Isla Mujeres: Mexico's Stunning Caribbean Paradise Just Off Cancun
During my first visit to Isla Mujeres in 2010, while living in Playa del Carmen for a month, I made the mistake of only staying one day. I instantly fell in love with this enchanting island off Cancun's coast.
It's easy to see why.
My second regret? Waiting nearly six years to return, despite recommending it to everyone visiting the Yucatan. Even after returning to the region in 2012, I skipped it—perhaps after months on remote Caribbean beaches, I needed a break from the sand. This year, on my Yucatan road trip, I prioritized Isla Mujeres.
This compact island measures 7 km (4.3 miles) long and 650 meters (0.4 miles) wide. Golf carts dominate transportation—about 500 rentals, plus 1,500 scooters and 130 taxis—though a few cars now roam the roads. Most visitors rent golf carts for easy exploration.
Our top priority: Playa Norte, the northern beach rivaling Thailand's Koh Poda and the Philippines' Boracay among my favorites.
Here, turquoise waters invite endless ocean gazing. The shallow lagoon lets you wade 50 meters (160 feet) knee-deep.
Convinced yet?
Beyond beach relaxation, we explored the island. Based at the northern ferry dock in El Centro—a charming village of colorful houses, street art, restaurants, and boutique hotels—we walked everywhere. Hidalgo Street buzzes with eateries and shops; no malls here.
Murals from the 2014 Murals for Oceans festival highlight endangered whale sharks and manta rays that visit annually.
Despite the steep $40 golf cart rental (vs. $9/day cars in Cancun), we ventured south to dramatic cliffs plunging into deep blue seas—evoking Ireland's rugged coastlines.
The island's name, "Isla Mujeres" (Island of Women), stems from Mayan worship of Ix Chel, goddess of childbirth and medicine. Spanish explorers named it after discovering her icons. A southern statue honors her.
A nearby sculpture park charges 30 pesos entry (free on my first visit); we skipped it for a marina snack stop.
We ended with Playa Norte's legendary sunset—the island's best vantage.
Skip Cancun day trips; stay overnight for authentic, affordable Caribbean vibes.
How to Get to Isla Mujeres
From Cancun, ferries from Gran Puerto take 25 minutes (Ultramar: MX$160 round-trip/US$8.50). Schedules run 5am-11:30pm hourly. Airport taxi via EasyTaxi app, or budget bus/colectivo.
Note: Negotiate return airport taxis (aim for MX$300/US$16 from MX$700).
Where to Stay on Isla Mujeres
Base in El Centro for Playa Norte access and walkable dining. Limited hotels; Airbnb excels.
Top-rated hotels:
- Nomads Hotel & Beach Bar – Seaside pool-bar, dorms from US$12, kings from US$109.
- Casa Barco Boutique Hotel – Rooftop pool, ocean views, from US$65.
- Casa Azul Maya – Kitchenettes, AC/TV, from US$100.
- Hotel Secreto – Infinity pool, suites from US$127.
- Hotel La Joya – Waterfront, pool, from US$140.
- Izla Beach Front – Pool near beach, from US$188.
- Privilege Aluxes – Adults-only all-inclusive on Playa Norte, from US$230/couple.
View all on Booking.com.
Villas & Apartments:
- Villas Najo' – 1BR pool views, from US$125.
- Casa Santosha – 3BR villa pool/garden, from US$420.
- Aruma – 5BR luxury sea-view pool, from US$700.
