Isla Mujeres

Travel Guide

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

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

2.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

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
$206 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
$249 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,173 reviews)
"I like everything about the property very good location for shopping and the beach. The beach was BEAUTIFUL. We plan on coming back❤️"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres Adults Only
Izla Beach Front Hotel
Izla Beach Front Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Sac Bajo, Fraccionamiento Lagunamar, Isla Mujeres, QROO
$156 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$188 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,018 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
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
$286 nightly
The price is $346 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$346 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (991 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay at hotel Belo. It’s a smaller hotel and the atmosphere is amazing. Staff was GREAT. Mateo always greeted us with a smile, Alberto recommended a whale shark tour that was unforgettable and Hugo and other restaurant staff went above and beyond to provide excellent service. Hotel ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres - All Inclusive - Sargassum Free
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! (302 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
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 West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta ...
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
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
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
967
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
298
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It is a small but sweet island. We could not find any night life. The shops all seemed to have similar items. We were happy to just go to the beach every day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved Isla Mujeres!! Beautiful Beaches, good restaurants, we loved it!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Isla was beautiful and extremely laid back. We felt safe and enjoyed the areas natural beauty. The only thing that was off putting was the fact you were haggled to come into souvenir shops or for excursions pretty heavily.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Slow pace and quiet evenings

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We stayed on the north side by our resort most of the time. Went into town a few times. Golf carts are available, but not necessary if you are planning on staying in this area. Easier to walk than navigate the roads with all the pedestrians.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We had a blast in town. Great shops and restaurants. Lots of fun.

Cities near Isla Mujeres