Isla Mujeres is an island where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, about 13 kilometres off the Yucatán Peninsula coast. The island is approximately 7 kilometres long and 650 metres wide.
12 pictures of Isla Mujeres from Hannah Dickens, Darcy Wheeler, Matthew Ronder-Seid and other travelers
Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island off the coast of Cancun, is a must-visit destination for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere. This Mexican paradise offers visitors a more relaxed alternative to the bustling city of Cancun, all while still providing a range of exciting activities and attractions.
To get to Isla Mujeres, fly into Cancun International Airport and then take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry terminal at Puerto Juarez, Gran Puerto, or Punta Sam. From there, it's a quick 15-20 minute ferry ride to the island. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, so you don't need to worry about booking in advance.
While you don't necessarily have to book any attractions in advance, it's a good idea to reserve tickets for popular activities like swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, or snorkeling tours, especially during peak travel seasons.
The costs of visiting Isla Mujeres are relatively affordable, especially when compared to Cancun. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 per day, while luxury travelers might spend upwards of $200 per day. This includes accommodations, meals, and activities.
Some of the best things to do on Isla Mujeres include exploring the island on a golf cart, swimming with whale sharks, visiting the Turtle Farm, snorkeling or scuba diving at the MUSA underwater museum, and relaxing on the stunning Playa Norte beach.
For delicious local cuisine, check out these popular eateries:
1. Lola Valentina: Known for its diverse menu and fresh ingredients, this restaurant offers both Mexican and international dishes.
2. Mango Café: A popular breakfast spot, Mango Café serves up mouth-watering dishes like stuffed poblano peppers and coconut French toast.
3. La Lomita: A local favorite, La Lomita offers traditional Mexican fare at reasonable prices.
When it comes to accommodations, there are options for every budget:
1. Selina Poc Na Isla Mujeres: This trendy hostel offers private rooms, dorms, and even glamping tents right by the beach.
2. Hotel Secreto: A boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
3. Villa Kiin: A budget-friendly option with basic rooms and a prime location near Playa Norte.
Off the beaten path:
For a unique and authentic experience, visit the colorful cemetery, Panteon Municipal, located on the southern part of the island. This local burial ground showcases vibrant and intricately designed tombstones that reflect the island's rich culture and history. Walking through the cemetery, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of the island's residents and their unique traditions. It's a serene and beautiful place to reflect and appreciate the local culture away from the tourist crowds.
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🏖️ Beach spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🌴 Tropics spots 🏨 Resort spots 🚢 Pier spots 🤿 Underwater spotsIsla Mujeres is near the Yucatan Peninsula, in southeastern Mexico.
The island is part of one of the eleven municipalities of the state of Quintana Roo.
The municipality of Isla Mujeres (which includes part of the mainland), and is located thirteen kilometers from the city of Cancun, the main tourist center of the region.
This is an unusual place that is worth a visit.
More than 440 sculptures are immersed in the Manchones exhibition area near the south of Isla Mujeres and 17 sculptures in the Nizuc area south of Cancun.
All of them are located in the Costa Occidental National Park of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc, to reduce the number of visitors who have access to the natural reefs of the marine park.
The founders of MUSA are the director of the marine park, Dr. Jaime Gonzalez Cano, the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and its founding president, Roberto Diaz Abraham.
The MUSA was inaugurated on November 27, 2010.
There used to be two ferry companies that traveled to Isla Mujeres from the ports of Cancun: Marinsa and Ultramar.
But the first one has closed down and, as far as we know, only Ultramar now operates,
The round-trip ticket costs 380 pesos.
The ferry takes about 20 minutes, the frequency is very high, every 30 minutes, it hardly moves, and it drops you off at the main port of Isla Mujeres, right in the center of town. From there to Playa Norte, for example, it's a 10-minute walk.
If you prefer to visit Isla Mujeres as part of an organized day trip from Cancun, there are several options: we recommend a catamaran trip with lunch and snorkeling, or a trip to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.
If your idea is to go directly to Isla Mujeres as soon as you land at the Cancun airport, the fastest and most direct way is to take a cab (it costs about 25-30€) or Uber, which is much cheaper, to take you to the terminal in Puerto Juarez.