A day in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a tiny island just off the coast from Cancun, and it was one of my favorite destinations in Mexico. Although I only spend one full day on the Island, I would recommend a visit.

How to get there?

Ferries are going there every 30 minutes from either the hotel zone or from the terminal called Juarez, which is cheaper. A ticket is around 18 USD in both ways, and the ferry only takes about 20 minutes.

Where to stay?

The Island is very small, but most tourist stays in the north of the Island near the Playa Norte, it is also there where the ferry arrives. There are many hotels and Airbnb’s, but prices are very high. That’s one of the reasons I only stayed two nights.

How to enjoy the day the most?

I arrived in the evening and went straight to the beach to see the sunset, which was terrific. There are many restaurants around the beach and the Avenida Miguel Hidalgo, but I wouldn’t recommend them as they are overpriced and don’t have the best food, it’s mostly tourist traps. Instead, go to some restaurants which are recommended by TripAdvisor and which are a little outside the main roads and beach.

The next morning, I got up and rented a bicycle to get around the Island. Most people rent these golf cars, but they are the way to expensive, and it’s more fun with the bike. From the north beach, I drove to the southernmost point of the Island, which is about 7 km and takes 45 minutes. The way goes along the coast and through the resident part of the Island. At the south point, you can park the bike and take a walk to the very end of the Island. It’s a beautiful walk where you find a lot of Iguanas on the rocks and stunning views.

From there, you can drive back and visit the turtle farm in the middle of the Island. It’s a project to save the turtles by taking injured turtles or turtle eggs and breed them until they are ready to get out into the sea. The entrance is only 30 Pesos.

On the way back are some fantastic beaches without any people, you can take a welcoming dip into the freshwater before heading back and eat tacos from one of the food trucks near la Triguena. Another sunset on the beach and good food, and so the day were over, and if this wasn’t enough, you could have cheap drinks at one of the many bars around the center.

Prices, especially for accommodation, might be a little bit more expensive, but it is worth the short trip from the main Island.