Isla Mujeres

Travel Guide

Norte Beach showing a sandy beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Isla Mujeres
Crayola House featuring outdoor art
Norte Beach showing a coastal town, a beach and general coastal views
Isla Mujeres showing rocky coastline and general coastal views

This small, peaceful island is packed with some of Mexico’s most pristine beaches and jungle, and is home to one of Cancun’s more traditional communities. 

Sitting 13 miles (21 kilometers) off the coast of Cancun are the unspoiled beaches of Isla Mujeres. At only five miles (eight kilometers) long, and less than half a mile (800 meters) across, this compact island in the Caribbean Sea offers some of the most sought-after coastline in Mexico. The island is a site of great cultural significance for the Mayan people, and an interesting destination for history lovers. Before tourism became the primary industry of the region, Isla Mujeres was the home of a small fishing community, and remains an excellent example of a quaint Caribbean settlement.

While many choose to stay on the island itself, day trips are certainly viable too. Take a morning ferry to the island and arrive in time for breakfast. Hop in a taxi at the ferry terminal for the short drive to all of the island’s attractions. If you have the time, many of the island’s treasures can be reached on foot, and bicycles can be hired from the town.

Visit the Garrafon Natural Reef Park to find many of the island’s popular water attractions in one place. Snorkel across the coral reef and marvel at the colors of the tropical fish that swim beneath you. The water visibility around Isla Mujeres is exceptional, making it a popular destination for scuba divers.

Between May and September, swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, in the waters off the island. The fish migrate to the area in search of warmer water, and seasonal charter tours are designed to help you experience this annual event.

Just as magical are the charismatic people who live here. The township on Isla Mujeres is popular among tourists wanting to escape the resorts of Cancun, and there are many locals still living a traditional way of life. Eat the customary cuisine of the island at one of the town’s many eateries on Hidalgo Street, or meet the locals at one of the island’s beach bars.

Isla Mujeres is just a short and inexpensive ferry trip from Cancun’s hotel precinct.

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres

Norte Beach featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Centro - Supmza 001

If you're spending some time in Centro - Supmza 001, Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal and North Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Centro - Supmza 001
This life size statue sits outside a huge gift shop/pharmacy/liquor store in Isla Mujeres. I wonder how many people have posed with him? #mexico #islamujeres #lifesize #mexican #centroislamujeres #statue #giftshop #flashpackingbarbie #cnntravel #expediatravel #worldtrip2019 #hombre

Salina Grande

4/5(1 area review)

When in Salina Grande, you can plan a visit to Garrafon Natural Reef Park and West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc National Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Salina Grande
Norte Beach featuring a bay or harbor as well as a small group of people

Salinas

Though Salinas might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Garrafon Natural Reef Park and West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc National Park.

Salinas
Crayola House showing a small town or village

Colonia Meteorológico

While Colonia Meteorológico might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Garrafon Natural Reef Park and Shark Beach.

Colonia Meteorológico
Amazing, colorful church.

La Gloria

Though La Gloria might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Shark Beach and Parque de los Suenos.

La Gloria
We found this gorgeous walkway at the bottom of the Sculpture Park in Isla Mujeres. It's a gorgeous little walk, but watch out for the spray! The Sculpture park is at the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres. #BarefootPDC

See more at http://www.thebarefootnomad.com/mexico/isla-mujeres/

Colonia Salina Chica

Colonia Salina Chica might not have many top sights, but Garrafon Natural Reef Park and West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc National Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Colonia Salina Chica
Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only
Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only
4.5 out of 5
Adolfo Lopez Mateos Sm 1, Isla Mujeres, QROO
The price is CA $291 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
CA $291
CA $357 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,174 reviews)
Best vaca!
"Great stay. Second time at this resort. Alejandro, Eduardo, Danny, housekeeper Yessi, were all wonderful. Planning on coming back in a few months."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only
Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres - All Inclusive - Sargassum Free
Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres - All Inclusive - Sargassum Free
4 out of 5
Laguna Mar M 72 L 5, Isla Mujeres, QROO
The price is CA $344 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
CA $344
CA $435 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Belo. I did the all-inclusive option. I enjoyed the food and the amenities. It was a more chill environment compared to the large resort properties. Staff were friendly and helpful, especially Mateo at the front."

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres - All Inclusive - Sargassum Free
Izla Beach Front Hotel
Izla Beach Front Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Sac Bajo, Fraccionamiento Lagunamar, Isla Mujeres, QROO
The price is CA $217 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
CA $217
CA $268 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,020 reviews)
"Great place. Chill environment and great pool area. Elias at the desk, Virgilio and Adrian were fantastic"

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Izla Beach Front Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nautibeach Condos
Nautibeach Condos
3 out of 5
Av. Rueda Medina #7, Colonia Centro, Pl, Quintana, Roo, Isla Mujeres, QROO
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"A fabulous place , pool and facilities really lovely, easy parking for golf carts, friendly staff and the beach is divine great for families wanting to share a unit but not a bedroom. Grocery store is close. In room water dispensary."

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Nautibeach Condos
Icaco Island Village - Adults Only
Icaco Island Village - Adults Only
3 out of 5
Av. Juárez 19 Aeropuerto, Isla Mujeres, QROO
Stay at this 3-star beach villa in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal and North ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (96 reviews)
"The property and the staff at icaco were absolutely amazing. One of the most relaxing vacations my wife and I have done. It was convenient, comfortable , and very well maintained. We watched the sunset from the pool deck and sunrise and sea turtles from our balcony. The girls which gave us massages ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Icaco Island Village - Adults Only
Casa Azul Maya
Casa Azul Maya
3 out of 5
Av. Perimetral Poniente. Fraccionmiento, Fraccionamiento Mar Turquesa, Isla Mujeres, QROO
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Isla Mujeres. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (94 reviews)
"there was party music about 10:30 pm last night nearby. Beside that, everything was good."

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2025

Casa Azul Maya
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Isla Mujeres

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
88
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We were touring the Cancun/Riviera Maya region for the first time so thought i

5/5 - Excellent

HappyCanadians

Locals, scenery, vibe and gorgeous weather make this the ultimate getaway.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Island becoming over crowded. City is very dirty - sidewalks clutered and unsafe in areas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Although we loved our all inclusive hotel, we will go with a non inclusive hotel next time for less money as there are so many restaurant and bar options to experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Small cool Island with friendly locals & cool beaches & views. Great dining options & Sun!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Foodie paradise so plan to spend more than you wound expect in Mexico for food and drinks. Restaurants and music were fabulous.

Cities near Isla Mujeres