Things to Do on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a 7 km × 700m island 13 km off the coast of Cancún. It’s accessible by ferry in 20 minutes and is one of the most popular day trips from the Hotel Zone — but it’s also genuinely worth staying overnight, when the daytime crowds leave and the island quietens significantly.

Playa Norte

The island’s main beach and one of the best in the region: very shallow water (calm, protected from the open sea), white powdery sand, and palm shade at the north end. The water here is waist-deep for 100+ metres. Sunlounger hire from beach clubs along the shore runs ~MXN 200–300 per day. Arrive before 10am for the best spots; by noon the day-trip boats have arrived from Cancún.

Snorkelling the coral gardens

The eastern coast of the island has a natural aquarium section with good coral and fish. Most snorkel tours also stop at MUSA — the Underwater Museum of Art, a submerged sculpture park where over 500 cement statues have become artificial reef habitat. Tours from the pier in town run ~USD 35–50 including gear and transport.

Tortugranja turtle sanctuary

A sea turtle research and protection centre on the island’s eastern coast (~5 km from town). Sea turtles nest on Isla Mujeres’s beaches from May to October; the centre houses hatchlings and injured adults. Entry ~MXN 40. Combine with a golf cart circuit of the island.

Golf cart circuit

The standard way to explore the island independently. Golf carts rent for ~USD 45–60 for 4 hours or ~USD 65–90 for a full day (rates vary by operator). The route: south to Punta Sur (sea cliffs, lighthouse, ruined temple of Ixchel — the original “Women’s Island” shrine), then north along the eastern coast back to town. Full circuit is about 18 km.

Whale shark season (June–September)

The same whale shark aggregation accessible from Holbox can also be reached by boat from Isla Mujeres. Tours depart at sunrise (~USD 100–130) for the feeding grounds off Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres. Booking in advance is essential in July and August.

El Garrafón Natural Reef Park

A commercial snorkelling park on the southern tip of the island (entry ~USD 25–45 depending on package). The reef sections are decent but the park is heavily managed. Better to take a snorkel tour from town if you want the best sites without the resort infrastructure.

Getting there

Ferries from Puerto Juárez (Cancún’s main ferry terminal, not the Hotel Zone) run every 30 minutes. Journey: 20 minutes. Cost: ~MXN 180–220 each way. Ferries also run from Gran Puerto Cancún in the Hotel Zone (more expensive, ~MXN 350).