Isla Mujeres, a magical little island nestled across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from the hustle and bustle of Cancun. Stretching almost 8 km from tip to tip and barely 800 meters wide at its chubbiest point (that’s 5 miles and half a mile respectively for the metrically challenged), this island is compact but packed with charm.
Centro (downtown) on the north end is a 4 by 6 block bonanza of colorful homes, quirky shops, lip-smacking restaurants, and cozy bars amidst a cornucopia of hotels. The weather here is like a warm (sometimes sweaty) hug, with temperatures flirting between 24 and 32 Celsius (68 to 90 Fahrenheit) and humidity playing at 60%.
When to Go and How to Get Here: Your first steps to paradise.
What to Pack: Don’t forget your flip flops!
Language and Currency: Chatting and ching-ching.
Health, Safety, and The Water: Staying sprightly on Isla.
Electricity and Connectivity: Keep those gadgets buzzing and connected.
Areas of Isla: From bustling Centro to serene South Point.
Transportation: Stride, ride or glide through island vibes.
Sargazo – Sargassum: The seaweed situation.
It depends on your budget, heat and humidity tolerance and of course which activities you have your heart set on.
January thru April: Great weather but a bustling crowd and prices soar. But hey, it’s the prime time for events galore: The 5 day Isla Mujeres Carnival, the Island Time Music Festival and the Island Time Fishing Tournament, and loads more special events and fundraisers.
May thru August: Isla cranks up the heat dial. It’s hot, humid, and a bit rainy but on the brighter side, lesser crowds and better prices. This is your golden ticket to swim with the Whale Sharks, particularly in July and August
September thru October: Bag the best deals as prices hit the floor and the tourist tide ebbs. But keep an eye on the tropics, it’s hurricane season. Kick off the fiesta with Mexico’s Independence Day on September 15th, and enjoy an array of local-centric events sprinkled throughout.
November thru December: The island begins to cool off, but the event calendar is anything but chill. Kicking off with the Festival de Luz y Vida – Entre Vivos y Muertos (The Festival of Light and Life ~ Between The Living and The Dead) at October’s tail. Picture Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions with a sprinkle of Halloween – a five-day fiesta extravaganza. December doesn’t slow down, offering a treasure trove of Christmas festivals, events, and performances to celebrate the holiday season. The grand finale? Isla’s New Year’s Eve bash in the town square. And for the morning-after crowd, the traditional sunrise gathering at Punta Sur to welcome the new year.
Take a magical carpet ride to all of the Special Events on Isla Mujeres.
Your chariot to paradise involves a flight to Cancun Airport, a pre-booked transfer (or the budget-friendly ADO bus) to the UltraMar Ferry terminal, followed by a boat ride that’ll have you stepping on Isla soil before you can say “Where’s the beach?”.
For a more detailed treasure map, sail on over to How to Get to Isla Mujeres.
The obvious arsenal includes flip-flops, tropical threads, bathing suits, sunnies, and a brimmed buddy (hat). Less obvious: Ziplock bags (for that eternally wet swimsuit), waterproof pouches (for mobiles on the beach), motion-sickness bracelets (for bobbing boats), and an appetite for adventure sans the bling – leave your valuables at home!
For a treasure trove of travel savvy, meander over to our Travel Tips.
Spanish is the official lingo, with a sprinkle of Mayan words to spice things up. No worries, the islanders are fluent in the universal language of hospitality (and a fair bit of English or “Spanglish”). It’s always a good sport to know your ‘por favors’ and ‘gracias’, so check out our Basic Traveler Spanish guide.
Mexican Peso (MXN) reigns here, though US dollars are welcomed with open arms. However, the exchange rates at shops and restaurants are far from favorable, so for a better bang for your buck, use the money exchange at Isla’s ferry terminal or withdraw pesos from an ATM.
Speaking of ATMs, stick to the ones nestled inside banks downtown, they’re the safest bet. Oh, and don’t bank on using your credit or debit cards everywhere, many places on Isla have a soft spot for cold hard cash.
For more on managing your moolah on Isla, dive into Money in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres is a friendly and peaceful island where safety is usually the name of the game. However, just like anywhere else, it’s wise to keep a watchful eye on your belongings and exercise common sense.
Need a doc? There are fabulous English-speaking doctors and dentists on the island and a hospital equipped to stabilize the situation before whisking you off to a Cancun hospital if needed.
For a peace of mind buffet, glide over to our Handy & Essential Contacts for Travelers section.
Brushing with tap water is fine, but let bottled water be your best friend. And embrace the tropical mantra: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Useful tidbit: Spoil yourself with a bottle of Electrolytes before hitting the hay, especially after an active sunny day mingling at beach bars.
Isla hums along at 110 volts with Type A and B sockets, same as the US and Canada – remember to pack a converter if you need one and a backup battery just in case. Because, when the skies rumble or during the sultry summer months, the electricity might decide to take a little siesta, especially with all the A/C units working overtime.
Wise Isleños unplug when the power winks out, as it often throws a little surge party when it comes back on. Also, make it a nightly ritual to unplug your devices before you dive into your dreams.
While the island breeze is the only connection you’ll crave, rest assured, Wi-Fi and mobile networks are at your service though perhaps a tad slower than you’re accustomed to back home.
Making Phone Calls:
Mexico’s country code is 52, and all Mexican phone numbers have 10 digits, including the area code.
+ (Plus Sign): Start any international call with this. It’s a global way to bypass the need for entering your country’s IDD code (International Direct Dial). Handy, right?
To call a number on Isla Mujeres no matter where you are, simply dial: +52 998 XXX-XXXX
Phone Call Tip: If you’re visiting and don’t have an international calling plan (which we highly recommend getting to avoid those pesky extra charges), make sure to TURN OFF ROAMING and lean on Wi-Fi for your calls, emails, and endless social scrolling. It’s like having your digital cake and eating it too—without the worry of packing on the ‘pounds’ of a massive bill later!
The North End – Playa Norte and Centro
The heart of Isla’s tourist zone, bustling with hotels and rentals, beach clubs, restaurants and bars, a souvenir shopper’s haven and the best beaches in Mexico. The Zócalo (town square) comes alive, hosting a medley of festivals and events.
Airport Road
Nestled between the edge of Centro, Airport road is a narrow ribbon leading to the colonias. The west side winks at Cancun, offering cozy marinas, quaint hotels, and restaurant bars where the sun sets the sky on fire. The east side is a spectacle of rental homes, boasting of Caribbean views and waves lapping a rocky shore. The tides are strong, and the rocks sharp, so no swimming here!
The Colonias
This is where most of the locals call home, with bursts of vibrant culture, and aromas of authentic cuisine, invite you to explore. For a true taste of island life, the Colonias are the soul of Isla.
Sac Bajo
A slender stretch flirting with Cancun across the bay, Sac Bajo is a hideaway of tranquil beaches, high-end hotels and vacation rentals. Beach clubs and restaurants dot the shoreline with promises of tropical luxury.
South End
The south end of Isla gently rises 18 meters, culminating at Punta Sur, where the Mayan ruin stands, greeting the first rays of the sun on Mexican soil. The West Side is home to quaint hotels and luxurious resorts, with beach clubs and water parks dotted in between. The East Side? Upscale rental homes nestling against the Caribbean blues, including the iconic Shell House.
Stride, ride, or glide… explore Isla Mujeres your way! If your legs are your favorite mode of transport, you’ll find Centro cozy enough to explore on foot, unveiling its treasures one step at a time. To check-out the rest of the isnad, hop into a taxi, rent a golf cart, catch the bus, or pedal a bike around. Now, if the golf cart revs your engine, remember, the narrow streets are not a race track and intoxication behind the wheel isn’t just foolish, it’s wallet-lightening expensive.
Need a roadmap to navigate this? Download MapChick’s Isla Mujeres App – you’ll be navigating like a local in no time!
A Mexican Caribbean hiccup, yet Isla Mujeres mostly dodges this green bullet. Post-storm, you might find some on Playa Norte but our dawn brigade ensures your sandy sojourn remains seaweed-free.
For the latest on the seaweed situation, zip over to the Sargazo Updates Page on Facebook.
Tread lightly and leave no trace behind, respect the tranquil spirit of Isla, embrace the culture and nature. After all, we’re just whispers amidst the ancient echoes of Isla Mujeres.
Start your day with delectable and unforgettable flavors—an Isla Mujeres breakfast tradition unlike any other!
Where vibrant Mexican charm meets oceanfront fun. Dive into a community experience unlike any other on Isla Mujeres.
Where sunrises steal the show and the Caribbean is your front yard. A minimalist haven in the heart of downtown, your serene escape awaits.
Rustic chic meets tranquility & amazing sunsets. A private beach haven ideal for those seeking peace and sun-kissed serenity.
Escape to the no-frills tranquility of Villa Kiin, where the Caribbean whispers and hammocks swing, your slice of heaven awaits.
Bringing family fun and beachside charm together for over 40 years. Cozy, unique, and just steps from Playa Norte’s sandy bliss!
Gorgeous and comfortable rooms with beautiful Playa Norte right outside your door, perfect for relaxing, romance or family fun.
Where tranquility meets Isla charm. A hidden gem for relaxation seekers. Wake up to sunrises and the melody of the waves!
A private slice of paradise where the sun rises on your perfect vacation and sets on fun, comfort and unforgettable memories.
Your oasis for luxurious homes and hotels to beachfront havens and cozy hideaways for more than 20 years.
Looking for the perfect place to drop your bags?
Eating your way around the Island
Isla Activities: Sun, Fun, and Unforgettable!
Isla Traditions, Festivals and Cultural Events
Isla's Services: From Welcome to Wow!
All of Isla is begging to be explored!
The Unmissable Specialities of Isla Mujeres. Forget everything
First time visiting Isla Mujeres? You’ve landed in
Here’s the deal: straight-up answers to your FAQs
Let’s make sure your Isla Mujeres adventure is
A good travel guide is like a GPS. You can still get there without one, but it might take a few wrong turns.
