adminIsla Mujeres: Is it island worth a visit?
Isla Mujeres has truly stolen our hearts. This charming island, just a short ferry ride from Cancun, sits off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, you can get here some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences you can imagine.
Travelers often find themselves choosing between Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres. We didn’t want to miss out, so we decided to visit both, and we’re so glad we did. Each island has its own unique vibe, and experiencing them both gave our trip that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Isla Mujeres: How do you get here?
There are several places where you can take the ferry to Isla Mujeres. However, there is only one place where you can also take your car on the ferry: Punta Sam. Isla Mujeres is a fairly large island and not cheap, so we find it convenient to have our own transportation on the island.
The most expensive crossings leave from Cancuns hotel zone.
The most popular place is Puerto Juárez, just north of Cancun. Here, you already pay noticeably less than the crossings from the hotel zone. If you want to take a car ferry, you can only depart from Punta Sam, which is about 10 minutes north of Puerto Juárez.
We didn’t make a reservation for the ferry; simply being there at least one hour before departure is enough. The fare includes one driver with additional costs for each passenger. We paid 2000 MXN (approximately €100) for a car with a driver and three additional passengers (round trip).
Prices and schedules do change a lot, you can check it here!
Isla Mujeres: The best accomodations
The north side of Isla Mujeres is the liveliest part of the island, with plenty of restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife. It can get quite busy and a little noisy, especially in the evenings. It’s also where you’ll find some great budget-friendly accommodations.
If you prefer quieter evenings, consider staying in the southern or mid-island areas. These parts of Isla Mujeres offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with boutique hotels and small guesthouses tucked away from the busy nightlife of the north.
Hotel tip: Nomads Hotel & Beachclub (adults only, but our kids are teenagers so it was no problem, not a place to stay with toddlers), Hotel Secreto, Hotel La Joya Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres: 11 fun things to do
Swimming with Whale Sharks
There’s plenty to explore on Isla Mujeres, particularly renowned for its Whale Shark tours due to the shorter sailing distance, making the trip more enjoyable. We booked our tour with Sea Hawk Divers, who provided thorough information and excellent service. Starting early at 7 am with breakfast and seasickness pills, we boarded a small boat with a group of 10. After a four-hour journey, we reached a gathering of boats where we swam with the majestic whale sharks, a National Geographic moment. Despite feeling seasick during the second swim, I managed to capture some great images with my GoPro. Lunch was skipped due to seasickness, but we enjoyed snorkeling at a reef near Isla Mujeres before returning to Playa Norte for another meal and a refreshing beer. It was a fantastic day! You can read the full story here!
-> Book your whale shark adventure here!
Dolphin Discovery
Swimming with Dolphins at Dolphin Discovery: Visit the dolphin encounter center for a unique experience swimming and interacting with these incredible creatures. The cost is over €100, so we opted out to save budget for the rest of our trip. We drove by and noticed it’s a bustling place!
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The Beaches
I love beaches. You’ll find more blogs on beaches on this website. Beaches of Kauai to name one. Also Isla Mujeres boasts stunning beaches like Playa Norte and Playa Garrafón, where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in crystal-clear waters. These are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in my life; the water feels like a warm bath!
​Golf Cart
Although we had our own car, renting a golf cart is the most popular way to explore Isla Mujeres. It’s fun, easy, and perfect for discovering the island’s hidden corners at your own pace, especially if you’re not bringing a vehicle over.
​Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm, crystal-clear waters surrounding Isla Mujeres. It’s a peaceful and active way to take in the island’s natural beauty, especially in the early morning or around sunset.
Turtle Farm
Visiting Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm: Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts and, during nesting season, participate in releasing baby turtles into the ocean. Please note the center is currently closed; reopening later this year is uncertain.
MUSA
One of the most unique attractions on Isla Mujeres is the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA). Dive or snorkel through this extraordinary underwater museum, where over 500 life-size sculptures have been submerged on the ocean floor. It’s not only an impressive artistic experience but also a project that supports coral growth and marine conservation. A must-see for anyone who loves art, nature, and adventure.
​-> Book your diving tour here!
Punta Sur
At the southern tip of Isla Mujeres lies Punta Sur Sculpture Park. The entry fee is around $10, but even if you choose not to enter, you can still admire several sculptures from outside the gates. My opinion, save your $10 for another activity and just enjoy the free view! The real highlight? This is the easternmost point of Mexico, making it the very first place in the country to witness the sunrise. Catching those early morning rays here is special. A lot of people come together here at sunrise, there is some music and a warm atmosphere.
​Touristy activities
Not my favorite but for those who love touristy activities: Try jet skiing, parasailing, or join fishing tours, all widely available on the island.
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The food is good!!
Enjoy the good restaurants on the island!
Some tips:
- Oh my brunch: we ate breakfast here, a relax place and not expensive at all!
- Green Verde: good food and the favorite of my daughter
- Lola Valentina: in the center of town, a stylish place, there is something here for everyone!
- Churrossik Park: have some sweet cravings? Stop at this place for a sugar shot!
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