Isla Mujeres makes many top places to visit from Cancun for good reason. It is the perfect day trip with a lot to offer — from beaches to Mayan ruins. However, before adding the island to your itinerary learn about what whether Isla Mujeres is worth visiting and whether it should make your must-see list or not.
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Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?
Yes! Isla Mujeres is worth visiting! I recommend vising Isla Mujeres if your staying in Cancun and looking for day trips. Isla Mujeres is easy to get to by ferry and get around by golf cart or walking and is a great way to spend the day.
However, if your vacation involves traveling a greater portion of the Yucantán Peninsula or Mexico, then I might consider skipping it and spending that time elsewhere.
Keep reading to find out why Isla Mujeres is worth visiting, but might not be for every travel itinerary!
7 Reasons Why Isla Mujeres Is Worth Visiting
1. Punta Sur
Punta Sur (or South Point) is a must see if you visit Isla Mujeres. Here, you will pay a small admission fee to walk the paved trail. There are numerous statues recognizing Mayan culture and some Mayan ruins.
The walk is nice with gorgeous views of the cliffs and sea, but there is no shade. Be sure to bring your reef-safe sunscreen and umbrella for shade. You can plan to spend 45 minutes to 2 hours here depending on the pace of your group.
2. A Ferry Ride
When staying near the water, I like to take a boat ride. The boat may vary (a water taxi in Chicago, a sightseeing tour in Copenhagen, an airboat in the Everglades, or whitewater rafting in Yellowstone). In the Yucantán Peninsula, there are many options.
I like the ferry because it is a unique form of transportation for this Midwesterner. The ferry departs from Cancun in a couple of places and is about a 30 minute ride to the island.
Most ferries will have indoor and outdoor seating. We sat indoors on our way to Isla Mujeres and outdoors on our way back to Isla Mujeres. If you sit outdoors, prepare for wind and sun. Once you have your seat, you are expected to stay in it for the duration of your ride.
⚓Get your ferry tickets by clicking here!
3. Easy to get around Isla Mujeres with a golf cart rental or walking
Isla Mujeres is easy to get around. One of the fun parts was renting a golf cart to get around the island. Of course, this might not be that special for others, but it was a new experience for my family.
You can also easily walk to the beach, restaurants, and souvenir shops from the ferry port. However, if you want to travel to Punta Sur and easily get around the island, then you should rent a golf cart.
✅Learn more about reserving your golf cart by clicking here!
4. An Ideal Day Trip from Cancun
If your plan is to stay in Cancun for your whole trip, then I suggest taking a trip to Isla Mujeres. It is a ferry-ride away and a nice change of scenery for the day.
5. Weather and Climate
The weather and climate of Isla Mujeres is warm in the winter and hot in the summer. Overall, the best time to visit is November through early May. However, any day will be warm enough for the beach!
6. Beaches with Less Seaweed
Sargassum (or seaweed) is on many beaches during the warmest parts of the year (summer). The volume of sargassum has increased due to warmer oceans and changing ocean currents. Isla Mujeres, however gets a bit less than other beaches. Further, the Isla Mujeres government workers removes much of the seaweed every day.
7. See Where the Sun Rises in Mexico in Isla Mujeres
The Easternmost point in Mexico is on the southeastern tip of Isla Mujeres (86° 42′ 36″ W longitude). You can see where the sun rises in Mexico at Punta Sur. Be sure to wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to get there if you are driving by golf cart or walking.
Why Isla Mujeres Is Not Worth Visiting
Many, if not most, activities that depart from Isla Mujeres also depart from Cancun. You can take a glass-bottom boat ride or snorkle at MUSA from either location.
You also access the beach from Isla Mujeres or Cancun. I visited in June, when crowds were smaller everywhere. I suspect the beaches are all crowded during tourist season whether you are in Cancun or Isla Mujeres.
If you are traveling on a tight budget, you might skip Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is not particularly expensive, but you will have the expense of ferry tickets and a golf cart rental. If you are more budget-minded, I do not believe that the extra transportation costs to get to Isla Mujeres worth the experience.
Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres?
📍Budget pick: 8.4/10 My budget pick is Ikarus Costa Mujeres Eco Lodge. The lodge has a restaurant, pool, and private beach access.
📍Mid-range pick: 8.4/10 My mid-range pick is Hotel La Joya Isla Mujeres. The hotel’s swimming pool is secluded along the coast.
📍Luxury pick: 8.2/10 My luxury pick is Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres. The hotel is all-inclusive and has a beautiful location!
FAQs About Visiting Isla Mujeres
How Many Days in Isla Mujeres Is Enough?
One day is enough to spend in Isla Mujeres. You can easily visit for just the day and see the major sites.
Is Isla Mujeres very touristy?
Of course Isla Mujeres is touristy to some extent. A tourist ferry brings visitors from Cancun multiple times a day. Is the whole island touristy? Likely not. People do live here afterall.
Be prepared for shopkeepers to “remind you” that you hung out together the night before. Obviously, this is a way to engage you and get you to buy their goods, but don’t fall for it.
Is Isla Mujeres expensive?
What is expensive is in the eye of the beholder. As a tourist from the United States, I did not find it overly expensive. Compared to visiting a different part of Mexico, like Merida? Yes, it’s expensive. But Merida is very inexpensive for a toursit from the United States.
Two things add to the price of Isla Mujeres: the need to rent a golf cart to get around and ferry tickets to get there. So, transportation will add to your visit to Isla Mujeres. However, I did not find the food unreasonable and it is possible to find budget lodging.
Is Isla Mujeres safe?
The U.S. State Department places Quintana Roo (where Isla Mujeres and Cancun are located) at a Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution. In general, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and are susceptible to crime common in tourist areas (theft).
⏰Read more about staying safe in Mexico by clicking here!
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Isla Mujeres?
The climate and weather for Isla Mujeres ranges from pleasant to hot and humid. The best time of year to visit Isla Mujeres is about November through early May.
Final Thoughts on Whether Isla Mujeres is Worth Visiting
I could take or leave Isla Mujeres. I enjoyed my visit, but I don’t believe that it was so special that I would miss much if I had skipped it. Whether you should visit Isla Mujeres likely depends on what the rest of your trip looks like. If you are just staying in Cancun, then it is definitely worth the visit just for a change of scenery away from Cancun and the hotel zone for the day. If you are traveling more extensively around Mexico, then you might be better adding a day somewhere else on your trip — like having an extra day in Merida or staying the night in Valladolid.
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