For such a small, sleepy place, there’s all kinds of issues to do in Isla Mujeres — an island situated off the coast of Cancun in Mexico.
Translated from Spanish, Isla Mujeres means the “Island of Girls”, named after the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Goddess of fertility and happiness.
There are quite a few unbelievable locations to go to in Mexico, however be sure you add Isla Mujeres to the checklist!
A fast, 20-minute ferry trip from Cancun will whisk you away to an island paradise of heat turquoise waters, swaying palm bushes and white silky sand seashores.
Isla Mujeres is ideal for a day journey however we advocate staying longer, particularly if you wish to escape the get together scene and the entire loopy issues to do in Cancun. That is the place to return to get pleasure from a soothing island break.
On this put up, I’ll checklist the 21 finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres you don’t need to miss, however first…
Getting To & From Isla Mujeres
You have got completely different choices to get to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport — both by bus, taxis on the airport, or personal transportation booked previous to your arrival.
Many individuals choose to take personal transportation to Isla Mujeres booked with Cancun Airport Transportation. The car supplied is a van, and the trip is personal — when you ebook it, you get the car to your self.
You can even share with a bunch of individuals to cut back the price. The vans embrace a bilingual driver, air con, and insurance coverage.
To get from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres, the price of the entire van can be $45 one-way, or $75 spherical journey. Click on right here to be taught extra.
1. Laze On The Pristine Playa Norte Seashore
A ten-minute stroll from the Ferry Pier is the favored seaside of Playa Norte or North Seashore. That is the principle seaside on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of many finest seashores within the Caribbean!
The water right here is calm, and shallow, making it an important spot for households or for only a chilled-out day of floating round.
2. Test Out Punta Sur
Punta Sur is situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Right here you possibly can go to the Pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or just admire the beautiful rocky views. This can be a attractive place to return and benefit from the surroundings.
Should you’re searching for an important place to chill out, snorkel and have a drink in Punta Sur, try Garaffon de Castilla.
For 100 pesos ($5), you will have entry to lounge chairs, showers, change rooms and snorkel gear as nicely. This can be a good, mellow spot to chill out throughout the afternoon.
Should you’d slightly simply admire the superb pure views after which sit right down to get pleasure from some Mexican meals, don’t miss Capricho Ranch which serves up tasty tacos! Get instructions right here.
Observe: Whereas we advocate visiting the southern a part of Isla Mujeres, we don’t assist Garrafon Park which can also be situated right here. This is because of the truth that captive dolphins are stored right here. Be a accountable traveller and take into account the place you need your tourism {dollars} to go.
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3. Hire A Golf Cart (among the finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres)
To have the ability to expertise all of the issues to do in Isla Mujeres we advocate that you simply lease a golf cart for the day. That is fully regular and is a well-liked factor to do!
There are numerous golf cart rental businesses accessible across the ferry port and you’ll count on to pay round $65 per day for a 2-seater. This firm is among the many choices accessible, store round whenever you arrive.
Should you want to rent a golf buggy for every week you possibly can count on to pay round $420. The longer the rental, the cheaper the speed will likely be. You have to a legitimate driver’s licence in an effort to lease a golf cart.
Should you simply need to head out for a day to get pleasure from some bars, you possibly can be a part of this hilarious golf cart pub crawl! With a driver, you gained’t have to fret about ingesting and driving. Many drinks and many snacks are included within the enjoyable tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Should you’re into {golfing}, and never simply driving golf carts, be certain that to go to Manzanillo, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, which have some glorious {golfing} alternatives.
4. Be a part of a Yoga Class
The Treehouse overlooks Playa Norte and it’s a paradise for yoga lovers. Get pleasure from an early morning dawn yoga class or a night sundown class.
Should you’re trying to get some train throughout your journey, working towards yoga is among the high issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Costs begin at $20 for 90 minutes and there are lessons to go well with all ranges. For the newest timings, and lessons try their Fb web page.
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5. Stroll Round Centro & Admire The Sea Wall Murals
We’re all for the preservation of our world’s oceans and we have been delighted to see the ‘Sea Wall Murals‘ of Isla Mujeres.
These murals have been created by varied high road artists from all over the world to lift consciousness of marine species threatened by extinction within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
You may test them out your self, or be a part of this tour to go out with a pleasant native information who will clarify the murals, the artists, and the historical past. It additionally features a little bit of sightseeing across the island.
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6. Day Journey to Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is situated 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This pure wildlife reserve and hen sanctuary is 9 km lengthy and 20 metres extensive and was declared a Nationwide Park in 1998.
This tour often picks up friends from Cancun and heads over to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, however you possibly can request a pickup from different locations like Tulum or hop on once they cease at Isla Mujeres. Contact them for extra particulars.
Isla Contoy is among the most essential areas in Mexico for nesting sea birds and sea turtles. There’s a most of 200 vacationers allowed to go to each day. A day tour begins from $75 per particular person click on right here for extra info.
Isla Contoy Handle: Ed. Capitanía Regional de Puerto Juárez, Región 86, Manzana 2, 77520 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
7. MUSA (Underwater Museum of Artwork in Isla Mujeres)
Probably the most widespread actions in Isla Mujeres is to go to MUSA, (Museo Subacuático de Arte). You may tour the underwater museum by glass-bottom boat and revel in over 500 sculptures by the creator Jason deCaires Taylor.
For a greater expertise, and to get nearer to the sculptures, head on a snorkelling tour or go scuba diving. MUSA was created to encourage guests to go to an alternate space round Isla Mujeres taking the stress off the close by reef.
Underwater sculpture parks are created as vacationer sights, however they’re additionally used as synthetic reefs to assist promote the expansion of coral and the return of extra marine life. A go to to underwater sculptures (by the identical artist) can also be one of many high issues to do in Grenada, and the Bahamas.
The positioning in Isla Mujeres is split into two galleries with 3 salons:
- Salon Nizuc – at a depth of 4 metres and appropriate for snorkelling, the Jungle Tour and the Glass Backside Boat Tour
- Salon Punta Sam – appropriate for snorkelling
- Salone Machones – at a depth of 8 metres and appropriate for each snorkellers and scuba divers
For extra info on reserving click on right here.
8. Go Fishing
The turquoise blue waters of Isla Mujeres are good for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, and spearfishing. One of the best months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December by to July. Should you choose tuna fishing the most effective months are between April and August.
Relying on what kind of fishing you get pleasure from essentially the most, there are lots of constitution operators that can cater to your wants, starting from constitution boats to personal yacht excursions.
This operator stays nearer to shore so is ideal for households or anybody who may get a bit of seasick, whereas this one is an superior full-day deepsea fishing journey for these anglers who actually need to hook right into a monster.
- Click on Right here to be taught extra in regards to the family-friendly inshore fishing day journey
- Click on Right here to be taught extra in regards to the deep-sea fishing journey
We’ve executed lots of deep-sea fishing journeys in Mexico and all over the world and it’s all the time a good time with family and friends.
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9. Swim With Whale Sharks
One other widespread water exercise in Isla Mujeres is to swim with Whale Sharks (it’s additionally one of many high issues to do in Cabo San Lucas). The finest time to go to Mexico if you wish to see these stunning creatures is throughout the summer season months of June to September.
Whale Sharks can attain a size of 14 metres and they’re actually simply light giants weighing in at round 15 tonnes.
Official regulating our bodies have put a cap on excursions at round $145 per particular person. The tour contains swimming with the whale sharks, breakfast, lunch, tender drinks, snorkel gear and often a while to snorkel the reefs.
It’s unlawful to the touch the sharks and you will need to maintain a distance of two metres. It’s essential that you simply do your analysis and go together with a good, eco-conscious tour firm that regulates and respects the foundations. Take a look at this highly-rated tour with EcoColors Mexico.
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10. Drink Some Craft Beer
Mexico is house to many several types of lagers – you’ve most likely sampled Corona, Dos Equis, or Pacifico – however don’t miss out on the unbelievable craft beers!
A go to to Isla Brewing Firm is among the finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for beer lovers, particularly when it’s raining on the island. These regionally brewed craft beers are a must-try.
As a bonus, when you purchase bottles of beer to remove, you’ll get 10 pesos again whenever you return them. This an effective way to recycle, and get a reduction in your subsequent beer buy!
Isla Brewing Firm Handle: Jesús Martínez Ross 62, Meteorológico, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
11. Get Underwater Whereas Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres has among the finest scuba diving within the Caribbean. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from some unbelievable caves, and an abundance of sea life — eels, groupers, snappers, turtles, parrotfish and quite a few corals.
Should you’re new to scuba diving and have by no means tried it, Mujeres is the place. This tour will take you out into shallow water with an authorized diving teacher who will swim alongside you whilst you get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the coral reefs right here.
Should you’re skilled, then this dive store is very rated and you’ll ebook dives on-line.
A singular expertise is diving on the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks the place a big group of reef, bull, and nurse sharks could be seen sleeping on the underside of the ocean. At a depth of 20-30 meters, this dive web site is advisable for superior divers.
Different widespread websites embrace the Machones Reef (800m in size), Tavos Reef, Media Luna, Punta Sur and the location of the Navy Boat Shipwreck (at a depth of 21m).
We went scuba diving on Isla Mujeres with Squalo Adventures and have been very proud of their security protocols, service, and boats.
Click on Right here to be taught extra about scuba diving round Isla Mujeres for first-timers.
Click on Right here to ebook a two-tank dive with our favourite dive store on Mujeres.
12. Chill Out at a Seashore Membership
There are just a few seaside golf equipment on the island, however Amazona is an effective choice. For $40, you get entry to seaside chairs, a buffet lunch, and drinks. After all, they aren’t going to be premium drinks, however hey, for all you possibly can drink at $40, that’s a reasonably whole lot.
If seaside beds and chairs aren’t your factor, laze in one of many hammocks suspended within the sea! With music, solar and sand, you actually can’t go flawed. Chillin’ out on the seaside membership is among the finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for {couples}, or mates.
Handle: Amazona Seashore Membership – Perimetral Pte. 080, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
13. Snorkelling in Isla Mujeres
If you’re a newbie and haven’t executed a lot snorkelling up to now, the most effective place to snorkel is El Farito. El Farito, to the north of the island, is shallow and ideal for learners to see colleges of vibrant fish.
Higher but, take into account becoming a member of a tour like this one that features a boat to take you out to the most effective spots and a pleasant native information to indicate you the superb sea life round Mujeres.
Los Machones is extra suited to advance snorkellers with a depth of 35 – 40 toes. Different superb snorkel websites embrace MUSA, Garrafon Pure Reef Park and Isla Contoy. For extra snorkelling and diving, don’t miss Mexico’s hottest island and the entire unbelievable issues to do in Cozumel!
Click on right here to be taught extra about the most effective snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres.
14. Volunteer Strolling Canines
Should you love canines, you’ll need to be certain that to drop in at Isla Animals.
The workforce right here is all the time searching for volunteers who’re in a position to assist out with strolling canines, giving pet cuddles, and when you’re , bathing, grooming, and helping on the spay/neutering clinic.
Isla Animals accepts volunteers every single day from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, no appointment is important. Be at liberty to drop in and say hello and assist out. Volunteering actually is among the most memorable and significant issues you are able to do in Isla Mujeres.
Isla Animals Handle: Parque, Isla Mujeres , Hacienda Mundaca, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Go to Mercado Municipal
A go to to Mercado Municipal in Centro is a should in your checklist of issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Not solely are you able to absorb the native ambiance, however the genuine meals is reasonable and scrumptious.
For as little as just a few {dollars}, you possibly can get pleasure from the most effective fish tacos and empanadas on the island. It does shut early afternoon so be sure you arrive round lunchtime.
Mercado Municipal Handle: Centro – Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
16. Expertise The Zocalo
Each Mexican city has a central sq. known as a Zocalo (it’s among the finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis as nicely). I like to recommend visiting the Zocalo on Isla Mujeres within the night, as you’ll discover meals distributors promoting tasty native Mexican road meals. Plus, there’s music, leisure and dancing.
Zocalo Handle:
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17. Go On a Buying Spree
Looking for genuine souvenirs and clothes is among the high issues to do in Mexico as an entire. You’ll discover the same old Mexican memento retailers in Isla Mujeres, however when you’re after Tequila or Mezcal, people artwork, silver jewelry, hammocks, and Mexican ceramics there are particular retailers that you must try.
A few of the finest procuring could be discovered alongside Avenida Rueda Medina, however don’t miss:
- Galeria de Arte Mexicano – for silver jewellery. Av Guerrero 3.
- Girls’s Beading Cooperative – handmade jewellery with earnings going on to the feminine artisans. Handle: C. P.º de los Peces 160-L5, La Gloria, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
18. Sundown Cruise on a Catamaran
An ideal solution to finish the day is to get pleasure from a cocktail or two while crusing at sundown round Isla Mujeres. This tremendous enjoyable, 4-hour boat journey contains swimming, drinks and meals, and naturally, the attractive sundown.
Don’t miss the extremely rated Isla Mujeres exercise! This tour leaves from Cancun, however contact them a couple of pick-up in Isla Mujeres. For extra info and to ebook click on right here.
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19. Eat Tasty Meals
You’re in Mexico, so it comes as no shock that the meals in Isla Mujeres is superb! To not point out, that is an island so you possibly can count on some scrumptious seafood choices. Listed here are just a few eating places you don’t need to miss:
Should you’re backpacking Mexico on a price range, you’ll positively need to try the Mercado Municipal for reasonable eats.
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20. Hire a Yacht
Should you’re touring to Isla Mujeres with a bunch, otherwise you’ve bought $600 to spend for your self, or for you and your associate, then a day on this personal yacht may simply be one of many coolest luxurious experiences you possibly can have in Isla Mujeres.
This 46-foot magnificence can match as much as 15 friends and might take you anyplace you need to go. You will get picked up in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or on Isla Mujeres and you’ll spend the day stress-free in quiet coves or simply cruise alongside the coast.
The price is fairly truthful in case you have a big group. With 15 folks the whole worth is lower than $40 per particular person, which is fairly unbelievable on a luxurious vessel like this.
Click on right here to be taught extra about this superb yacht and to contact the homeowners for reservations and reserving.
21. Be a part of a Biking Journey
Isla Mujeres is the right place to go biking. Throughout this enjoyable expertise, you’ll cycle round the entire island — which is simply 14 kilometres in complete — with a information who is definitely from Isla Mujeres.
Be taught in regards to the island, go to some neighbourhoods, benefit from the sea views, and cease for drinks and meals alongside the best way. The tour technically begins in Cancun, so when you’re within the huge metropolis it’s an important day journey to the island, nevertheless it’s additionally potential to simply meet the information on Mujeres to begin the journey. Click on right here to be taught extra about this extremely rated, distinctive exercise in Isla Mujeres.
Now You Know What To Do in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres now shares the title with over 80 different cities and cities all through Mexico. The island has a particular allure to it, making it a spot it would be best to return to time and again.
In 2001, SECTUR (Mexican Board of Tourism) put collectively a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican cities which have a particular attraction or magic about them in 3 classes — pure magnificence, historical past, and tradition.
It shares the limelight with the charming cobblestoned village of Tepoztlan and its magical pyramid, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tulum and Taxco, to call just a few.
Isla Mujeres is an ideal trip vacation spot for households, {couples}, solo travellers and backpackers. It’s a kind of locations that attracts you again yr after yr and has a lot to supply guests.
Who couldn’t love its heat azure waters, good temperatures all yr spherical, enjoyable actions and beautiful sunrises and sunsets? Hopefully, this checklist gave you some nice concepts for issues to do in Isla Mujeres in your subsequent vacation.
