just to rent a golf cart!

It’s fun, easy, and saves your feet, so you don’t get too tired. Honestly, golf carts are the most popular mode of transport on the island.

You can rent golf carts by the hour, for half a day, or for 24 hours, with the average daily rate being around $65 USD, but there are better prices if you rent for 3 or 4 consecutive days. There are also larger carts available that fit more people and luggage. We just rented the regular size for us and our two friends and it was perfect for exploring the island!

We rented a golf cart from Primsa Golf Cart Rentals. You can book your cart online in advance to ensure they have one for you (they are often fully booked) and the price online is actually cheaper than the walk-in price. The golf cart wasn’t the fanciest, but the price was right and it did the job.

If driving a golf cart doesn’t sound like your thing, then why not just be a passenger on a golf cart tour?! To get the best out of the golf carts and for a totally unique way to visit some of the bars in the area, check out this Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Bar Crawl Tour. We did this tour on our first day, and it’s a great way to explore Isla Mujeres, find some of the fun local spots, and enjoy some drink samples!

There’s no need to worry about drinking and driving since one of their tour guides drives you to the best bars, restaurants, beaches, and hidden places on the island. You get to sit back and relax – or drink – rather. For $175 USD over 5 hours, they provide your sweet transportation and all your drinks, and it’s quite a lot (this is Mexico after all!)

This is one of our favorite tours – book your golf cart bar crawl tour online here!

3. Go snorkeling 

Without a doubt, one of the top reasons people come to Isla Mujeres is to snorkel! We love swimming in this goregous ocean, and snorkeling just takes it to the next level. The water is truly crystal-clear around the whole island, and the reef around here is filled with wildlife – I was so impressed with all of the colorful fish!

For the best snorkeling, you should join this Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour which includes stops at three unique locations. You’ll get to see the largest coral reef in the area called the Manchones as well as an underwater museum where you can see over 500 sculptures on the ocean floor! They also give you time to swim in a shallow reef, which gets you up close to the tropical fish and other marine life.

After you’re done swimming, the tour includes a fresh seafood lunch at a beach club restaurant where you’ll get to taste BBQ “tikin xic” – a Mayan-style fish that is super delicious. This entire experience is memorable and great for families with kids. It’s also really reasonable at $49 USD per person for 3 hours of snorkeling, leaving time for other activities!

Check out this tour’s 1,000+ 5-star reviews and book your spot here!

Of course, you can also go snorkeling directly from most of the beaches here on the island, as long as you’ve got your gear with you! There are also plenty of souvenir shops that sell or rent out snorkeling equipment too, so don’t worry if you haven’t packed any in your suitcase. You can read our top tips to snorkeling on Isla Mujeres here.

4. Explore Punta Sur and the Ruins of Ixchel Temple 

Although the beaches on the island get a lot of love, Isla Mujeres also has tons of fascinating history! You can really take a trip back in time at the southern edge of the island at Punta Sur. Just a 15-minute drive from town, you’ll find the ruins of Ixchel Temple, built to honor the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, and happiness.

I can easily say that Punta Sur has one of the most amazing sunrises in the world! The iconic “Cliff of the Dawn” marks the farthest east point in all of Mexico, and it’s also the first point in Mexico hit by the sun each and every day.

We highly recommend taking the short hike to the ruins, as there are terraces and viewpoints along the way with amazing ocean views. Keep an eye out for the iguana monument at the entrance to Punta Sur (and any real iguanas who might be soaking up the sun on the rocks!).

Once you’re at the temple, the atmosphere here is something else. It’s the perfect place to snap some photos and enjoy the view (Daniel had his camera out the whole time, it’s that picturesque). You can sit around the ruins facing the ocean and let the sea breeze wash over you. We had a hard time leaving it was so goregous at this point.

Punta Sur has an entrance fee of 100 MXN per person to access the walkways, temple, and terraces. To us, the fee was worth it as the views are incredible!

You can easily get to Punta Sur on your own if you rent a golf cart (that’s what we did) or just take a taxi from town. Either way, this is a place that’s worth the short trip in our opinion.

Related Read: If you want to see more incredible ruins, be sure to visit Chichen Itza on the mainland!

5. Swim with whale sharks 

Without a doubt, swimming with whale sharks around Isla Mujeres was one of the most exciting adventures we did here! Whale sharks are such magnificent animals, and swimming near them is truly a humbling experience.

These gentle giants aren’t actually sharks at all, but are the largest fish in the world, growing up to 32 feet (10 meters). Thankfully their diet consists of small fish, shrimp, and plankton, so we’ll be keeping our toes!

I recommend booking this full-day whale shark tour, so you’ll have plenty of time to get up close to these amazing creatures. We took this tour and were so impressed by our guide who knew where to go to find these humongous fish, and we even saw dolphins and manta rays too. That said, they can sometimes be tricky to find, so the more time you have, the better.

The 6-hour tour includes lunch and snorkeling equipment for $155 USD per person. These fish are only in the area at certain times of the year, so this tour is only available from May until September.

If you are traveling with a group of family or friends, you can book a Private VIP Tour for up to six people for $1,829 USD. A private tour lets you go at your own pace as you spend a couple of hours snorkeling with the incredible whale sharks. Breakfast, bottled water, soft drinks, equipment, and snacks are included too, plus transportation to and from your hotel in Isla Mujeres. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, book the same whale shark tour we took here.

6. Relax on a catamaran

Live a life of luxury for a day aboard your own catamaran! I love sailing on catamarans – it’s a fantastic way to get out on the water and get that sought-after tan too. Catamarans also offer a calm sailing experience, so no need to worry about sea sickness (something I often have to think about).

On this Private Sailing Catamaran Adventure, we sailed around the coast stopping at great snorkeling spots and Playa Norte as we spent the day at sea. An open bar, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and standup paddleboards were included for $271 USD per person for a group of four – which we felt was a great price for a private boat! We even got to stop at a swanky beach club, which was a fun addition to the day.

It’s everything I needed after a busy few weeks of work, so if you’re looking for a way to unwind, this is it! Bring your music, towels, and sunscreen, and hang out under the sun with your family and friends, safely guided by the experienced crew.

Don’t miss out on this private experience, I recommend booking it as soon as you can to secure your date!

Related Read: If you’re staying in Cancun, you can also hop on a catamaran cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres!

7. Relax at a beach club

Isla Mujeres offers a wide variety of fun outdoor activities, but skipping from one place to another can get a bit tiring! So if you’re looking for a place to relax all day long, then why not spend some time at a beach club, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and swimming?

One of our go-to beach clubs on Isla Mujeres is Kin Há Isla Mujeres, which is actually also a 4-star hotel, but you don’t need to book a room at this hotel to enjoy all the activities offered. Not only is it free to use the facilities (no minimum spend either), but their drinks and food menu is pretty reasonably priced too.

Speaking of food, they have an oceanfront restaurant that serves gourmet Mexican and American food, so we were never hungry as the day went on! They also have a swim-up bar in a gorgeous pool overlooking the ocean, which is probably my favorite part of this beach club. There are also a bunch of other fun activities like kayaking, rope swing, and a dock to walk way out onto the water.

Kin Há is an awesome spot for families with kids as well as couples and groups. They’re open from 8 am to 10 pm every day, so don’t forget your sunscreen and head on over!

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous (maybe you’ve got kids who want to burn off some extra energy!), then Garrafron Reef Park is another beach club nearby. This adventure park offers all kinds of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, zip-line, and even island tours. Of course, there are also spots to hang out and relax too – their Mayan sauna and panoramic infinity pool were heavenly!

If you’re already staying in Isla Mujeres, you can get admission to the park for $49 USD per person by simply turning up at the park without buying tickets in advance!

For those staying in Cancun, I’d highly recommend this full-day Garrafron Reef Park VIP tour, which includes VIP admission to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, snorkeling along the reef, a visit to Punta Sur, breakfast, as well as round-trip transportation from Cancun! This makes your visit a breeze – some might even say its a sea breeze!

I love the convenience offered here, and it gives you a chance to get to Isla Mujeres for a day. Plus you get to sit back and relax with a pre-arranged itinerary while enjoying the snack bar, international buffet, and open bar! Tickets for this tour cost $112 USD per person and can be booked here before you go.

8. Find all the signs

Pretty much anywhere you point your camera on Isla Mujeres will be an ideal spot for a picture, but nothing beats taking one with an Isla Mujeres sign! These colorful spots are all over Mexico from Palanque to Puerto Morelos and so many others, so while you’re visiting this paradise of an island, why not take an iconic picture to remember your trip?

One of my favorite spots is on the east side of the island at the end of Calle Abasolo, where you’ll find these colorful letters overlooking the ocean. The sign can be busy with tourists, especially during the high season, so it’s best to come early in the morning to avoid anyone photobombing your picture.

There are also a few spots dotted around the island where there are swings in the water with the Isla Mujeres letters above – super picturesque! Some of the best on the island are found at the Kin Ha Restaurant, Playa Tiburon, and at the Albatros Beach Club. These little gems will look great as the cover of your next Instagram post.

9. Check out the Underwater Museum (MUSA)

Just beneath the surface of the waters off Isla Mujeres is an incredible museum that is completely underwater. With no rooms or walls, the only way to see this museum is by snorkeling or scuba diving.

The Underwater Museum of Art was created to draw attention to and protect the coral reefs in this area. A sculptor created incredible life-sized structures (there are more than 500!) of people holding hands in a circle, a car, a man watching TV, and so much more! The hope is that marine life will take over these sculptures to form a complex reef structure.

The best way to get up close to the underwater museum is by scuba diving. If you’re a certified diver, this scuba diving tour gets you a two-tank dive to explore the museum. We did this tour and saw all the incredible sculptures and a variety of fish, turtles, rays, and coral.

We also got to explore the Manchones Reef, as mentioned before, so it was a great way to dive into the beauty just off of Isla Mujeres (literally!). This whole experience was 5 hours, and for divers like us, this was one of the most memorable experiences we had.

It’s $135 USD per person and includes all the necessary equipment. If you’re not certified, you can contact Pocna Dive Center to take a class before joining this tour.

Book this unique scuba diving experience here!

If you don’t want to scuba dive, snorkeling is another way to see the museum, and it doesn’t require any special certification. This underwater museum and reef snorkel tour takes you to the underwater museum as well as other coral reef areas.

The snorkeling equipment is included, along with snacks and a margarita – that’s my kind of tour! All of this for only $48 USD per person is a great deal! Plus, this is one of the most top-rated tours in Isla Mujeres, so you know it’s good!

Book your snorkeling tour online here with FREE cancellation options!

10. Go shopping 

No vacation is complete without a little bit of shopping to bring a piece of the island home with you! Isla Mujeres has some great places to buy souvenirs, or you can check out the boutique stores. 

While you’ll find vendors all over the island selling beautiful handcrafted jewelry made with silver, one of my favorite souvenir shops is Galeria de Arte Mexicano. Open from 9:30 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, they have good prices and many of their pieces are one-of-a-kind! They also sell authentic Talavera pottery. 

Gladys Galdamez Swimwear is a little swimsuit boutique that’s a perfect stop before you hit the beach. You can buy swimwear that’s ready to go or make an appointment for a custom-made piece. They’re open from 9 ’till 5 Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays), and offer many different swimwear designs for every taste. 

The last time we visited Isla Mujeres, we did quite a bit of shopping on Miguel Hidalgo Avenue. This is the main street in town and it’s full of stores – you can really find everything here!

11. Eat an amazing brunch

Everyone knows that a good day starts with a delicious meal! If you’re staying in a hotel, it can be tempting to enjoy breakfast there, but I’d highly recommend spending some time in town and exploring all the amazing brunch options on offer.

Our favorite spot on Isla Mujeres for a late morning meal was “Oh My Brunch”, which is what you’ll be saying after trying some of the delicious dishes they have! I had eggs benedict with a nice and strong coffee, which set my day off just right, but they also offer a load of other tasty options, including bagels, waffles, sandwiches, muesli, and more.

You’ll find Oh My Brunch right on the northern side of the island, and they’re open from 8 am to 3:30 pm daily. It’s a great spot if you’re thinking about heading to do some shopping or visiting the gorgeous Playa Note.

Other popular brunch spots I’ve heard good things about include the Coffee Break and Al Natural. I’ll definitely be trying these places too when we’re back on the island!

12. Party and eat on Miguel Hidalgo Avenue 

Located in the middle of Isla Mujeres, Miguel Hidalgo Avenue is the place to be when the sun goes down. This is a pedestrian-only street, so it’s safe to stroll down while you check out the restaurants, bars, and clubs. You’ll usually find live music playing somewhere if you’re here on the weekend and lots of shops stay open later for shopping.

Known as the best bar on the island, Rock Bar has great service and music as well as fantastic happy hour prices. It’s such a fun spot to meet locals or tourists and have some great conversations over a few drinks.

For great live music and drinks, head to El Patio Casa de la Musica. There are local musicians playing daily from 4:30 pm until midnight. It’s an open-air style place built around trees and the terrace is ideal for couples on a romantic trip or ask for your group to be at a table near the bar under some beautifully lit trees. The menu is extensive here with burgers, steak, onion rings, chicken wings, enchiladas, falafel, and more.

If you’re hungry while walking down the avenue, check out Capricci Pizza for a little piece of Italy in the Caribbean. They serve delicious pizzas and pasta and have outdoor seating right that goes right out onto the street – perfect for people-watching! It’s a small family-run restaurant and the food is affordable and tasty.

Morgan’s Restaurant & Margaritas Bar is another option that your nose might lead you right to! They have great Mexican food and some of the best seafood on the island. There are also good cocktails here, especially if you like authentic mezcal. Try the coconut margarita that has chunks of coconut in it – so yummy!

13. Playa Centro

Near the docks and just a three-minute walk south of Playa Norte is Playa Centro. The white sand and brilliant turquoise water will draw you in and make you want to stay all day! If you can stay all day (or come back), this is a beautiful spot at sunset.

Playa Centro is typically the second-most popular beach on the island, quieter than Playa Norte, so you can usually find a nice spot to lie back and relax.

The shallow water here is perfect for wading in and for families with kids who want to play in the ocean. My tip would be to rent a couple of lounge chairs for around $10 USD and grab a spot under the palm trees sprinkled around the beach!

14. Day trip to Isla Contoy  

Isla Contoy is a tiny, protected island that’s about a 45-minute boat ride away from Isla Mujeres. The island is completely uninhabited and home to a protected National Park where thousands of sea turtles go every year to lay their eggs. If you’re looking for an unspoiled paradise island, this is it!

The only way you can get here is with an official tour like the ones offered by Isla Mujeres Trips. For around $115 USD you’ll have a chance to see this magnificent island and maybe even spot some of the animals that call it home, including more than 170 types of birds, 250 species of fish, and, of course, turtles!

You’ll want to book early, as only a maximum of 200 people can visit this island every day, no matter which tour you book.

An important tip to remember is that no sunscreen of any kind is allowed while visiting and swimming near Isla Contoy, so I’d suggest you wear a rashguard for sun protection. All in all, visiting this island in the middle of the ocean is sure to be an experience you will never forget!

15. Women’s Beading Cooperative 

This little corner of Mexico will leave you with so many great memories – the hotels, restaurants, and tour companies are all such a big part of any holiday! However, when visiting places like this, I really like to support the locals who call this place home.

The Women’s Beading Cooperative is a little store where dozens of artisan women from the island come together to sell their hand-made pieces. The work here is high-quality, as the women spend hours putting jewelry and crafts together, one bead at a time.

You’ll find necklaces, earrings, and purses made with glass beads, shells, Swarovski crystals, and pearls. Usually, when you walk in, there will be a group of women beading here, so you can see the amazing work up close.

All the women earn a percentage of the sale of each of their items and the rest goes back to the cooperative to buy beads and other supplies. This is a great way to support local artists and buy a stunning souvenir from your trip. You can find this store here.

16. Go for craft cocktails

Nothing says tropical island getaway quite like sipping some delicious cocktails as the sun goes down! While Dan and I are craft beer-crazy, I won’t say no to a cocktail (or two), especially in a place as fun as Lola Valentina.

Open daily from 8 am to 1 am and located right in town on the northern side of the island, this cute restaurant caught my eye straight away with their hanging swing barstools, and their delicious mezcal cocktails sealed the deal. Mezcal cocktails are our favorite, the smokey flavor just adds to any fruity drink!

On top of the delicious cocktails, it’s a really trendy and laid-back spot that also serves some super tasty food if you’re feeling hungry. Their seafood is particularly good, so don’t miss out on this one! The whole fried fish was a hit, and if you’ve never eaten one before then you simply must try it while in Mexico (it’s a staple!)

If you want to bar-hop a little, another great spot is Ocean’s Isla, which is actually just across the street from Lola’s. They also serve some incredible food and their cocktails are next-level – you have to try their margaritas! They’re open from 8 am to 1 am daily.

17. Pool Del Rey 

While you can find swimming pools everywhere, a natural swimming pool isn’t nearly as common. Pool del Rey is one of those incredible natural pools that’s a picturesque spot for a swim on Isla Mujeres.

This pool is on the MIA Reef Isla Mujeres Resort, so if you aren’t staying here, you’ll need a day pass to access the pool. Day passes are $98 USD per adult and $49 USD for kids. You’ll get access to Pool del Ray as well as the beach, open bar, and food. If you’re hoping to spend the day here, then this is a good package to get!

Hot Tip: MIA Reef Isla Mujeres Resort is a beautiful all-inclusive resort, so why not consider booking a stay here if you’re looking for a place to stay?

18. Drop by Mercado Municipal 

On Guerrero Avenue, you’ll find Mercado Municipal, which is an excellent local market to explore.

The market here has the lowest prices in Isla Mujeres, and for that reason, both locals and tourists visit it every day of the week. The fresh fruit you can buy here is amazing, or try out one of the natural juices made right in front of you.

There are different restaurants to choose from at the market too, but Letty’s is the most popular (it’s always full, but they serve pretty fast). They have an extensive menu with all kinds of Mexican food, freshly made, flavorful, and very cheap. Even people staying in the best all-inclusive hotels of Isla Mujeres choose this market because it’s so delicious.

Mercado Municipal is open from 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday, but closed on Sunday and Monday, so don’t miss out if your dates line up!

19. Go scuba diving 

Scuba diving is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres and truly in any part of the Yucatán Peninsula. I’m PADI certified and have done plenty of dives, but each time I go beneath the water, I discover something new. No two dives are ever the same!

What’s great about scuba diving near Isla Mujeres is that many of the popular dive sites are in shallower water that doesn’t have much of a current. This is especially good for newbies to scuba diving.

When diving here, keep an eye out for whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles. You simply have to experience the spectacular coral reef here, which is the second-largest in the world.

Diving is possible almost any day here with an average of 300 good diving days a year! This means whenever you plan to visit, you should be able to get a dive in. The water temperature is consistently warm too.

The tour I have personally gone on and recommended is this popular scuba diving experience. This tour is for people who are already PADI certified. Lasting around 5 hours, it includes all of your gear and a guided dive to the underwater museum! It takes off from Isla Mujeres and you’ll visit two dive sites, so you can make the most of the experience.

If you’re not certified, don’t worry, you can do this 5-hour discovery dive! No previous diving experience is required, and an expert diver will take you to the depths of the underwater museum (which is pretty shallow, so not difficult for beginners).

If you want to become certified, then you’re in luck! You can do this PADI certification course that includes 2 days of class instruction, confined dives for learning, as well as dives in the ocean. By the end, you’ll have your PADI open-water certification!

This is my favorite activity in Isla Mujeres, book the same scuba tour I took here!

20. Yoga

The spectacular atmosphere of Isla Mujeres can make it feel as though time is flying by, even if you are just lying on the beach! So if you want to connect more deeply with this island, and feel much more present, a yoga class is one of my favorite activities on Isla Mujeres.

Located on Playa Norte (above Buho’s Bar), The Treehouse Yoga offers 2 to 3 classes a day in the mornings and evenings on every day of the week except Sunday. Classes are only 200 MXN and include a yoga mat if you didn’t bring one. The venue is really beautiful, and it faces the ocean.

These are walk-in classes taught by bilingual instructors who will adapt to your level, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi. There’s also no need to reserve in advance, you can just show up and namaste!

21. Rent a bike and explore 

Because Isla Mujeres is such a tiny island, it’s easy to get around by bike. It gives your feet a nice break and lets you cover more ground to see all the island has to offer.

For rentals, try out Rentadora Rasta Bikes, near the Municipal Market. You can rent a bike for 24 hours for under $10 USD and make sure you ask for a complimentary bike lock from them. You can bike all the way to the south side of the island in about an hour, although I wouldn’t recommend that on a really hot day!

Make sure you return the bikes on time the next day though, as the employees here can be strict with the rentals.

22. Go fishing 

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the best places in the world to go fishing. Every time we head out on a boat here, I’m shocked at how much we catch! Pretty much anywhere you cast a fishing rod near Isla Mujeres, it’s only a matter of minutes until you catch something.

You don’t need to be an experienced fisherman to catch fish here, but it does help to have a guide showing you the ropes. This private half-day fishing tour has a professional at the helm to take you to some of the best fishing spots near the shoreline. You’ll cast a line for barracuda, snapper, grouper, and more, depending on the time of year.

This tour is $450 USD for up to six people, so as you can see we put together a nice crew and caught a lot of fish! Kids are also welcome on this experience (and sometimes have better luck than the adults!). The tour includes all the fishing gear you’ll need, drinks, snacks, and pick-up from your hotel.

This tour offers FREE cancellation when you book in advance – check it out here.

23. Have a drink at the Isla Mujeres IceBar 

What better way to cool off than at an entire bar made of ice!? Heading to IceBar Isla Mujeres is a particularly great plan during the hottest months of the year – it’s quite the temperature swing once you step inside!

The entrance fee is $21 USD, and it includes 2 drinks and 1 shot. All the glasses are made from ice too, so make sure you have your drink before it melts! When you walk in, you’ll also be provided with a warm poncho with a hood, so you don’t get too cold.

This is a fun photo op spot on your vacation and a perfect way to take a break from the heat.

24. Explore the street art on Isla Mujeres  

One of the activities I enjoy the most in Isla Mujeres is walking around the island to see the colorful murals and sculptures scattered all over the place. You never know what might be around the corner! Because the island is so small, it’s really easy to get around, so while you’re walking from place to place, keep an eye out for the incredible art.

A great way to avoid missing out on some of the best street art here is to book a street art tour. You’ll have a local guide with you who will take you to the most famous spots (and hidden gems) around the island.

I love how this tour also doubles as a sightseeing tour, as our guide did a great job of sharing all the important history of the island as we explored.

This three-hour tour is $70 USD per person and includes a variety of stops to give you a feel for the island and its artistic culture. You’ll also stop at an art gallery where local artists showcase their pieces (paintings, wooden sculptures, and jewelry), visit an animal organization where you will get to pet some really cute puppies and drive to Punta Sur and back.

Check the details here and book this street art tour before you go!

25. Walking tour 

We firmly believe that the best way to get to know a place is with a local taking you to the best spots. Whenever we do a walking tour, we find those hidden gems we never could have discovered on our own and it gives us a feel for the island’s culture and people.

We took this exact walking tour during the first few days of our stay, so we could find all the good spots to return to. The guides also recommended other activities to try and we got some unique experiences out of it all! We visited a local chapel, saw the rainbow stairs of the La Gloria district, stopped by the Women’s Beading Cooperative, and visited the mansion of a pirate!

Best of all, it is a private tour so you can tailor the experience to fit your travel style and ask as many questions as you want. This 2-hour experience is $126 USD.

You can reserve your spot on the same walking tour we did here!

About Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The history of Isla Mujeres actually goes back more than 1,500 years from when it was once a Mayan province. The island was seen as sacred and home to a sanctuary for Ixchel, the Maya Goddess of the moon, and there was a temple built for her on the south side of the island, which was also later used as a lighthouse!

When the Spanish came to this island in the 1500s, they found all sorts of statues and images of the goddess and, as a result, named the island “Isla Mujeres” or “Island of Women”.

The temperature on this island is perfect beach weather, usually around 80 °F (26 °C). That said, the humidity can be quite high in the summer (up to around 80%), so it can feel a lot warmer. The winter months here from December to March are much drier with only a few showers, making it perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, or other water adventures.

So, even though it’s close to Cancun, the island doesn’t always get Cancun’s weather – it may be sunny on Isla Mujeres and rainy in Cancun!

This small island is full of so many incredible things to do, whether you’re a history buff interested in checking out ancient ruins, an adventure-seeker looking to explore under the water, or a beach bum hoping to soak up the sunshine on the beach. Or maybe even all three! It’s easily one of the best places in Mexico.

Getting to Isla Mujeres

The easiest and most popular way to get to Isla Mujeres is by ferry from Cancun. I recommend taking the Ultramar ferry. The best departure point is from Puerto Juarez and this high-speed ferry gets you to the island in about 30 minutes. The ferry departs every half hour from 5:30 am to 6 pm, and then every hour until 11 pm. You can grab a round-trip ticket for about 540 pesos ($32 USD).

If you’re flying into Cancun and heading right from the airport to Isla Mujeres, there are a few different options you can take. If you’re staying in a hotel on Isla Mujeres, it’s pretty common to arrange transportation directly through them.

However, if you don’t have transportation booked when your plane touches down, you’ll want to make your way to Puerto Juarez to catch the ferry. You can either book a private shuttle, take a taxi, or the most budget-friendly way is by taking the ADO Airport Bus to downtown Cancun for about $5 – $7 USD per person. You can then catch a taxi to the ferry docks which should cost under $10 USD.

And if you’re in the popular Cancun Hotel Zone, there are closer spots to catch an Ultramar ferry at either Playa Caracol or Playa Tortugas. You’ll want to check departure times though as these ferries aren’t as frequent as the ones from Puerto Juarez. If you want to depart from Puerto Juarez, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride away from the Hotel Zone or you can take the bus.

You can also join one of the tours to Isla Mujeres from Cancun that will take you right to the island, so you can skip any hassle of planning your own transportation. These are perfect if you’re staying in Cancun and want to see Isla Mujeres without booking accommodation, as you’ll be back in Cancun by the end of the day!

This half-day luxury catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres combines some of my all-time favorite things – getting to explore somewhere new, a luxurious boat ride, and an open bar! What I particularly love is that this tour is super flexible – you can choose to either go on a guided tour of the most popular sites or explore yourself. Just make sure you’re back in time for the gourmet lunch.

Tickets for this tour cost $139 USD per person, with the option to start at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, or 2:30 pm. My recommendation would be to go for the early one, as you’ll be back in Cancun in time to grab some food and get ready for an evening in the city!

With over 2,000 positive reviews, it’s a good choice. Book it for yourself here!

You can also read our full guide to the best Isla Mujeres tours from Cancun here.

Where to Eat in Isla Mujeres 

• La Kantina De Los Tacos De Humo: Mexican cuisine is definitely one of the best in the world. The variety of flavors, the freshness of its ingredients, and above all, the tradition. Who doesn’t love tacos? Well, if you stay in Isla Mujeres, know that this restaurant has the best tacos on the island! 

• Capricci Pizza & Sfizi: While walking around the island, I noticed an Italian group waiting in line to enter this restaurant. That was all the information I needed to give it a try, and boy, we weren’t disappointed. The wood oven pizzas were fantastic (so many flavors) and combined with the great service and really reasonable prices, this was a fantastic meal.

• Samura: Many different people around the island recommended this sushi place, and for good reason, the atmosphere of this restaurant can’t be beaten. The cocktails are some of the best I’ve ever had, and the sushi was super fresh and tasty. The extensive menu will make you want to go at least a second time, not to mention the 5-star service from every last member of the staff. 

• Lola Valentina: This restaurant came highly recommended, so we had to give it a try. They take traditional Mexican food to a whole new level with all the flavors you already know enhanced (somehow!), and the presentation of the dishes is exceptional. Great prices and even greater service. 

• Mango Cafe Isla: This cute corner café is a lovely place to go for breakfast or lunch. They have quite an extensive menu and offer more international/fusion cuisine with a special Caribbean touch. The guacamole was outstanding, the pancakes were delicious, and the variety of vegan dishes surprised me. It’s also very close to a great lookout point. 

• Xantolo: Great burgers, perfectly cooked steak, and some pretty amazing nachos. The fried shrimp and octopus ceviche had to be some of the best seafood we’ve ever had. Great vibes, live music, and open until midnight. 

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Lotus Beach Hotel – $$$ 

This is not a cheap option (at all!) but it is one of the most luxurious hotels in Islas Mujeres. Lotus Beach Hotel offers everything you can expect from a 5-star hotel that’s located right by the beach (and then some more!). Their rooms are very fancy, and their beach club is fancier still. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, this is it.

Lotus Beach Hotel has a wide variety of amenities such as Wi-Fi, pools, a bar by the pool, bike rental, snorkeling, and anything you’ll need on the beach (including an umbrella, chairs, and towels). In addition to that, they also offer other relaxing services such as massages, couple massages, solarium, hiking, and diving, among others.

Rooms here at Lotus Beach start at around $455 USD per night, but this can be higher during the higher season. I’d suggest booking Lotus Beach Hotel online in advance to avoid missing out!

Izla Beachfront Hotel – $$ 

Izla Beachfront is a luxurious 4-star hotel with private beach access. It’s around $300 USD, depending on the dates of your reservation. It is absolutely gorgeous, super comfortable, very clean, and they have amazing service. They also have a pool, solarium, wellness center, two on-site restaurants, room service, and WIFI! 

You can book a room here at Izla Beachfront for around $300 – $550 USD per night.

Casa de los Sueños (Kin Ha) – $$

Located right next door to the fantastic Kin Ha restaurant and beach club, Casa de los Sueños is a boutique hotel that offers a stunning range of contemporary rooms, bespoke massages, as well as direct access to the Caribbean Sea! During your stay, you’ll also have access to all 4 swimming pools (including one just for guests), as well as some of the tastiest food at Kin Ha.

Rooms here typically start at around $215 – $350 nightly, with room types ranging from double rooms up to the presidential suite, which is perfect for special stays and honeymoons! You can check available dates and book your room online here.

Selina Isla Mujeres PocNa – $ 

Selina Isla Mujeres PocNa is a budget-friendly hostel/hotel that’s within walking distance (under 2 minutes!) of the beautiful Playa Norte. It is an absolutely stunning property, complete with a huge pool and outdoor bar and restaurant area. Sometimes they even host events like yoga, live music, or even DJs! It’s the perfect place to socialize and meet travelers from all over the world.

You can choose either shared or private accommodations. The private rooms range from budget to luxury – almost like a 4-star hotel stay!

A bed in a dorm here starts at $40 USD per night, and you can book a private room for around $125 USD per night. To secure your stay in advance, I’d recommend booking online either on Booking.com or HostelWorld. 

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Thanks for reading! 

Hopefully, this guide to Isla Mujeres has inspired you to plan your own trip to this amazing island. We love how close it is to Cancun, but it feels like escaping to a completely different world. The laid-back vibe here combined with stellar views and unique things to see and do keep us coming back.

If you’ve been to Isla Mujeres or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! Also, check out some of our other Mexico posts for inspiration:

15 BEST Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

16 BEST Tours in Cancun (that you don’t want to miss!)

22 BEST Places to Visit in Mexico: From Hidden Gems to Top Attractions