Why Go to Isla Mujeres
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Isla Mujeres is a small, laid-back island about 20 minutes by ferry from Cancun. Locals get around by golf cart, the pace is slow, and the water at Playa Norte is some of the calmest and clearest in the Mexican Caribbean.
Spend your days on the beach, snorkeling the reefs at Garrafón, exploring the cliffs at Punta Sur, and browsing the colorful streets of town. In summer, the island is the base for swimming with whale sharks, one of the great wildlife encounters in Mexico.
Isla works as a day trip from Cancun or Costa Mujeres, but it's even better overnight, after the day-trippers leave. I'll help you choose between boutique hotels in town and the island's all-inclusive resorts, and set up your ferry and tours.
BEST FOR
Couples, beach lovers, snorkelers, day-trippers and travelers who want a slower pace
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
The island is only about 4 miles long. Town and Playa Norte sit at the north end near the ferry, the west side faces Cancun with calm water and sunsets, and Punta Sur is at the rocky southern tip.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Isla Mujeres
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
Golf carts, calm turquoise water and easy island charm
Beach
Island
Romance
Snorkeling
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Stay at least one night. The island changes completely after the last day-trip ferries leave, and sunset at Playa Norte is the best part of the day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Arrive before 10 a.m. to get a good spot in high season.
Playa Norte
Shallow, calm, turquoise water and one of the best sunset beaches in Mexico.
Go early for sunrise or late afternoon for softer light.
Punta Sur
Clifftop park at the island's southern tip with sculptures, sea views and a small Maya temple to Ixchel.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear water shoes on the rocks.
Garrafón Natural Reef Park
Reef park with snorkeling, kayaking, a zipline and lounge areas.
Book with a licensed operator; conditions vary with the wind.
MUSA Underwater Museum
Underwater sculpture galleries off the island's coast, seen by snorkel or dive.
Season runs about June through September; book ahead for July and August.
Whale Shark Tours
Snorkel beside whale sharks in the open water north of the island.
An adults-only luxury all-inclusive surrounded by water on the island's northern tip.
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
North end
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Luxury · Beach
An intimate boutique all-inclusive with spa, fine dining and its own yacht transfer.
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres
West side, Sac Bajo
All-Inclusive · Boutique · Luxury · Beach
An adults-only luxury all-inclusive with a modern design.
Almare, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive
Island center
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Luxury
A family-friendly all-inclusive surrounded by beaches on the island's tip.
Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
North end, near Playa Norte
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A relaxed all-inclusive with a Bali-style feel and beachfront setting.
Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres
Island center
All-Inclusive · Beach
An adults-only hotel steps from Playa Norte and the town center.
Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte
Adults-Only · Beach
A beachfront hotel with pools and easy walking access to town.
Ixchel Beach Hotel
Playa Norte
Beach · Value
A long-running boutique hotel right on Playa Norte with a relaxed vibe.
Na Balam Hotel
Playa Norte
Boutique · Beach
A small, stylish boutique hotel on a quiet beach near town.
Hotel Secreto
Town center
Boutique · Beach
A small boutique hotel with cabanas on a calm swimming beach.
Villa Kiin
Near Playa Norte
Boutique · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Isla Mujeres
High 85°F · Low 70°F · Rain 4.3 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
November through April is dry with calm seas. June through September is whale shark season. Hurricane season runs June through November, and sargassum can reach the eastern shore in warmer months.
Best Times to Visit Isla Mujeres
WHEN TO GO
06
Bikes and Scooters
Fine for short trips, but watch traffic and the afternoon heat.
05
Walking
Town, Playa Norte and the ferry are all within easy walking distance.
04
Taxis
Inexpensive island taxis are easy to find; confirm the fare first.
03
Golf Carts
The classic way to explore the island; rent near the ferry dock.
02
Car Ferry from Punta Sam
If you're bringing a vehicle, the car ferry leaves from Punta Sam, north of Puerto Juárez.
01
Ferries from Cancun
Ultramar ferries run from Puerto Juárez and other Cancun terminals; the crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Walk around town, rent a golf cart for the rest of the island, or grab an inexpensive taxi. You don't need a car.
Getting Around Isla Mujeres
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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