4 BEST Isla Mujeres Tours from Cancun

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

We had visited the Yucatan Peninsula many times before ever taking a trip to Isla Mujeres and we didn’t realize what we were missing out on until we finally went! It’s a tropical paradise without the hustle and bustle of resort cities like Cancun. Plus, it’s only 13 kilometers (8 miles) off the coast, so it can easily be a day trip from Cancun or any city on the Riviera Maya.

We knew it was a must-see island in Mexico, but what we didn’t expect was how beautiful Isla Mujeres was going to be! We’re still dreaming of the white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, the lazy beach clubs with relaxed island vibes, and cruising around the island in a golf cart. Isla Mujeres has so much to offer and an endless list of things to see and do.

We decided to travel in style taking a relaxing catamaran cruise from Cancun to get to the island for the day, but that’s not the only way to get here! We found there are a ton of different tours in the Yucatan to choose from, almost too many! So we created this blog about the best Isla Mujeres tours from Cancun so you can enjoy this island paradise as much as we did.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Sometimes you just want someone else to handle all the details for you. If you’re like us, you’ll love this half-day private catamaran tour where you and up to 8 others can customize your itinerary with helpful staff that will help you every step of the way. Oh, did we mention there’s an open bar too?

About Isla Mujeres

One of the things we love most about the island is how small it is. This means you can easily see the whole thing, even if you only have a day! With a long skinny shape, it’s about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and only about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) wide. It is a hugely popular destination from Cancun, since it’s just off the coast, making it an incredibly accessible day trip option.

You can get here by taking a short and comfortable 30-minute ferry to escape the crowds of Cancun and indulge in the laid-back island lifestyle of Isla Mujeres. I recommend taking the Ultramar Ferry from Puerto Juarez in Cancun. It’s the easiest and fastest option unless you opt for one of the tours below!

The second you set foot on the island you are met with calm and easygoing vibes. We had heard about the beautiful beaches of Isla Mujeres and they certainly did not disappoint! A stark difference from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, this island is a haven for those looking to relax.

The most common mode of transportation is either a golf cart or scooter which definitely fits the laid-back vibe. We rented a golf cart and it was a fun, unique way to explore the island. You can easily walk the whole island, but taking a golf cart saves your feet and when else will you have the chance to drive a golf cart down the road?

Most tours will drop you off at the ferry terminal, which is located at the north end of the island. This area has lots of shops, great restaurants, and a few different beaches for you to choose from. Playa Norte is the most popular beach in the area where you can rent a beach chair for the day and swim in the beautiful clear water. We preferred visiting Playa Centro, a beach just south of Playa Norte that is much quieter in terms of visitors and has some great beach clubs nearby.

The south of the island is another great place to visit that is much less touristy with fewer restaurants and shopping, but instead focuses on natural beauty. We visited Punta Sur, an incredibly beautiful park that has Mayan ruins and epic panoramic beach views. This is the best place to catch the sunrise on the entire Yucatan Peninsula – it blew me away! It only costs $100 MXN ($6 USD) to enter which is well worth it.

Related Read: If you’re looking for more adventure while you’re on vacay, check out the 16 best tours in Cancun that you won’t want to miss!

Day trip to Isla Mujeres vs. staying on the island

We first visited Isla Mujeres on a day trip, but immediately knew we wanted to stay longer! We ended up returning and spent an entire week living our best island life.

The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, great restaurants, and lots to see and do. Just like there are tons of resorts in Cancun, you will have your choice of accommodations on Isla Mujeres with everything from large all-inclusive hotels to small bed and breakfasts. If you are going to stay on the island, I’d say it would be best to skip the day trip from Cancun and take a ferry to the island so you can bring all your stuff.

When you’re in Cancun, the Ultramar ferries leave from Puerto Juarez every half hour between 5:30 am and 6 pm and then hourly until 11 pm daily. There are return ferries leaving from Isla Mujeres every half hour between 6 am and 9 pm and then every hour until midnight.

The ferry ride is actually very affordable! A one-way ticket is $270 MXN or about $16 USD and a roundtrip adult ticket is $540 MXN or about $32 USD. You can buy tickets on the Ultramar ferry website ahead of time. The ferry ride is short, only about 30 minutes between Cancun and Isla Mujeres and they will store your luggage for you while you travel across. 

Choosing which area is better to stay in can be hard and it ultimately comes down to what kind of vacation you are looking for! While Cancun is the tourist hotspot of Mexico with lots of nightlife, big outlet shops, shows, and high-end restaurants, Isla Mujeres is a lot smaller. If you are wanting to stay with all the amenities and be on the mainland to take multiple day trips, I would say to stay in Cancun and simply organize a day trip to the island. 

On the other hand, if you are hoping for a vacation where you are escaping the hustle and bustle and living a more relaxed island lifestyle, Isla Mujeres would be my top recommendation! Both cities have similar activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving trips, sunset cruises, and white sandy beaches. While there is some concern for crime in Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a very safe place with one of the lowest crime rates in the area. 

The Best Isla Mujeres Tours from Cancun

1. Luxury Catamaran Tour with a visit to Isla Mujeres 

If you’re looking for a day of luxury (who doesn’t love a luxurious boat ride!), this catamaran cruise is your best bet! You will travel on a catamaran and spend about five hours cruising over to Isla Mujeres and exploring the island.

This is the exact tour we took and I love that it’s all-inclusive style and affordable at $139 USD. It includes round-trip transportation, an open bar, gourmet lunch, and is the only tour on our list that includes dock fees – not a bad price for all that’s included!

Stepping onto the catamaran instantly made me feel relaxed! The beautiful boat and the warm salty air are unlike any other place. You’ll start making your way to your snorkeling spot where you can explore the second-largest coral reef in the world. I felt super safe as the tour guides were attentive and gave great instructions so we could simply have fun.

Once you are done snorkeling, the party starts! After being in the hot sun all day, we were very excited to have lunch and access to the open bar. After slowly making your way to Isla Mujeres, you’ll have a few hours to explore on your own, or you can choose to take a guided tour of the island.

Be sure to snag a spot on this incredible experience, it was one of my favorite things I’ve done in Cancun!

2. Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour from Cancun with Open Bar

We absolutely love private tours. You get more one and one time with your guide, they are more customizable, and give you more of a personal experience! If you’re traveling with a group to Isla Murejes, this private catamaran tour actually makes it affordable to feel like a celebrity for the day!

The boat is quite impressive with lots of areas to lounge on deck to soak up that Mexican sunshine, and you will have a private captain and staff! We love that this experience can be super personal with only up to 9 people allowed, so you can turn it into your own little party. You can play your own music, decide where you want to go, and the staff is dedicated to just your group so you’ll be sure to have a good time!

You can choose between a 4-hour charter which costs $570 USD per group or a 7-hour charter which costs $980 USD per group. The ship holds up to 9 passengers and includes an all-you-can-drink open bar and all snorkel gear. You will want to bring some cash along as there’s a $20 USD dock fee and reef tax per person not included in this price. Lunch and hotel transportation are also not included but you can choose to upgrade your experience, which might be a good idea as you’ll be in the hot sun and drinking for a few hours!

Our favorite part of this private tour is that you have full control to customize your itinerary to make it just what you want for the day. You can choose between getting off the boat and exploring Isla Mujeres or staying on board your catamaran and visiting different secluded beaches and bays around the island. Both the half and full-day charters offer multiple departure times depending on if you’re a morning person or want to catch the sunset on the ride home. 

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll be sure to have an amazing sailing adventure! Because it’s a private tour, dates are limited, and book up fast, so make sure to reserve your private catamaran online here.

Related Read: Visiting the Tulum Ruins while you’re in the area? Check out our guide on all the things to know before visiting the Tulum Ruins.

3. Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun 

Admittedly our favorite tour on the list, this experience stands out by taking you to visit both Isla Mujeres and the stunning protected island of Isla Contoy!

Isla Contoy was a complete surprise to us and easily the highlight of our experience. The island was declared a National Park in 1998 and is a beautiful slice of untouched tropical paradise located just north of Isla Mujeres. We felt like we were in another world, it was so remote. This experience was made even better by the fact that only 200 visitors are allowed on the island per day!

We spent our time on Isla Contoy exploring the secluded beaches and snorkeling through the pristine reefs full of colorful fish. I love visiting islands with minimal human influence and being able to experience the wildlife that naturally thrives. There are different types of endangered sea turtles found here as well as more than 150 species of tropical birds. The staff are wonderful and work hard to make this a memorable experience. They ensure you’re well-fed, make it a party by playing music, and explain the landscape as you sail on this beautiful double-decker catamaran. 

This 9-hour tour will start bright and early with a 7:30 am pickup and includes round-trip transportation from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The tour is all-inclusive with an open bar, a breakfast, and a buffet-style lunch included as well as all your snorkel gear for $148 USD per person. The only price not included is the $20 USD dock fee that is charged per person, so make sure to bring along some cash! 

We loved that this relaxed tour takes you to places most tours don’t! It’s truly a memorable experience you can reserve a spot online for to enjoy this remote part of the Riviera Maya.

Related Read: If you’d prefer to sail from Playa del Carmen, these are the best catamaran tours to choose from!

4. Half-Day Sailing Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

If you’re traveling on a budget but looking to have an epic day on the water, this is the catamaran tour for you! I love that you have a chance to do some snorkeling around Isla Mujeres at a popular coral reef where you can jump off the boat and see all the colorful fish.

Once you are done snorkeling, you will be able to take advantage of the open bar and the snacks served on board as you make your way to Isla Mujeres. You will have a few hours of free time to soak up the island vibes here so be sure to make the most of it! 

Honestly, this tour has everything you need and is much more affordable than other tours out there! You get to sail on a catamaran (which is worth the money in itself) and explore the beautiful island. For only $80 USD your snorkel gear, snacks, open bar, and round-trip transportation from Cancun are also included! You will be charged a dock fee of $20 USD per person on the day of your experience, but that’s standard with most Isla Mujeres tours from Cancun (except for #1 on our list!).

There is also a photographer on board who will be taking photos throughout your trip, so you can purchase some Instagram-worthy shots at the end of your tour!

We always say that the tour guides make the experience so it’s good to know that the staff on this boat are incredibly friendly. The whole tour, including the snorkeling, is very organized leaving you to relax and enjoy your trip. This is one of our favorite tour options for those budget travelers who are looking for a memorable and relaxing day to Isla Mujeres! You can reserve your spot online before it fills up.

Things to do on Isla Mujeres on a Day Trip

1. Relax at a beach club 

While we love the excitement that comes with a boat tour, sometimes relaxing on the beach is just what you need.

Playa Norte, the most popular beach on the island, is a great place to go where you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs for between $10-$20 USD.

Our favorite beach club on the island was hands down Kin Ha Isla Mujeres. We still dream about this slice of heaven on the south end of the island. This beautiful hotel offers day passes for about $20 USD with discounts offered to those dining in the oceanfront restaurant. There are three pools you can choose from as well as the gorgeous beach, great snorkeling from the beach, and access to non-motorized beach toys like kayaks. 

Another great beach club experience is at Zama Beach and Lounge. It’s just north of Playa Centro which has delicious food and great entertainment, especially if visiting around sunset. 

If snorkeling is your priority, I highly recommend Garrafon Reef Park + Beach Club. There are even dolphins you can swim with, which is a total bucket-list item! This beach club is more like an adventure park with some of the best snorkeling on the island, ziplining, biking, and of course, a beautiful beach where you can spend your day drinking in a hammock. The park is especially popular amongst families and costs between $80 USD and $190 USD depending on the experience you are looking for.

Beach clubs are such a treat and something we try to do at least once when we are in tropical destinations. They have so many amenities that make your day out in the sun even more relaxing, and are honestly worth the price for all that is usually included!

2. Rent a golf cart and explore

Once we heard that the primary mode of transportation on the island was with a golf cart, we knew exactly how we were going to spend our day. Cruising the quiet streets on a golf buggy is not only affordable but a whole ton of fun!

We took turns driving the golf cart down dirt roads where there was no one else around so we could rip around like we were in Mario Kart. The carts are easy to drive and there are only a few roads on the island making exploring easy without the risk of getting lost. 

You will find golf cart rentals all over the island with the majority of them being just by the ferry terminal where you will get off the boat. Golf cart rentals come in two sizes, small and large, with all golf carts allowing a maximum of four passengers.

We rented a small golf cart that has your typical design with two people facing forward and two facing backward. There are also large golf carts you can rent that have all four people facing forward and sometimes have extra room for luggage. 

If you want to rent a golf cart, be sure to bring your driver’s license along with you as you will need to leave that with the rental company as a deposit. Depending on how long you spend in Isla Mujeres, you can choose an hourly, daily, or weekly rental. Longer rentals work out to be a better deal but if you’re only visiting for a day trip, the hourly price is still pretty affordable. If you wanted to cruise through the island without stopping, it would take about 30 minutes to drive around so I recommend booking for at least two hours to give yourself a good amount of time to enjoy the sights. 

The price per hour rental will depend on the season you visit and the company you book through. Small golf carts are generally around $15 USD per hour while large ones cost a few dollars more, around $20 USD per hour. Daily rentals are also available, typically costing around $50-$75 USD depending on the size of golf cart.

3. Eat! 

There are a few amazing restaurants that you can check out while visiting Isla Mujeres. We had trouble narrowing it down to our top three!

One of our all-time favorites is 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.

Many different people around the island recommended Samura for sushi and for good reason! 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 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. 

4. Go snorkeling

One of the best things you can do in Isla Mujeres is snorkel! This is honestly one of the best snorkeling spots I’ve ever been to. The water is crystal-clear and the reef is teeming with colorful fish and other unique wildlife. It is truly an amazing experience.

The easiest way to access this underwater paradise is with this Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour. Not only does it take you snorkeling in the largest coral reef in the area, Manchones, but it also includes three stops at beautiful locations around the island. There is also an underwater museum (yep, you read that right) where you can see over 500 sculptures on the ocean floor. It is wild!

After you’re done snorkeling, you will be treated to a fresh seafood lunch and get to relax at a beach club. You’ll try a Mayan-styled fish dish called “tikin xic” which is super fresh and delicious. This is a great experience for families with kids, and really just anyone looking for a fun day in the water. It is reasonably priced at $48 USD and can be reserved online here!

Related Read: Scuba Diving near Island Mujeres is also super popular!

5. Visit Punta Sur

Visiting Mayan ruins in Mexico is a major draw, and Isla Mujeres has some impressive ones! On the edge of the island, you’ll find Punta Sur, a beautiful park filled with long-standing history. The Xchel Temple Ruins were built to honor the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, and happiness. 

This ancient temple was once a lighthouse and is actually the highest point on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you visit in the early morning, you can catch one of the most amazing sunrises in the world. Taking a hike to the ruins is a popular activity as you can see the ocean and beaches all around you the entire way – it’s quite stunning! If you’re lucky, you can see the iguana monument at the entrance of Punta Sur where you might catch iguanas soaking in the sun on the rocks!

The temple is a truly magnificent structure and is so impressive you just have to stand there and take it in for a moment. It is the perfect place to chill out for a little while, enjoy the view, and snap a few photos. You can sit right next to the ruins and look over the expansive ocean and soak in the magic of this ancient temple.

Related Read: A trip to Cancun is not complete without taking a day to explore the cute town of Valladolid! Here’s your complete guide to the best things to do in Valladolid.

How long is the boat trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres? 

When you’re standing at the port, I was surprised that you can actually see Isla Mujeres as it’s only a short 13 km (8 miles) off the coast. If you take a direct ferry, the boat trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes about 20-30 minutes. A catamaran tour will take much longer to cross as you will not just speed across but instead enjoy the journey as much as the destination – our favorite way to travel. 

One of the reasons we loved our catamaran tour was that we got to relax on deck with a drink in hand and take in the beautiful colors of these tropical Caribbean waters. The whole experience is relaxed and a great way to make some new friends. You will have time to eat, drink, and snorkel as you slowly make your way across to the island.

On the way back, you will not make stops but still cruise across at a slower speed enjoying the scenery around you. If you choose an afternoon tour, be prepared for one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see!

Is the catamaran trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres rough?

The island of Isla Mujeres acts as a shelter to protect the waters between the two destinations making the journey across pretty calm. Bailey often gets seasick on crossings like this but even she was pleasantly surprised at how calm the water was. She took motion sickness medication before we left and was able to enjoy the full experience without any issues. 

Of course, there are seasons when the water can get a lot more choppy. If you plan your trip for Mexico’s dry season, between December and April, you will be rewarded with beautiful weather and calm waters. On the other hand, between June and November is Mexico’s hurricane season, when the water can get quite choppy. I would highly recommend avoiding booking a boat tour during these months if you’re prone to seasickness!

Related Read: There’s so much you can do while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula that we put together a guide of the top tours in the Yucatan so you can see the best of the best!

Is visiting Isla Mujeres worth it?

Yes, yes, and YES! This popular island has gotten a lot of tourism buzz and we’re happy to report it’s definitely deserving of it. Not only is the location convenient being so close to Cancun but the island itself has a lot of charm. We spent the day on the island cruising around in a golf cart and relaxing at beach clubs but could have easily stayed longer to explore all the beauty here. 

Exploring Isla Mujeres was so much fun, especially finding out how different the north and south of the island are. The north has the majority of the busy tourist-style shops, restaurants, and clean beaches. In contrast, the south end of the island, called Punta Sur, is home to Mayan ruins, uncrowded beaches, a beautiful lighthouse, and a sea turtle sanctuary. It feels like you are visiting two different places when driving around here, even though it’s such a small island.

A trip to Isla Mujeres is made so much better when you combine your trip with one of our favorite places: Isla Contoy. While Isla Mujeres is a small island, it can get quite busy. The remote island of Isla Contoy is an experience in itself being so exclusive and untouched. There are not many places like it left in the world.  

Other Activities to do While You’re in Cancun

Don’t let visiting Isla Mujeres be the only adventure you take in Cancun! I’ve been coming to Cancun since I was a kid and I never get tired of visiting. There are so many fun things to do in Cancun, that will make for an amazing vacay. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!

• Hit the beach – I know it goes without saying that you’ll be spending a few days at some of Cancun’s best beaches! Even after your beach day on Isla Mujeres, be sure to check out some different beaches while you’re in Cancun. Playa Chacmool is a hidden gem in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone I love and the sunsets at Playa Gaviota Azul are unreal.

• Tour an underwater museum – Whether you’re snorkeling or scuba diving in Cancun, a visit to MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) is a must. There are hundreds of sculptures down here and it feels like visiting the Lost City of Atlantis! This snorkeling tour takes you to MUSA along with visits to a shipwreck and a cenote!

• See Mayan ruins – Right in Cancun you can step back in time with visits to El Meco Ruins or the San Miguelito Ruins. Of course, to see some of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, you’ll want to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun. We took this tour of the ruins that included a guide, a stop at a cenote, and lunch!

• Cancun Scenic Tower – After you’ve explored the Caribbean waters by boat, you need to see it from an ariel view! The Cancun Scenic Tower gives you amazing views of the Caribbean and the sprawling Cancun area below! The entire viewing deck lifts up, so you won’t even need to climb any stairs to get this view.

• Eat, eat eat! – Calories don’t count on vacation, right? The restaurants in Cancun deliver on amazing food – especially the Mexican restaurants of course. Mextreme has the best tacos and I always order the Aztec soup! If you want to try a bunch of different dishes in an evening, I say go for a taco tour in Cancun. My pick is this taco and beer food tour will take you to five popular spots for a fun night you’ll want to arrive hungry for!

Where to Stay in Cancun

If you’re going to be taking a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, then you’ll need a place to stay! Below are some of the best hotels (for every budget) in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

For budget travelers, the Selina Cancun Laguna Hotel Zone is a great choice. It has the typical hostel vibes which includes the woes of a shared living space, but overall I really enjoyed my stay. For the price and fun atmosphere, you can’t go wrong! You can book this hostel on Hostelword or Booking.com.

If you prefer something a little nicer, I love the JW Marriott Cancun Resort. It’s not all-inclusive, which I enjoy because there are so many delicious restaurants in Cancun! The hotel is located right on the beach and has a huge pool. Rooms are typically $300-$500 USD depending on the time of year.

Of course, we all love a luxury all-inclusive stay and for that, I always book either the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun or the Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun Adults Only. Both are not cheap but are equally as luxurious with fantastic oceanfront locations, delicious food, quality alcohol, and more.

More of a luxury traveler? Learn about the absolute best resorts in Cancun!

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!

Our trip to Isla Mujeres will forever be one of the highlights of visiting Mexico and we can’t recommend it enough. Leaving the business of Cancun, whether for a day trip or a few nights, to soak up the chilled-out island vibes of Isla Mujeres is a must! Even if you’re only planning on doing one day trip while in Cancun, a trip to Isla Mujeres is a great choice! 

Before you book your plane tickets, we have lots of other blogs about Mexico to help plan your vacation including a couple of related reads below:

31 EPIC Things to do in Tulum, Mexico

Cancun Airport to the Hotel Zone – 9 Things you NEED to KNOW!

13 BEST Chichen Itza Tours from Cancun

15 Things to KNOW Before Swimming with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres