All About Isla: Isla Mujeres
If you're heading to Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a must visit. The island, a short ferry ride from Cancun, has something for everyone. It's an easy day trip from your Cancun resort and can be a great way to experience local cuisine off the resort. Plus for those looking for souvenirs, you'll have practically limitless possibilities on Isla.
Taking a ferry is the most common form of travel, though it is possible to rent boats and we did see one man kayaking across, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you are very fit and have experience kayaking on the ocean. The ferry ride is between 15-45 minutes depending on which port your leave from and which service you choose.
Ferry Terminals
Gran Puerto ($16) - Leave every 30 minutes 5am - Midnight, ~15 minutes
Puerto Juarez ($16) - Leave every 30 minutes 5am - Midnight, ~15 minutes
Punta Sam ($4) - Leave every ~2 hours from 7:15am - 8:15pm, Car ferry, Takes ~ 45 minutes
Hotel Zone ($19) - Leave every 30 minutes from 9am - 9pm, ~30 minutes
Things To Do
Golf Cart Rental: The best way to see the island is to travel by golf cart. You can rent carts at numerous places throughout, but in order to get the best deal you'll need to venture inland. A mere block from in from the ferry port, you will save 30% off rental prices. Click here for our review of the last golf cart rental we used. You can get carts that seat up to 6 people. If carting isn't for you, scooters can also be rented. In addition, the island is small enough if you wish to walk, though it will be a bit of a hike and taxis are available. I would advise against bringing a car over as most people travel by golf cart or walk in the roads here.
** Make sure your cart starts and stops (has brakes) before taking it out.
Beaches
Playa Norte (Other names include Playa Cocos, Nautibeach)
-Located North/West of Ferry Terminal (head left when you get off the ferry)
This is a great location for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking as the water is extremely calm. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom and there is a designated swimming area to protect you from passing boaters. The beach has fine, white sand and is great for sitting or walking along. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent. Food, drink, massages, and many other services are offered along this stretch of beach.
Playa Tiburon, Playa Lancheros, and Playa Indios
-Located along the west coast, south of the Ferry Terminal (right).
These beaches are more hidden than Playa Norte. You'll have to keep a keen eye out for signs as you are driving for access areas. As these beaches are slightly more difficult to find, they are much less crowded than Playa Norte. There are still plenty of restaurants nearby and locals offering snorkeling tours.
The remainder of the island is edged by cliffs and sharp rocks, making it dangerous to swim.
Shopping
If you're looking for souvenirs, this is your place. There are countless shops featuring maracas, sombreros, rugs, blankets, tshirts, tequila, shot glasses, sunglasses, and real vanilla to name a few common items. There are also art galleries and if you're lucky you may get to see paper mache in action. As you exit the ferry terminal, walk straight ahead to find shops or head northeast for larger shops. As with the golf carts, the further you get from the ferry terminal, the better deals you'll find. To get more local crafts/souvenirs, venture south out of the main tourist area. There are plenty of small shops and pop up stands selling shells, shell mobiles, and other unique crafts. Buying sunscreen and snacks is also cheaper on Isla than at the convenience stores in Cancun.
Adventure Parks
Garrafon: Open 10am-5pm, Only accepting pesos or credit cards as of May 2017.
Activities
Parque de los Sueños: Open 10am-5pm
Activities
Near Isla Mujeres, there is an underwater sculpture museum (MUSA) that can be seen by snorkel or scuba, as well as reefs. Since the water is fairly clear in this area, the views are unbeatable. Excursions can be booked ahead or from a multitude of vendors once you reach the island. A two hour trip starts at $25/person. If you have your own snorkeling gear, feel free to check out the areas outside of Garrafon National Park. You'll need to pay to see the reef inside the park.
Places to Stay
Choose from a variety of resorts, hotels, AirBnB and VRBOs. The resorts will be more expensive than rentals, but may payoff depending on the experience you are looking for. We have not stayed on the island before, but the rentals look very nice.
Food & Drink
There are more restaurants than we could possibly name and the list is constantly changed as popup stands and in home restaurants are common. You can find almost any cuisine you desire at any price point. We steered clear of the "Americanized" restaurants as well as fancy sit-downs to save money. From a stand, you can pick up a fresh coconut or bottle of fresh coconut water for $1-$3 US dollars. The fresh coconut comes with chopping services after you drink the water. They will send you on your way with a bag of fresh coconut for no charge (I would recommend tipping).
Our favorite restaurant is TaquerÃa La Cueva. It's out of the busiest tourist area and food is made fresh to order. If you're looking for burritos, tacos, or seafood, this is a must visit. Food is very reasonably priced (if paying in pesos), and you may get to watch an artist in action as the kitchen is attached to a wall sculpture gallery. On the southern end of the island, there are plenty of ice cream shops (heladerias) and ice cold beer. These stops are much more affordable than the large places you see near Playa Norte. We have also tried the homemade fruit popsicle (Delicious!!) and no one got sick, so be adventurous with the food.
Money Tips
Isla Mujeres can be a thrifty outing that's fun for the whole family. If you visit and find a hidden gem or a great money saving tip, let us know! We'll be sure to check it out the next time we are there.
More planning information available:
Islamujeres.info
http://www.cancun-discounts.com/isla-mujeres-ferry.htm
Getting There
Taking a ferry is the most common form of travel, though it is possible to rent boats and we did see one man kayaking across, but I wouldn't recommend that unless you are very fit and have experience kayaking on the ocean. The ferry ride is between 15-45 minutes depending on which port your leave from and which service you choose.
Ferry Terminals
Gran Puerto ($16) - Leave every 30 minutes 5am - Midnight, ~15 minutes
Puerto Juarez ($16) - Leave every 30 minutes 5am - Midnight, ~15 minutes
Punta Sam ($4) - Leave every ~2 hours from 7:15am - 8:15pm, Car ferry, Takes ~ 45 minutes
Hotel Zone ($19) - Leave every 30 minutes from 9am - 9pm, ~30 minutes
Playa Caracol
El Embarcadero
Playa TortugasTo get to Puerto Juarez, take a R-1 or R-2 bus with Puerto Juarez listed as a stop on the windshield. It is the last stop on the route and the driver will likely shout out when you are approaching. This ferry terminal takes cards or pesos, but has an ATM available outside the ticket booth.
Things To Do
Golf Cart Rental: The best way to see the island is to travel by golf cart. You can rent carts at numerous places throughout, but in order to get the best deal you'll need to venture inland. A mere block from in from the ferry port, you will save 30% off rental prices. Click here for our review of the last golf cart rental we used. You can get carts that seat up to 6 people. If carting isn't for you, scooters can also be rented. In addition, the island is small enough if you wish to walk, though it will be a bit of a hike and taxis are available. I would advise against bringing a car over as most people travel by golf cart or walk in the roads here.
** Make sure your cart starts and stops (has brakes) before taking it out.
Beaches
Playa Norte (Other names include Playa Cocos, Nautibeach)
-Located North/West of Ferry Terminal (head left when you get off the ferry)
This is a great location for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking as the water is extremely calm. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom and there is a designated swimming area to protect you from passing boaters. The beach has fine, white sand and is great for sitting or walking along. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent. Food, drink, massages, and many other services are offered along this stretch of beach.
Playa Tiburon, Playa Lancheros, and Playa Indios
-Located along the west coast, south of the Ferry Terminal (right).
These beaches are more hidden than Playa Norte. You'll have to keep a keen eye out for signs as you are driving for access areas. As these beaches are slightly more difficult to find, they are much less crowded than Playa Norte. There are still plenty of restaurants nearby and locals offering snorkeling tours.
The remainder of the island is edged by cliffs and sharp rocks, making it dangerous to swim.
Shopping
If you're looking for souvenirs, this is your place. There are countless shops featuring maracas, sombreros, rugs, blankets, tshirts, tequila, shot glasses, sunglasses, and real vanilla to name a few common items. There are also art galleries and if you're lucky you may get to see paper mache in action. As you exit the ferry terminal, walk straight ahead to find shops or head northeast for larger shops. As with the golf carts, the further you get from the ferry terminal, the better deals you'll find. To get more local crafts/souvenirs, venture south out of the main tourist area. There are plenty of small shops and pop up stands selling shells, shell mobiles, and other unique crafts. Buying sunscreen and snacks is also cheaper on Isla than at the convenience stores in Cancun.
Adventure Parks
Garrafon: Open 10am-5pm, Only accepting pesos or credit cards as of May 2017.
Activities
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Pools
- Hammocks
- Kayaks
- Zip Line
- Bike Tours
- Sculpture Garden
- Lighthouse
- Mayan Temple
- Dolphin Experiences
- $89 US- Roundtrip transportation from Cancun, breakfast on ferry, buffet lunch, open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, and zip line. No photos included.
- $109 US- Includes previously listed + entrance to Punta Sur and bicycles.
- $129 US- Includes previously listed + dolphin encounter
- $169 US-Includes previously listed + swim with dolphins
- $209 US- Includes previously listed + extended dolphin experience/swim
- 5& Under: FREE.
Parque de los Sueños: Open 10am-5pm
Activities
- Snorkeling
- Pools
- Hammocks
- Water Slides
- Climbing Walls
- Rope Swing
- Kayaks
- Zip Line
- $69 US- Entrance, BBQ lunch, all activities, and unlimited water and soft drinks
- $49 for ages 12 and under
- $99 US- Entrance, roundtrip transportation from Cancun hotel zone, lunch from menu, all activities, and unlimited water and soda.
- $69 for ages 12 and under
- $119 US- Includes previously listed + domestic open bar
- 4& Under: FREE
Near Isla Mujeres, there is an underwater sculpture museum (MUSA) that can be seen by snorkel or scuba, as well as reefs. Since the water is fairly clear in this area, the views are unbeatable. Excursions can be booked ahead or from a multitude of vendors once you reach the island. A two hour trip starts at $25/person. If you have your own snorkeling gear, feel free to check out the areas outside of Garrafon National Park. You'll need to pay to see the reef inside the park.
Places to Stay
Choose from a variety of resorts, hotels, AirBnB and VRBOs. The resorts will be more expensive than rentals, but may payoff depending on the experience you are looking for. We have not stayed on the island before, but the rentals look very nice.
Food & Drink
There are more restaurants than we could possibly name and the list is constantly changed as popup stands and in home restaurants are common. You can find almost any cuisine you desire at any price point. We steered clear of the "Americanized" restaurants as well as fancy sit-downs to save money. From a stand, you can pick up a fresh coconut or bottle of fresh coconut water for $1-$3 US dollars. The fresh coconut comes with chopping services after you drink the water. They will send you on your way with a bag of fresh coconut for no charge (I would recommend tipping).
Our favorite restaurant is TaquerÃa La Cueva. It's out of the busiest tourist area and food is made fresh to order. If you're looking for burritos, tacos, or seafood, this is a must visit. Food is very reasonably priced (if paying in pesos), and you may get to watch an artist in action as the kitchen is attached to a wall sculpture gallery. On the southern end of the island, there are plenty of ice cream shops (heladerias) and ice cold beer. These stops are much more affordable than the large places you see near Playa Norte. We have also tried the homemade fruit popsicle (Delicious!!) and no one got sick, so be adventurous with the food.
Money Tips
- Plan to bring around $50 US ($100 pesos) + shopping money. This number will increase significantly if you plan to visit the adventure parks, eat at the fancier restaurants, use services (massage) or do a lot of shopping.
- GET PESOS!! While some shops and restaurants accept dollars, you will get a poor exchange rate. From our personal experience, we found you can save up to 50% by paying in pesos as many of the locals do not know the exchange rates. There are ATMs in the ferry terminals in Cancun and Isla.
- Bartering is acceptable in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres can be a thrifty outing that's fun for the whole family. If you visit and find a hidden gem or a great money saving tip, let us know! We'll be sure to check it out the next time we are there.
More planning information available:
Islamujeres.info
http://www.cancun-discounts.com/isla-mujeres-ferry.htm
Isla Mujeres is a real place to spend an incredible vacation and something that I particularly like is to stay in a Hostal Isla Mujeres , because it is cheaper but at least stay for 1 to 3 days here
ReplyDeleteWe've never stayed on the island, but I would love to one of these times. Great tip for the Hostal, thanks for sharing!
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