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Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres generally has a quieter and more relaxing vibe than what you'll find across the bay in Cancún, and there's just enough here to keep you entertained: scuba diving and snorkeling, visiting a turtle farm or simply swimming and lazing around on the island's gorgeous north shore.

Sure, there are quite a few ticky-tacky tourist shops, but folks still get around by golf cart and the crushed-coral beaches are undeniably lovely. As for the calm turquoise water of Isla Mujeres, well, you really just have to see it for yourself.

Come sunset, there are plenty of dining options, and the nightlife scene moves at a carefree pace.

Some people plan their vacation around Cancún and pencil in Isla Mujeres as a side trip, but the island is truly a destination in its own right, and a surprisingly affordable one at that.

Explore Isla Mujeres

  • P
    Playa Garrafón

    Head to this beach for excellent snorkeling. It's 6.5km from the tourist center. A cab costs M$100.

  • Playa Norte

    Once you reach Playa Norte, the island’s main beach, you won’t want to leave. Its warm, shallow waters are the color of blue raspberry syrup and the beach…

  • Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm

    Although they're endangered, sea turtles are still killed throughout Latin America for their eggs and meat. In the 1980s, efforts by a local fisherman led…

  • Punta Sur

    At the island's southernmost point you’ll find a lighthouse, a sculpture garden and the worn remains of a temple dedicated to Ixchel, Maya goddess of the…

  • C
    Capitán Dulché

    To say that this beach club has a maritime museum is a bit of a stretch, but it's as close as the island comes to having some culture, plus you get to see…

  • P
    Playa Secreto

    The lagoon separating a large hotel complex from the rest of the island has a shallow swimming spot that's ideal for kids. Despite the depth (or lack of…

  • P
    Playa Lancheros

    About 5km south of town, this beach is less attractive than Playa Norte, but kayaks and SUPs can be rented if you're up for some water activities. A taxi…

  • Hacienda Mundaca

    A 19th-century slave trader and reputed pirate, Fermín Antonio Mundaca de Marechaja fell in love with a local woman known as La Trigueña (The Brunette)…

  • L
    Lighthouse

    Affords views from the island's southern end.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Isla Mujeres.

  • See

    Playa Garrafón

    Head to this beach for excellent snorkeling. It's 6.5km from the tourist center. A cab costs M$100.

  • See

    Playa Norte

    Once you reach Playa Norte, the island’s main beach, you won’t want to leave. Its warm, shallow waters are the color of blue raspberry syrup and the beach…

  • See

    Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm

    Although they're endangered, sea turtles are still killed throughout Latin America for their eggs and meat. In the 1980s, efforts by a local fisherman led…

  • See

    Punta Sur

    At the island's southernmost point you’ll find a lighthouse, a sculpture garden and the worn remains of a temple dedicated to Ixchel, Maya goddess of the…

  • See

    Capitán Dulché

    To say that this beach club has a maritime museum is a bit of a stretch, but it's as close as the island comes to having some culture, plus you get to see…

  • See

    Playa Secreto

    The lagoon separating a large hotel complex from the rest of the island has a shallow swimming spot that's ideal for kids. Despite the depth (or lack of…

  • See

    Playa Lancheros

    About 5km south of town, this beach is less attractive than Playa Norte, but kayaks and SUPs can be rented if you're up for some water activities. A taxi…

  • See

    Hacienda Mundaca

    A 19th-century slave trader and reputed pirate, Fermín Antonio Mundaca de Marechaja fell in love with a local woman known as La Trigueña (The Brunette)…

  • See

    Lighthouse

    Affords views from the island's southern end.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Isla Mujeres with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.