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Whether your winter holiday to the tropics takes you to Cancun, Tulum, or the Riviera Maya, an excursion to the neighboring island of Isla Mujeres is an absolute must. Not only is it close to the Mexican mainland, but day trips to Isla Mujeres are easy with Transat’s expansive range of accessible and well-organized trips that guarantee a great time for all travelers.
The best and almost only way to explore the island is by golf cart. Guests staying at local resorts will be able to get one from their hotel, while out-of-towners can rent one from the many shops scattered around the port. A little tip: don’t hesitate to haggle if you’re quoted more than $45 USD for a perfect day trip experience.
How to plan your excursion to Isla Mujeres
How long is the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres?
There are several departure points and ferry terminals, depending on where you’re staying. Puerto Juarez is the most popular departure point, with boats provided by Ultramar, which run regularly from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Day trip to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres, Tulum or Cancun
- Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen: The Puerto Juarez ferry terminal is located close to El Niño Beach in the northern end of Cancun. The ferry ride takes just 20 minutes.
- Isla Mujeres from Costa Mujeres: Visitors have two options here: they can either go to Punta Sam, though the ferry service isn’t as frequent, or choose the Puerto Juarez ferry terminal, close to El Niño Beach in the northern end of Cancun, where the ferry ride takes just 20 minutes.
- Isla Mujeres from Tulum: This is a bit of an all-day adventure! There are no direct ferry services from Tulum to Isla Mujeres. Instead, visitors must drive to Cancun (a 2-hour ride) and take the ferry from there. Cozumel Island may be a better fit as far as day trips from Tulum are concerned!
- Isla Mujeres from Cancun: Visitors can drive or take a taxi to the Puerto Juarez ferry terminal, located near El Niño Beach on the northern end of Cancun. The ferry ride is a short 20 minutes, making it an ideal day trip from Cancun.
How do I get around Isla Mujeres?
Once you are on the island, the best way to get around is to hire a golf cart. It’s the most popular mode of transport for the perfect day trip around Isla Mujeres! Tourists staying at local hotels can rent one, while those coming from the mainland can hire one from the shops around the harbour. A word of advice: if you’re offered more than $45 USD for the day, negotiate!
Can you go to Isla Mujeres without a tour?
Yes, absolutely! You can enjoy all the best things to do in Isla Mujeres on your own, as long as you find a means of transportation to get around the island. It’s perfectly possible to simply visit Isla Mujeres to enjoy the beaches without doing too much else. Note that round-trip ferry tickets cost around 300 pesos per person.
How do I get to Isla Mujeres by catamaran?
- Catamaran to Isla Mujeres (departures from Cancun)
- Catamaran to Isla Mujeres (departures from Riviera Maya)
- Catamaran to Isla Mujeres (departures from Costa Mujeres)
Admire the view at Punta Sur
Welcome to the southern tip of Isla Mujeres! The dramatic cliffs jutting out into the Caribbean Sea are a sight to behold, with serene palm trees and stoic iguanas peacefully inhabiting the area. Though not much remains of the Mayan temple dedicated to the fertility goddess Ixchel due to hurricanes, the view alone makes this day trip to Isla Mujeres worth the short detour.
Dive with whale sharks on Isla Mujeres
One of the most thrilling attractions on Isla Mujeres is the chance to swim alongside the largest fish on the planet: whale sharks, which can weigh between 10 and 20 tons. They visit the Yucatan Peninsula in summer after their long migration.
To experience this adventure from Cancun, you must travel to Isla Mujeres between May and September. Strict rules ensure their protection, so it’s best to book with an official operator and opt for small groups for a respectful and good experience with these majestic creatures.
Visit the best dive sites in Isla Mujeres
Being a Caribbean island, Isla Mujeres is a paradise for all forms of water sports, especially snorkeling and diving.
It’s here that visitors will find the most beautiful underwater museum in the Caribbean. In addition to some of the most colorful coral reefs in the northern hemisphere, the marine life is absolutely breathtaking! Barracudas, rays, starfish, sailfish and hundreds of colorful fish such as damselfish, creole wrasse, bayolle surgeonfish, rainbow parrotfish and many more call this place home.
Shop on Avenida Rueda Medina
In the downtown area of Isla Mujeres, there is no shortage of shopping options. From baskets and rugs to Mexican jewelry and beachwear, the stores here have everything for shoppers. Don’t miss the Isla Mujeres Artisan Fair, held on the first and third Thursday of each month from November through April, where local creations benefit area charities.
Take a trip to Isla Contoy
Another day trip to Isla Mujeres area is Isla Contoy, a peaceful island paradise and national park with a rich and biodiverse ecosystem. Known as a haven for nature lovers, Isla Contoy has pristine beaches, over 150 species of birds, and fascinating marine life. It’s an important place for those who want to experience untouched nature near Isla Mujeres.
Access to Isla Contoy is limited to preserve its natural beauty, so booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Relax at Playa Norte
At Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, away from the strong waves of the island’s eastern coast, you’ll find calm, clear, and shallow waters perfect for a peaceful beach day. This scenic spot, with its soft sands and palm trees, offers a picturesque spot for sunbathing, swimming, and unwinding. While the beach is free, the sunbeds and umbrellas are not—but it’s a great time investment for a relaxing day in paradise.
