Best Things To Do In Playa Mujeres

Visit The Best Beaches

Top 10 Best Things To Do On Isla Mujeres Travel Tips Guide

Price: FREE
Price: Starting at around $79 USD
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Many scuba divers choose Playa del Carmen as their base.

Its a very liveable city with tons of cool cenotes and decent reefs nearby.

If you want to tick scuba diving in Playa del Carmen from your bucket list there are plenty of dive shops and schools in town. Get PADI certified!

PRO TIP: The best places to scuba dive include Pared Verde Ledge and Tortugas near Playa del Carmen itself, Gorgonians down near Akumal, Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall off the coast of Cozumel.

Discover The Underwater World

Isla Mujeres snorkeling & Isla Mujeres scuba diving

The waters of Isla Mujeres are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Though it might not be the most interesting underwater world you will see, there are some really cool spots like the underwater museum .

Snorkeling with whale sharks is the absolute highlight of all snorkeling trips. It is only possible to snorkel, not to dive, with whale sharks as the area of the whale sharks is protected.

Its possible to go diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres almost all year round, though, between May and September, the clarity of the water is the best.

There are many dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips. We recommend to check out Pocna Dive Center, Mexico Divers, Sea Hawk, Carey Dive Center, and Mundaca Divers.

If you want to go snorkeling from the shore, head to El Farito and Garrafón de Castilla.

Please dont visit Garrafon Reef Park or Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres as they offer dolphin swimming activities you shouldnt support.

Where To Stay In Isla Mujeres Mexico

When choosing accommodations in Isla Mujeres, you need to decide whether you want to be in the middle of the action, close to Playa Norte and many restaurants, or you prefer a quieter, more secluded place. There are pros and cons to both, it all depends on what you are looking for. Staying in the northern part of the island, you will be close to the nicest beach, the ferry and just steps away from many restaurants, bars and stores. But that also means, that this is the most crowded area.

If you are looking for a more quiet location, you might consider staying towards the Southern part of the island. Just keep in mind, that there wont be much going on and not many places to walk to. You will need to either use taxis or rent a golf cart for the duration of your stay to be able to get places.

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Isla Mujeres

In general, I believe its always a good time to visit Isla Mujeres, however, there are a few things you should know to better decisions when it is the best time to go to Isla Mujeres for you

The winter months, from December through April, is the high season with Easter week being the peak season when prices are higher and the places are more crowded, but the water is cooler

In the summer months instead, the prices are lower and you will find warm waters to swim in the Caribbean Sea. Ironically it is also less crowded except for July and August when there is no school.

there is more chance of rain and even hurricanes, although rare.

Summer is also whale shark season for those passionate about wildlife and whales encounter.

Bird Watching At Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is a bird watchers paradise. The small protected National Park sanctuary North of Isla Mujeres is home to more than 100 species of birds and 4 species of sea turtles.

The tropical breeze and bird spotting complete this amazing tropical heaven. Once here you can relax and just take some pictures of the wildlife, before picking up your snorkeling gear and dive into the clear waters.

Isla Contoy can be reached via an all-inclusive cruise at the cost of about $100 per person. To keep the inhabited island in pristine condition, tourists have to follow very strict rules and pick up after themselves.

Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Trip

Spend the day sailing to the best islands off Cancun, snorkeling in turquoise waters and looking for for nesting birds.

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Go Scuba Diving Through The Best Coral Reefs In The Northern Hemisphere

The coral reef off the shore of the Riviera Maya and Cancun is one of the best in the world. In 1961 Jacques Cousteau discovered the magnificent diving here and declared the area as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. Thanks in part to the popularity of diving in these waters, they were declared a national marine park in 1996. This has allowed the reef to thrive and the wildlife to flourish, making for one of the most sensational diving experiences youre likely to ever have.

Cozumel is the top spot in the Yucatan Peninsula for scuba diving, but you can book scuba diving tours from Cancun to explore its crystal clear waters with visibility reaching over 100 feet. Even if you are a beginner you can try scuba diving in Cancun. Many resorts offer PADI certification and explore dives.

Why Is It Called Isla Mujeres

The island was discovered by Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in 1517. In pre-Hispanic times the island was dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, love, and fertility, and believers would bring offerings in feminine forms and leave them on the Beaches. When the Spanish conquerors arrived and found those feminine figures, they named the island Isla Mujeres.

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Ready To Enjoy All Of The Things To Do In Isla Mujeres

In 2001 SECTUR put together a Pueblo Magico program to recognise Mexican towns that have a special appeal or magic about them in 3 categories natural beauty, history and culture.

Isla Mujeres now shares the title with over 80 other towns and cities throughout Mexico. The island has a special charm to it, making it a place you will want to return to again and again.

It shares the limelight with the charming cobblestoned village of Tepoztlan and its magical pyramid, San Miguel de Allende, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tulum and Taxco, to name a few.

Isla Mujeres is a perfect vacation destination for families, couples, solo travellers and backpackers. Its one of those destinations that draws you back year after year and has so much to offer visitors.

Who couldnt love its warm azure waters, perfect temperatures all year round, fun activities and the stunning sunrises and sunsets?

Hopefully this list gave you some great ideas for things to do in Isla Mujeres on your next holiday. Have you visited Isla Mujeres? Add another activity or two in the comments below!

Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

The Joysxee Floating Bottle Island

Isla Mujeres Best Things To DO / Playa Norte / Garrafon Reef / Snorkeling / Tour

If youre looking for quirky things to do in Isla Mujeres, you can check out the Floating Bottle Island. Created a few years back by Richart Sowa, this floating recyclers dream is completely built using used plastic water bottles and recycled materials, including a three story house and an outdoor bar. Youll need to talk to the locals about its current location, since the floating house moves around the island from time to time. There is a small entrance fee.

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Take Yourself On A Taco Tour

Price: $

Location: Zenzi

As it states in my author bio if Im not relaxing in a rooftop pool you guarantee Im salsa dancing by the shore!

Im English and when I first came to Playa Id never salsa danced a day in my life, I somewhat resembled a plank of wood in terms of rhythm, but sure enough with the help of locals, I got there in the end.

Stop thinking about getting up there and just do it! Because before you know you will be old and gray wishing you gave it a go.

The best news of all Zenzi is just the place to start there are plenty of salsa dancing opportunities in Playa.

I particularly like Zenzi because it is by the sea.

It costs nothing to take part but you may as well have some food or drink while youre there.

Location: Cozumel

The ferry for Isla Mujeres leaves from Cancun at Puerto Juarez.

Whereas the ferry for Cozumel leaves from downtown Playa towards the southern end of 5th Avenue its super easy to find.

You can buy your tickets in advance online on Ultramars website.

They are equally as amazing as one another but I would say Cozumel appeals more to the people who want to snorkel and see some local wildlife, and Isla Mujeres has a busier shopping town and some nice beaches too.

Check out this 1-day itinerary for each of these destinations:

Have YOU ever wondered what this huge statue in Playa del Carmen is called? Its Portal Maya inside of Parque Fundadores.

An absolute MUST SEE while here in PDC.

Rent A Golf Cart On Isla Mujeres

If you want a fun and unique way to explore Isla Mujeres, they have a cute mode of transportation that is popular among tourists the golf cart.

It is the next best thing to walking, but you wont get so tired after. You are also protected from the scorching heat of the sun if you decide to drive around at midday.

You can drive to every place on the island with your cute rented golf cart, which is one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres.

A golf cart also gives you more freedom when exploring the island without getting too tired after, compared to riding a cab or navigating the area on foot.

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Go For A Yoga Retreat

Yoga is a popular practice in Isla Mujeres.

It has several yoga studios and retreats, where you can take a break for a week to replenish your mind.

Beach Yoga is common too.

Many Yoga centers around the place offer training to beginners as well as to advanced practitioners.

For yoga lovers, the combination of the beach’s white sand coupled with Yoga in sunsets can be a heavenly experience.

It is a must go to for Yoga enthusiasts and can also be a rejuvenating experience for those new to yoga.

Admire The Sea Wall Murals

On foot or on your rented golf cart, you can go on a mini-tour of Isla Mujeres through its colorful and quirky street art.

A project by Pangea Seed called Sea Walls Artists for Oceans, these sea wall murals, according to the organization, aims to bring the message of ocean conservation into streets across the globe.

Touring the islands to see these murals is a fun and inspiring way to get to know the island more, and one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres.

On your way to see the murals, you might even chance upon some hidden gems like a cute souvenir shop, a cozy cafe, or a nice little shortcut to the beach.

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Snorkel Tour From Playa Mujeres

Aquaworlds Snorkel tour from Playa Mujeres visits three unforgettable spots, and believe it or not, will not even take up the entire day. After you are picked up by a boat from the beach in front of or near your hotel, the tour begins with snorkeling at the Meco site off the coast of Isla Mujeres, where you will see coral formations and schools of different colored fish, then a visit to the island, where you can swim in the calm turquoise water, relax on the beach, Playa Norte , and even grab a cold cerveza from a beach bar. The last stop is for more snorkeling, this time at a sunken shrimp boat, which is teaming with fish and other marine life. Youll be picked up at around 8:30 am and youll be back to your hotel in time for lunch, around 12:30 1:00 pm.

This tour includes a life vest , mask, a new snorkel tube, fins, water, soda and beer. Children as young as 6 years old may participate.

Getting To & From Isla Mujeres

You have different options to get to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport either by bus, taxis at the airport, or private transportation booked prior to your arrival.

Many people opt to take private transportation to Isla Mujeres booked with Cancun Airport Transportation. The vehicle provided is a van, and the ride is private if you book it, you get the vehicle to yourself. You can also share with a group of people to reduce the cost. The vans include a bilingual driver, air conditioning, and insurance.

To get from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres, the cost of the whole van would be $45 one-way, or $75 round trip. .

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Walk Around Centro & Admire The Sea Wall Murals

As responsible travellers, were all for the preservation of our worlds ocean and we were delighted to see the Sea Wall Murals of Isla Mujeres.

These murals were created by various top street artists from around the world to raise awareness of marine species threatened by extinction in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

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Take A Catamaran & Snorkel Cruise

Top 6 Things To Do in Isla Mujeres Mexico 2021

Dont feel like dealing with the logistics of getting to Isla on your own? Consider booking an all-inclusive luxury catamaran and snorkel cruise from Cancun!

Sail along the beautiful crystal-clear waters of Cancuns Caribbean coastline on this half-day sailing adventure to Islas Mujeres. Get geared up and go snorkeling, then take a break to enjoy a gourmet lunch on board the catamaran.

Youll stop at the island of Isla Mujeres, and either visit must-see spots on your own or on a guided tour. Afterward, sip on complimentary beverages on the way back to port!

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Have A Destination Wedding

Price: FREE

Location: Riviera Maya

I know what youre thinkingFREE!?

Yes, it is possible to have a free destination wedding in Mexico depending on the size of your group and how many rooms you want to reserve at the hotel.

Here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com it just wouldnt feel right if I didnt mention the weddings we plan here. They are simply stunning and we take a lot of pride in helping you create memories that last a lifetime.

There are 1000s of hotels and packages to choose from, thats why it pays to have a local team on your side. Based on your budget and your vision we can help you choose the right one for you and your group.

Its what we do best.

Speak to our dedicated weddings team call us on our toll-free number Call o , , or get more info on our destination wedding services here.

PRO TIP: Dont try to plan the wedding alone from afar, choose an expert wedding planner.

Taking The Isla Mujeres Ferry From Cancun

Once youve made it to the Gran Puerto Cancun ferry dock, all you have to do is hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres. We took theUltraMar ferry from Gran Puerto. You can book it online in advance on BOokaway to make sure you have a spot!

The UltraMar ferry takes about 30 minutes and the fare is about 80 pesos one way, or around $6 .

  • The first ferry TO Isla Mujeres FROM Cancun is at 6:30 AM. Ferries run every hour on the hour until 11:00 pm.
  • The first ferry FROM Isla Mujeres TO Cancun is at 7:00 AM. Ferries run every hour until midnight.

Pick up a ticket at the ticket counter , stand in line for a few minutes, and youre off. The ferry is comfortable, air-conditioned, and well maintained.

Alternatively, you can take the Magana Ferry, from the Puerto Juarez ferry dock. This is an older ferry terminal located just a few minutes away from Gran Puerto. The Magana Ferry is the same price and takes the same amount of time as the UltraMar Ferry. I guess this is a good option if the UltraMar is super crowded, otherwise, Im not sure theres much of a difference.

For more information about getting to Isla Mujeres, heres a helpful guide. And for more information on options to get to Isla Mujeres, heres a comprehensive guide apparently there are quite a few options, including a car ferry, and a ferry directly from the Cancun Hotel Zone, too!

  • Travel Tip: Once you arrive at the ferry docks, you can take a taxi to just about anywhere in Isla Mujeres for around 30 pesos.

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Taste Traditional Mexican Food

No trip to Isla Mujeres would be complete without indulging the senses with some mouthwatering Mexican food. Although small, the island has a lot of options for every type of traveler to enjoy a delicious meal even the pickiest eaters! First of all, its worth noting that Isla Mujeres, like most places in Mexico, is divided into colonias or districts. These are the different neighborhoods around the island and one of the ways locals might direct you if you ask for help.

With this in mind, some of the best places to eat on Isla Mujeres include: La Lomita, located on Avenida Juárez, known for its delicious black bean soup and traditional Mexican dishes at an affordable price Taquería Medina, on Avenida Hidalgo, known for having the BEST tacos on the island and Reubens Restaurant, on Calle Vicente Guerrero, known for all of their mouthwatering seafood dishes, refreshing lemonade, and specialty margaritas.

If youre hoping for a more authentic dining experience, we suggest you head over to the main square once the sun begins to set. At dusk, dozens of street food carts line around the square with everything from tacos to sweet marquesitas. The food is affordable, delicious, and it makes for a local experience unlike any other!

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