Hop on the Ultramar ferry from Cancún and be transported across crystal clear waters to a magical little spot just 20 minutes away: Isla Mujeres. This beachy island isn’t exactly unknown, but it's still a tranquil spot located in the Caribbean that feels like an escape from all the activity in Cancún. There are sea turtle hatcheries, a dolphin discovery park, and stretches of white sand along Playa Norte and Playa Centro.
If your Mexican vacation is pulling you elsewhere and you only have a few hours to spend away from the mainland, Isla Mujeres is small enough to be a perfect day trip. Be warned though, once you visit you’ll be itching to book a room in one of the oceanfront hotels for a longer stay. This place packs in a lot of adventure, history, and relaxation in only five miles — here’s how to make the most of it.
Get Around by Bike, Scooter, or Golf Cart
While the island isn’t large, visitors will have a much easier time navigating Isla Mujeres with one of the transportation rentals close to the ferry terminal. With a set of wheels, traversing the island from Playa Norte to Punta Sur becomes much more manageable. Be warned though: if you choose to bike, you may be in for a bit of a workout along some of the hillier areas.
Visit Punta Sur for Views and Ruins
The southern tip of the island is the highest part, giving visitors incredible views of the surrounding water. But the twisting, coastal stone walkways that cut into the side of the mountain guide visitors down to the surf until you’re almost literally walking on waves.
The attraction at the very point of the island is ruins that may have been dedicated to and maintained for the Mayan goddess Ixchel. As the goddess of the moon, fertility, love, and medicine, the island received its name for the priestess of Ixchel and the court of women who lived and visited there. Of course, there are many other stories about Isla Mujeres’ namesake, but Ixchel’s statue at Punta Sur speaks to the popularity of the Mayan myth.
Take a Snorkeling Tour
You won’t have to look far for a snorkeling tour while you're here. Manchones Reef is a popular diving spot and some of these tours will take you there while others won’t. Recognizing the effects that human visitors have on these fragile ecosystems, Isla Mujeres has quite the inventive solution: underwater museums.
Snorkelers float above sculptures that are slowly being claimed by the ocean. Museo Subacuático de Arte is an ever-growing project, but currently includes human statues, scenes, and even a car that are slowly becoming reefs and homes for colorful fish, sea turtles, and other ocean creatures.
Eat as You Go
Isla Mujeres isn’t just full of adventure, it’s also crammed full of food options. As you ride or bike across the island you’ll undoubtedly see roadside mango carts that will cut your treat into a flower covered with chili flavoring (if desired). Also not to be missed are the roadside churros slathered in Nutella, chocolate, and dulce de leche.
Restaurants on Isla Mujeres are also plentiful and delicious. At Polo’s Mango Cafe you’ll find coconut French toast and stuffed poblano peppers. Los Tacos de Humo is enormously popular and proclaims itself as having the “best tacos on the island.” Meanwhile, Limón, Sunset Grill, and Rosa Sirena’s Restaurant are just a few of Isla’s numerous seafood restaurants with gorgeous views of the water.
Watch the Sunset at Playa Norte
At the end of a busy Isla Mujeres day, it’s time to grab a drink with some tropical fruit in it and enjoy the sunset. When that time comes, Playa Norte — the north beach — is the place to be. Visitors swim in the turquoise water, sprawl on chairs and towels, and relax on the beach as they watch the sun dip below the horizon, turning the sky brilliant shades of red and orange.
