Isla Mujeres Travel Guide: Beaches, Snorkeling, Dining, and Things to Do

Isla Mujeres, Mexico Travel Guide; Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres; Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancún; Getting Around Isla Mujeres by Golf Cart; Snorkeling & Catamaran Adventures; Tequila Tasting in Isla Mujeres; Where to Eat in Isla Mujeres; Tikin Xic, a Traditional Isla Mujeres Specialty; Best Beaches & Sea Views; Playa Norte; Punta Sur & the Sculpture Garden; Shopping in Isla Mujeres; Plan Your Isla Mujeres Getaway

 
landmark statue of a whale shark on Isla Mujeres
 

Isla Mujeres

 
row boat painted with the words Isla Mujeres Mexico
about Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is a must-visit destination, easily accessible from Cancún in 30 minutes by boat. We chose a catamaran and enjoyed a leisurely voyage of snorkeling along the way. The Underwater Museum of Art, featuring more than 500 life-size sculptures by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, is a spectacular and popular attraction alongside the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark. The Caribbean Sea off Cancun, on the way to Isla Mujeres, has some of the most vibrant blue water we have ever seen. It was reminiscent of the Blue Grotto in Capri but in an open sea rather than a cave. It was spectacular. At only 5 miles long, you can cover the entire Island in a day, exploring its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, white sand beaches, and panoramic sea views. We highly recommend Isla Mujeres.

 
golf cart rental to get around Isla Mujeres
 

Getting Around Isla Mujeres

 
about renting a golf cart for transportation around Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Renting a golf cart in Centro the north end is a fun and popular way to explore the Island and a great way to see everything at your leisure. Wind your way to the south end of the Island for a quieter experience.

 
video of getting around Isla Mujeres featuring scenic coastal views and more
 

Video: Getting Around Isla Mujeres

Watch the video

 
collage of a bar in Isla Mujeres Mexico with a variety of tequilas
about tequila tasting in Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Tequila Tasting

It's a must on Isla Mujeres! A highlight for us was the chocolate liquor, with its rich, deep chocolate flavor, which is the perfect addition to an upscale espresso martini with a twist. We love making ours with coconut tequila, Mexican crema, espresso, and chocolate liquor for the ideal dessert drink!

 
dining at The Joint reggae bar-n-grill in Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Dining

 
About dining at The Joint restaurant in Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Dining

The Island has many resorts and restaurants. We ate at The Joint, located at the southern end of the Island, a boisterous, fun local bar with its reggae band. Enjoy fresh seafood, fantastic cocktails, and excellent entertainment. The crowd loves to take the microphone when the band is on break and get the party going! The buffalo shrimp and fresh fish tacos were outstanding, and we enjoyed ice-cold local cerveza and spicy pineapple jalapeno margaritas.

 
Collage of mixed tropical drinks mojitos margaritas tequila and Jamaican iced tea at Isla Mujeres in Mexico
Another must while on Isla Mujeres Mexicoi s Tikin Xic, a specialty fish dish with an achiote paste fresh off the grill.
 

Another must while on the Island is Tikin Xic, a specialty fish dish with an achiote paste fresh off the grill.

 
collage of places to eat and where to dine in Isla Mujeres featuring the Tequila House and Fish & Gin
beautiful sea views from Isla Mujeres Mexico include pristine blue water blue skies and catamarans
 

Beautiful Sea Views

 
stunning views around Isla Mujeres include the beach of Playa Norte and Punta Sur
 

Enjoy some of the most stunning views from above as you wind your way around the Island.

Playa Norte is a gorgeous beach that has ice cream carts serving up delicious coconut ice cream.

Punta Sur, located on the southern end, boasts stunning views.

 
Michele Rosenthal and husband at Isla Mujeres Mexico
having a beer aboard a catamaran in Isla Mujeres Mexico
snorkeling in Isla Mujeres Mexico
Guardaparque boaton the ocean in Isla Mujeres Mexico
stunning views of the ocean in Isla Mujeres Mexico
colorful cemetery in Isla Mujeres Mexico
sculpture of the mythical Mayan figure Xtabay, located in the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden on Isla Mujeres, Mexico
 

Sculpture Garden

 
about the sculptures on Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

A gorgeous walk along the seaside park with sculptures such as the famous Ixchel, Goddess of Moon, Fertility, Love, and Medicine. From sculptures, Mayan Ruins, and cliffside views of the sea, you won't want to miss this!

 
life-sized statue depicting Mayan figure deity Ixtabay along the coastline at Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres Mexico
statue at Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, depicts Ixchel, the principal Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, love, and medicine
dramatic rocky cliffs and turquoise water of Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres Mexico
shopping for handmade items in Isla Mujeres Mexico
 

Shopping

There are plenty of shops with local handmade items to bring back home with you. I found a handpainted blue straw tote bag reminiscent of the vibrant blue Caribbean sea surrounding the Island.

 
El Centro downtown area of Isla Mujeres Mexico featuring vibrant outdoor market, local vendor stalls, and the iconic red-and-white lighthouse that houses a local pharmacy
Thank you to Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya for hosting us in a glorious week in paradise.
 

Thank you

Thank you to Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya for hosting us in a glorious week in paradise.
www.hyatt.com
www.zlrivieramaya.com
www.hyattinclusivecollection.com

 
bright turquoise waters and palm trees at Garrafón Natural Reef Park (Parque Natural Garrafón) located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Mexico
 

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