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 Girls”, named after the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the Goddess of fertility and happiness.
There are quite a few unimaginable locations to go to in Mexico, however be sure you add Isla Mujeres to the record!
A fast, 20-minute ferry trip 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 suggest staying longer, particularly if you wish to escape the celebration scene and all the loopy issues to do in Cancun. That is the place to come back to get pleasure from a soothing island break.
On this submit, I’ll record the 21 finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres you don’t need to miss, however first…
Getting To & From Isla Mujeres
You might have completely different choices to get to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport — both by bus, taxis on the airport, or non-public transportation booked previous to your arrival.
Many individuals decide to take non-public transportation to Isla Mujeres booked with Cancun Airport Transportation. The automobile supplied is a van, and the trip is non-public — for those who guide it, you get the automobile to your self.
You can too share with a gaggle of individuals to cut back the associated fee. The vans embody a bilingual driver, air con, and insurance coverage.
To get from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres, the price of the entire van could 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 primary 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 awesome spot for households or for only a chilled-out day of floating round.
2. Test Out Punta Sur
Punta Sur is positioned 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. It is a attractive place to come back and benefit from the surroundings.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for an awesome place to chill out, snorkel and have a drink in Punta Sur, take a look at Garaffon de Castilla.
For 100 pesos ($5), you might have entry to lounge chairs, showers, change rooms and snorkel gear as nicely. It is a good, mellow spot to chill out throughout the afternoon.
If you happen to’d somewhat simply admire the wonderful 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.
Word: Whereas we suggest 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 accountable traveller and think about the place you need your tourism {dollars} to go.
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3. Hire A Golf Cart (among the best issues to do in Isla Mujeres)
To have the ability to expertise all of the issues to do in Isla Mujeres we suggest that you just hire a golf cart for the day. That is fully regular and is a well-liked factor to do!
There are numerous golf cart rental companies out there across the ferry port and you may anticipate to pay round $65 per day for a 2-seater. This firm is likely one of the many choices out there, store round whenever you arrive.
If you happen to want to rent a golf buggy for per week you possibly can anticipate to pay round $420. The longer the rental, the cheaper the speed will probably be. You will want a legitimate driver’s licence with a view to hire a golf cart.
If you happen to simply need to head out for a day to get pleasure from some bars, you possibly can be part of this hilarious golf cart pub crawl! With a driver, you received’t have to fret about consuming and driving. Many drinks and many snacks are included within the enjoyable tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
If you happen to’re into {golfing}, and never simply using golf carts, be sure that to go 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.
If you happen to’re seeking to get some train throughout your journey, practising yoga is likely one of 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 take a look at 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 prime avenue artists from around the globe to lift consciousness of marine species threatened by extinction within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
You possibly can test them out your self, or be 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 positioned 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This pure wildlife reserve and chook sanctuary is 9 km lengthy and 20 metres huge and was declared a Nationwide Park in 1998.
This tour normally picks up company 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 likely one of the most essential 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 individual 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)
Some of the fashionable actions in Isla Mujeres is to go to 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 an alternate 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 issues 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 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. The most effective months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December via to July. If you happen to want tuna fishing the very best months are between April and August.
Relying on what sort of fishing you get pleasure from essentially the most, there are numerous constitution operators that can 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 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 accomplished quite a lot 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 fashionable water exercise in Isla Mujeres is to swim with Whale Sharks (it’s additionally one of many prime 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 individual. The tour consists of swimming with the whale sharks, breakfast, lunch, tender drinks, snorkel gear and normally a while to snorkel the reefs.
It’s unlawful to the touch the sharks and you will need to preserve a distance of two metres. It’s essential 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 residence 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 likely one of the finest 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, for those who purchase bottles of beer to remove, you’ll get 10 pesos again whenever 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 on right here to seek out it on the map.
11. Get Underwater Whereas Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres has a few of the finest scuba diving within the Caribbean. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from some unimaginable caves, and an abundance of sea life — eels, groupers, snappers, turtles, parrotfish and quite a few corals.
If you happen to’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 a licensed diving teacher who will swim alongside you whilst you get pleasure from the great thing about the coral reefs right here.
If you happen to’re skilled, then this dive store is extremely rated and you may 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 fashionable websites embody 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 guide a two-tank dive with our favourite dive store on Mujeres.
12. Chill Out at a Seashore Membership
There are a couple of seaside golf equipment on the island, however Amazona is an effective possibility. 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 possibly can drink at $40, that’s a fairly 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 incorrect. Chillin’ out on the seaside membership is likely one of the finest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for {couples}, or pals.
Handle: Amazona Seashore Membership – Perimetral Pte. 080, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
13. Snorkelling in Isla Mujeres
In case you are a newbie and haven’t accomplished a lot snorkelling prior to now, the very best place to snorkel is El Farito. El Farito, to the north of the island, is shallow and excellent for novices 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 the very best spots and a pleasant native information to indicate you the wonderful sea life round Mujeres.
Los Machones is extra suited to advance snorkellers with a depth of 35 – 40 ft. Different wonderful snorkel websites embody MUSA, Garrafon Pure Reef Park and Isla Contoy. For extra snorkelling and diving, don’t miss Mexico’s hottest island and all the unimaginable issues to do in Cozumel!
Click on right here to be taught extra about the very best snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres.
14. Volunteer Strolling Canines
If you happen to love canines, you’ll need to be sure that to drop in at Isla Animals.
The crew right here is at all times on the lookout for volunteers who’re capable of assist out with strolling canines, giving pet cuddles, and for those who’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 likely one of 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 record of issues to do in Isla Mujeres. Not solely are you able to take in the native ambiance, however the genuine meals is reasonable and scrumptious.
For as little as a couple of {dollars}, you possibly can get pleasure from the very 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 on right here for instructions.
16. Expertise The Zocalo
Each Mexican city has a central sq. known as a Zocalo (it’s among the best 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 avenue 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 likely one of the prime issues to do in Mexico as an entire. You’ll discover the same old Mexican memento retailers in Isla Mujeres, however for those who’re after Tequila or Mezcal, people artwork, silver jewelry, hammocks, and Mexican ceramics there are particular retailers that you must take a look at.
Among the finest purchasing will 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 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 instructions right here.
18. Sundown Cruise on a Catamaran
An ideal option 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 info and to guide 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 wonderful! To not point out, that is an island so you possibly can anticipate some scrumptious seafood choices. Listed here are a couple of eating places you don’t need to miss:
If you happen to’re backpacking Mexico on a price range, you’ll positively need to take a look at the Mercado Municipal for reasonable eats.
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20. Hire a Yacht
If you happen to’re touring to Isla Mujeres with a gaggle, otherwise you’ve received $600 to spend for your self, or for you and your companion, then a day on this non-public yacht would possibly 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 company 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 may spend the day enjoyable 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 overall worth is lower than $40 per individual, which is fairly unimaginable on a luxurious vessel like this.
Click on right here to be taught extra about this wonderful 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.
Study 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 for those who’re within the large metropolis it’s an awesome day journey to the island, however it’s additionally potential to only meet the information on Mujeres to start out 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 appeal to it, making it a spot it would be best 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 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 a couple of.
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 record gave you some nice concepts for issues to do in Isla Mujeres in your subsequent vacation.