Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres (Spanish for "Island of Women") is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, 13 km (8 miles) off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancún. Isla Mujeres has an enticing small-town vibe and is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand
Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary to goddess Ixchel for about a thousand years. In around 1850 the first modern inhabitants moved to the island and established the village of Dolores.

Peak season is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler. Summer temperatures are sweltering, with blazing sun and highs well over, although summer visitors (from mid-May through September) have the opportunity to see whale sharks which gather in nearby waters in groups that can contain up to 400 sharks.

By boat


You can depart from these ports in Cancun:


 * Puerto Juarez/Gran Puerto. Puerto Juarez every half hour from about 5AM until 9PM, and hourly until 11PM. Schedules vary by time of year (check the website for the current schedule). 18 minute smooth ride in modern air conditioned ferries. M$258/468 one-way/return (pesos) (Feb 2022). Puerto Juarez is used by locals and the ferries tend to be full, but there are always comfortable seats. The port is quite close to downtown Cancun, but not within a walking distance. Taxis from Las Americas cost M$100 (if you hail them from the street) to M$150 if you leave from popular spots.
 * Playa Caracol in the middle of the Hotel Zone. It departs 6-7 times per day. Prices are M$378/518 one-way/round-trip (Feb 2022).
 * Playa Tortugas in the west of the hotel zone. It has 8-9 departures per day. It costs M$378/518 one-way/round-trip (Feb 2022).
 * Punta Sam. Here you can get a car-ferry. It's M$170 (Jan 2022) one-way for pedestrians. There are four daily departures on week-days, and three daily departures during the week-end. You can see the schedules and fares on the website of Ultramar Cargo

Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam can be reached by Colectivos starting opposite the ADO bus station (in front of the McDonald's) in downtown within a few minutes for M$10 (Jan 2022). A bus route to Puerto Juarez also picks up there and is M$10.50.

By plane
If you're in a hurry and have cash to spare, you can charter a Cessna from Aerobanana (+52 998 87-25040). Or, if you are the adventurous type, try hitching a ride with a local in their plane. You will never forget the look on the Mexican's face when he sees an opportunity to acquire a new friend.

Cancún International Airport is the nearest airport with scheduled domestic and international flights.

Get around
The island is about 7 km in length, but the main town area is extremely compact and very walkable. Taxis from the ferry terminal will take you anywhere in town for M$30, but for excursions to the far side of the island the best option is to rent a scooter or golf cart. Like everything in Mexico, you should be able to haggle a decent price - assume M$25 a day as a starting price for a moped rental. There are two main roads that run from end to end of the island. Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps.

See
Note that Tortugranja, the former sea turtle hatchery on the island, has closed as of September 2021.

Water activities








Buy
You have the typical items available for purchase (blankets, jewellery, stone carvings, pipes). Silver is the item to look for and good prices can be found, especially if buying in quantity. The majority of shops and restaurants accept the US dollar but may give you your change in pesos.

Eat
Hidalgo Street is full of restaurants catering to the tourist crowd and tends to be the most lively and also the priciest, while the central portion of the island is where the locals tend to eat and has slightly lower prices. Beach restaurants are also plentiful, with options near the ferry terminal being more lively while those on Playa Norte and other beaches featuring a more relaxed atmosphere.

Fish is fresh and bountiful, and dishes like ceviche are popular and delicious. A signature island dish is Tik-n-chik, which is a whole fish marinated in achiote and grilled. Dining options include everything from an exquisite lobster dinner to a slice of pizza. Some of the best food on the island comes from carts: taco stands and vendors selling corn on the cob and tamales in the town square. Be aware that eggs, corn, or milk is rarely refrigerated here because of local tradition.

Drink
Isla's nightlife is a lot more laid back than Cancun's but there are still good options. The livelier nightlife seems to be found on Hidalgo Street, while the beach bars are more relaxed. Also, like all beach towns in Mexico, it is usually "Happy Hour" someplace, and beer is 2 for about US$3, mixed drinks, 2 for US$5. The "beach bars" on the north end have rotating happy hours. Try a michelada, which is a beer mixed with fresh lime juice and a variety of other sauces - the perfect delicious island drink. If you want a dosage of Cancun nightlife, jump on an express ferry heading to Cancun in the evening, party the night away and take the first ferry back to Isla at 5AM.



Splurge
The private homes on Punta Sur make great options if your budget is greater. These homes overlook the bay towards Cancun.
 * Casa Vaya Vida. This 3-bedroom home has a piano-shaped infinity pool overlooking the bay. The master suite has an ocean view. The palapa on the roof provides 360-degree ocean views.

Cope
There are not too many ATMs on the island. One is right across the port, and the next one in a supermarket just a few meters north. The Xpress Supermarket by the town square also has an ATM.

Go next

 * Cancún
 * Cozumel
 * Playa del Carmen