Isla is definitely one of my favorite places to stay in Mexico. It's an island just 8 miles off the coast of Cancun, but it has a completely different vibe from the bustling city.
People often wonder where the beautiful island got its name. Here's your crash course - Isla Mujeres got its name back in 1517 when a Spanish expedition found the island and discovered the ancient temple of the goddess Ixchel. Her statue sat on the south tip of the island and was used as a lighthouse for ships. They continued to find hundreds of female statues & images, leading them to name this piece of land "Isla Mujeres," meaning "island of women." (Contoy Adventures). *Cue "Let's go girls" by Shania Twain*
Now, if I could pick one quote to sum up Isla Mujeres, it would be this one -
“There is beauty in simplicity.”
- Paulo Coehlo
The island is very relaxed, easy-to-navigate, fun & safe. Everyone I've ever met there has been so wonderful and I've never once questioned my safety. To me, it truly is one of the most reliable vacation spots.
Because Isla is so close to Cancun, most people who visit are just bopping over from Cancun for a day trip. If you're headed to Cancun, I definitely recommend visiting Isla, even if it's just for one day. But if you haven't booked your trip yet, I would encourage you to stay on Isla for more than a day. I've stayed on Isla four times and I still look forward to going back. It may be a small island, but it has so much to offer.
Here's what you need to know -
How to Get There:
Book a flight to Cancun
Book your Ultramar tickets before you go. You'll want to book the ticket that includes the ground shuttle and the ferry. The shuttle will pick you up at the airport and take you straight to the ferry. Buy the round trip ticket - it's a better deal and you'll have to go back to Cancun to get home anyways!
Book your Accommodations! If you're staying with a large group of people, I highly recommend renting a house. I think it gives you a more authentic experience and allows the group to be together more. The houses we've stayed in and loved are Casa Zama, Casa Mimosa, & Villa Encantada. If you're going with one or two other people, a hotel would be the best route for you. Popular Hotels are Ixchel Beach Hotel, Mia Reef, Izla Hotel, & Zoetry. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out Nomads. The atmosphere is amazing and they have hostel-style options as well. Personally, I prefer staying on the south side of the island because it's more calm & relaxed, but the fun tourist spots are still only a short drive away!
Get your golf cart rented! Golf carts are how tourists get around the island (more on that below). The most chaotic part of your vacation will be when the ferry docks and all of the tourists are frantically trying to figure out where to get a golf cart and what to do next. To avoid the chaos, book your golf cart ahead of time and they'll let you know where to meet them when you get off the boat. We've used Coco Cart Rental and Gomar II Rentals in the past. If you're staying in a hotel, you'll likely have to rent your golf cart on your own. If you're staying in a house, check with the property manager first - A golf cart may be included in your stay. If not, they'll let you know what company they work with the most. (P.S. - Don't worry about your luggage - trust me, you can do it!)
Things to do:
Go for a drive! The first thing you should do when you get to Isla Mujeres is hop on your golf cart and drive around the island. This will help you get a grasp of where you are and you'll discover fun things you'll want to come back to throughout the week. The great part about the golf carts is you can easily just pull over to the side of the road and get out to sight-see & explore. There's basically one main road that loops around the whole island and will get you to wherever you need to go. It takes about an hour and a half to get around the island on a golf cart. The locals have cars & mopeds, so try to stay to the right side of the road to be courteous. But don't worry, it's totally safe as long as you're paying attention. The golf carts are so much fun and are part of what makes Isla so great.
Mayan Ruins - Two words: Ice cream & churros. Oh, and just the best views on the island. This historical spot is definitely a must-see. Not only is it what gave the island its' name, but the views are breathtaking. After you take a walk around the ruins, you can stop at the restaurant at the top for some lunch. Or, you can be like me and head straight for the ice cream. Either way, it's a win-win. This is also a great spot to watch the sunrise!
Deep Sea Fishing - Now, I'll be honest - this isn't really my thing. However, I think it's a great experience for someone who enjoys fishing & has some dramamine on their side. Here are some options if this is your thing.
Zip Line Over the Ocean - If you've never been zip-lining before, this is a fun place to start! It's not a very extensive course, but it goes right over the ocean. Check it out here!
Snorkel - Isla has some great snorkeling. The most popular spot is probably the Underwater Museum of Art. It's the world's largest underwater museum with over 470 pieces of art displayed. If you're looking for more wildlife, check out El Farito, also known as Lighthouse Reef. You can learn more about the different snorkeling options here. P.S. - The Zip Line place I mentioned above (Garrafon) also has snorkeling, so that would be a great two-in-one option!
Visit the Animal Shelter - You'll notice that there are a lot of stray dogs roaming around the streets of Isla Mujeres. Many locals don't have the resources or education to care for these dogs, so they oftentimes end up neglected, abused, and starved. The Isla Animal Shelter has had an incredible impact on the community and is making such a huge difference every day. Not only do they rescue and re-home dogs, but they also provide sterilization, vaccinations, and veterinarian care. When you're packing for your trip, throw in some dog supplies to donate when you get there. You can find a list of their needs on their website here. If you don't have extra room for supplies, you can also stop by the grocery store when you arrive and grab some. Even if you aren't able to make a donation, you should definitely still stop by to volunteer. They'll let you play with the puppies and take them for a quick walk!
Go to the Beach! The most swimmable beach on the island is Playa Norte. The water is a clear, beautiful turquoise color and below the surface is all sand. This beach is right by where the ferry unloads, so it can get pretty busy. If you're looking to relax on the beach in a less touristy area, just stop at one of the many beaches along the island! They're not the best for swimming, but they have some great views.
Visit Zama Beach Club - This is a great spot for a casual lunch by the ocean. They have tables right on the beach, so a swimsuit is appropriate attire. It's very picturesque with palm trees, a water swing, long dock, and stunning pool. They host a lot of weddings, so check it out early in the week in case they're closed for a private event later on.
Explore the Shops Downtown - I recommend doing this in the evening for two reasons: Great dinner options & a lively atmosphere. There are several long streets of shops, restaurants & desserts. Take some time to walk the paths and fully immerse yourself in the culture.
Rent a Boat - If you're traveling with a group of people, consider renting a boat for the day! Boating on the ocean is such a unique experience and it's a great place to watch the sunset. (You may want to take some dramamine before you go).
Swim with Dolphins - This may be cliche, but I definitely recommend swimming with dolphins while you're there. They'll lift you up out of the water, let you ride on their bellies, and even give you sweet little kisses. The marine biologists take such good care of the animals there and you can even swim with the manatees, sea lions, sharks, & sting rays! Check out Dolphin Discovery for more information.
Go to the Grocery Store - I know this seems like an odd thing to include, but seriously - go to the grocery store! If you're staying in a house you'll have to do this anyways, but you should still stop in if you're staying in a resort. Maybe this is just something my family thinks is fun, but it's so interesting getting to experience something so "normal" in another culture. The store is called Chedraui and it's actually pretty good-sized. And they have an ATM! I know that's definitely saved our butts a time or two.
Favorite Restaurants
Zoetry Hotel Casa Rolandi - Isla is a very relaxed, casual island, so this is your opportunity to dress up a little bit. There's a nice restaurant in the Zoetry Hotel that's has an incredible view of the sun setting over the ocean. You usually have to make a reservation, so be sure to call ahead or stop in a couple days before.
Oscar's vs. Mike's - The first time we were in Isla Mujeres we ate at Oscar's and we loved the pizza. Then as we were driving around the island, we continued to see signs for "Mike's Pizza" all week. Later that week we finally got the tea from the locals. Here's what I've heard - Mike & Oscar opened a restaurant together years ago. I forget the details, but they had a falling out and split up. Mike left and supposedly took the recipe that they used at what's now called "Oscar's" and opened his own restaurant called "Mike's Pizza" on the opposite side of the island. Now the big debate on the island is - Which is better... Mike's or Oscar's? Ask any local when you visit and they'll give you their vote & why. The last time we were there we finally tracked down Mike's Pizza and cast our votes. Here are our opinions -
Jax Bar & Grill - If you're down by Playa Norte (North Beach), you're sure to see Jax. It's a sports bar right on the corner, across the street from the beach. If you're visiting in March and are hoping to catch some of March Madness, this is the place for you. We've watched a couple games here and they have good food and a great view. But don't let the "sports bar" description fool you. They have delicious Mexican food and "the best fish tacos on the island." (Per my parents because as you saw, I'm not a fish gal).
Rolandi's Pizzeria - Rolandi's has become a staple for us. There are so many amazing restaurants on the island, but we always end up back at this one. This is a great place for a nice Italian meal. It's downtown with all of the shops & restaurants, so the lively environment makes it even better.
Olivia's - If you like mediterranean food, definitely check out Olivia's. The atmosphere is incredible and the food is delicious. If you're traveling with someone who isn't big on mediterranean food, don't worry - they have options for everyone! My sister literally got a giant bread ball and she was more than satisfied.
Mar-Bella - If you're looking for some good seafood and a great atmosphere, you have to check out Mar-Bella Fish Market & Grill. Not only is the presentation of the food incredible, but it tastes amazing, too. My parents love fish and this is definitely one of their favorite places to eat on the island. If you're not into fish, don't worry - they have a lot of other great options, too.
Kin-Ha - This is another hotel with a great restaurant & fun atmosphere. We've only ever been to Kin-Ha for dinner, but if you visit during the day you can use one of their three swimming pools, including the swim up bar. Next time I go back, I want to check it out during the day time. The restaurant has Mexican & American cuisine and the food is delicious. The view is incredible no matter what time of day you go.
Mango Cafe - This is a very authentic, colorful cafe with great people. My sisters love their iced coffee, but they also have great breakfast options if you're looking for something quick and easy. The Mango Cafe is another Isla staple for sure!
Captain Dulche - This is another fun beach club with a beautiful, tropical atmosphere. You don't need to spend a lot of time here, but stop in for a drink and check it out! My sisters and I always enjoy walking out on their long dock over the ocean.
Soggy Peso - You can't leave Isla without making a stop at the Soggy Peso. They're famous for their margaritas, but beware... you only need one. The vibe is fun, laid back, and very... "hakuna matata." You're sure to have a good time here.
Like I said before, Isla Mujeres looks small on a map, but there is so much to explore. Trips to this beautiful island are good for the soul & I truly hope you get to experience it someday.
Check out my most recent trip to Isla Mujeres below!
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