Isla Mujeres, Mexico – Everything You Need To Know For A Perfect Holiday

Isla Mujeres, located only 13 kilometres from the coast of Cancun, attracts thousands of visitors year round.

With its crystal clear blue waters, white sand beaches and laid back atmosphere, this place is a real paradise.

This small island is very easy to explore in one day.

We recently went on a day trip to this beautiful island and loved it.

Here are our Isla Mujeres travel tips, best attractions and island activities:

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun by ferry

Isla Mujeres is within easy reach from the Puerto Juarez.

The first ferry to Isla Mujeres leaves at 5 am and runs every half an hour until 9:30 pm and every hour after that until midnight.

Here you will find the Ultramar ferry schedule. The return ferry price from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is currently at MXN 300 per adult.

Best time to visit the island – Isla Mujeres weather

January through April is considered the best weather with little to no rain and an average high of 29 Celcius (84 degrees Fahrenheit).

May through to September are the rainiest months with the highest humidity. Therefore most visitors will need airconditioning at night.

The official hurricane season runs from June until November but the most active months for hurricanes on Isla Mujeres are September and October.

November is the beginning of “Norte” season, where cold fronts with strong winds from the north hit the island and usually last for few days.

In the middle of the night, the temperature can drop down to 18 degrees and below (65 degrees Fahrenheit) though generally warms up in the day to 21 -26 degrees (70’s or low 80’s).

Isla Mujeres whale sharks season

Many tourists flock the island during the whale shark season.

From mid-May through September hundreds of whale sharks gather in the waters near Isla Mujeres, with peak season in July and August.

July and August are the most popular times to swim with the whale sharks on Isla Mujeres.

Did you know that you can swim with whale sharks in Holbox island? Read our guide on the best things to do in Holbox to find out more.

How to get around Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is approximately 7 km long and 650 meters wide.

You will find the Carribean Sea to the east coast of the island with strong surf and rocky shoreline and a Cancun skyline across the clear waters to the west.

The easiest way to get around the island is either by a taxi or a golf cart.

Golf cart rental in Isla Mujeres

It is straightforward to rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres, and it is undoubtedly the best way to explore the island.

If you are looking to relax at a bar, then there is no need to rent a golf cart as most of them are within an easy walking distance from the ferry port.

You can book your golf cart before you hop on a ferry at the ferry port, on the boat (there is a lot of tour representatives selling tours and arranging golf cart bookings) or at many shops on the island.

Expect to pay anywhere between MXN 250 (for an hour) 800 (half day) to 1200 for 24 hours. The prices may also vary slightly depending on the season.

Isla Mujeres on the map

Top things to do in Isla Mujeres:

Zipline at Garaffon Park

Whether you want to zip line, snorkel, kayak or enjoy a cocktail, Garrafon Park has it all.

You can spend a whole day at the park, and you won’t be bored. The park offers several different packages to suit your needs. Check them out here.

Isla Mujeres turtle farm (La Tortuga Granja)

Isla Mujeres is the hatching place for the giant sea turtles who lay their eggs on the island beaches from May through September.

The eggs are gathered and placed in pens at the Turtle Farm to keep them safe from predators.

Depending on the time of year, you can see hundreds of baby turtles in the outdoor holding tanks. The turtle farm releases the turtles into the sea between August and October.

There is small entry fee (MXN 30) at the entrance which also supports the project.

Have a drink at the Ice Bar

If you are looking to escape the heat look no further, the ice bar offers a unique experience in Mexico for a small fee.

You can purchase one or two drink ticket and cool down inside. There are also few souvenir stands leading to the place as well as lovely beachfront bar/restaurant where you can relax and soak in the views.

Swim with the dolphins at Isla Mujeres Dolphin Discovery

Isla Mujeres Dolphin Discovery sits on the southern part of the island.

The Dolphin Discovery offers several packages to suit your needs and pocket. Choose from Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim Adventure or Dolphin Royal Swim.

You can easily spend several hours here sunbathing by the pool, eating traditional Mexican food or sipping a cocktail.

Enjoy the views at Isla Mujeres Punta Sur

The Punta Sur is located at the southern tip of the island about 18 meters above the sea level.

The crystal clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs and ancient temple make this place one of the most spectacular on the island.

The Punta Sur Mayan Temple dedicated to goddess Ixchel sits dramatically over cliffs making it for an unforgettable view.

Enjoy the scenery, small shops and the walk to the temple. Afterwards, stop at the Acantilado restaurant for a refreshing drink or a seafood feast.

Go on an Isla Mujeres snorkelling trip

There is plenty of snorkelling opportunities around the island.

If you have your snorkelling gear, great, stop at one of the island beaches and jump into the water for a chance of spotting turtles.

You can also easily book a snorkelling tour at dive shops on the island. Expect to pay MXN 400 – 700 depending on the duration of the trip and inclusions.

Enjoy the evening at Isla Mujeres Playa Norte

After a full day of sightseeing and exploring the island, enjoy a late afternoon swim at Playa Norte.

Playa Norte is the island most famous beach with white soft sand and turquoise waters, and you won’t want to leave.

There are few bars/ restaurants on the beach if you wish to grab a bite or have a beer.

Best Restaurants in Isla Mujeres:

Ruben’s Restaurant – Mexican restaurant with delicious food. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are significant. Perfect place to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Javi’s Restaurant – If you are seafood lover, look no further, this restaurant is perfect for a seafood feast.

Acantilado Restaurant – Fine dining with a view. It was one of our favourite restaurants on our three-month visit to Mexico. The portions are generous, food is tasty, and the beer is cold.

Isla Mujeres all-inclusive hotels:

If you are planning to extend your trip to Isla Mujeres offers all-inclusive hotels, few hostels and Airbnb’s.

Isla Mujeres has several all-inclusive hotels available, and you can search for them here.

If you are looking for a local feel, then Airbnb is a fantastic way to stay on the island and explore it like a local.

New to Airbnb? Here’s $50+ discount off your first booking with Airbnb. Enjoy.

Or read our five tips for booking your first Airbnb

Isla Mujeres translation – Wonder what Mujer is in English?

Spanish pronunciation: izla mu’xeɾes.

In English Isla Mujeres means a “Women Island”.

We hope that you will enjoy your trip to Mexico and if you are heading to Holbox read our ‘10 amazing things to do in Holbox‘ guide.

Make sure to comment and share your experience with us.

Safe travels
Sabina and Steve