Spending 2 Days on Isla Mujeres
Should You Visit Isla Mujeres?
For anyone visiting Cancun, I highly recommend a trip to the tiny island of Isla Mujeres. Tourists have the option of visiting Isla Mujeres both as a day trip or overnight destination. During my trip to Isla Mujeres, I chose to spend two days visiting Isla Mujeres.
The history of Isla Mujeres can be traced back to as early as 546 AD when the Island was part of the Mayan Empire. Many years later, in the 16th century, the Spanish arrived and named the Island “Isla Mujeres” due to the many images of Mayan Goddesses. Throughout the 1800s, Isla Mujeres was a popular stop for pirates traveling the Caribbean. Finally, around the year 1970, Isla Mujeres became a tourist destination for people that were visiting Cancun.
Today, Isla Mujeres serves as a small community with permanent residents, seasonal workers, vacationers, and tourists all sharing the Island.
Spending 2 Days on Isla Mujeres - Table of Contents
- Should You Visit Isla Mujeres
- How to Get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
- How to Rent a Golf Cart on Isla Mujeres
- Isla Mujeres Accommodations – Casa Azul Maya
- What To See: Isla Mujeres
- Dining Options on Isla Mujeres
- Purchasing a Home on Isla Mujeres
- Isla Mujeres Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliate Partners
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How to Get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
The easiest way to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun is to take the Ultramar Ferry from the Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal. The ferry runs over 20 round trips per day and costs MX$190 (USD$9.50) one way and MX$380 (USD$19.00) round trip. As of January 2021, the earliest departure from Puerto Juarez is at 6:30 am, and the latest return from Isla Mujeres is at 11:00 pm.
There are also daily ferry departures from Playa Tortugas, El Embarcadero, and Playa Caracol. These ferries run much less often, averaging between two and four departures daily.
If you are bringing luggage to Isla Mujeres, you will be asked to use the rear entrance to the ferry, so you can stack your bags in the rear of the boat. There will be multiple porters offering to help you with your bags. If you choose to use the porters, please remember to give them a few pesos as a tip. I chose to handle my own bags and had no trouble stacking my bag in the baggage area.
Upon arriving, you must retrieve your bag before exiting the ferry. As the ferry slows down to enter the terminal, I highly recommend heading down to the baggage area. The reclaiming of the bags is very chaotic, and during peak times, it will take a while to locate your bag.
To check the current schedule, please visit Ultramar Ferry’s website by clicking HERE.
If you would like to purchase a ticket ahead of time, you can do so by clicking on the link below. As an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you book using one of my links. This commission is typically at no additional cost to you.
 One-Way or Round-Trip Ferry between Cancun and Isla Mujeres - $18.00 While on vacation in Cancun or Isla Mujeres, travel smoothly and efficiently between the two destinations by ferry. Hop aboard an Ultramar catamaran and enjoy deluxe service during your 45-minute ride. Choose a one-way or round-trip ticket from Puerto Juarez (Cancun) or Isla Mujeres, departing every half hour. Make the most of your time as you experience the sensation of flying across the Caribbean Sea! |
A Video of the Ferry Ride from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres
During peak travel times, almost every seat on the ferry to Isla Mujeres will be occupied. Thankfully, the ride only takes around 20-minutes total.
You do not need a car when visiting Isla Mujeres. If you would like to have your own transportation, I highly recommend renting a golf cart. I will cover how to rent a golf cart in the next section.
If you decide that you would like to take your car, or other large items to Isla Mujeres, you can ship them on the Ultramar Ferry’s car/cargo ship. To learn more about this option, visit Ultramar Cargo’s website by clicking HERE.
How to Rent a Golf Cart on Isla Mujeres
I highly recommend renting a golf cart for the entire time you will be on Isla Mujeres. Golf carts are rented by the hour, day, or week. The rates vary, but I found that they typically around USD$10 per hour, USD$40 per day (12 hour period), and USD$50 24-hour period.
You do not need a reservation as there will be multiple companies within your sight as you leave the ferry terminal. I had a good experience with the company Rentador Caribe. To find their rental agency, cross the street and turn right upon leaving the ferry terminal.
The golf carts run on gasoline. Unlimited gasoline is included in the price of the rental. Typically, you will not need to return to the rental agency for a refill unless you spend multiple days driving laps around the perimeter of the Island. If you are interested in driving at night, which most people are, make sure that you receive a golf cart with headlights.
The maximum occupancy of the golf cart is four adults. If you have more than two adults, you will not have room for your suitcase, as the luggage compartment is converted by lowering the rear seat. You can park your golf cart anywhere that there is not a white sign with an “E” with a cross through it. You may also see a sign that says “Prohibido Estacionarse,” which means “no parking” in Spanish. To keep your golf cart from being “borrowed,” it is highly recommended to lock the steering wheel using the bicycle lock that the rental agency will provide.
Isla Mujeres has a speed limit of between 20 kph and 40 kph depending on the area. I found that my golf cart had a max speed of around 34 kph. I never saw any vehicle (golf cart or car) stopped by the police. That being said, there were lots of police cars around, so I recommend slowing down in the 20 kph zones.
Renters must be a minimum of 18 years of age and must have a valid driver’s license. The rental agency will keep your driver’s license until you return the golf cart.
Below are multiple clips of my experience driving a golf cart around the entire 15 KM perimeter of Isla Mujeres.
When driving on Isla Mujeres, be sure to slow down for the speed bumps. There are many of them throughout the Island’s roads.
Don’t worry about parking. There is plenty of room, and people park their golf carts anywhere they will fit. I recommend taking a cell phone screenshot of your Google Map location when you park your golf cart. Other than an identifiable number, most golf carts look the same. Without knowing exactly where you parked, it may be difficult to find your golf cart.
Isla Mujeres Accommodations - Casa Azul Maya
I spent two nights on Isla Mujeres at Casa Azul Maya. I was surprised at the inexpensive rate for my room. My room at Casa Azul Maya came in at just over USD$100 per night. Each room is given the name of a Mexican city. I stayed in the Cozumel room, which was located on the first floor.
My room had a kitchen area, a couch, a beautiful wooden table, and a bathroom with a standing shower. The air conditioner worked extremely well, and the shower had great water pressure. My only complaint was that the WiFi didn’t always work, and cell phone service was spotty. This only became an issue on my last day when I needed to update my upcoming hotel information for the remainder of my trip.
I was on the first floor and was able to park my golf cart right in front of my room. All rooms at Casa Azul Maya have an outside entrance, and upon checking in, you will be given a metal key to work the lock.
Casa Azul Maya is difficult to find. Google Maps will take you to the wrong side of the hotel. To get to the main entrance, you will need to turn down a rough road that looks more like a poorly constructed sidewalk than a road. You will see a sign that says “Casa Azul Maya” just after the turn. I took my golf cart down this road many times. When navigating the rough road, be sure to keep your foot on the break and have your luggage secured.
What To See: Isla Mujeres
A visit to Isla Mujeres will be different depending on where you are staying and what type of island experience you would like to have. Some visitors will spend the majority of their time in their resorts and on the beach. Others may prefer to go to the city center and visit the hundreds of small shops. Adventurous visitors might prefer to go snorkeling, scuba diving, paragliding, or swim with sharks. There are so many different activities that Isla Mujeres will definitely offer something for everyone.
This section will cover the tourist sights that I visited during my time on Isla Mujeres. As a solo traveler, global studies teacher, and travel blogger, I was more interested in seeing the sights than spending my time on the beach. I want to stress that while the beaches of Isla Mujeres are beautiful, visitors will have a much different experience than when they visit the beaches of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
Playa Centro - One of Isla Mujeres' Public Beaches
Playa Centro was the first public beach I visited during my trip to Isla Mujeres. I found that Playa Centro was the least crowded of the Isla Mujeres beaches and was also without vendors constantly trying to sell souvenirs, beach chairs, food, and drinks.
The day I visited Playa Centro, the temperature was cool (in the low 70s) and there was a strong wind (over 20 mph). Due to the conditions, very few people were in the water. When visiting Playa Centro, be sure to walk out on the wooden piers to take some great photos of the surrounding area.
If you are looking for a beach that is not crowded, I highly recommend that you visit Playa Centro.
Update: In December of 2021, I visited Isla Mujeres again. This time, I was able to get photos of Playa Centro full of beachgoers.
If you walk northward from Playa Centro, you will reach Playa Notre. Playa Notre is the most popular beach on Isla Mujeres.
Playa Norte - Isla Mujeres' Most Popular Beach
Playa Norte is the most popular public beach on Isla Mujeres. When you arrive at Playa Norte, you will notice that it is much more crowded than Playa Centro or any of the other public beaches on Isla Mujeres.
During my visit, the weather was cool, and very few people were swimming. Despite the poor weather, almost every inch of Playa Notre was covered with tourists.
To me, Playa Norte felt much more touristy than Playa Centro and reminded me of being in the Cancun Hotel Zone. The moment I stepped onto the beach, I was targeted by vendors.
If you are looking for a beach with plenty of space and without vendors constantly bothering you, I highly recommend Playa Centro. If you prefer the “Cancun-style” beach scene, I highly recommend you visit Playa Notre.
Update: In December of 2021, I visited Isla Mujeres again. I have included some photos of a much more crowded Playa Norte. One thing I learned during this visit is that it is possible to walk way out into the Caribbean Sea at Playa Norte. I walked out further than some of the boats.
Playa Norte and Centro Video
Isla Mujeres' Punta Sur
Punta Sur is the southernmost location on Isla Mujeres and has a much different look than the sandy northern beaches. Punta Sur is extremely rocky, with small cliffs that meet the waves of the Caribbean Sea. Access to Punta Sur costs MX$30 (USD$3) and is definitely worth the admission cost.
If you are looking for an interesting photo, be sure to visit the giant iguana statue before entering the fee area. Once in the fee area, walk down the path until you reach the Mayan Ruins. There is a small Mayan structure near the end of the main walkway that is worth visiting.
Once you reach the Mayan ruins, be sure to turn around and take a beautiful picture of the coastal bluffs. Then, walk down the lower walking path that leads to the shoreline. This path will provide the most spectacular views on all of Isla Mujeres
Punta Sur Video
I spent over an hour exploring the lower walking path of Punta Sur. The rocks can be slippery, as the waves are constantly crashing over them, so be careful with every step.
During my visit to Punta Sur, the wind was blowing directly inland at over 20 miles per hour. The result was that the waves constantly broke over the rocks and onto the path.
Towards the end of the path, there was a small platform that looked towards the Cancun Hotel Zone. I set up my tripod near this platform and captured some stunning photos of the sun setting behind the resorts.
As I walked back towards the main path, I spent a few minutes exploring parts of the path I had originally walked past. This tiny tunnel caught my eye, and I thought it made a good photo opportunity.
Tortugranja
Tortugranja is a turtle farm that was founded in the 1980s to help increase the population of various species of sea turtles including loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles. The turtle farm is on the opposite side of the island than many of the top tourist destinations, so you will need a taxi or a golf cart to get to Tortugranja.
Admission to enter the aquarium is MX$30 or USD$1.50 per person. Visitors can also purchase turtle food for an additional MX$30. I purchased one bag of turtle food but immediately regretted it. There was plenty of turtle food available for the turtles to eat, and they were disinterested in the food I offered them. I fed the remainder of my food to the nearby seagulls.
The purpose of the turtle farm is to help increase the population of sea turtles. These turtles are often killed in the wild for their eggs. In the summer, local school children are invited to release the baby turtles into the wild.
Guadalupe Chapel
One of the most charming little churches I have ever visited is the Guadalupe Chapel. The chapel is free to enter, but I highly recommend placing a few pesos in the donation box. I donated MX$40 or USD$2.00.
The interior of the Guadalupe Chapel is covered by religious objects and decorations that represent the oceanfront community of Isla Mujeres. One of the most unique items in the Guadalupe Chapel is the shell-shaped stoup that stores the holy water.
Before leaving the chapel, be sure to walk around the exterior to see the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
Murals and Paintings
There are many colorful murals found throughout Isla Mujeres. The murals are part of a larger project that began in 2014 to decorate the seawalls of oceanfront communities, while bringing awareness to global warming, habitat loss, and marine pollution.
During my visit, I did not set out to specifically view any of the murals. Instead, when I would pass a mural on my golf cart that caught my interest, I would stop and take a quick photograph.
If the murals interest you there is a guided tour available. If you purchase using the link below, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Street Art of Isla Mujeres Tour - $60.26 This 9:30am morning tour will take your around the island in search of some of the most beautiful murals and art on the island. You will explore the island like never before. Your personal tour guide will drive you around the island, showing you "Off The Beaten Path" parts of Isla Mujeres and take your photo through out the process. This is a great tour for anyone that would love to explore and see beautiful street art along the way. Great for families and explorers! |
Everything Else on Isla Mujeres
When visiting Isla Mujeres, be sure to spend some time walking the tiny streets and looking in the small shops/kiosks. You will find that most of the items do not have prices on them, and the initially quoted price will be much higher than you expect. When purchasing an item on Isla Mujeres, you typically need to barter. I found that merchants will take less than half of the original price.
Some of the best views of Isla Mujeres can be found by driving your golf cart around the perimeter of the island. Two of my favorite locations were the lookout near Garrafon Reef Park and the bluffs of the SE Shore.
Dining on Isla Mujeres
Bastro's Grill - My Favorite Restaurant on Isla Mujeres
My favorite meal on Isla Mujeres was at Basto’s Grill. During my meal, I met a man who owns property on the Island. He confirmed that Basto’s Grill was one of his favorite places to eat. When visiting, the best meal choice is the Arrachera Steak; order it in tacos, fajitas, or as an uncut skirt steak. The cost of this meal was just under USD$30 with a tip.
Luna Grill
There are so many restaurants on Isla Mujeres that it is difficult to choose which ones are the best. On my final day on Isla Mujeres, I visited Luna Grill for lunch. Luna Grill is located on the beach, and I was able to sit at a table with my feet in the sand. I went with one of my favorite Isla Mujeres meals, Arrachera Fajitas. They were delicious, as were the chips and guacamole. This meal was slightly more expensive and with a tip cost over USD$35.
Buhos Beach Bar and Restaurant
Buhos Beach Bar and Restaurant is located near Playa Notre. As I walked by this restaurant, I realized that I had not eaten, and noticed they had a public bathroom. I used the restroom and then ordered chips and guacamole and an arrachera burrito. The burrito was one of the best that I’ve ever eaten. I am not sure if the view helped increase the taste of the food or if the food was indeed that good. With a tip, the cost of this meal was just under USD$30.
Purchasing a Home on Isla Mujeres
There are many little vacation homes on Isla Mujeres. Most of them have beach access, and almost all of them have stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. While driving the perimeter of the Island, I came across this sign for vacation home sales. It appears that some of the homes can be purchased for under USD$200k. I went online and looked at the prices of the homes. Most of them were priced much higher, with the average price being around USD$400k.
Isla Mujeres Tours and Packages
It is entirely possible to enjoy Isla Mujeres without booking any tours and packages. Other than renting a golf cart, I did not purchase any additional packages or tours during my time on the Island. I know some tourists enjoy being led around by a local expert, so I have linked various tours and packages of Isla Mujeres below. Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Day Trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya - $99.99 This is not the usual everyday tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Enjoy an all-inclusive tour to Isla Mujeres with professional guides and transport from your hotel or resort ALL INCLUSIVE!. You'll snorkel at SEVERAL great locations using Professional grade National Geographic-certified snorkel gear and enjoy a fabulous Mayan BBQ lunch with open bar. Take lots of photos of the entire relaxing day on the modern DOUBLE DECKER vessel, the beaches, sea-life, and much much more. On the way there will be music, dancing, drinks & more FUN! We've run this tour for 7 years and know how to show our clients a GREAT Time! Our Special Twin deck High HP Custom boats have plenty of space vs the overcrowded sailboat catamarans......There IS a difference! |
 Must-See Isla Mujeres - Your Private 5-hour Introduction for up to 4 people - $246.16 Begin with meeting at the ferry then travel to the Punta Sur in a golf car. After the Punta Sur we proceed to the city center. Some of the city’s most iconic sites are easily accessible on foot, so leave the car behind to see the architecture, street art and listen to the history. |
 Isla Mujeres e-Bike Tour (departing from Cancun) - $90.00 Once in Isla Mujeres, we ride our bicycle and at a smooth speed we will begin our journey, admiring the beautiful views and roads that lead us around the Island. |
 Paradise Islands Tour: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres - $139.00 On this 9-hour tour, enjoy two of the most beautiful and best-known islands off the Yucatan Coast: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres. Contoy is a protected natural reserve that provides shelter and nesting areas for maritime birds; you'll have a chance to snorkel its clear-blue waters before exploring the island on foot and enjoying a traditional Yucatan lunch. Isla Mujeres is a former fishing village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty and view of the Cancun skyline over the calm waters of the Caribbean. Bottled water, soft drinks, lunch, and snorkel equipment are all included. |
 Local Fishing Plus Snorkeling Tour in Isla Mujeres - $378.58 Whether you're an experienced fisher or a beginner, explore some of the best fishing spots in the Caribbean around Isla Mujeres on this half-day tour from Cancun. With a captain and a guide, travel to several areas near the island to try for the catch of the day. Then, suit up with the provided snorkeling gear and explore the warm, tropical waters as you spot colorful fish and coral. Bottled water and round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel is included. |
 Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres and Snorkeling in the Underwater Museum of Art - $94.00 Depart from the dock in Cancun on board a catamaran and sail through the Caribbean Sea to enjoy the sun and the breeze. Snorkel in the Underwater Museum of Art, around colorful fish and marine species and visit Isla Mujeres where you will be able to shop and relax at the beach. |
Local Fishing Plus Snorkeling Tour in Isla Mujeres - $378.58 Whether you're an experienced fisher or a beginner, explore some of the best fishing spots in the Caribbean around Isla Mujeres on this half-day tour from Cancun. With a captain and a guide, travel to several areas near the island to try for the catch of the day. Then, suit up with the provided snorkeling gear and explore the warm, tropical waters as you spot colorful fish and coral. Bottled water and round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel is included. |
 Enjoy a wonderful day visiting Isla Mujeres (snorkel, buffet, drinks included) - $74.00 An unique experience that includes sailing on some of the most beautiful and clean shores that the caribbean can offer. As part of this activity, we'll stop at the Underwater Museum to sight some amazing historical sculptures. At the end of the trip we arrive at a port where photos can be taken with a live shark. Optional to all the previous activities, we got a awesome ride on spinnaker that grants a non-matching view of the island. |
 Isla Mujeres Garrafon Natural Reef Park VIP Pass - $109.00 Travel from Cancun to Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres for a day of luxury and plenty of activities. You’ll have full access to Garrafon VIP, an exclusive lounge offering international open bar and food. Swim, snorkel, and enjoy a zipline adventure. |
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