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

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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
- PPlaya 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…
- CCapitán 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…
- PPlaya 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…
- PPlaya 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)…
- LLighthouse
Affords views from the island's southern end.

Why Isla Mujeres is one of the best day trips from Cancún
5 min read — Published Oct 21, 2021
Laura WinfreeWriter
Retreat for the day to Isla Mujeres' stunning, turquoise-water beaches, just a quick boat ride from Cancún.
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)…
Guidebooks
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Get to the heart of Isla Mujeres with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.