Isla Mujeres
A slender island off Cancún with pool-calm water at Playa Norte, sea cliffs at Punta Sur and a colorful, walkable little downtown.
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Isla Mujeres hotels
3 nights for 2 adults, from boutique hotels downtown to resorts on the water.
Things to see on Isla Mujeres
By golf cart you can cover the island end to end in an afternoon; these are the stops you shouldn't skip.
- Dec–AprBest time to go
- ≈ 20 minFerry from Puerto Juárez
- ≈ 4.5 miLength of the island
- Jun–SepWhale shark season
Isla Mujeres from above and ashore
Turquoise water, white sand and the rugged coastline at the island's south end.
- The north end of Isla Mujeres · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- Loungers above turquoise water · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- The island's north shore · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- Playa Norte · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- Punta Sur's rocky coast · Suwanosejima (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Garrafón Park facing Cancún · Kar Almaguer (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Isla Mujeres FAQ
Ferries, weather, where to sleep and what to do on the island.
How do I get to Isla Mujeres from Cancún airport?
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) and take a taxi or transfer to Puerto Juárez, about 30–40 minutes away. From there the ferry crosses in roughly 20 minutes, with frequent departures all day. There are also departures from Cancún's hotel zone, which take longer, and a car ferry from Punta Sam.
When is the best time to go?
December to April is dry with generally calm seas. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Playa Norte is fairly sheltered, but sargassum seaweed can reach some of the island's beaches in spring and summer, mainly on the side facing the open sea.
When can I swim with whale sharks from Isla Mujeres?
The season usually runs June through September, with the most sightings in July and August. Boats leave early and the ride out to open water can be long, so take precautions if you get seasick. Book with licensed operators and follow the no-touch rules.
Where should I stay on Isla Mujeres?
Downtown and Playa Norte put you within walking distance of restaurants, bars and the island's best beach. Further south you'll find quieter hotels and resorts facing the Caribbean, good for relaxing if you don't mind getting around by golf cart or taxi.
How do I get around the island?
A golf cart is the classic way to explore the island, which is only about 7 km (4.5 miles) long. Taxis, scooters and bicycles are also available. Downtown and Playa Norte are easy to cover on foot.
What is there to do on Isla Mujeres?
Swim at Playa Norte, walk the sculpture garden and cliffs at Punta Sur, snorkel or zipline at Garrafón, visit the turtle farm, dive the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) and end the day watching the sunset from the island's west side.
Is a day trip enough, or should I stay over?
You can see the island on a day trip from Cancún, but staying two or three nights lets you enjoy it after the day-trippers leave: quiet sunsets, dinners downtown and an almost empty Playa Norte in the morning.
What should I eat on Isla Mujeres?
Tikin xic, fish marinated in achiote and grilled over coals, is an island classic. Also try ceviche, fish tacos, cochinita pibil and, in the evening, marquesitas from the street carts downtown.
What documents do I need?
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico through Cancún. Travelers flying within Mexico only need a valid official photo ID.
Get the app to keep your Cancún flight and island hotel on your phone, ready for the ferry dock.
