Isla Mujeres Activities 2024: Tiny Island, Big Fun
Post by Kelly McLaughlin Jul 15, 2024Writer/Travek/etc5 min read time.
The island of Isla Mujeres sits just across the bay from big sister Cancun. Fly into the Cancun Airport then a quick ferry ride to Isla Mujeres or catamaran sail from the mainland and you are ready for a day (or a month!) of island life on what we locals lovingly call “Isla”.
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico facts:
- Island located 13 kms/8 miles from Cancun at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula
- The junction of where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Mexican Caribbean Sea
- Only 7 kms/4 miles long and less than 1 km/1 mile at its widest point
- Island history dates back over 1500 years to the days of the ancient Maya
- Named “Isla Mujeres” by Spanish explorers in the 1500s
- Relics of pirate life from the 1800’s found at Hacienda Mundaca
- Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres is the easternmost point of Mexico
- The northernmost end of the Mesoamerican Reef surrounds the island
- Playa Mujeres, Cancun is the continental part of Isla Mujeres
- Tropical climate, coolest month January avg 22C./72 F, hottest month August avg 31C/88F)
Top things to do on Isla Mujeres: Getting there and playing there
I have a special place in my heart for Isla, my son learned to walk on the beach at Playa Norte in 2006. I've celebrated birthdays, attended Isla Mujeres weddings and enjoyed many day trips to Isla Mujeres for work and for play. For Cancun locals, a weekend on Isla is an easy getaway, “Voy a Isla” a common phrase heard at the watercooler on a Friday afternoon. We all need and deserve some island time.
There are two main ways of getting to Isla Mujeres and they both include a boat ride (cue “I’m on a Boat!”).
- Getting the Cancun Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres.
- Cancun day trip to Isla Mujeres on a catamaran or yacht. Oh la la.
Option number one is right if you are staying on the island or embarking on a “choose your own adventure” style day. Option number two is best for a “no brainer” day of sailing, snorkeling Isla Mujeres, beach club, island tours, all with bevvies and food included.
What is there to do on Isla Mujeres?
1. Nothing. Just relax. Chill. Breathe ocean air under a palm tree, number one activity.
2. Beach. Private Isla Mujeres beach clubs are the perfect place to practice #1.
3. Snorkel or dive. The coral reef is vibrant and abundant in sea life and the water is crystal-clear.
4. Kayak, swim, or float on a rubber tire while you stare at the fluffy clouds.
5. Rent a golf cart and toot around the island. Shop the quaint streets of centro for artisans and souvenirs.
6. Dig into some insanely fresh seafood. Local specialty “tikinxic fish” is a must.
7. Enjoy a frozen cocktail or mocktail with your toes in the sand and the sound of the waves washing over you. Cold beer. Michelada. Lemonade. Icy glass. Mmm.
There are rumors that once you get a taste of Isla Mujeres, you will always feel her calling you back. I’ve been visiting for 20 years and I never get tired of her beauty. Day trip, weekend or the whole darned summer, it’s always a good time to visit Isla Mujeres.
Catch you on the flip side,
Your Happy Shuttle Cancun Local Expert