Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting?
Yes, Isla Mujeres is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a island that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this island has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great resorts and amazing scuba diving & snorkeling.
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island that's just 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancun. Many visitors spend a day or two on the island and enjoy the paradise-like setting. Whether you have a few hours or a couple of days, this island is worth the trip.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
7 Reasons to Visit Isla Mujeres
1. Resorts
Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.
2. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.
3. Beaches
The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.
4. Food
The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.
5. Nightlife
Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.
6. Shopping
Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.
7. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Isla Mujeres might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Isla Mujeres here or see if Isla Mujeres is expensive here.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Isla Mujeres
Museums and Attractions
Isla Mujeres isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.
Related
What is Isla Mujeres most famous for?
Isla Mujeres is most famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. The island is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It's also known for food. And many travelers come for the nightlife and shopping, as well. It is often described as laid back, idyllic, and relaxing.
What is the most famous sight in Isla Mujeres?
The most popular sight in Isla Mujeres is the Underwater Museum of Art. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Isla Mujeres on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Underwater Museum of Art and other attractions here.
How touristy is Isla Mujeres? Is it a popular island to visit?
Isla Mujeres is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Scuba Diving Adventure WITHOUT CERTIFICATION! Try it today!: $185
- Contoy Island Tour from Cancun and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $134
- Whale Shark Tour Isla Mujeres Max 10Pax Free Lunch: $155
- Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $36
- The Best of Isla Mujeres Walking Tour: $126
- Snorkel Tour at Musa and Manchones Reef: $45
- Tour Isla Mujeres excursion in Collective Transparent Boat: $35
- Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour: $77
How long should I spend in Isla Mujeres?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Isla Mujeres is one to two days. Since Isla Mujeres has a variety of activities such as resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Isla Mujeres?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Isla Mujeres?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Isla Mujeres?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.