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 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 calming island break.
On this put up, I’ll record the 21 greatest 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 choose to take non-public transportation to Isla Mujeres booked with Cancun Airport Transportation. The car offered is a van, and the trip is non-public — in case you guide it, you get the car to your self.
You can too share with a gaggle of individuals to scale 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 on right here to study extra.
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 primary seaside on Isla Mujeres and has been named one of many greatest 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 gorgeous rocky views. It is a attractive place to come back and benefit from the surroundings.
In the event you’re on the lookout for an awesome place to loosen up, snorkel and have a drink in Punta Sur, try Garaffon de Castilla.
For 100 pesos ($5), you’ve gotten entry to lounge chairs, showers, change rooms and snorkel gear as nicely. It is a good, mellow spot to loosen up through the afternoon.
In the event you’d moderately simply admire the wonderful pure views after which sit all the way down to get pleasure from some Mexican meals, don’t miss Capricho Ranch which serves up tasty tacos! Get instructions right here.
Observe: Whereas we suggest visiting the southern a part of Isla Mujeres, we don’t help 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 take into account the place you need your tourism {dollars} to go.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Playa del Carmen – a listing of the highest 21 enjoyable stuff you don’t need to miss!
3. Lease A Golf Cart (probably the greatest 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 simply lease a golf cart for the day. That is fully regular and is a well-liked factor to do!
There are various golf cart rental businesses accessible across the ferry port and you’ll count on to pay round $65 per day for a 2-seater. This firm is likely one of the many choices accessible, store round whenever you arrive.
In the event you want to rent a golf buggy for every week you possibly can count on to pay round $420. The longer the rental, the cheaper the speed might be. You will want a legitimate driver’s licence with a purpose to lease a golf cart.
In the event you simply need to head out for a day to get pleasure from some bars, you possibly can be a part of this hilarious golf cart pub crawl! With a driver, you gained’t have to fret about ingesting and driving. Many drinks and many snacks are included within the enjoyable tour. Click on right here to study extra.
In the event you’re into {golfing}, and never simply using golf carts, be certain to move to Manzanillo, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, which have some glorious {golfing} alternatives.
4. Be part of a Yoga Class
The Treehouse overlooks Playa Norte and it’s a paradise for yoga lovers. Get pleasure from an early morning dawn yoga class or a night sundown class.
In the event you’re trying to get some train throughout your journey, training 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 try their Fb web page.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Mazatlan
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 avenue artists from world wide 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 a 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.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta – a listing of the High 20 stuff you don’t need to miss!
6. Day Journey to Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is positioned 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. This pure wildlife reserve and hen sanctuary is 9 km lengthy and 20 metres vast and was declared a Nationwide Park in 1998.
This tour normally picks up visitors 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 each day. A day tour begins from $75 per particular person click on right here for extra info.
Isla Contoy Tackle: 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)
One of the vital widespread 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 another space round Isla Mujeres taking the stress off the close by reef.
Underwater sculpture parks are created as vacationer points of interest, 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 excellent for deep-sea fishing, inshore fishing, and spearfishing. The very best months for sailfish and marlin are from mid-December by means of to July. In the event you favor tuna fishing the most effective months are between April and August.
Relying on what sort of fishing you get pleasure from essentially the most, there are a lot of constitution operators that may cater to your wants, starting from constitution boats to personal yacht excursions.
This operator stays nearer to shore so is ideal for households or anybody who 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 study extra in regards to the family-friendly inshore fishing day journey
- Click on Right here to study extra in regards to the deep-sea fishing journey
We’ve finished quite a lot of deep-sea fishing journeys in Mexico and world wide and it’s at all times a good time with family and friends.
⇒ See Additionally: Puerto Escondido – The Final Journey Information
9. Swim With Whale Sharks
One other widespread water exercise in Isla Mujeres is to swim with Whale Sharks (it’s additionally one of many prime issues to do in Cabo San Lucas). The greatest time to go to Mexico if you wish to see these lovely creatures is through the summer time months of June to September.
Whale Sharks can attain a size of 14 metres and they’re actually simply mild 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 tools and normally a while to snorkel the reefs.
It’s unlawful to the touch the sharks and it’s essential to preserve a distance of two metres. It’s essential that you simply do your analysis and go together with a good, eco-conscious tour firm that regulates and respects the principles. Take a look at this highly-rated tour with EcoColors Mexico.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in La Paz – Mexico’s Chilled Out City
10. Drink Some Craft Beer
Mexico is residence to many several types of lagers – you’ve most likely 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 greatest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for beer lovers, particularly when it’s raining on the island. These regionally brewed craft beers are a must-try.
As a bonus, in case you 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 Tackle: Jesús Martínez Ross 62, Meteorológico, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here to search out it on the map.
11. Get Underwater Whereas Scuba Diving
Isla Mujeres has a number of the greatest 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.
In the event you’re new to scuba diving and have by no means tried it, Mujeres is the place. This tour will take you out into shallow water with a licensed diving teacher who will swim alongside you whilst you get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the coral reefs right here.
In the event you’re skilled, then this dive store is extremely rated and you’ll guide dives on-line.
A singular expertise is diving on the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks the place a big group of reef, bull, and nurse sharks could be seen sleeping on the underside of the ocean. At a depth of 20-30 meters, this dive website is really useful for superior divers.
Different widespread websites embrace the Machones Reef (800m in size), Tavos Reef, Media Luna, Punta Sur and the location of the Navy Boat Shipwreck (at a depth of 21m).
We went scuba diving on Isla Mujeres with Squalo Adventures and have been very pleased with their security protocols, service, and boats.
Click on Right here to study 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 Seaside Membership
There are a number 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 flawed. Chillin’ out on the seaside membership is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Isla Mujeres for {couples}, or buddies.
Tackle: Amazona Seaside Membership – Perimetral Pte. 080, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
13. Snorkelling in Isla Mujeres
If you’re a newbie and haven’t finished a lot snorkelling up to now, the most effective place to snorkel is El Farito. El Farito, to the north of the island, is shallow and excellent for newcomers to see colleges of vibrant fish.
Higher but, take into account becoming a member of a tour like this one that features a boat to take you out to the most effective spots and a pleasant native information to indicate you the wonderful sea life round Mujeres.
Los Machones is extra suited to advance snorkellers with a depth of 35 – 40 ft. Different wonderful 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 issues to do in Cozumel!
Click on right here to study extra about the most effective snorkel tour in Isla Mujeres.
14. Volunteer Strolling Canines
In the event you love canine, you’ll need to be certain to drop in at Isla Animals.
The staff right here is at all times on the lookout for volunteers who’re capable of assist out with strolling canine, giving pet cuddles, and in case you’re , bathing, grooming, and helping on the spay/neutering clinic.
Isla Animals accepts volunteers every single day from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, no appointment is critical. Be happy to drop in and say hello and assist out. Volunteering really is likely one of the most memorable and significant issues you are able to do in Isla Mujeres.
Isla Animals Tackle: 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 absorb the native ambiance, however the genuine meals is affordable and scrumptious.
For as little as a number of {dollars}, you possibly can get pleasure from the most effective fish tacos and empanadas on the island. It does shut early afternoon so be sure you arrive round lunchtime.
Mercado Municipal Tackle: 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. referred to as a Zocalo (it’s probably the greatest 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 Tackle:
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Guadalajara: A Record of The High 21 Greatest
17. Go On a Procuring Spree
Looking for genuine souvenirs and clothes is likely one of the prime issues to do in Mexico as a complete. You’ll discover the standard Mexican memento retailers in Isla Mujeres, however in case you’re after Tequila or Mezcal, people artwork, silver jewelry, hammocks, and Mexican ceramics there are particular retailers that you must try.
A number of the greatest procuring could 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. Tackle: C. P.º de los Peces 160-L5, La Gloria, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
18. Sundown Cruise on a Catamaran
An ideal solution to finish the day is to get pleasure from a cocktail or two while crusing at sundown round Isla Mujeres. This tremendous enjoyable, 4-hour boat journey 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 few pick-up in Isla Mujeres. For extra info and to guide click on right here.
☞ See Additionally: Manzanillo, Mexico: The Final Journey Information
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 count on some scrumptious seafood choices. Listed below are a number of eating places you don’t need to miss:
In the event you’re backpacking Mexico on a finances, you’ll undoubtedly need to try the Mercado Municipal for reasonable eats.
☞ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Oaxaca: A Record Of The High 21
20. Lease a Yacht
In the event you’re touring to Isla Mujeres with a gaggle, otherwise you’ve bought $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 visitors 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 price is fairly honest when you’ve got a big group. With 15 individuals the full value is lower than $40 per particular person, which is fairly unimaginable on a luxurious vessel like this.
Click on right here to study extra about this wonderful yacht and to contact the homeowners for reservations and reserving.
21. Be 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 in regards to 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 in case you’re within the massive metropolis it’s an awesome day journey to the island, nevertheless it’s additionally attainable to simply meet the information on Mujeres to start out the journey. Click on right 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 attraction to it, making it a spot you’ll want to return to repeatedly.
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 a number of.
Isla Mujeres is an ideal trip vacation spot for households, {couples}, solo travellers and backpackers. It’s a kind of locations that pulls you again yr after yr and has a lot to supply guests.
Who couldn’t love its heat azure waters, excellent temperatures all yr spherical, enjoyable actions and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets? Hopefully, this record gave you some nice concepts for issues to do in Isla Mujeres in your subsequent vacation.
