- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres' story begins with the Maya, who honored the goddess Ixchel here. Her temple ruins at Punta Sur are a testament to this past. The town's colorful Caribbean architecture and the hidden ruins of pirate Mundaca's hacienda shape its identity.
The Mesoamerican Reef makes this a top spot for snorkeling and diving. Any Isla Mujeres travel guide will list MUSA's underwater art and Garrafón Park. Seasonally, you can swim with whale sharks, or visit the Tortugranja to see turtle conservation.
The island's cuisine centers on fresh seafood, from zesty ceviches to the signature Tikin Xic fish marinated in achiote. For the most authentic Tikin Xic, visit Playa Lancheros. This vibrant food culture is a key part of a visit to the island.
- Isla MujeresMexico
- Isla MujeresMexico
- Isla MujeresMexico
- Isla MujeresMexico
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimsuit
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightClothing
- #WaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Mexican Peso ($)
- Spanish
- Limited English in rural areas
- #NorthBeach
- #GarrafonNaturalReefPark
- #PuntaSur
- #IslaMujeresTortugranja
- #HaciendaMandarin
- #MangoCafe
- Snorkeling at El Garrafon
- Visit the sea turtle sanctuary
- Explore Punta Sur cliffs
- Sample fresh ceviche
- Relax at North Beach
Recommended Hotels in Isla Mujeres by Experience
Things to do in Isla Mujeres
Discover
Exploring Isla Mujeres reveals stunning natural beauty and unique art. Discover the dramatic cliffs of Punta Sur, the pristine white sands of Playa Norte, and the submerged sculptures of the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) in the Caribbean Sea.
Experience
Snorkel the vibrant Manchones Reef, rent a golf cart to tour the island, or shop for crafts at the municipal market. Experience local culture through events like the Whale Shark Festival or simply enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere.
Punta Sur
Sculpture park at the island's southern tip with cliff views.
Playa Norte
Famous beach with calm, shallow turquoise waters for swimming.
MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)
Unique submerged sculpture gallery for snorkeling or diving.
Tortugranja Turtle Farm
Conservation center for sea turtles with viewing tanks.
Hacienda Mundaca Ruins
Remains of a 19th-century pirate's estate and gardens.
Garrafon Natural Reef Park
Eco-park for snorkeling, kayaking, and ziplining.
Golf Cart Island Tour
Popular way to independently explore the island's coast.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Cancun Int'l Airport (CUN). To get from the airport to the city center, take an Isla Mujeres shuttle bus or taxi to Gran Puerto ferry terminal. Ultramar and Jetway ferries depart every 30 mins for the ~25 min ride to the island.
Getting Around
Explore the island by renting a golf cart or scooter. Taxis are readily available with fixed rates for destinations. The downtown area, El Centro, is compact and easily walkable. Formal public transport in Isla Mujeres is minimal beyond these options.
Local Essentials
When driving in Isla Mujeres, keep golf carts to the right lane. Always carry Mexican Pesos for taxis and local vendors, as cards aren't universally accepted. A key part of how you plan a trip to Isla Mujeres is booking golf carts online beforehand.
Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food in Isla Mujeres by tasting fresh ceviche and Tikin Xic fish, a regional specialty. Locals embrace late, leisurely dinners, so to truly eat like an islander, relax and take your time to enjoy the unique culinary scene.
Enjoy
Taste the island at Lola Valentina's vibrant setting, reserve seats ahead. Chill at Soggy Peso, a rustic beach bar, bring cash. For breakfast views at the relaxed Mango Cafe, expect waits. This is a great Isla Mujeres food and drink guide.
Lola Valentina
Modern Mexican-fusion dishes in a chic, lively atmosphere.
Olivia
Intimate restaurant for Mediterranean and Moroccan food.
Limon
Upscale surf and turf in a romantic garden setting.
Javi's Cantina Restaurant Bar
Fresh seafood and grilled items with nightly live music.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Isla Mujeres cultural activities through its heritage. Experience Día de Muertos (Hanal Pixán) with altars and parades. Join the Carnaval celebrations with floats and dancing, or witness the December festival for the island's patron saint.
Enjoy
Discover modern things to do in Isla Mujeres. The island pulses with live music, from salsa and Latin rhythms in downtown bars to indie artists at the Island Time Music Festival. A must-see for electronic music fans is the annual Utopia Festival.
Isla Mujeres Carnival
A multi-day fiesta in Feb/March with parades, floats, dancing.
Día de Muertos
Nov 1-2 celebration honoring ancestors with altars and parades.
Whale Shark Festival
Summer event celebrating the marine giants with tours & exhibits.
Island Time Music Festival
February festival featuring Nashville artists for charity.
Patron Saint Festival
Early December religious processions, music, and festivities.
International Fishing Tournament
Anglers compete in this prestigious May sportfishing event.
Founding of Isla Mujeres
August festivities with food, music, and cultural events.
Pure Island Living
Isla Mujeres has such a relaxed feel. It's so easy to get around on a golf cart and just explore. The whole place is small, friendly, and safe. We found great little spots for fresh ceviche right on the water. It's just pure island living.
Absolutely Perfect Beaches
The main reason for our trip was the beaches, and they did not disappoint. Playa Norte has the calmest, clearest water I've ever seen. It's perfect for just wading and relaxing all day long. So many little beach bars to get a drink too.
More Than Just a Beach
Isla Mujeres offers more than just sand. We rented a cart and drove all the way to Punta Sur. The views from the cliffs are just incredible. It feels like a totally different world from the north end. A really cool sculpture park there too.
Great Evening Strolls
Loved strolling down Hidalgo Avenue in the evenings. It's closed to traffic, so you can just wander between the shops and restaurants. So many great places to eat, from simple street tacos to nicer sit-down meals. A really lively spot at night.
The Perfect Escape
This was the perfect place to just slow down and disconnect. The pace of life is so much slower here. We stayed away from the main tourist area in one of the colonias and it felt very local and peaceful. Simple, easy, and super restful.
So Picturesque
The whole island is so beautiful. The colorful buildings, the bright blue water, the street art everywhere-it's a feast for the eyes. Every corner you turn, there's another great photo opportunity. The sunsets from the west side are epic.