Isla Mujeres, which is Spanish for "Island of Women", is a small island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, located eight miles off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun Mexico.
In Pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ix Chel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it "Isla Mujeres" because of the many images of goddesses.
Tropical, hot and humid, perfect beach weather.
Average high in May - 89°
Average low in May - 75°
$1 USD is 13 pesos.
We recommend taking pesos from ATMs to use during your trip with your American bank card as the rates are generally better than trying to exchange US dollars or travelers' checks. There are ATMs on Isla at the bank, 7-11, and the Express grocery store. The bank and 7-11 are directly across the street from the dock when you arrive.
You can also use the ATM inside the convenience store at Puerto Juerez in Cancun before you board the ferry to Isla.
By Foot - Feel free to wander.
By Taxi - You can flag a taxi down when you see them drive past. Sometimes taxis will pick you up when they already have others in the car.
Average taxi prices:
By Golf Cart – Golf carts can be rented and are a super fun way to get around the island. They are normally rented for a day (8 hours), 24 hours or multiple days.
Bring a few single American dollars to use for tips on your way to Isla. The standard tip for restaurants and tours is 15%. Taxis don't expect tips unless they help you with your bags.
Don’t drink the water. It’s not safe to drink. Buy bottled water or drink the bottled water provided at the hotel. We recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water as well. Ice is safe to drink. The food across the island should be safe to eat. We ate at several little local restaurants as well as several street food stands without any trouble when we visited. However, please use your best judgment.
Isla is very safe. There aren't any "bad" parts of the island, so feel free to explore, but keep your wits about you and again use your best judgment. The buddy system is recommended after dark.
This rocky beach in front of Hotel Playa Media Luna isn't good for swimming, but nice for lounging or enjoying the beach view from the pool.
Located on the north end of the island a short walk from the Playa Media Luna Hotel. The most popular public beach on Isla. The sea is calm here and the beach is shallow – you can walk 25 feet out and still be in waist deep water. Most establishments charge for chair and umbrella rentals, but you can lie down a towel anywhere. Great for watching the sunset. It is a top-optional beach.
Another public beach located on the road running along the west side of the island heading toward the south end of the island. You'll need to take a taxi or rent a golf cart to get here. Busy on weekends. Has good food options. Tix-in-Chix fish is recommended, but order one for two people as it is quite large. Also good for watching the sunset.
This pedestrian street is in the middle of downtown and where most the tourist action on the island can be found. It’s filled with restaurants, bars, tourist vendors and street artists and definitely has a party vibe. It definitely caters to tourists, so be prepared for the touts, but the lively atmosphere can be fun at night.
At the south end of the pedestrian street, Hidalgo. Most nights they have local food vendors and craft booths. Great place to grab some cheap local eats, like churros, tamales, and marquisitas.
Located on Lopez Mateos in front of Juarez. Super colorful.
Located in Sac Bajo. This farm was created to protect the sea turtles from extinction. Scientists harvest the eggs and raise the babies until they are old enough to swim and then they are released into the ocean. You can see turtles of all ages swimming in the tanks as well as some other sea life. 30 pesos entrance fee.
Located in Punta Sur on the south end of Isla. This is an all inclusive park that includes food, towels, and gardens.
Located in the southern tip of the island. Modern sculptures line the walking paths that lead to the beautiful rocky cliffs off the coast and what is left of the Maya ruins. Definitely worth a visit. 30 pesos entrance fee. There is also a restaurant and some tourist shops here.
An island made of recycled materials. Possibly can go on a tour if the owner is around.
A very short boat ride from Isla. The boat will drop you off and then the current will guide you along the reef where you can see coral, sea fans, massive rock formations and a large variety of colorful reef fish. Then the boat will pick you up at the end of the reef near the lighthouse. You can hire a boat from the dock to take you on this trip.
A 45 minute boat ride away. This island is a bird sanctuary and trips to the island feature several pretty snorkeling spots where you can see colorful coral, sting rays, have a BBQ lunch on the beach and bird watch. Tours cost around $60.
Underwater contemporary museum over 500 permanent life size sculptures, not a lot of sea life, but neat sculptures. Can visit by snorkeling or diving. For snorkeling, best to combine it with a reef snorkel as well where you can see more sealife.
Snorkel or dive with the largest fish in the world. All day tour, not guaranteed to see the whale sharks.
Swim with dolphins. Good for kids. $70.