Best things to do in Isla Mujeres (México): a travel guide with everything you need to know to visit this island from Cancun

Just 20 minutes away from Cancun by ferry, Isla Mujeres boasts of being the island where the first rays of sunshine in Mexico are born, a sunrise you can enjoy in the south of the island, next to the statue of the goddess Ixchel to whom the island owes its name. The north of the island boasts what is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, Playa Norte, which in addition to its phosphorescent blue waters, will give you beautiful sunsets. In one day you will be able to do both plans in addition to swimming among fish and turtles, traveling the 7 km long Isla Mujeres, but you will probably want to stay at least a couple of days more.

Its proximity to Cancun, one of the major tourist epicenters of the Mexican Caribbean, means that Isla Mujeres is not really an island paradise where you can enjoy quiet days at the beach. It is, rather, a small paradise that has been, like so many others in the Mexican Caribbean, partly privatized and exploited to the maximum for the large influx of tourists it receives every day. Even so, it is possible to enjoy its attractions and incredible beaches escaping from the crowds and without suffering too much economic prejudice, if you know how and where.

In this guide we tell you the best things to see and do in Isla Mujeres, the best options where to stay, how to get around and practical tips on what to do to avoid falling into tourist traps in this beautiful Mexican Caribbean island.

If you are short on time, you can book a 1 day tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun here, and you should also know that the tours to Isla Contoy from Cancun include a few hours stop in Isla Mujeres. If you prefer to sleep on the island as we did in Randomtrip, we include itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days in Isla Mujeres here

Check out our complete guide to Riviera Maya and Mexican Caribbean if you are planning a trip to the area.

Basic facts for travel to Isla Mujeres

Official Language: Spanish

Currency: MXN ($) Mexican Peso (1$ equals 20$ MXN approx.). Check the updated exchange rate here

Population: 22,686 (in 2020)

When to visit: As in all the Yucatan Peninsula, there are two main seasons, the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October, with the probability of hurricanes between June and November), so it is recommended to go during the dry season (although in November, December and even January there are still rainy days, depending on luck). Also, you will have to take into account the famous sargassum that usually invades the beaches from April to August, although it varies from year to year. We detail more about when to go to Isla Mujeres in this section of the guide.

How long to stay: Minimum 1 day, but the ideal time to visit Isla Mujeres is 2-3 days (and if you want to stay and relax on the beaches, you can increase the number of days you want). In this section we share specific itineraries for Isla Mujeres to help you organize your trip.

How to get there: There are many direct international flights to Cancun and from there the ferry ride to the island takes less than half an hour. We recommend you use flight comparators like Skyscanner and Kiwi and be flexible with dates to get the best possible price on your flight. We detail more in this section of the guide.

Visa: With a US, Canadian, European or UK passport it is not necessary to obtain a visa. Upon arrival in Mexico, it will be enough to show your valid passport, and depending on your departure date, you will be given up to a maximum of 180 days. Although Mexico does not require a passport with at least 6 months validity, some airlines do, so it’s better to comply.

Where to stay: Ideally, you should stay in the northern part of the island where, in addition to being close to the famous Playa Norte (one of the most beautiful and sought-after beaches on the island), there is a wide range of accommodations and restaurants. More details in the section of the guide on Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres

What to bring: A good travel insurance (in this link we give you a 5% discount on the one we always carry) and here is the list of what you must have in your backpack for this trip

How to get around: The best option is to have your own vehicle (you can bring it on the ferry or rent a motorcycle, buggy, car or golf cart, the most typical on the island). Otherwise, you have cabs (very expensive) or you can hire tours. More info on how to get around Isla Mujeres in this section of the guide.

How much it costs: From 55$/day (1000 pesos/day) per person (approx.) for a 2-3 day trip, depending on the type of accommodation, meals and how much you want to explore the surroundings. More budget information in this section of the guide.

Internet connection: If you are visiting for a few days, your phone supports eSIM and you don’t want to complicate things, we recommend Holafly eSIM (unlimited data, 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP) or Airalo eSIM (limited data, but cheaper, 15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15). Otherwise, the cheapest way is to get a local SIM (we recommend Telcel). More info here

Vaccines: there are some recommended vaccines if you travel to Mexico, you can check them here

Time zone: UTC -5.

Where is Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a Mexican Caribbean island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the east, close to Cancun, which is about 20 minutes away by boat:

When to visit Isla Mujeres

To choose the best time to visit Isla Mujeres you have to take into account 3 main factors: weather, tourist demand and sargassum. Here we detail when to visit Isla Mujeres based on them.

Weather in Isla Mujeres

The weather in Isla Mujeres, as in the entire Mexican Caribbean, is mainly divided into two seasons:

• Dry season (November to April): less chance of rain, milder temperatures (it is still hot). The winter months (December to March) usually have the best weather, although depending on the year this may vary, and during December and January it is common for “nortes” to arrive with somewhat cooler winds and sporadic rains that can sometimes even cause port closures for small boats, affecting tours.
• Rainy season (May to October): it rains more, it is warmer and there is a probability of hurricanes (the official hurricane season is from June to November).

The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is during the dry season, to have a better chance of good weather and less hurricanes, from December to April.

Here is a summary table of the weather in Isla Mujeres to give you an idea of what you can expect:

Isla Mujeres weather chart, with temperatures and rainy days per month:

Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Probability of sargassum	Rainy days
January	20º	27º	26º	L0w	6
February	20º	27º	26º	L0w	5
March	22º	28º	26º	Medium	4
April	23º	29º	27º	High	4
May	25º	30º	27º	High	7
June	25º	31º	28º	High	11
July	25º	32º	29º	High	10
August	25º	32º	29º	Medium	11
September	25º	31º	29º	Medium	14
October	24º	30º	28º	L0w	13
November	22º	29º	27º	L0w	8
December	21º	28º	27º	L0w	6
Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Probability of sargassum	Rainy days

Sargassum in Isla Mujeres

Another problem that affects several areas of the Mexican Caribbean is the sargassum, although like everything, it depends on the year. The advantage of Isla Mujeres is that, being an island, the sargassum tends to concentrate more on the beaches on the east side, while the west side (the side with the best beaches), which is in front of the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, is somewhat more free of sargassum. In the last few years the sargassum hardly reaches the beaches on the west side of Isla Mujeres , although this may change in the future.

Sargassum is a floating macroalgae that moves with the currents. It has its important function in the ocean (for example, it produces oxygen through photosynthesis and is a habitat for different species). On the other hand, an excessive amount of sargassum can generate problems in the ocean itself (for example, if it sinks it can suffocate corals).

In theory it has always existed in the Gulf of Mexico, but since 2011 it began to increase its area, and from then on large quantities of sargassum began to arrive on the shores of the Caribbean beaches, disfiguring them and producing a nauseating odor.

The amount of sargassum that arrives and the months during which it appears varies from year to year, being very difficult to predict: normally the sargassum season goes from April to August, but for example in 2023 it started to appear already in February.

The Mexican government and businesses/hotels have several initiatives to try to mitigate the effects of sargassum, such as cleaning the beaches or even installing anti-sargassum nets/barriers in the sea, but they are not 100% effective so the ideal is to avoid the months with more risk of sargassum if your goal is to travel to the Mexican Caribbean to enjoy its beaches.

If you want to check the updated status of the different beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, there is the Facebook page Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo de Quintana Roo, which frequently updates the data (although not always), in Viajefest or in Sargassum Monitoring. We also recommend searching for Instagram stories by location to see “real time” images of the beaches you plan to visit.

Tourism demand in Isla Mujeres

The times of highest tourist demand (and therefore, when we will find more people, more lines, more expensive prices and more complications to go to the most famous restaurants or places) are:

• Summer (June to October): besides being school vacation time in many countries and increasing demand (and prices), it is the rainy season.
• Easter Week (March/April, depending on the year)
• Some national holidays (November, December)
• Christmas and New Year’s Eve

So we recommend you to avoid those dates if you want to enjoy the city more calmly and with better accommodation prices.

Important festivities in Isla Mujeres

If you want to be in Isla Mujeres for the biggest parties of the year, don’t miss out:

• Carnival (February/March): it has been celebrated since 1876 and consists of 4 days of festivities all over the island, during which people go out to dance in the streets in parades and shows.
• Regata de Sol a Sol (April/May): it has been held since 1969 and consists of a sporting competition between sailboats coming from St. Petersburg (Florida, USA) to Isla Mujeres. During 5 days there are several activities around the island and, apparently, there is also a basketball game between islanders and visitors.
• Caribbean Culture Festival (July): party atmosphere on the island for several days with performances of musical groups from all over the Caribbean and various musical styles such as reggae, salsa, merengue and Cuban son.
• Anniversary of the Foundation of Isla Mujeres (August 17): the date on which Isla Mujeres was constituted as a territory in 1850 is celebrated through various celebrations and cultural and sporting events. Although the festivities in honor of the island’s patron saint are at the end of the year, also on the island’s anniversary the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is honored and taken down from her altar, with a traditional procession with music band or “tambora” and party. She is venerated for 8 days with prayers and novenas to return her to her niche known as “the ascent of the Virgin”, an act awaited by the Catholic faithful.
• Festivities in Honor of the Virgin Immaculate Conception, the Patron Saint of Isla Mujeres (November 28 to December 8): 11 days of the most popular festivities is the celebration in honor of the island’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, an example of religious syncretism where Catholicism coexists with the homage to pre-Hispanic deities such as the goddess Ixchel.
• New Year’s Eve (December 31): that’s when we went to the island and there were live concerts and fireworks in the main square, the Palacio Municipal de Isla Mujeres, in the north of the island. It is also common for tourists and locals to come down from the north to the south of the island at sunrise, to receive the first rays of sunshine in all of Mexico (some people, of course, without sleeping).

Summary: Best months to visit Isla Mujeres

Based on the above, if you are looking to visit Isla Mujeres with less people, good weather and reasonable prices, the best months are December (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve), January and February, while March to May can also be a good time, although hotter and with a higher probability of sargassum.

How to get to Isla Mujeres

There are many direct international flights to Cancun and from there a ferry will take you to the island in less than half an hour. We recommend that you use flight comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi and be flexible with dates to get the best possible price for your flight.

The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun takes approximately 20 minutes (depending on the swell on the day of the trip, it may take a little longer) and the company that operates this route and with which we went on Randomtrip is Ultramar (now there is also a ferry from Xcaret that also does the route). Ticket prices range from 270 pesos each way (about 16$) for adults (200 pesos each way for minors) and discounts for Quintana Roo residents (from 100 pesos each way for adults and 66 pesos each way for minors).

Where does the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres depart from?

You can catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez or from various points in the Cancun Hotel Zone, whichever is closest to your accommodation:

• Playa Tortugas: It is located here at km 6.5 of Blvd Kukulcan. You can buy your round trip ticket to Isla Mujeres from Playa Tortugas in advance at this link.Ferries depart from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Playa Tortugas to Isla Mujeres and from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Isla Mujeres to Playa Tortugas.
• Playa Caracol: It is located here at km 9.5 of Blvd Kukulcan. You can buy your round trip ticket to Isla Mujeres from Playa Caracol in advance at this link. Ferries depart from 9:45 am to 6:15 pm from Playa Caracol to Isla Mujeres and from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm from Isla Mujeres to Playa Caracol.
• Puerto Juarez: It is located here at km 4 of Kukulcan Blvd. You can buy your round trip ticket to Isla Mujeres from Puerto Juarez in advance at this link. It is the most used option by local islanders and Cancun locals. Ferries depart from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres and from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm the next day from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juarez.

You can buy your tickets in advance for Ultramar with Getyourguide (confirm on the Getyourguide page as it may vary):

• Roundtrip ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

There is also a new ferry from Xcaret, located here in the hotel zone, which costs around 18$ each way

Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?

For people with USA, Canada, UK and European passports it is not necessary to obtain a visa. Upon arrival in Mexico, it will be enough to show your valid passport, and depending on your departure date, you will be given up to a maximum of 180 days.

Although Mexico does not require a passport with at least 6 months validity, some airlines do, so it’s better to comply.

Are there required vaccines to travel to Mexico?

There are some recommended vaccines if you travel to Mexico, you can check them here

How many days to visit Isla Mujeres

Minimum one day, you can go in the morning from Cancun and return on the last ferry(book your round trip ferry), planning your day well to take advantage of those crystal clear waters. But if you can dedicate at least two or three days to get off the most obvious route of the island and explore its more virgin side, you will not regret it and it is the option we recommend.

In this section we share specific itineraries of Isla Mujeres to help you organize your trip.

Things to see and do in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Map

We have included all the Isla Mujeres attractions mentioned in this guide on a Google Maps map that you can take with you on your smartphone to use during your trip.

Here we also include a tourist map of Isla Mujeres (Source: official tourism website of the Mexican Caribbean):

Brief introduction to Isla Mujeres

The name of the island dates back to 1517 when, on the first day of March, Francisco Hernández de Córdoba and his crew, who had departed from Santiago de Cuba on February 8, arrived at an island they called Mujeres because of the several sculptures of women or feminine divinities they found in a temple upon their arrival. This temple, built by the Mayas in the central part of Isla Mujeres, was a sanctuary to Ixchel, goddess of the moon, water, love, abundance and fertility. According to their religious beliefs, the Mayas built the temple in order to obtain good salt harvests.

Precisely because it was a sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, the women of the ancient Maya civilization made pilgrimages to Isla Mujeres from different parts of the Yucatan Peninsula as a rite of passage, the symbol of their transition from girls to women. There they deposited handcrafted pieces of female figures along the island as an offering to the goddess Ixchel, in the hope of being blessed with fertility. It was precisely these figures that the Spanish colonizers found when they arrived and that gave the island its present name.

There is no knowledge of the Mayan name of the island, but in the year 564, the island was part of the group of territories known as Ekab. However, it was not a common settlement since it was above all the sanctuary of Ixchel and those who inhabited it were mostly people completely dedicated to the service and worship of the goddess. Apparently, the sanctuary was abandoned around the year 600 and later, between the years 1000 and 1100, it was populated again by a group linked to the Itzáes and the Cocomes of Mayapán and used for economic purposes.

Currently, it is very sad to see how this Mexican Caribbean island paradise, with such a strong history and mysticism, fell, like other of its Caribbean neighbors, at the mercy of classism, where inflated prices and various practices of animal abuse happen, that surely the goddess Ixchel would not approve and that should already be banned.

Unfortunately, in Isla Mujeres we had a tourism sensation very similar to the one we had in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel: a “mass” tourism adapted to the island, very oriented to tourists coming from the USA, where the fast and multinational supplants the genuine and local.

The proximity to Cancun, one of the tourist epicenters of the Mexican Caribbean, which is only half an hour away by ferry, helps us understand what Isla Mujeres has become and makes it very easy for everyone there to spend a day, or several, on the island. Isla Mujeres is also a stopping point for some of Cancun’s most famous day tours such as the one to Isla Contoy.

Even so, in Isla Mujeres we must highlight something that we do not find in other areas of the privatized Mexican Caribbean: the greater ease in enjoying the beach for free. Yes, something as simple (and that we take for granted in other parts of the world such as Portugal or Spain) as throwing your towel on the sand and take a dip for free without having to go through a cashier at a beach club is not so easy in places like Cozumel or Tulum and is increasingly scarce in the Mexican Caribbean.

Here we tell you everything you can do in Isla Mujeres, from north to south.

Playa Norte

If anything surprised us when we arrived at the famous Playa Norte (North Beach), known as not only the most beautiful beach on the island but also one of the most beautiful in Mexico, is that it is free! Something so obvious and that we take for granted in so many places in the world, we were surprised after the drag with which we came from Cozumel and Tulum, where the best beaches are paid, that is, after passing through the Beach Club to access it.

While it is true that it is a beautiful beach of fine white sand lined with palm trees and clean turquoise waters, it did not become our favorite one for one simple reason: the sandy beach of Playa Norte is completely flooded with hammocks and beach bars that makes the work of laying out the towel to relax after a dip difficult, if not impossible. Besides, you have to take into account that the music of the different beach bars is intermingled with that of the boats of different tours coming from Cancun loaded with tourists wishing, also, to enjoy the famous “pearl” of the island.

Other beaches in the north of the island

• Playa Centro: although it is somewhat quieter than its neighboring Playa Norte (a little more space to spread out your towel), it suffers from the same “anti-relax evil”: the mix of loud music coming from both the beachclubs and beach bars and the Cancun tour boats make relaxing or taking a snooze an impossible task. That said, if you want to enjoy the best sunset on Isla Mujeres, it’s right here in the north of the island, so whether it’s buying a beer/snack at a store or paying for hammock/chair/table admission at a beach club, enjoy at least one day of this spectacle. It was where we chose to have a set time each day to enjoy the free spectacle of the sun setting into the sea.

• Cove to the right of Mia resort: small beach next to the famous All Inclusive resort Mia Reef with shallow and very calm waters.

• Playa de la Media Luna: a beach less crowded than the previous ones where the “instagrammable” letters of Isla Mujeres are located.

El Acantilado Viewpoint

At this viewpoint on the east coast of the island we stopped on our way south to enjoy the immense panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. This coast is dotted with several sculptures of local marine animals such as dolphins and manta rays so if you want to stop at various points, wherever you see a marine inhabitant, there is a lookout point to contemplate the sea.

Near this viewpoint is a lagoon that we passed by on our motorcycle on our way to the south of the island.

Guadalupana Beach

We stopped at this beach because we saw it from the motorcycle on the way down south and it seemed very quiet. It was a good idea to stop here on the way back. Although the sea was rougher and, therefore, not very appetizing to enter, the beach was immense and there were hardly any people, something very different from the beaches in the north of the island. If you are looking for a beach where you can spread out your towel and relax (without services, of course), this could be a good option.

Lancheros Beach

Lined with palm trees, Lancheros beach was one of the most beautiful we saw on the island although not the best for swimming since when we went there was a lot of seaweed (not sargassum, it was not yet the season) in the water.

It is well known for its fish restaurant Tikin Xic which is usually full at lunchtime and where some tours arrive, so if you want to enjoy the beach in peace and quiet, the ideal is to go in the morning or, when we went on Randomtrip, after 3pm.

El Garrafón Reef

One of the best places in Isla Mujeres to see marine life is called El Garrafon Reef and it is located in the south of the island. Unfortunately we couldn’t find a way to enjoy it on your own because to swim and snorkel here you must either hire a boat tour that makes a stop here from Cancun (you have this option or this one) or pay the entrance fee at one of the two beach clubs that exist. At Randomtrip we chose the cheapest option and we tell you where in the next point.

Garrafon Beach Club

This is the most famous all-inclusive beach club in the south of the island and it is called Garrafon Natural Reef Park. As soon as you arrive you will see from the road a huge zip line crossing the turquoise blue of the Caribbean and you will know that you have arrived at the famous beach club. If you are looking for a place to have fun with zip lines, kayaks, infinity pool and snorkeling with an open bar of food and drinks, this is probably the place for you.

Of course, it is the favorite of the vast majority of tourists who visit the island, so the language, the menu and, of course, the prices are geared to this type of tourism.

We approached them to ask for prices and they told us that the standard full day ticket was $69 with food, drinks, snorkeling equipment and kayaks included and the VIP full day ticket was $89 if, in addition, you want to enjoy the zip lines, infinity pool, temascal and a VIP area where more international food is served. These prices may vary so it is best to confirm before arriving.

If you prefer to make sure and buy your ticket in advance, you can buy your standard or VIP ticket to the Garrafon Beach Club at this link.

Garrafon de Castilla Beach Club

At Randomtrip we opted to go to this other beach club, neighboring the well-known one, called Garrafón de Castilla Beach Club. More modest and quieter than the previous one, this beach club does not have zip lines or an open bar with international food. The reef where you can snorkel is the same (you can bring your equipment or rent it there), they have lockers where you can leave your belongings, hammocks (lounge chairs, included in the entrance fee), showers and a small restaurant with local food (tacos, quesadillas, etc) and drinks (beers, margaritas, juices, etc) in case you want to consume something.

The entrance fee to this beach club is 150 pesos/person (8$ approx.) these are the prices of the extra services (you have to pay all in cash):

• Locker rental: 100 pesos per locker (5$ approx.). Ideal for snorkeling because you keep your belongings, wear the key on an elastic band on your wrist and you don’t have to worry about it. You have to leave a deposit of 100 pesos that you get back when you return the key.
• Towels: 100 pesos per towel (no deposit)
• Snorkel (200 pesos deposit), rented separately:
  • Mask and snorkel: 50 pesos
  • BCD: 50 pesos
  • Fins: 50 pesos

Remember to be responsible every time you approach a reef. Main rule: observe, don’t touch. Of course, don’t step on the reef and if you see anyone feeding fish on snorkeling tours, or doing any kind of action that may harm the local flora and fauna, report it immediately.

Punta Sur and the first rays of sunshine in all of Mexico

At Randomtrip we spent New Year’s Eve in Isla Mujeres so we decided to welcome the new year in the place that receives the first rays of sunshine in the whole country: at Mirador Punta Sur

There is a free area (the one we went to), and another (the Sculpture Park) for which you pay for access. These are the prices:

• Tourists: 100 pesos or 6$
• Quintanarroenses and INSEN/INAPAM: 50 pesos or 3$.
• Islanders: free

In the company of a lighthouse and several sculptures of the goddess Ixchel and other ancestors that remind us that we are in a land that was really a sanctuary, shortly before 6 a.m. we joined a considerable group of people who had arrived earlier. There were several islanders who have the tradition of coming to contemplate the sunrise on January 1st every year and some other tourists who had the same idea. It was a very special moment to welcome the new year in a place full of history and mysticism.

We recommend that, at dawn or not, you go to the ecological park of Punta Sur to see its sculptures, its lighthouse and, of course, enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean. Here you can also take a picture with the letters of Punta Sur.

MUSA: Isla Mujeres Underwater Museum

A museum under the sea? Yes, in Isla Mujeres you can mix culture and adrenaline by visiting the MUSA, an underwater museum. It is located less than 10 meters deep and is composed of more than 400 sculptures in a complex structure of artificial reefs with the aim of conserving the natural marine resources of Quintana Roo.

MUSA was created precisely with the aim of raising awareness and reducing the impact of climate change in the ocean, protecting the reefs, helping the regeneration of marine fauna and flora by attracting more tourists to these reefs, protecting the natural corals from almost a million people who visit them every year and who have a negative impact on them…

In addition to contributing to environmental conservation by attracting more tourists to these reefs (and discouraging visits to the natural reefs and the deterioration of the protected natural area), it is very beautiful to observe each of the sculptures surrounded by fish.

If you are already a certified diver, you can book your dive to MUSA at this link. If you prefer not to go to the depths and snorkel, you can book your snorkeling excursion to the reefs of MUSA and Manchones in this link or in this one.

Whale Shark Sighting and/or Swim with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres

One of the most sought after tours in Isla Mujeres is whale shark watching and/or swimming with whale sharks. If you want to have the opportunity to see one of these gentle giants that can reach up to 12 meters, the largest fish in the world, you can do it here only in the summer months(you can book your tour here). Some years the first sightings occur in April and May but if you want to be sure, try to visit the island between June and September. The price of the tours start around 1800 pesos (90$ approx.) although it can go up in high season (July and August).

At Randomtrip we did not do this activity in Isla Mujeres since we visited the island at the end of the year (although we had the opportunity to swim with the whale shark on the other coast, in Baja California Sur, in February) but we ask that if you visit the island in spring and summer you do it responsibly, with an agency that promotes sustainable tourism and not animal abuse.

Be wary if the agency does not respect the official measures and prohibitions for whale shark watching and/or swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, among which:

• When contracting the activity, the tourist should not be guaranteed to observe or swim with the whale shark.
• In the activity there must be a maximum of 10 tourists per boat (not exceeding 12 meters) and a maximum of 120 boats at the same time in the authorized area. There will be two shifts to leave the dock: 7:00h and 9:00h and all boats must be out of the authorized area at 14:00h maximum.
• If there are less than 5 whale sharks in the water and more than 5 boats, the activity is restricted to whale shark watching only and swimming is not allowed .
• In case there are conditions for swimming with the whale sharks, the entrance to the water will only be done by a guide with up to two tourists maximum (who will take turns) keeping a minimum distance of five meters from the whale shark. The number of “water entries” per group of tourists will be a maximum of two. Each boat will have a maximum of 30 minutes.
• It is mandatory that, upon entering the water, both the guide and the tourists wear a life jacket, snorkel equipment, fins and mask.
• Under no circumstances may physical contact be made with whale sharks and wildlife specimens. Harassing, touching, riding or harming the whale shark in any way is prohibited.
• Do not use sunscreen that is not biodegradable. In addition, you should apply sunscreen at least half an hour before the activity.
• The consumption of alcohol, drugs or any psychotropic substance during the entire activity is prohibited.
• Do not obstruct the whale shark’s course with boats or swimmers.
• Do not use “propulsion” engines or small paddle boats (kayaks, lifeboats, etc.) to swim near whale sharks.
• Do not use flash or any artificial lighting in the water or recorders, megaphones or any device that produces noise or sounds.
• Do not throw or dispose of any type of waste.
• Do not feed the shark or any of the marine species during the activity.
• Use of drones prohibited except with special permission granted by the authorities.

Please, if you see non-compliance with any of these measures, report it immediately.

You can book your whale shark watching and swimming tour in this link.

Official source of these measures and restrictions: Management Plan for Non-Extractive Use through Observation and Swimming in the Whale Shark Concentration Zone, located between Isla Mujeres, Puerto Juárez, Chiquilá and Holbox Island, in front of the municipalities of Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez and Isla Mujeres of the State of Quintana Roo of Semarnat (Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources).

Visiting Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a small island north of Isla Mujeres, included in the Isla Contoy National Park, created to protect the island and its surroundings. The island is not inhabited, and the only way to visit it is on a tour from Cancun or Isla Mujeres, and that in high season can be difficult because there is a maximum daily quota of 200 people who can visit the island (if you are interested, you can see here the management program of the park).

Most people visit Isla Contoy on a tour from Cancun that also takes you through Isla Mujeres (only a couple of hours, leaving you in Playa Norte), so if you include Isla Mujeres in your itinerary and want to visit Isla Contoy from there, you can hire the tour on the island itself, in most agencies you will find in the northern area.

Tour prices start usually around 100-120$, including food and snorkeling equipment.

Here is our complete guide to Isla Contoy:

How to get to Isla Contoy (Mexico) from Cancun: a guide to visit the last paradise in the Mexican Caribbean

Where to dive in Isla Mujeres

There are several places to dive in Isla Mujeres and contemplate its reefs such as, of course, the underwater museum MUSA; Los Manchones, where you can see La Cruz de la Bahía; El Farito, where a catholic image is submerged; La Cadenita, El Ixla-ché, Los Cuevones, and many more. In Randomtrip we did not dive in Isla Mujeres since we had just been in Cozumel precisely to dive in one of the best sites in the Mexican Caribbean.

On the island there are dive sites of various depths and for various levels of diver experience. For example, Los Manchones is an ideal dive site for beginners (shallow depth and lots of marine diversity).

If you are already a certified diver, you can book your dive at MUSA in this link.

If you are not yet a certified diver and would like to try it in Isla Mujeres, in this link you can book your PADI Discover Scuba Diving for non-certified divers.

And if you prefer not to go to the depths and snorkel, you can book your snorkeling excursion to the reefs of MUSA and Manchones in this link.

Get inspired by the stories of our visit to Isla Mujeres

You can see the featured Instagram stories about our visit to Isla Mujeres here.

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres

At Randomtrip we stayed in the north of the island, in a room at the Xbulu-Ha hotel. Although we found it expensive for the type of hotel (we went in the middle of New Year’s Eve with very inflated prices and the hotel needs some renovations), the truth is that the location was fantastic. We recommend that you stay in the north of the island from where you can walk to the northern beaches and where there is also more gastronomic and accommodation options to choose from.

From what we know of Isla Mujeres, we recommend the following accommodations:

• Casa María (from 66$/night): Casa María offers suites and apartments 5 minutes walk from Playa Norte. Please note, not all rooms are exterior, so choose wisely when booking.
• Xbulu-Ha (from 69$/night): where we stayed at Randomtrip. Don’t expect big luxuries, the rooms are simple (and some of the furniture was already worth retiring) but the rooms have their own bathroom, kitchen and a location very close to the beach and restaurants.
• Sea Hawk Suites (from 78$/night): 130 meters from Playa Norte, simple but clean and comfortable rooms and studios. One of the best value for money options in the north of the island.
• Cande’s Apartaments (from 78$/night): another of the less expensive options in the north of the island, here you will find apartments for 2 to 5 people.
• The Mermaid and The Pearl Boutique B&B (from 82$/night): good option if you don’t need a private bathroom (it’s a shared bathroom), besides the food and location of the rooms, the breakfasts are incredible.
• Hotel Boutique Kinich (111$/night): in this 4-star hotel, all rooms have a balcony.
• Na Balam Hotel (from 136$/night): in the middle of Playa Norte, this hotel surrounded by gardens has rooms and suites suitable for 2 to 6 people, ideal for groups and families.
• Privilege Aluxes Adults Only (from 142$/night): luxury beachfront hotel with two outdoor pools, spa and 4 restaurants to choose from.
• Casa Alkimia Town (from 156$): probably one of the nicest accommodations in the north of the island, 5 minutes from Playa Norte. If you prefer to stay in front of the sea, the Casa Alkimia Oceanfront is about 15 minutes walk from Playa Norte but has the advantage that you will wake up and go to bed with the soundtrack of the sea.

• Oceandreams (from 270$): one of the best options if you are traveling in a group/family as it has 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms (up to 8 people) and incredible views of the Caribbean!

• Lotus beach Hotel Adults Only (from 378$/night): if you want to enjoy a few quiet days as a couple, this boutique hotel is one of the most special. In addition to being a stone’s throw from the beach and having all the desired facilities (restaurant, spa, swimming pools), there are suites with private pool, suites with sea views and suites with Jacuzzi. Sound good?

If you are looking for an all-inclusive beachfront with private access to the beach, we can’t give you first hand information because at Randomtrip we try not to stay in all-inclusives and big hotel chains but these are the best rated:

• Mia Reef All Inclusive Resort (from 497$/night): in the north of the island, all the rooms of this resort have sea views and within the complex there is a swimming pool and 4 restaurants to choose from.
• Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres All Inclusive (from 276$/night): the most “affordable” all-inclusive resort near Lancheros Beach, with free bicycles, outdoor pool, restaurant and fitness center.
• Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun – All Inclusive (from 875$/night): in the south of the island, on the beachfront, this resort has two restaurants: Le Métissage (including a seven-course tasting menu that varies daily) and Casa Rolandi (featuring haute Swiss and northern Italian cuisine). In addition, guests are provided with complimentary catamaran transportation to and from Cancun.
• Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets- Adults Only-All Inclusive (from 1500$/night): the island’s most luxurious resort is located south of Isla Mujeres, near the turquoise-water El Garrafon Reef. The 5-star resort has a private beach area, outdoor pool, fitness center and even a disco.

The prices indicated may vary according to season and/or have been updated. Please check the price when you make your reservation.

Where to eat in Isla Mujeres

These were, from the restaurants we tried on the island, the ones we recommend:

• Tacos de Humo: Very tasty tacos and on such a touristy island here we liked, above all, the service. The people who work there are charming. The prices are scary but as everywhere in Isla Mujeres and in Tacos de Humo, at least, we know that the tacos are delicious and made with quality ingredients.

• Mahaché: Wonderful! We ordered shrimp mahaché and rice a la tumbada and still think about the sauce of the shrimp mahaché to this day. With that coconut rice. Delicious. Undoubtedly the best place we dined on the island. We also loved the cocktail bar, we tried the palomas and the carajillos, and repeated. We went on New Year’s Eve and there was live music but apparently they do it often. The service was also excellent, friendly and fast.

• Café Mogagua: good breakfasts, we went after watching the sunrise on the first day of the year.

Isla Mujeres Itineraries

Things to do in Isla Mujeres in 1 day

If you can only dedicate one day to Isla Mujeres, you can make the most of it since the island is small, although you won’t have time to relax. If you don’t want to complicate things, you can book a 1 day tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun here, and you should also know that the tours to Isla Contoy from Cancun include a few hours stop in Isla Mujeres (they drop you off at Playa Norte).

Here is our ideal 1 day itinerary in Isla Mujeres:

• Early arrival on the Ferry from Cancun
• If you do not bring a vehicle, rent one (motorcycle, golf cart…) and head south to visit Punta Sur.
• After Punta Sur, you can go snorkeling at Garrafon Reef, either at the Garrafon Beach Club (buy here the entrance fee) or at Garrafon de Castilla. You can take the opportunity to grab a bite to eat (or bring a snack to take advantage of the time).
• Continue north and stop at Playa Lancheros and/or Playa La Guadalupana for a dip.
• Return to the north of the island, stopping at the Mirador del Acantilado to see the views.
• In the north zone you can take a picture with the letters of Isla Mujeres, and go to the beach at Playa Norte or one of the others that we recommend in the guide.
• Take the opportunity to watch the sunset from Playa Centro, before going back on the ferry.
• Return to Cancun by ferry

If you visit between May and September, you can remove something to add the whale shark watching and/or swimming tour.

Things to do in Isla Mujeres in 2 days

If you have two days in Isla Mujeres, you can do the 1-day itinerary but in more relaxed way, leaving more time to enjoy the beaches, or you can add Isla Contoy and/or the whale shark tour if it is in season (May to September).

Here is a suggested 2-day itinerary for Isla Mujeres with Isla Contoy :

• Day 1: Early arrival on the Ferry from Cancun and follow the day itinerary of the previous section (Punta Sur, snorkeling at Garrafon Reef, Playa Lancheros/Guadalupana, Playa Norte and sunset).
• Day 2: tour to Isla Contoy in the morning, relax at Playa Norte (or other northern beaches) and sunset before returning by ferry to Cancun.

Things to do in Isla Mujeres in 3 days

If you have three days to visit Isla Mujeres, you can follow our 2-day itinerary in a more relaxed way, enjoying more of the beaches, or if you come in the right season (May to September), you can add the whale shark watching and/or swimming tour.

Here is the suggested itinerary for 3 days in Isla Mujeres with Isla Contoy + Whale Shark:

• Day 1: Early arrival on the Ferry from Cancun and follow the day itinerary of the previous section (Punta Sur, snorkeling at Garrafon Reef, Playa Lancheros/Guadalupana, Playa Norte and sunset).
• Day 2: whale shark watching/swimming tour in the morning, relax at Playa Norte (or other northern beaches) and sunset.
• Day 3: morning tour to Isla Contoy, relax at Playa Norte (or other northern beaches) and sunset before returning by ferry to Cancun.

Transportation: How to get around Isla Mujeres

The best way to get around Isla Mujeres and get to know it on your own, away from the tourist bubble where all the tours stop, is with a vehicle (either your own or rented): a motorcycle (what we did in Randomtrip) or a golf cart, more expensive than the motorcycle but more common on the island and a good option if you have no experience in driving a motorcycle.

Cab fares are generally very inflated so we do not recommend this option unless you have no other choice. If you have your own car or have rented a car for your trip to other areas of the Yucatan peninsula, you can also bring your car on the ferry to get around Isla Mujeres.

Another option is to uses the regular buses (Isleños Bus) that take you to most of the touristic spots on the island, each single trip costs 38 pesos (2$) or you can buy a day pass for 175 pesos (9$), which is only worth it if you are going to use those buses at least 5 times in a day. You can check all the routes and more information in their site

At Randomtrip we rented a scooter one day to explore the island with Moto Rent Angel and everything went well. The scooter was not exactly new, it was quite old, but it didn’t give us any problems. The price was 650 pesos/day (about 35$) from 10:00 am to 10:00 am the next day. You can also rent the scooter for 9 hours (from 9:00h to 18:00h or 10:00 to 19:00h for example) and the price in this case is 500 pesos/9 hours (about 27$). Both options include mandatory third party insurance and you have to leave your driver’s license as a “deposit”. The return was easy and fast and they did not put any problem.

The price is high, taking into account that the scooters are in not-so-good condition (the first one they wanted to give us had a fault in the seat compartment – it didn’t close – and was missing one of the footrests, so we complained and they gave us a better but older one) but it was one of the best options we found since all the services in Isla Mujeres are expensive, inflated and oriented to American tourism on the island.

If you prefer to rent a golf cart to explore the island more comfortably (you will see that it is the favorite means of transportation for USA tourists), we were told that the prices start at 1500 pesos/day (about 75$).

RandomTIP: Ideally, you should rent your vehicle, motorcycle or golf cart for at least 24 hours so you can go enjoy the sunrise at Punta Sur, enjoy Garrafon National Park and return north to enjoy the sunset at Playa Norte.

Is it easy/safe to drive in Isla Mujeres?

In our opinion, yes, it is easy and safe to drive in Isla Mujeres.

The road around the island is generally in good condition and the traffic during our visit during the high season (Christmas) was not too heavy, except for the streets near Playa Norte which can be a bit more frequented by golf carts.

• Whether you rent a motorcycle, golf cart or any other type of vehicle, you should know that in Isla Mujeres (and in principle, based on our experience, in Mexico in general) there is an unwritten rule that says that if there is a free shoulder (especially on roads outside the town), you must pull over and drive on the shoulder if someone faster than you is coming from behind, to let them pass.
• You will encounter some speedbumps” (topes) put in place by the government and/or the local population to force vehicles to slow down. Some are well marked, others are not, so always be careful to drive slowly over them.
• If you rent a vehicle for several days, check with your accommodation to find out if they have parking space or to find out where you can park safely.
• If you don’t want to get complicated or don’t have time to explore the island on your own, you can simply walk around the north or in your accommodation next to the beach and hire a tour for the places you are interested in visiting on the island.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

Very easy: the ferry that connects Cancun with Isla Mujeres takes only half an hour and you can buy your tickets here with the company Ultramar where we went on Randomtrip here. Most departures are from Puerto Juarez, but if you are staying in Cancun’s Hotel Zone you also have ferries from Playa Caracol and Playa Tortugas.

How to have internet in Isla Mujeres

To always have internet on your smartphone, the easiest and most convenient way (if your phone supports eSIM) is to buy an eSIM from Holafly, which has unlimited data (you get a 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP), or to buy an eSIM from Airalo, cheaper but with limited data (15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15)

The other option, cheaper but more cumbersome, is to buy a local SIM, which we recommend is from Telcel (the main telecom company in Mexico, with more coverage).

Safety: Is it safe to travel to Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres, as a tourist bubble, is a totally safe island. Honestly, the assaults we experienced on the island are totally legalized, that is, we felt robbed and swindled in the price of accommodation and in the rental price of the motorcycle that did not correspond, neither in one case nor in the other, at all with what we paid, but the truth is that the island is safe with respect to any kind of theft.

In any case, we always have our Iati travel insurance (which also covers our belongings) as in all our trips and gives us more peace of mind. If you contract your travel insurance in this Randomtrip link, you will get it with a 5% discount.

Money in Isla Mujeres: cards, tips to save on commissions and tips

To pay and withdraw money in Mexico while minimizing fees, we recommend the 2 cards we use in our case:

• Revolut: with the standard version up to 1000$ without commission on card payments (remember to always pay in local currency – Mexican pesos). Up to 400$ of withdrawals at ATMs without commission, from then on commission of 1%.
• N26: with the free version you can pay with your card without commissions in an unlimited way. For ATM withdrawals, you pay 1.7% commission, which you can eliminate by paying for the monthly plans You (the one we use) or Metal.

It is important to keep in mind that although your card does not charge a fee for ATM withdrawals, ATMs in Mexico do charge a fee for their use. The ones that charge the least are Banamex (31 pesos, 1.7$), Banco Santander (34 pesos, 1.8$) or Banco Azteca (34 pesos, 1.8$), so when withdrawing money try to withdraw as much as possible to save money.

Another important issue when withdrawing money at an ATM in Mexico: many times the ATM will ask you if you want the transaction to be done in local currency (Mexican pesos) or in your own currency (in our case, it was euros): always choose the local currency option, otherwise, it will apply an unfavorable exchange rate and you will be overpaying (as a hidden commission).

The above also applies to card payments (although the option almost never appears, on several occasions also when paying with a card in establishments we were shown an amount in euros instead of pesos). In our case it almost always happened to us with the orange CLIP terminals. If this happens to you, ask the person to charge you in Mexican pesos.

A bad practice in Mexico is that in any business where you want to pay with a card, they have the habit of asking you for your card and do the whole process themselves, passing you the terminal only to enter the PIN (in Mexico they call it “firma” or NIP). This means that sometimes, depending on the type of terminal, you do not see the amount and/or you are charged in the original currency of your card instead of in Mexican pesos – making you lose money because an unfavorable conversion is applied. Always ask nicely to be allowed to see the process to make sure you are charged the correct amount and in local currency.

Finally, some establishments charge an extra commission for payment by card (the times it happened to us, it was 5%), they always tell you before and if you do not see it when confirming the amount. In those cases, it is better to pay with cash.

Tipping: The tipping culture is very well established in Mexico, and although it is not and cannot be obligatory by law, it is in practice, since it is frowned upon not to leave a tip. It is recommended to leave a minimum of 10% (usually you will be asked at the time of payment, and if you pay by credit card, the terminal usually gives you the option of adding 10, 15 or 20% as a tip).

How much does a trip to Isla Mujeres cost?

Making a budget is complex as it depends greatly on how you travel: how many plans you want to include in your trip, if you are going to go to restaurants or cook to save money, the type of accommodation you are going to use… In any case, so you can get an idea, we leave below the average prices and what we consider as average price per day (we reiterate that these are ORIENTATIVE prices and may vary at any time):

• Flights/transportation within Mexico: From 550 pesos (about 30$) round trip boat from Cancun. From 1800 pesos (about 90$) round trip flight from CDMX to Cancun. Use flight comparators like Skyscanner and Kiwi to find the best price.
• Transportation: From 650 pesos per day (about 35$) to rent an old scooter.
• Accommodation: from 65$/night for a room with private bathroom or small apartment with kitchen. Find accommodation of all types and prices on Booking, with up to 15% discount.
• Restaurants: many options between 200 pesos (10$) and 600 pesos (30$) per person, for all tastes.
• Entrance fees/tours: some places require an entrance fee (Garrafón de Castilla 150 pesos, Punta Sur Sculpture Park 100 pesos…) and some things are only accessible by tour (Isla Contoy 2000 pesos, Whale Shark 1800 pesos…).

In total, a weekend trip (2 nights) to Isla Mujeres can cost you between 60$ and 80$ per person per day, with the cheapest accommodation options, eating out in cheap restaurants and visiting some of the paying places, departing from Cancun. To this you would have to add the travel to Cancun from wherever you are.

Useful Apps to get around Isla Mujeres

• Google Maps(Android / iOS): is the one we use to save/classify all the places we want to go/ have gone and as a GPS to orient ourselves both on foot and if we rent a car. It also includes public transport information in some cases. You can see other people’s opinions about the places, photos, restaurant menus, telephone numbers to contact them, etc. You can also open our map with all the places included in this guide.
• Maps.me(Android / iOS): application similar to Google Maps but works offline (although Google Maps can also work offline, it works better) and in many cases has information that Google Maps does not have.
• Windy(Android / iOS / Web): essential app for our trips. It allows you to see forecasts of rain, clouds, wind, etc. to help you plan your days based on the weather (as there are places that lose a lot depending on the weather). Obviously the forecasts are not 100% reliable.

Recommendations for traveling to Isla Mujeres as a responsible tourist

• Don’t be an accomplice to animal abuse: don’t go to any attraction where animals are in captivity and/or used for human entertainment. This means not going to attractions that are true aberrations like the island’s Dolphinarium. Also, if you see anyone feeding fish on snorkeling tours, or doing any kind of action that could harm the local flora and fauna, report it immediately.
• Be responsible when visiting a place: a large influx of people to a certain site can have a negative impact so respect the rules, do not climb the tree/monument you are visiting, do not paint on its walls, avoid touching and, out of respect for the rest of the people visiting the place, do not make noise or “monopolize” the place with your photos.
• Take care of natural and archaeological monuments and respect existing rules.
• If you rent a car or motorcycle, respect the speed limits on the road .
• Avoid the use of plastic and do not throw garbage away
• Respect other people: don’t play your music loud; pick up your trash; don’t throw cigarette butts, etc. Leave the place better than you found it.
• Always travel with travel insurance: medical expenses, theft or problems with your plane on a trip can cost you a lot of money, so the ideal thing is to take out travel insurance. At Randomtrip we always use IATI and we recommend it. If you purchase your insurance through this link you have a 5% discount.

Checklist: what to pack in your backpack/suitcase for Isla Mujeres

Here is a list of must-see items you can’t forget to bring on your trip to Isla Mujeres:

• International plug adapter such as these as they use type A plugs (those with two flat parallel pins).
• A  reusable water bottle like one of these to carry water with you all the time and void single-use plastic.
• Water Shoes as these ideal to carry always with you to avoid hurting your feet when entering the water or not touching the ground.
• Snorkel kit (mask and snorkel) like this, a must to bring on this trip and contemplate the seabed. Besides being more hygienic because you do not share your snorkel with anyone, in several places they do not rent the equipment and, even if they do rent, with a couple of times you already amortize the price of your own kit.
• Water proof dry bag like this one, very useful to keep your photographic equipment, cell phone and wallet safe from getting wet on the boat (whales sometimes blow near the boat or even hit the water with their fin or tail near the boat, and water can reach the boat).
• UV protection T-shirt like this because in some parts of the Mexican Caribbean it is forbidden or not recommended to use sunscreen / sunblock because its composition damages the marine ecosystem.
• Quick-drying towel such as one of these, which, in addition, does not take up much space in the backpack/suitcase.
• A hat or a cap (like this one) and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• A good camera to register your adventures. At Randomtrip we carry a Sony ZV-E10 and a Gopro Hero12 Black (for underwater pictures)
• A Power bank: taking so many pictures will drain your batteries, so it’s always a good idea to carry a good powerbank. At Randomtrip we travel with these 2 (Anker 20000 mAh and  Anker 10000 mAh), which allow us to charge both our phones and our cameras.
• Sun screen: the sun is strong in Riviera Maya and Mexican Caribbean so it is a must to take care of your skin. Always look for a Coral Friendly Sunscreen, i.e. one that protects your skin without harming marine ecosystems by avoiding ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to corals. Nor that it has been tested on animals.
• Mosquito repellent: like this one, it should have at least 15% deet
• First aid kit: In our first-aid kit there is always a medicine against seasickness (such as biodramine for seasickness on boats), antibiotics, anti-diarrhea medication (and a probiotic to recover more quickly), antihistamines, painkillers and antipyretics and, of course, travel insurance. If you hire your travel insurance with IATI using this link you will get a 5% discount

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All set to explore this corner of the Mexican Caribbean?