DIANA BANCALE
Founder and author, travel blogger since 2014.
Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico, located just off the Yucatan coast in the Mexican Caribbean. Small and easy to explore by golf cart, it’s loved for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and its relaxed holiday vibe.
In this guide, I’ll share what to see in Isla Mujeres, its most stunning beaches, where to eat, how long to stay, and how to get there by ferry from Cancun.
Note: I visited Isla Mujeres for the second time in July 2025. I chose it because, unlike the Playa del Carmen area during this season, it was one of the destinations with the least amount of sargassum (the invasive seaweed that has unfortunately been affecting much of the Riviera Maya). At Playa Norte, the water was perfect, without a single trace of it.
If you want to check which areas are affected by sargassum and which are clear, I recommend following this Facebook group where travelers share up-to-date photos and reports.
Do you need travel insurance for your next vacation?
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Isla Mujeres was discovered in 1517 by the Spanish explorer Francisco Hernández de Córdova. Its name, meaning “Island of Women,” comes from the female statues found near the temple of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility.
How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
There’s no airport on the island, so the most convenient way to reach it is by ferry from Cancun. The Ultramar company departs from Puerto Juárez, with additional departures from Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol.
If you’re staying in downtown Cancun or arriving from the airport or ADO bus station, Puerto Juárez is the most convenient departure point. If you’re in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Playa Tortugas is the easiest option.
From Puerto Juárez by ferry
The ride from Puerto Juárez takes 15–20 minutes on a ferry with both air-conditioned indoor seating and open-air decks. A round-trip ticket costs about 30 dollars, and ferries run every 30 minutes. If you’re unsure of your return time, you can buy an open ticket and use it at any time.
You can purchase tickets online and simply scan the QR code you’ll receive by email at the port.
The crossing is short but beautiful, passing through waters of brilliant turquoise, with warm air on your face if you stay outside. On my trip, there was even a musician on board playing mexican and international songs for tips (bring cash if you’d like to contribute).
How many days to stay in Isla Mujeres
Many people visit Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun, that’s what I did back in 2016. However, I recommend staying at least 2–3 days so you can enjoy the island’s atmosphere and explore more than just Playa Norte, which is where most tours go.
Things to do in Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Norte is famous for its soft white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, shallow enough to walk far out. It’s truly paradise and by far the most stunning beach on the island.
Behind the beach, you’ll find restaurants and beach clubs where you can rent loungers and umbrellas (a must, the sun is intense). Prices are around 800 pesos for a set of two loungers and an umbrella.
Arrive early in the morning for calmer water, fewer people, and to avoid the party boats that anchor here later in the day.
From my experience, the left side of the beach (when facing the water) is quieter. I spent the day at Marina Punta Blanca, renting a front-row lounger and umbrella: they also have a beachfront bar/restaurant.
Downtown Isla Mujeres
Located at the northern end near the ferry port, downtown is a colorful maze of Caribbean-style buildings, murals, restaurants, and shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing.
It’s lively in the evenings when the main street fills with live music and the scent of local food. This is the place to shop for souvenirs, try street food, and soak in the island’s energy.
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The southern tip of the island features rugged cliffs, a lighthouse, and the remains of a Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel. The ocean views are spectacular, especially at sunrise.
MUSA –Underwater Art Museum
A unique underwater museum with hundreds of submerged sculptures designed to encourage coral growth. You can visit it by snorkeling or diving.
Garrafón Natural Reef Park
A natural park ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, or relaxing in a hammock. Entry fee applies.
Whale shark snorkeling
From May to September, you can swim with whale sharks: an unforgettable experience.
Explore the Island by golf cart
At just 7 km long and 650 meters wide, Isla Mujeres can be crossed from north to south in about 30 minutes. Renting an open golf cart is a fun way to explore. Prices range from 80 dollars per day, so sharing with others can make it cheaper.
Best beaches in Isla Mujeres
- Playa Norte: The most famous and scenic.
- Playa Lancheros: A quieter beach with several local restaurants.
- Playa Media Luna: A small bay with often rough water. Swimming is prohibited, but it’s great for a walk and is a nesting site for sea turtles.
- Playa Tiburón: Starting point for snorkeling tours.
- Playa Centro: Close to the ferry pier, convenient and equipped, perfect if you want to stay central.
Where to eat in Isla Mujeres
The downtown area has plenty of restaurants and bars, but being a tourist hotspot, the quality can vary.
From my experience:
- Oh My Brunch – International-style breakfast/brunch.
- Isla Burger – Excellent burgers.
- Abuelos – Traditional mexican food at great value.
If you have a kitchen and prefer cooking, Super Aki supermarket in the center is well stocked and reasonably priced.
Where to stay in Isla Mujeres
From hostels to luxury resorts, Isla Mujeres offers a wide range of accommodations. For a good mid-range option, I recommend Mint Resort, a beachfront hotel with pools, just a 5-minute walk from downtown.
CHECK PHOTOS AND AVAILABILITY HERE
If you want to check other options to stay in Isla Mujeres, have a look at map below!
Practical tips & FAQ
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry season with mostly sunny days.
June to September is the rainy season, but it depends on luck, I went in July, it was hot but sunny every day.
Travel insurance for Mexico
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended. Healthcare in Mexico is private and can be expensive, especially for emergencies or hospital stays. Insurance also covers cancellations, lost luggage, theft, or delays, which happen more often than you’d think.
I use Heymondo for my trips: it’s flexible, easy to manage via app, and offers comprehensive coverage. Here’s a link with a 5% discount available year-round.
Staying connected
To avoid expensive roaming charges, I recommend an unlimited data eSIM from Holafly — it worked everywhere on the island. You can get a 5% discount here with my code BANCALE.
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Money & payments
The currency is the Mexican peso, however dollars are widely accepted. You can withdraw from ATMs (often better rates than currency exchange) or exchange cash at banks and exchange offices. Many places accept credit cards, but some restaurants and beach clubs are cash-only, so always carry some.
Isla Mujeres or Holbox?
I’ve been to both, and it depends on your time and preferences. The water is equally stunning, but Holbox is farther to reach. If you only have two days, Isla Mujeres is easier from Cancun.
Holbox has a more authentic feel with sandy streets and fewer crowds, while Isla Mujeres is much more touristic.
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