Things to Do on Isla Mujeres: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Isla Mujeres is a narrow island a short ferry ride from Cancún, with turquoise water, a relaxed downtown and one of the best beaches in Mexico at Playa Norte. Most people get around by golf cart, snorkel over reefs and sculptures, and watch the sunrise from the island's southern cliffs.
This guide covers the best things to do on Isla Mujeres, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with whale sharks, Isla Contoy, Cancún and Tulum, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see on Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte
Calm, shallow turquoise beach.
Punta Sur
Cliffs and sculpture park.
MUSA
Underwater sculpture museum.
El Farito
Snorkeling spot with a sunken statue.
Tortugranja
Sea turtle farm.
Downtown
Colorful streets and cafés.
Isla Contoy
Protected bird island.
Hacienda Mundaca
Ruins of a pirate's estate.
Isla Mujeres in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Playa Norte
Arrive by ferry from Cancún, check in and head to Playa Norte, where the water stays waist-deep far from shore. Have lunch at a beach club under the palms. In the afternoon wander the downtown streets of Hidalgo Avenue for shops and murals. Return to Playa Norte for the island's famous sunset and dinner with fresh fish.
2Day 2 · Golf cart island tour
Rent a golf cart and drive the island's length, stopping at the Tortugranja turtle farm and the ruins of Hacienda Mundaca. Have lunch by the water. In the afternoon reach Punta Sur, the easternmost point of Mexico, with its cliffs, sculpture garden and Maya temple remains, then drive back along the windy Caribbean side.
3Day 3 · Snorkeling
Take a boat trip to snorkel the MUSA underwater museum, the Manchones reef and El Farito with its submerged statue. Lunch is often ceviche on the boat. In the afternoon relax at a beach club or try paddleboarding, then enjoy cocktails downtown in the evening.
Isla Mujeres in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Whale sharks
From June to September, join a boat trip to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, in the open sea. Have lunch on board, and in the afternoon rest at the hotel or take a long swim at Playa Norte.
5Day 5 · Isla Contoy
Visit Isla Contoy, a protected bird sanctuary with a small number of visitors per day, with snorkeling on the way. Lunch is served on the island beach. Return in the late afternoon for dinner downtown.
Isla Mujeres in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Cancún or Tulum
Take the ferry back to the mainland for a day in Cancún's Maya museum and hotel zone, or a longer trip to the ruins of Tulum and a cenote. Have lunch on the coast and return to the island by evening ferry.
7Day 7 · Last day
Watch the sunrise at Punta Sur, buy local crafts, vanilla and hammocks downtown and have a farewell lunch on the beach. Ferries run often to Cancún, and Cancún's airport is about forty-five minutes from the ferry terminal.
What to do on Isla Mujeres on a weekend
For a weekend on Isla Mujeres, combine Playa Norte, a golf cart tour and a snorkeling trip.
Add Isla Contoy with a third day.
What to do on Isla Mujeres in the evening
Evenings mean sunset at Playa Norte, cocktails on Hidalgo Avenue, live music and grilled seafood.
The island is lively but never as loud as Cancún.
Isla Mujeres for couples
Couples will enjoy sunset on Playa Norte, sunrise at Punta Sur and a private boat to the reefs.
Isla Mujeres with kids
With kids, choose Playa Norte's shallow water, the turtle farm, a glass-bottom boat and the golf cart.
What to eat on Isla Mujeres
Ceviche
Fresh lime-cured fish.
Tikin xic
Achiote-marinated grilled fish.
Tacos
From downtown stands.
Marquesitas
Rolled crepes with cheese.
Coconut water
Straight from the shell.
Where to stay on Isla Mujeres: best areas
Playa Norte
Beachfront hotels.
Downtown
Walk to everything.
Sac Bajo
Quiet lagoon side.
South end
Villas with views.
What to do on Isla Mujeres when it rains
On rainy days, visit the turtle farm, the Capitán Dulché museum, a spa or the shops downtown.
How much does a trip to Isla Mujeres cost?
Expect $120–300 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $50 for a snorkeling tour.
Practical tips for Isla Mujeres
Best time to visit
November to April.
Getting around
Golf cart, bicycle, taxi and ferry to Cancún.
Our practical tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring cash in pesos.
- Rent a golf cart early.
- Book whale sharks in season.
- Watch the sunrise at Punta Sur.
- Check sargassum reports.
Mistakes to avoid
- Touching coral.
- Hurricane season without insurance.
- Only day-tripping from Cancún.
- Ignoring sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do on Isla Mujeres?
Relax at Playa Norte, tour by golf cart and snorkel the reefs.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with excursions.
How do you get there?
By ferry from Cancún in about twenty minutes.
When can you see whale sharks?
From June to September.