Isla Mujeres, which translates to the “Island of Women”, is a hidden gem in the Mexican Caribbean, located just north of Cozumel in the Bay of Campeche. It used to be one of the most pristine islands on the Yucatan Peninsula, but it’s become known as a party destination.
Commonly referred to as an island of many beautiful beaches and calm waters. Indeed, Isla Mujeres has it all: beaches, water sports, and coral reefs.
What’s more? There are several eco-friendly activities such as snorkeling excursions, fishing trips, and even eco-tourism vacations to choose from.
If you plan on visiting Isla Mujeres this summer and want a fun adventure, then read this article to learn more about this island paradise.
How do I get to Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is a popular vacation destination, particularly for couples and families. This makes it an easy place to embark on a memorable getaway. The island is a short 20-minute flight from Cancun, Mexico, but there are plenty of ways to get there.
If you’re traveling through Mexico City, you can fly into Isla Mujeres Airport (IATA: ISM). Alternatively, you can take a direct hydrofoil from Playa del Carmen (Cancun) or Cozumel. If you plan on using public transportation, there are several options available including buses and ferries.
When is the best time for you to visit Isla Mujeres?
The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. During this time, the island is mostly free of rain and hurricanes. The temperature also drops from about 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to around 70 degrees in the winter.
Beachgoers can enjoy a warm and sunny climate without being bothered by high humidity levels or other weather issues that may arise during different times of the year.
When it comes to visiting Isla Mujeres, there are many options for travelers who want to explore this beautiful destination.
What can I do in Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres offers something for everyone! In addition to the many resorts on the island, there are also plenty of activities that you can enjoy during your stay such as snorkeling or diving with whale sharks at Isla Contoy.
There are also numerous restaurants and bars to choose from which makes it easy for travelers of all ages to find something fun for them.
Here are a couple of places to check out:
1. Go on your own Private Cancun Catamaran Tour
Make unforgettable memories by giving yourself, your family, or your friends, the gift of a relaxing and memorable cruise. Different types of tours are available depending on your specific needs — group charter tours of up to 25 persons, group sunset cruises of 10 to 20 persons, private sunset dinner cruises of up to 6 persons, and more!
2. Dance the night away at Avenida Miguel Hidalgo
During the day if you’re looking for places to shop, check out the Avenida Miguel Hidalgo which is known for its delightful nightlife as soon as the sun sets. Avenida Miguel Hidalgo is the main street in El Centro and a pedestrian-only street.
You’ll encounter a number of restaurants, bars, and clubs aside from numerous souvenir and gift shops.
If you’re on a tight budget, I’d recommend eating dinner before coming here because most restaurants cater primarily to tourists and are significantly more expensive than places in less crowded areas of the island.
3. Experience the picturesque beach of Playa Centro
Playa Centro is commonly known for its tranquil waters and scenic palm trees. Being the second most popular beach on the island, Playa Centro usually has fewer crowds than Playa Norte.
This makes Playa Centro a great spot for a pleasant swim followed by a scrumptious meal and cocktail at one of the many restaurants and bars close by.
4. Swim in the crystal clear waters at Mia Reef
Located at the northern tip just off Isla Mujeres, Mia Reef is a hotel on a private island.
The hotel is extremely secluded and you can’t travel across the long bridge which leads up to the hotel from Playa Norte if you are not staying there. However, you can still swim in the crystal blue waters around the bridge, snorkel the reef and walk out onto the sandbar.
This area of the island is absolutely stunning and if it’s not yet on your list of what to do in Isla Mujeres then it’s something that you should not miss!
5. Visit the mesmerizing and beautiful beach of Playa Norte
Playa Norte is located on the northern end of Isla Mujeres in Cancun. It is a quick 10-minute hike from the ferry terminal.
This beautiful white sandy beach is lined with scenic palm trees and shallow crystal blue waters. The beach is enveloped by several restaurants and bars.
You can spend an entire day unwinding and basking under the Caribbean sun by hiring beach chairs and umbrellas.
Playa Norte is undoubtedly one of the best locations on the island if you want to watch the sunset. To get the full experience, you can visit this beach during different hours of the day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or a beach getaway, Isla Mujeres is the place to go. The island is only 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, but it has an abundance of beautiful beaches that are predominantly white sandy beaches with calm waters.
The island is home to many different hotels, restaurants, and bars that cater to all types of tourists from honeymooners to families looking for fun things to do in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres is very safe, with no violent crime or kidnappings reported on the island. The main tourist attraction is snorkeling and scuba diving in clear blue waters where you can see colorful fish swimming around you.
There are also plenty of activities available at night including nightlife on the beach with live music and dancing into the late hours of the night.
Isla Mujeres is definitely the place to go if you are planning your next beach getaway or vacation by yourself, with family, or friends!
