It may be a tiny island, but there are still loads of things to do on Isla Mujeres to make it worth a vacation. Tourists tend to head from Cancun to experience Isla Mujeres for a day but once you arrive at this peaceful paradise, you’ll wish you spent more time here. Spend at least a long weekend on Isla Mujeres to take full advantage of everything to do on the island.
A visit to Isla Mujeres is one of our favorite ideas for a group trip. For help planning your group travels, head over to Troupe where you can let your group vote on their favorite accommodations and share ideas for things to do in Isla Mujeres.
If you’re looking for somewhere even further off the beaten track, check out these hidden gems to discover in Mexico.
Where is Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is located just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. To get there, you’ll fly to Cancun airport where you can take a bus, taxi, shared van, or private transport directly to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal. It’ll take about 30 minutes from the airport and once onboard the ferry it will take another 30 minutes to reach the island. Ferries typically leave every half hour.
Where to stay in Isla Mujeres
There are options on Isla Mujeres for beachfront hostels, budget hotels, luxury hotels, and even condo rentals on Airbnb. Where you stay is up to you. Hostel chain, Selina, has an option for staying in cozy, high-end teepees, right on the beach. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive, Mia Reef Hotel is situated on its private island.
Things to do in Isla Mujeres
Whether you plan to visit the island to take a load off or you’re looking to fill your days with adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Isla Mujeres for everyone.
Snorkeling
The clear Caribbean waters surrounding the island make snorkeling one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres. Plenty of boat tour companies around the island will take you to the best snorkeling spots. If you’d rather enjoy the underwater scenery on your own, Playa Norte is one of the best places to do it. Make sure you swim out a ways to be able to spot the tropical fish off the beach.
If you visit during summer, you can’t miss the opportunity to take a whale shark boat tour for the chance to snorkel with these magnificent creatures that call these waters home from May 15-September 15.
Have a drink at the Soggy Peso
This local bar is one of the top things to do on Isla Mujeres when you’re looking for a cold drink. The kind of place you can spend an entire afternoon, this funky beach bar is known for having delicious (albeit very strong!) margaritas.
Scuba diving
If you’re scuba-certified or looking to learn, you’ll find loads of dive centers on Isla Mujeres. The crystal clear waters off the island make this one of the best dive spots in the region. The reef is full of barracudas, tropical fish, eels, turtles, and reef sharks. There’s also MUSA, an underwater art museum, where you can view sculptures on the seafloor.
Rent a golf cart to explore
Renting a golf cart to explore the island is one of the most popular activities for visitors. There are golf car rentals all over the island and you should expect to pay around $50 for a day (expect to haggle a little).
Have a beach day on Playa Norte
Like most other Caribbean islands, the beaches here are dreamy. Warm, turquoise waters and white sand beaches can be found all around the island. The most popular beach, Playa Norte, has calm, shallow waters, making it a great option for visiting with small children. There are also plenty of beachside eateries with cabana beds and lounge chairs for guests to use while enjoying fresh seafood and drinks.
Las Hamacas Spa
Located nearly at the end of Playa Norte, the best place to spend a lazy afternoon on the beach is at Las Hamacas. The restaurant and bar have swings, beach beds, and hammocks for guests to enjoy. You’ll frequently find live music or DJs playing while guests enjoy food, drinks, dancing, and chilling. If you really want to relax here, there’s a spa that offers a variety of massages.
Visit Punta Sur
Located at the very south tip of the island, Isla Mujeres has Mayan ruins you can visit. The former temple of Ixchel is located here. Exploring these ruins, and enjoying the stunning views surrounding them, is one of the most popular things to do in Isla Mujeres. There’s plenty of space to walk around, hike down to the water, or enjoy a picnic lunch. If you need some shade, you’ll also find nearby restaurants.
Ready to visit Isla Mujeres and experience all there is to do on this Mexican Caribbean island? Head over to Troupe and start planning your trip.
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