Daytripping to Isla Mujeres

Early on in my travels, I spent two weeks exploring Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The Yucatán Peninsula, particularly the state of Quintana Roo, is one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. Often referred to as the Riviera Maya, it’s here that you’ll find some of the country’s best known resort cities, small beach towns and Caribbean islands. Regardless of where in the region you decide to base yourself, the opportunities to get out and explore are plentiful. One of the many highlights of my visit to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula was a day trip out to Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, México

Isla Mujeres, or the Island of Women, is a small Caribbean island located roughly 13km (8 miles) off the coast of Cancun. The island is smaller in size – only 8km (5 miles) long and 150m-800m wide – and noticeably more laid-back than nearby Cozumel. Isla Mujeres is at its busiest around mid-day when large numbers of daytrippers on Cancun holidays visit the island, but even then it’s not nearly as crowded as the cities on the mainland. It’s the perfect place to relax after a couple of action packed days in Cancun, easy to get to and easy to navigate once you’re there.

Isla Mujeres can be visited independently, as part of an organized day tour or on one of the popular party boat tours from Cancun. I choose to visit independently so as to allow myself greater flexibility and more time to explore the island. Despite its small size, there’s a lot to see and do as well as a lot of good reasons to kick back and do nothing at all. Life on the island doesn’t really begin to quiet down until after the last of the ferries and tour boats have returned to Cancun. The next time I visit Isla Mujeres I’d like to stay over for a night or two. If you’d rather see the island at its most tranquil, then you’ll want to do the same.

The Town and the Beaches

The island’s north end is home to Isla Mujeres town and Playa Norte, its best beach.

The downtown area of Isla Mujeres consists of a four by six block cluster of shops, restaurants and hotels. In the center is the pedestrianized calle Hidalgo with a variety of touristy shops and cafes. Isla Mujeres town extends out to the island’s northern coast at Playa Norte – the most popular and easily accessible beach on the island. Extending around the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte is a wide stretch of fine white sand backed by the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean. It’s also known for being one of the best spots on the island to go for a swim.

Caribbean beaches of Isla Mujeres

The Garrafón Natural Reef Park toward the island’s southern end is one of the best places on the island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Along with the Reef Park, several other beaches stretch along the western coast of Isla Mujeres including Playa Pescadora, Playa Lancheros and Playa Indios. Visitors can check out the island’s turtle sanctuary and assist with the releasing of baby sea turtles back into the sea between the months of May and October. At the southern tip of the island near the lighthouse you’ll also find the ruins of a small Maya temple situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Getting There

The quickest and least expensive point of departure for travel by passenger ferry to Isla Mujeres is Puerto Juarez located just north of Cancún. Ferries depart every half hour and the ride takes around 15 minutes each way. There are also less frequent and more expensive ferry departures from the pier within Cancún’s hotel zone. The ferries heading back to Cancún are often crowded, especially late in the day or if it rains, so don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a wait.

Ferries arrive at the docks in the center of Isla Mujeres town on the island’s north end. For travel to the southern end of the island hire a taxi or rent a golf cart or motor scooter.

Photo credits: 1, 2

This post is supported by Cancun Holidays.