Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast from Cancun that is a destination in itself or a day trip from Cancun or even Playa Del Carmen. The island is just 7.5 km long and about 500 meters wide on average. Most everything is on the north end of the island including the main town and best beaches. This is where the ferry arrives from Cancun (see map below).
The island used to be a backpacker destination to avoid the prices and commercialism in Cancun but over time the island has gotten more expensive and more commercial. It now feels a little “Cancun adjacent”. You can find many souvenir shops and restaurants now wanting to serve tourist meals at tourist prices so this has diminished the charm of the island but it is still an interesting place. It just might not be for everyone and it might not be a destination in itself for a whole vacation.
Our video introduction to Isla Mujeres
Renting Gulf Carts on Isla Mujeres
One of the best things to do on the island is rent a golf cart and cruise around the place. Since there is no bus tour or really other way to see everything, renting a golf cart is a great option to take in some fresh sea breeze and sights. There are multiple places in town that rent golf carts and they are pretty much the same in quality. Prices however are flexible. It is going to depend on the tourist season and demand but on average a one hour rental is about 250-300 pesos. A two hour rental is going to be 350-500 pesos. You can rent for longer if you like. One hour will get you to the southern tip of the island and back but will not have much time to spare so we recommend two hours.
Tip: In town be careful to drive down one way streets the correct way. Police will most likely kindly remind you but you need to be safely driving around and consider pedestrians safety as well.
Definitely drive to the southern end because the cliffs are nice to look at and you get a different perspective of Cancun that you often don’t see in photos. One really unique thing you can see on Isla Mujeres is a floating house made out of plastic bottles and a host of other things. It was featured on the TV show MTV Extreme Cribs. It is located in Laguna Makax. There are Mayan Ruins on Isla Mujeres but they have been diminished over time with hurricanes and now are not really an attraction.
Snorkeling off the coast of Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres snorkeling is a wonderful way to see the underwater beauty of the island. If you have ever visited or seen pictures of Isla Mujeres, you know how beautiful the waters are. Snorkeling on Isla Mujeres offers many spots to see tropical fish and marine animals. Mostly the west side of the island holds the spots that are good to see. This are however all protected areas and you need to go on a tour.
See our article here on snorkeling tours for Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres
One of the most beautiful beaches in the area is on Isla Mujeres. The calm waters and western facing beach means it is perfect for swimming and photos. Visiting here is a must if you come to the island. See our article here on Playa Norte.
How to get to Isla Mujeres
Most people go to Puerto Juarez where the ferry leaves from to get to Isla Mujeres. From Cancun you can easily take a taxi here or even a colectivo bus going to Puerto Juarez. The colectivos run right next to the ADO main bus station in Cancun. (on the east side of the station) This makes it easy if you want to come from Playa Del Carmen to by bus to Cancun and hop on a colectivo to catch the ferry. The ferry cost 160pesos o/w and it is 300 pesos for the round trip if purchases together.
The schedule is as follows: Everyday (365 days a year)
Puerto Juárez (Cancún) – Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres – Puerto Juárez (Cancún)
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How to get to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport
If you are going to stay on Isla Mujeres and need to get from the Cancun Airport to the ferry dock you can book an easy private transfer. We recommend this over a taxi since the vans are more comfortable and you get a discount when you book a roundtrip.
Prices are as follows:
Prices are per vehicle and not per person. To save on the round trip you must request it at booking.
- 1-3 people it is $45 USD one way or $75 round trip.
Just click the link below to reserve.
| There are ferries that leave from the Hotel Zone in Cancun. These cost nearly double the price as above. So you have to consider the convenience factor in with the price. You can also take catamaran trips or dinner cruises from Cancun to the Island.
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About The Author
We just went to Isla Mujeres and enjoyed driving the golf carts around. We spent a day here and that is about all I would want to. It is a nice island but I like the Rivera Maya better because it is more natural looking. Them main street sells a lot of crap and so many jewelry stores you see one each corner.
We used to go to Isla Mujeres but have found it too crowded lately. We like more the quiet day trip or overnight islands. We still like it but not for staying overnight or for a week.
I’m headed to IM on Wednesday and was looking at the ferry options. The UltraMar website lists the o/w fare at 160 pesos which is double what you list! (With a tiny discount if you buy RT upfront) There is of course a local price, but even though I live here, I do not have local identification. Is it worth going to Punta Sam where the car ferry leaves from? The fare for passengers is listed at 40 pesos!
Hello Christine
We have updated the price on our article. They are 300RT now but they also have a local discount. If you live here you will have your visa or a drivers license. There are many people that come 6 months a year and live here but that is not really considered living here because you do not have ID.
We were at Punta Sam today and there was the car ferry lining up. This is a much slower way to get to the island and not worth it in our opinion. The fast ferry will get you there and drop you off in the center of town. We hope you have a good trip there.
Where to stay on I M?
Hello Jacqueline
The best beach is the north end so anywhere close to there is good. On the south end of the island it is more remote but you can find some nice quiet gest houses. This end is for people staying longer and that want a more quiet time.
My wife and I are planning retiring to Isla Mujeres in 2020 with a verified income of $3,000 mthly. Any pointers or advice?
That is great news Doug! congratulations. Your budget is doable especially considering the exchange rate of now. A decent place will range from 15000/25000 pesos leaving you about 2000 for expenses. You did not mention if you were buying so we assume renting. The one thing we will say is that many people live on Isla Mujeres for a short while and then move. Islands can be a bit small and you can either get stir crazy or the community can be clickish. This is just something we have noticed. Even if that happens to you, have a blast living on an island in the Caribbean and then you can travel and explore and think about the next place to live.
Do you know if there is parking close to Puerto Juarez to leave the car for the day while heading to Isla Mujeres? Or what’s the best options to park close by and prices?
Many thanks!
Hello Kasia
There is a parking garage at Puerto Juarez. It is about 120 pesos a day but don’t quote us on that. It can get full on late weekend afternoons. Here is a secret tip for you. There is a parking lot about 200 meters before the Juarez parking garage. It does not have a sign but is just on the right side and has an entrance between two buildings. It is only 70 pesos a day. It is a yard and can park about 45 cars there.
we are going to isla mujeres 12/21to jan 2
we are staying first in the southern end near snorkeling and then playa norte at Hotel Cabanas Maria del Mar.
when we went to valladolid last year we really enjoyed your suggestions.
this year snorkeling and turquoise water was a big request.
i am wondering about an overnight trip to hochtún to be able go see the cemetery?
suggestions you might have?
Hello again! That is great you are getting out to explore the area. Since the cemetery is near Izamal, that would be a great little town to spend the night and then visit the cemetery. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/izamal-yucatan-mexico/ There are some nice hotels there and enough to keep you busy for a day.
We are staying at a hotel in Playa Del Carmen. What is the easiest way to get to the fast ferry?
Hello Wendy
There is a bus from Ultramar on the south end of town it leaves from Aveneu 10 near calle 3 sur. We don’t know the exact schedule but they do offer a direct service.
Hello, eight of us are coming to Isla Mujeres for five days and we want to rent a driver to take us to chinchin itza.from the ferry, and drive us around for a few hours. Do you have a wonderful recommendation how to find one?
We a section in this article about private tours. There is a good company based in Cancun that can set up a van for you. The link takes you to their page with all the details. https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/best-chichen-itza-tour/