For such a small, sleepy place, there’s all kinds of issues to do in Isla Mujeres — an island positioned off the coast of Cancun in Mexico.
Translated from Spanish, Isla Mujeres means the “Island of Ladies”, named after the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Goddess of fertility and happiness.
There are quite a few unimaginable places to visit in Mexico, however be sure you add Isla Mujeres to the checklist!
A fast, 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun will whisk you away to an island paradise of heat turquoise waters, swaying palm timber 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 celebration scene and all the loopy things to do in Cancun. That is the place to come back to get pleasure from a calming island break.
On this submit, I’ll checklist the 21 greatest issues to do in Isla Mujeres you don’t need to miss, however first…
Getting To & From Isla Mujeres
You’ve totally 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 automobile supplied is a van, and the trip is personal — when you guide it, you get the automobile to your self.
You may also share with a bunch of individuals to cut back the fee. 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 here to learn more.
1. Laze On The Pristine Playa Norte Seaside
A ten-minute stroll from the Ferry Pier is the favored seaside of Playa Norte or North Seaside. That is the principle seaside on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of many best beaches in the Caribbean!
The water right here is calm, and shallow, making it a fantastic spot for households or for only a chilled-out day of floating round.
2. Verify Out Punta Sur
Punta Sur is positioned on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Right here you’ll be able to go to the Pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or just admire the gorgeous rocky views. It is a attractive place to come back and benefit from the surroundings.
For those who’re on the lookout for a fantastic place to calm down, 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 properly. It is a good, mellow spot to calm down through the afternoon.
For those who’d moderately simply admire the superb pure views after which sit all the way down to get pleasure from some Mexican food, don’t miss Capricho Ranch which serves up tasty tacos! Get directions here.
Notice: Whereas we advocate visiting the southern a part of Isla Mujeres, we don’t assist Garrafon Park which can be positioned right here. This is because of the truth that captive dolphins are stored right here. Be a responsible traveller and think about the place you need your tourism {dollars} to go.
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3. Hire A Golf Cart (One of many Greatest 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 just lease a golf cart for the day. That is utterly regular and is a well-liked factor to do!
There are a lot of golf cart rental companies obtainable across the ferry port and you’ll count on to pay round $65 per day for a 2-seater. This company is among the many choices obtainable, store round while you arrive.
For those who want to rent a golf buggy for every week you’ll be able to count on to pay round $420. The longer the rental, the cheaper the speed might be. You will have a sound driver’s licence with a view to lease a golf cart.
For those who simply need to head out for a day to get pleasure from some bars, you’ll be able to join this hilarious golf cart pub crawl! With a driver, you received’t have to fret about ingesting and driving. Many drinks and many snacks are included within the enjoyable tour. Click here to learn more.
For those who’re into {golfing}, and never simply using golf carts, be sure to move to Manzanillo, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, which have some wonderful {golfing} alternatives.
4. Be a part of a Yoga Class
The Treehouse overlooks Playa Norte and it’s a paradise for yoga lovers. Take pleasure in an early morning dawn yoga class or a night sundown class.
For those who’re seeking to get some train throughout your journey, training yoga is among the prime issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Costs begin at $20 for 90 minutes and there are courses to go well with all ranges. For the most recent timings, and courses try their Facebook 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 numerous prime road artists from around the globe to boost consciousness of marine species threatened by extinction within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
You possibly can examine them out your self, or be part of this tour to move 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 positioned 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This pure wildlife reserve and chook sanctuary is 9 km lengthy and 20 metres extensive and was declared a Nationwide Park in 1998.
This tour normally picks up friends from Cancun and heads over to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, however you’ll be able to request a pickup from different locations like Tulum or hop on after they cease at Isla Mujeres. Contact them for extra particulars.
Isla Contoy is among the most necessary areas in Mexico for nesting sea birds and sea turtles. There’s a most of 200 vacationers allowed to go to every day. A day tour begins from $75 per particular person click here for more information.
Isla Contoy Handle: Ed. Capitanía Regional de Puerto Juárez, Región 86, Manzana 2, 77520 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for directions.
7. MUSA (Underwater Museum of Artwork in Isla Mujeres)
One of the well-liked actions in Isla Mujeres is to visit MUSA, (Museo Subacuático de Arte). You possibly can 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 another space round Isla Mujeres taking the strain 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 be one of many prime things to do in Grenada, and the Bahamas.
The location 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 data on reserving click here.
8. Go Fishing
The turquoise blue waters of Isla Mujeres are good for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, and spearfishing. The most effective months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December via to July. For those who favor tuna fishing one of the best months are between April and August.
Relying on what sort of fishing you get pleasure from probably the most, there are lots of constitution operators that may cater to your wants, starting from constitution boats to non-public yacht excursions.
This operator stays nearer to shore so is ideal for households or anybody who would possibly get somewhat 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 Here to study extra concerning the family-friendly inshore fishing day journey
- Click Here to study extra concerning the deep-sea fishing journey
We’ve completed a number of deep-sea fishing journeys in Mexico and around the globe and it’s at all times a good time with family and friends.
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9. Swim With Whale Sharks
One other well-liked water exercise in Isla Mujeres is to swim with Whale Sharks (it’s additionally one of many prime things to do in Cabo San Lucas). The best time to go to Mexico if you wish to see these stunning creatures is through 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 consists of swimming with the whale sharks, breakfast, lunch, delicate drinks, snorkel gear and normally a while to snorkel the reefs.
It’s unlawful to the touch the sharks and you could preserve a distance of two metres. It’s necessary that you just do your analysis and go along with a good, eco-conscious tour firm that regulates and respects the principles. Take a look at this highly-rated tour with EcoColors Mexico.
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10. Drink Some Craft Beer
Mexico is dwelling to many several types of lagers – you’ve in all probability sampled Corona, Dos Equis, or Pacifico – however don’t miss out on the unimaginable craft beers!
A go to to Isla Brewing Firm is among the greatest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for beer lovers, particularly when it’s raining on the island. These domestically brewed craft beers are a must-try.
As a bonus, when you purchase bottles of beer to remove, you’ll get 10 pesos again while you return them. This a good 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 here to find it on the map.
11. Get Underwater Whereas Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres has among the greatest scuba diving in the Caribbean. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unimaginable caves, and an abundance of sea life — eels, groupers, snappers, turtles, parrotfish and quite a few corals.
For those who’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 great thing about the coral reefs right here.
For those who’re skilled, then this dive shop is extremely rated and you’ll guide dives on-line.
A novel expertise is diving on the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks the place a big group of reef, bull, and nurse sharks will be seen sleeping on the underside of the ocean. At a depth of 20-30 meters, this dive web site is really helpful for superior divers.
Different well-liked 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 Here to study extra about scuba diving round Isla Mujeres for first-timers.
Click Here to guide a two-tank dive with our favourite dive store on Mujeres.
12. Chill Out at a Seaside 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. In fact, they aren’t going to be premium drinks, however hey, for all you’ll be able to 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 greatest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for {couples}, or associates.
Handle: Amazona Seaside Membership – Perimetral Pte. 080, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get directions here.
13. Snorkelling in Isla Mujeres
In case you are a newbie and haven’t completed a lot snorkelling previously, one of the best place to snorkel is El Farito. El Farito, to the north of the island, is shallow and excellent for inexperienced persons to see faculties of vibrant fish.
Higher but, think about becoming a member of a tour like this one that features a boat to take you out to one of the best 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 ft. 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 all the unimaginable things to do in Cozumel!
Click here to learn more about one of the best snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres.
14. Volunteer Strolling Canines
For those who love canine, you’ll need to be sure to drop in at Isla Animals.
The staff right here is at all times on the lookout for volunteers who’re in a position to assist out with strolling canine, giving pet cuddles, and when you’re , bathing, grooming, and aiding on the spay/neutering clinic.
Isla Animals accepts volunteers daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, no appointment is important. Be happy 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 here for directions.
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 affordable and scrumptious.
For as little as just a few {dollars}, you’ll be able to get pleasure from one of the best 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 here for directions.
16. Expertise The Zocalo
Each Mexican city has a central sq. known as a Zocalo (it’s among the best things to do in Mexico City as properly). 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 Procuring Spree
Purchasing for genuine souvenirs and clothes is among the prime things to do in Mexico as an entire. You’ll discover the same old Mexican memento outlets in Isla Mujeres, however when you’re after Tequila or Mezcal, people artwork, silver jewelry, hammocks, and Mexican ceramics there are specific outlets that it’s best to try.
A number of the greatest procuring will be discovered alongside Avenida Rueda Medina, however don’t miss:
- Galeria de Arte Mexicano – for silver jewellery. Av Guerrero 3.
- Ladies’s Beading Cooperative – handmade jewellery with income going on to the feminine artisans. Handle: C. P.º de los Peces 160-L5, La Gloria, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get directions here.
18. Sundown Cruise on a Catamaran
An ideal method 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 consists of 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 data and to guide click 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’ll be able to count on some scrumptious seafood choices. Listed below are just a few eating places you don’t need to miss:
For those who’re backpacking Mexico on a funds, you’ll positively need to try the Mercado Municipal for affordable eats.
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20. Hire a Yacht
For those who’re touring to Isla Mujeres with a bunch, otherwise you’ve acquired $600 to spend for your self, or for you and your accomplice, then a day on this private yacht would possibly simply be one of many coolest luxurious experiences you’ll be able to have in Isla Mujeres.
This 46-foot magnificence can match as much as 15 friends and might take you wherever 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 fee is fairly honest when you’ve got a big group. With 15 individuals the overall value is lower than $40 per particular person, which is fairly unimaginable on a luxurious vessel like this.
Click here to study 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 proper 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 concerning the island, go to some neighbourhoods, benefit from the sea views, and cease for drinks and meals alongside the way in which. The tour technically begins in Cancun, so when you’re within the huge metropolis it’s a fantastic day journey to the island, however it’s additionally potential to only meet the information on Mujeres to start out the journey. Click here to study 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 appeal to it, making it a spot you’ll want to return to many times.
In 2001, SECTUR (Mexican Board of Tourism) put collectively a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican cities which have a particular enchantment 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 type of locations that attracts you again 12 months after 12 months and has a lot to supply guests.
Who couldn’t love its heat azure waters, good temperatures all 12 months spherical, enjoyable actions and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets? Hopefully, this checklist gave you some nice concepts for issues to do in Isla Mujeres in your subsequent vacation.
