Isla Mujeres
Escape - Wonder - Imagine
Isla Mujeres
The island where Mexico's day begins
Isla Mujeres is a Pueblo Mágico (one of Mexico's "magical towns") about 4.5 miles (7 km) long, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun. Colorful houses, welcoming locals and a laid-back atmosphere give the island its charm. Golf carts are a popular way to get around.
The surrounding waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving, with popular sites including Garrafon Park, Manchones Reef and MUSA. At the island's southern tip, Punta Sur is home to the remains of a Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel.
- Right now
- 81°F (27°C)Cloudy
- Best for
- Beach, snorkeling and day trips
- Whale shark season
- May to September
Getting here
Airport
Ferry
On the island
The beach
Playa Norte
Playa Norte is one of Isla Mujeres' signature spots. Its white sand, shallow waters and generally calm conditions make it an ideal place to enjoy the Caribbean.
Under water
MUSA, Manchones and Garrafon Park
More than 20 snorkeling and diving sites surround the island, from 10 to 100 feet (3 to 30 m) deep. Highlights include Manchones Reef and the Cross of the Bay, El Farito, the C-55 and UltraFreeze shipwrecks, and MUSA, home to more than 500 underwater sculptures. At Garrafon Park, you can snorkel in a reef cove or ride a zip line over the sea.
Punta Sur
Cliffs and the temple of Ixchel
Punta Sur, Mexico's easternmost point, is the first place in the country to see the sunrise. Its cliffs rise about 65 feet (20 m) above the Caribbean Sea and are home to a sculpture park and the remains of a Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel.
Nature
Whale sharks, sailfish and Isla Contoy
From May to September, whale sharks gather to feed in the waters between Isla Mujeres and Holbox, and you may also see dolphins and giant manta rays on the trip. From December to March, boats go out to snorkel and dive with sailfish. About 18 miles (30 km) north, Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island protected as a national park and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Mexican Caribbean, with more than 210 species recorded.
More about Isla Mujeres
September 30, 2024
Discover the Magic of Mexico’s Caribbean Islands
A quick guide to Mexico’s Caribbean Islands: Cozumel for divers, Isla Mujeres for slow days, Holbox for nature and Contoy for birds.
Read the article
September 29, 2024
10 Things to Do in Isla Mujeres
Discover the best things to do in Isla Mujeres: Playa Norte, Garrafón, MUSA, Punta Sur, whale sharks and more on this small Mexican Caribbean island.
Read the article
September 29, 2024
Discover the Archaeological Sites of Isla Mujeres
Explore the archaeological sites of Isla Mujeres: the Temple of Ixchel at Punta Sur, El Meco on the mainland and the MUSA underwater museum.
Read the article- Fri82°F78°F
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