The Ultimate Guide to Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Last Updated on November 16, 2024

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Isla Mujeres is just a short ferry ride away from Cancún yet seems like a world apart. It’s a small, colorful and laid back island, rich in history and natural beauty. With one of the best beaches in all of Mexico, beautiful scenery, amazing food scene and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Isla Mujeres is the perfect island escape. And if you want to do more than just spend your days soaking up the sun, there are plenty of things to do in Isla Mujeres to keep you busy.

The Island of Women is one of Pueblos Mágicos, which is a group of over 170 towns, that are recognized by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism for their “magic” qualities. Rich history, beauty and natural treasures is what earns the town its Pueblo Mágico status. Isla Mujeres is one of four Magic Towns in the state of Quintana Roo (along with Bacalar, Cozumel and Tulum).

Being just a short ferry ride away from Cancún, Isla Mujeres is a popular day trip for those looking for a little island escape. Most people who come for the day, spend the day at Playa Norte and bar hop, some rent a golf cart and take a ride around the island. But even though the island is small, there are so many things to do in Isla Mujeres, that I highly recommend planning a longer stay.

How to get to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, right off the coast of Cancún and is easily accessible by a ferry. The most popular way to get there is to take the Ultramar ferry from the port in Puerto Juárez, which is about a 20-minute ride from the Cancún airport.

So, your first step is to get to Puerto Juárez, and assuming you’re coming from the airport, you have a couple of options. here are a couple of options.

• Bus and taxi – The cheapest way is to take the ADO bus from the airport to downtown Cancún, and from there a taxi to Puerto Juárez. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s the best deal, if you’re on a budget (bus – 130 MXN / taxi – 100 MXN). To catch the bus at the airport, take a right as you exit the Arrivals terminal and there will be platforms with several buses and a small stand to purchase your ticket. Once you get to the main Cancún bus station, there will be plenty of taxis waiting.

• Private transfer – The most convenient way is to use a private transfer, which if booked ahead of time, is not that expensive. Also, it’s the most cost-effective option, if you are traveling in a small group. CARM Tours & Transfers is a reputable transportation company, that I personally used more than once and highly recommend. You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned private van and the cost is per vehicle depending on number of people. Make sure to book your ride a couple of days before arrival (use promo code CARMCARES for $5 USD off any round trip or $2 USD off any one-way transfer). At the time of booking, you also have an option of adding your ferry tickets to your reservation, which are handed to you when you meet your driver. There’s no extra charge for that, so I highly recommend doing it, as it saves you standing in line.

Getting to Isla Mujeres by ferry

Once you get to Puerto Juárez, just hop on the next Ultramar ferry, which runs daily every 30 minutes (between 5.30 am – 11 pm). One way ticket costs 270 MXN (540 MXN round trip) and you can purchase it at the ticket counter or use the automated machine (unless you added it to your transfer, then you are all set). The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes. Sit on the top deck for nice views.

If you are already staying in the Hotel Zone in Cancún, you also have an option of taking the ferry from one of the two spots there (Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol), but they run less frequently.

Once you get to Isla Mujeres, the ferry terminal is just steps away from the downtown area and Playa Norte. If your accommodations are a bit further away or you have too much luggage, the main taxi stand is right around the corner (look for red sedans).

Getting to Isla Mujeres by a private boat

There are also several boat companies, that offer private boat service between Cancún and Isla Mujeres. This might be a good option for those who want to avoid the crowded ferry or are traveling with a bigger group. If you are interested in the private boat transfer, contact Roberto from Contoy Adventours, he will take care of you.

How to get around Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is not a big island, just five miles long and half a mile wide, with most of the action concentrated in El Centro, which is the downtown area. That’s where you will find Playa Norte, the best and most popular beach, as well as most hotels, bars, restaurants and stores. If that’s where you’re staying, you will be able to walk pretty much everywhere. Some people choose to stay in the Southern part of the island, which is more quiet and remote. If you’re one of them, you will need a taxi or a golf cart to get around, as there isn’t much there.

Having said that, no matter which part of Isla Mujeres you choose for your stay, make sure to explore the rest of the island. I highly recommend renting a golf cart, either for a day or longer, depending how many days you have in Isla. It’s not only the best way to get around, but also one of the fun things to do in Isla Mujeres. It gives you freedom to stop anywhere you want or see something interesting along the way. Golf carts are very popular and there are plenty of rentals to choose from, but if you are traveling in high season, I recommend making arrangements ahead of time.

If you need a quick ride, there are also plenty of taxis available. The main taxi stand is right by the ferry terminal, or you can just flag one down (easy to tell, they are all red sedans).

Best things to do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Spend the day at Playa Norte

Often named one of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa Norte is the biggest and most popular on the island. It really is that picture perfect beach with soft, white sand and impossibly gorgeous turquoise water. Also, unlike a lot of other beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa Norte doesn’t have the seaweed problem, that the other ones often face.

Between lounging on the beach, swimming and chilling at the beach bars, you can easily spend an entire day at Playa Norte. Even if you are not staying in a beach front hotel, there are plenty of chairs and umbrellas for rent.

For all the reasons mentioned above, Playa Norte is extremely popular, which means it does get crowded. It’s also located a short walk from the ferry, so a lot of day trippers from Cancún make it their destination for the day. So just keep that in mind, that as gorgeous as the beach is, do not expect it to be quiet nor empty. Quite the opposite actually. If you want to enjoy Playa Norte without the crowds, go early, as it usually doesn’t get busy till 10-11 am. Also, the stretch of the beach near the ferry is the most crowded, and the more east you go, the quieter it gets.

Take a photo with the Isla Mujeres sign

Bright, colorful signs are typical for a lot of Mexican towns, and Isla Mujeres is no exception. You can find it near the water, not far from downtown. From the main street by the ferry (Avenida Rueda Medina), turn onto Calle Abasolo and walk all the way to the end. Isla Mujeres sign is a great photo op, worth a quick stop.

Take a walk along Malecón seawall

After getting your picture taken with the Isla Mujeres sign, take a stroll along Malecón, the white seawall, that runs right along the ocean. This is the eastern part of the island, which is rocky with strong waves, which is not good for swimming, but the views are spectacular. It’s supposed to be a great spot for sea glass hunting and there are steps, that lead to the beach and water level.

Malecón is a popular spot for runners and bikers, but it remains fairly uncrowded. I made that walk almost daily during my week on the island, and it was a nice change from the commotion of Playa Norte and Hidalgo Avenue. If you continue North (past the Isla Mujeres sign), onto the beach, the views of the crashing waves get even better. Swimming is not allowed due to rough waters, but it’s a great place for a walk.

Stroll down Avenida Miguel Hidalgo

Hidalgo Avenue is the main drag on the island, and where most of the action is. The pedestrian only street is lined with stores, restaurants and tour companies. It’s a bustling place, that especially comes alive at night. If you are staying in this part of the island, you will most likely end up on Hidalgo more than once. It’s a fun place but be prepared to be constantly bombarded with people trying to entice you choose their restaurant or buy from their store.

As it’s usually the case with super touristy areas, restaurants on Hidalgo are more expensive than those found on side streets. Some of the best food we found in small places, tucked away from all the commotion. Having said that, you can’t beat the people watching of Hidalgo, so definitely grab a small meal and/or a drink, sit at an outdoor table and enjoy it.

Admire the street art

The downtown area of Isla Mujeres is very vibrant and colorful, and just like in Holbox, there’s some incredible street art to be seen. Best way to discover it, is just to walk around town, take random streets and you are guaranteed to find amazing murals. Many of them refer to Mexican culture and marine life.

Watch the sunset at Playa Sol

Playa Sol is located at the northwestern tip of the island, next to Playa Norte, and it’s the best spot to watch the sunset. While sunsets at Playa Norte are pretty spectacular too, it’s usually more crowded there. So if you’d like to enjoy it with less people around, go next door to Playa Sol.

Rent a golf cart for the day

While Centro is the most hopping and fun part of the island, there are many more things to do in Isla Mujeres, that can’t be missed. The best way to see it all, is to rent a golf cart for the day and do a loop around the island. It’s a great way to explore on your own, as you can stop whenever you want or see something that interests you. A lot of the things to do in Isla Mujeres included in this guide, you can find while zipping around the island in the golf cart.

Golf carts are a popular way to get around and you will not have any trouble finding one. In 2024, the going rate seems to be 1,100-1,400 MXN for a day, which includes insurance and gas. You can also rent it for 24 hours, which is what I recommend, but do check, that your accommodations have space to park it overnight (most do). The daily rental is cheaper, but it’s from 9 am – 5pm, so that cuts your exploring time short. Make sure to have a valid driver’s license with you, as you need it to rent one. It will be kept as deposit until you return the golf cart.

For more information about renting a golf cart in Isla Mujeres, check out this post.

Take a Golf Cart Tour with Isla Driver Robby

If you’d like to explore Isla Mujeres by golf cart and also hit some fun bars along the way, without worrying about drinking and driving, book a tour with Isla Driver Robby. During the 6-hour golf cart tour around the island, you’ll hit all the top spots, fun bars and hidden gems you otherwise wouldn’t know about. Whether you have a request for best street tacos or a fun local bar, he’ll take you there. Anyone who’s done it, raves about the amazing and fun day it was.

Explore Punta Sur and Ixchel Temple

Whatever you do, do not leave Isla Mujeres without visiting Punta Sur. It’s the southernmost point of the island and has the scenery, that is a complete opposite of what you find in the North. In just 25 minutes, that it takes to get there by a golf cart, you go from calm waters of Playa Norte to dramatic coastline and crashing waves. It’s safe to say, that Punta Sur is easily one of the most beautiful spots on the island and one you can’t miss.

Punta Sur is also the best spot to watch the sunrise, so if you are an early riser, it’s one of the top things to do in Isla Mujeres. This is the easternmost point of Mexico and one, that sees the very first sun rays.

Besides the spectacular views, Punta Sur is also home to remains of the Temple to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, a sculpture park, a giant iguana statue and a statue of Ixchel herself. The area right by the entrance, where the statues can be found and is free to explore. To access the trails that lead to the Ixchel Temple, there is a 100 MXN fee.

You get some nice views of the rocky coastline near the entrance, but they only get better as you make your way towards the Temple. When you get to the end, make sure to go down the steps that lead to the path right by the ocean. You might get splashed by the crashing waves, but the views are absolutely worth the risk.

At the end of the trail, there is Temple to Ixchel, Mayan Goddess of fertility, moon and happiness. If you’ve visited any of the famous Mayan ruins in Mexico, you probably won’t be too impressed, as most of it got destroyed by time and hurricanes. Still, the remains of the Temple are an important part of the island’s history and worth checking out.

Visit Tortugranja

Another one of the fun things to do in Isla Mujeres is to visit Tortugranja, a turtle farm, that is doing their part in protecting the endangered turtles. Every year, between May and September, turtles come to the beaches in Isla Mujeres to lay their eggs. Tortugranja’s main task is to gather the eggs, let them hatch inside of the farm and provide a temporary home until they are ready to return to the wild. If you visit the island between August and October you can witness the release ceremonies, which take place all over the island.

Tortugranja is a great and quick stop while you explore the island on your golf cart. The entrance fee is just $3, you can also add a small bag of food for 30 pesos. The turtles you see at the farm are at various stages of life. The main building has several tanks with tiny baby turtles and smaller size ones, as well as educational displays. To see the bigger turtles head to the outdoor area, where you will find a few more pools.

2024 UPDATE: Sadly, Tortugranja closed its doors in September 2021. It’s unclear whether it will ever reopen.

Try the traditional Tikin Xic fish

If you love seafood, you have to try the specialty of Isla Mujeres, Tikinxic fish. It’s a large white fish, cooked using an old Mayan preparation method tikinxic. It’s rubbed in achiote paste, then cooked in banana leaves.

The place to get it on the island is Playa Lancheros, also known as “ La Casa del Tikinxic “. It’s an open air, beach front restaurant located on the Southern end of the island. While they do have a whole menu, Tikin Xic fish is their signature dish.

This is a whole fish dish, and the price depends on the weight. It’s best shared, otherwise prepare to have lots of leftovers. The fish does take a while to cook (about 45 minutes), but it’s worth the wait. And while you do, you can enjoy a drink and the beach.

Visit Guadalupe Chapel

If there was a list of churches with the best view, Guadalupe Chapel would definitely be at the top of it. This beautiful church sits on top of the hill right by the ocean and has some amazing views, not only from the viewing point behind it, but also from the inside. The entire back wall of the church behind the altar is glass looking out to the ocean.

Guadalupe Chapel is free to visit, but there is donation box at the entrance.

Stop at a Cemetery

While some might think it’s strange to visit a cemetery on vacation, I’m one of the people who finds them beautiful. Especially in Mexico, where cemeteries are usually very colorful and nicely decorated.

In Isla Mujeres, there are a couple of them you can visit. One, Municipal Cemetery, is a small cemetery right in town, on Avenida López Mateos, which runs parallel to Playa Norte.

However, the one I especially liked, is the big Cementerio Municipal, located along the eastern coast. It’s a pretty big cemetery with many above the ground graves, which is very typical for Mexico. Being right across the street from the ocean, it also has beautiful water views.

While it might not be one of the most popular things to do in Isla Mujeres, it’s a great, quick stop as you explore the island by a golf cart. Walking around and taking pictures is perfectly fine, as long as you are being respectful.

Stop at Casa Crayola

While it’s more of an photo op than a major attraction, Casa Crayola is a fun stop while zooming around the island on your golf cart.

Sample craft beer at Isla Brewery

For anyone who enjoys craft beer, stopping at Isla Brewery is one of the absolute must things to do in Isla Mujeres. It’s a tiny place in the middle of the island, where you can sample some of their latest brews. And while a cold Corona or Sol is refreshing on a hot day, we were ready to try some local craft beer. Both the IPA and Stout we had were excellent. The tasting is free, but make sure to tip the friendly staff or even better, pick up a couple of bottles to go.

2024 UPDATE: Isla Brewery closed their tasting room in May 2023 and opened a new beer garden with a full menu and beer on tap. Right now (March 2024), they are open Monday – Saturday from 12-9 pm (closed on Sundays).

Take a day trip to Isla Contoy

One of the absolute highlights of our week in Isla Mujeres was the day trip to Isla Contoy. It’s a small, uninhabited island located roughly 18 miles (30 km) north of Isla Mujeres. If you love nature and discovering off the beaten path places, you will fall in love with this piece of paradise. It has the picture-perfect white sand beach, unbelievably clear and blue water and swinging palm trees. But most of all, Isla Contoy is an important nesting place for over 150 species of birds and sea turtles. You will see the swarms of frigate birds above the lagoon, as you approach the island by boat.

Isla Contoy was declared a National Park in 1998, and there has been a lot of effort to protect the island. You can only visit it by booking a boat tour and there is a limit of 200 visitors a day.

Only a handful of tour operators are licensed to offer trips to Isla Contoy, one of them Isla Fun Tours, which we chose and highly recommend. It’s an all day excursion, that includes lunch and drinks, as well as a couple of snorkeling spots and a nature walk to the lagoon. The rest of the time is yours to spend however you like, whether it’s exploring the island, swimming or enjoying the pristine beach. Even though Isla Contoy is actually bigger than Isla Mujeres (although not as wide), visitors are only permitted to a certain area, which is another attempt at protecting this unspoiled paradise.

You can also visit Isla Contoy from Cancún on an all-day combo tour to both Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres. You can book your Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres day drip here.

Spend a day at one of the Beach Clubs

One of the most popular things to do in Isla Mujeres is spending a day at a Beach Club and there are a lot of them on the island. They are popular among day trippers but are also a great option if you have no direct access to the beach from your hotel, or you just want a change of scenery. Some of them have an entrance fee, that you can later apply to food and drinks, others are free to use, as long as you purchase something to eat/drink. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Mayan Beach Club – a popular beach club, right on Playa Norte. The cover of 300 MXC per person goes towards food and drinks, and gives you access to beach chairs and umbrellas.

• Guru Beach Club – this trendy, adults only beach club is located on the quieter end of Playa Norte. It has a bit of an upscale vibe and is more chill than other beach clubs. There is a minimum of 500 MXN to spend on food and drinks.

• Tuturreque by Playa Arena – located directly on Playa Norte. The entrance fee is 500 MXN, which goes toward consumption.

• Kin Há – this is another popular beach club, located on the south end of the island. If you are looking for a beach club with a pool, they have three of them! There’s no entrance fee, as long as you order food and drinks.

Dive/snorkel MUSA

One of the most unique things to do in Isla Mujeres is to visit MUSA, an underwater museum, that features over 500 sculptures. MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), that was created by Jason deCaires Taylor (who was also behind a similar installation in Grenada), is not just a funky tourist attraction. It was created to protect the nearby reef, by providing an alternative diving/snorkeling destination.

There are 3 parts (Salons) of the Museum and they are located at different depths, anywhere between 4-8 m deep. There are several ways to experience them, depending which part you want to explore.

• Salon Punta Sam – at 3.5m/11f is suitable for snorkeling.
• Salon Nizuc – at 4m/13f, this part can be experiences by either snorkeling or a Glass Bottom Boat Tour.
• Salon Machones – at 8 m/26f is the deepest of them all, therefore best experienced while scuba diving. It also is largest of the three.

Scuba diving will, of course, give you the optimal experience, as you will be able to get deep and up close to the sculptures.

Swim with Whale Sharks ( in season )

Depending on what time of year you visit, swimming with the whale sharks is one of the top things to do in Isla Mujeres. Between June and September, these giant, but gentle creatures arrive in the Yucatán area to feed on plankton, so you get a chance for the incredible experience to swim with them. Mexico is actually one of the few places in the world, where this is possible.

The season for swimming with the whale sharks runs from June to mid-September, with the best months usually being July and August. Also, if you can time it around the Full Moon, you are very likely to see lots of whale sharks on the surface. They come to the area to feed on plankton, and it’s believed that the Full Moon makes the plankton reproduce. This means more food to feed on, which leads to more whale sharks on the surface.

Swimming with whale sharks is a very popular activity in this part of Mexico, so make sure to plan ahead and book your tour in advance. When choosing the tour operator, it’s important to pick one that is licensed and offers the most responsible and ethical experience. This will ensure yours and animals’ safety, as well as an amazing experience. I booked my Whale Shark Tour with Isla Fun Tours, one of the top-rated tour companies on the island, and can highly recommend them.

Check out Swimming with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico for a detailed guide.

Things NOT to do in Isla Mujeres

Discovery Dolphin

There are a couple of things in life I have really strong opinions about, and one of them is exploiting and abusing animals for people’s entertainment. Wildlife is meant to be enjoyed in their natural environment, not in a small tank, forced to do tricks and interact with people. So, if you are looking for fun things to do in Isla Mujeres, swimming with dolphins at Discovery Dolphin is NOT of them! Use your tourist dollars elsewhere and don’t support places like that.

Restaurants in Isla Mujeres

Finding great food was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Isla Mujeres, and it really wasn’t a struggle. For a small island, there are so many great places to choose from. From the street food, cheap eateries to nicer restaurants, Isla Mujeres really is a foodie destination. Below are some of our favorites, and there are still so many we didn’t get to try.

Viñales Grill – this casual restaurant was a great find on our first day on the island. It’s a small place, near the ferry, but off the beaten path serving great food at great prices. And if you like Jalapeño Margaritas, they make a really good one.

Tacos de Humo – this little place right off Hidalgo Avenue has been voted the best taco place in Isla Mujeres, so of course we had to try it and it did not disappoint. The fish tacos were excellent and fish portion very generous. The main restaurant is located on Av Juárez, but they recently opened a new one literally around the corner. It’s more of a “hole in the wall” as described to me by Omar, the owner and chef himself.

Ruben’s – one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Isla Mujeres. It’s small and might not look like much from the outside, but the food is absolutely amazing. It’s located downtown on a quiet street, that runs parallel to Hidalgo. They are also open for breakfast and if you love chilaquiles, Ruben’s is one of the top places to get it.

Limon – if you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a more upscale dining experience, Limon is the place to go. Be sure to make a reservation.

The North Garden – one of the top breakfast places, with a great ambience located near Playa Norte. They are famous for their delicious Blood Mary’s, which are more like a meal, than a drink.

Beachin’ Burrito – is a classic example, that some of the best food is found away from the touristy areas, in the most unassuming places. This small eatery is located on the street leading to Playa Norte (basically next door to The North Garden) and serves some of the best burritos on the island. Food at Beachin’ Burrito is tasty and fresh, and the owners super nice. If you are spending the day on Playa Norte, this is the place to grab something to go.

Oscar‘s Grill – if you need a little break from all the Mexican food, go to Oscar’s Grill and try their pizza. It’s an open-air restaurant, located in the middle of the island, on the main road. They have about 16 different kinds of pizza, which can be ordered either deep dish or thin crust. We tried the Meat lovers pizza (Amante de Carnes) and it was excellent.

Mango Cafe – voted the best breakfast place in Isla Mujeres, this is a fun and colorful place located in the middle of the island (across the street from Guadalupe Chapel). It serves Mexican dishes, along with some of American favorites.

Fun bars in Isla Mujeres

The Joint – fun, outdoor bar with live music, near Punta Sur.

El Borracho Burro Cantina – just down the street from the Joint, another fun spot with live music and cheap cold beer!

Faynes – being right on Hidalgo, the drink prices are a bit steep, but they do have great live music every night.

Soggy Peso – this palapa bar came highly recommended as the must stop for the best margaritas on the island. To be completely honest, they are not the best margaritas I’ve had, but they are definitely the strongest. Don’t let the sweet taste fool you and stop after the second. Speaking from experience!

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres, Mexico

When choosing accommodations in Isla Mujeres, you need to decide whether you want to be in the middle of the action, close to Playa Norte and many restaurants, or you prefer a quieter, more secluded place. There are pros and cons to both, it all depends on what you are looking for. Staying in the northern part of the island, you will be close to the nicest beach, the ferry and just steps away from many restaurants, bars and stores. But that also means, that this is the most crowded area.

If you are looking for a quieter location, you might consider staying towards the Southern part of the island. Just keep in mind, that there won’t be much going on and not many places to walk to. You will need to either use taxis or rent a golf cart for the duration of your stay to be able to get places.

Hotels in the North End

Ixchel Beach Hotel – this beach front hotel has one of the best locations on the island, if you want to be in the heart of everything. Not only Ixchel Beach Hotel sits right on Playa Norte, it’s also a walking distance to basically everything you might need: stores, restaurants, tour operators and the ferry terminal. In addition to being on the best beach, the hotel also has two pools and a couple of bars. Both the hotel and the grounds are immaculate. If you choose to stay there, I do recommend booking one of the suites with a balcony.

Hotel Secreto – this elegant, boutique hotel sits on the quiet corner in the Northern part of the island. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a more intimate hotel, as it only has 20 rooms. The hotel is right on the beach, although swimming is not allowed, as it’s too rocky and water is too rough. There is an amazing infinity pool, that overlooks the ocean, which makes up for the lack of swimmable beach. Also, you are just a short walk away from Playa Norte and all the action on Hidalgo Avenue. It’s the perfect place if you want to be away from the noise and crowds, but still a walking distance to everything you need.

Hotel Playa La Media Luna – next door to Hotel Secreto, this boutique hotel is located downtown on the Northern tip of Isla Mujeres. Perfect location with the ocean breeze and away from the noise of downtown, yet a short walk to all the action. You can choose from either palm garden view or ocean view rooms. It has a pool, as well as a private beach.

Privillages Aluxes – this adult only hotel is one of the very few resorts on the island and it’s located on Playa Norte, right in the middle of all the action. You can choose from two kinds of packages: All Inclusive or Bed and Breakfast only. With so many great eateries and restaurants just steps away, I recommend skipping the All-Inclusive option.

Hotels in the South End

Casa de los Sueños – this boutique hotel, with just 10 rooms, is at the quiet southern end of the island. Some of the amenities include an onsite restaurant, a great infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and a water park. The guests get a free use of kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling. It’s in a pretty remote location, but it is close to Punta Sur. Casa de los Sueños is an oceanfront hotel but does not have a direct beach access. However, with your reservation you can use the Mayan Beach Club in Playa Norte.

La Joya – this small, boutique hotel is a hidden gem in Isla Mujeres. It’s built on the cliff top, so the views are incredible. There is a pool on the property, as well as a small beach, and free kayaks to use. One thing to keep in mind is that there are a lot of stairs, so it might not be a good choice for someone with mobility issues. Other than a couple of bars, there isn’t much going on in that part of the island, so you’d need a taxi/golf cart to get to restaurants etc. You could however walk to Punta Sur, which is just 10 minutes away.

Izla Hotel – if you are looking for a bit of luxury in a remote location, Izla Hotel might be right for you. This is an ocean front hotel, one of the largest on the island, with top notch service. There are two pools on the property, one on the ground level, and one on the roof top, which is adults only. The hotel has a small beach area, but the pools are definitely better.

Things to know before you travel to Isla Mujeres

Cash is King

While credit cards are accepted at some places (Visa and Mastercard), majority of them are cash only. There are several banks and ATMs on the island (HSBC Bank right across from the ferry), so withdrawing pesos is not a problem. And even though US dollars are also accepted, you are getting a better exchange rate paying in pesos and will ultimately pay more if using US dollars. Think of it as an extra fee for not using the local currency.

Supermarkets

If you want to stock up on some food and drinks, there are a couple of supermarkets on the island. The biggest one is Chedraui, where you will find pretty much everything you might need at great prices, including beer/alcohol. There are also a couple of Súper Akí supermarkets, one located right by the main square, the other in the middle of the island. There are also plenty of little convenience stores, but these generally don’t sell beer/alcohol.

Drinking and driving golf carts

This is a big No No on the island and police check points are not uncommon. Whatever you do, do not drive with open alcohol containers, and that applies to passengers as well. It’s a common behavior, especially among day trippers, but Isla Mujeres has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving golf carts. We ran into police check point twice, both times they were checking for open containers. If you’re planning on drinking a lot, take a taxi, they are cheap and there are plenty of them on the island.

Safety in Isla Mujeres

When it comes to traveling to Mexico, safety is always one of issues that comes up. I personally think, Mexico gets an undeserved bad reputation for being a dangerous place. While I’m not dismissing the fact, that there are parts, that should be avoided, the general belief that the entire country is dangerous is pretty unfair.

So is Isla Mujeres safe? The short answer is yes, it felt extremely safe to me. Not to say, that little petty crimes don’t happen, but that can be said about most places. Just use common sense and follow the same precautions as you would anywhere else. The crime that there is, is mostly crime of opportunities, so keep your eye on your belongings, don’t leave your expensive camera or purse in a golf cart unattended etc. No different in Isla Mujeres than any other place or your hometown.

READ MORE:

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• Swimming with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
• 28 Fun Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico
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