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Isla Mujeres

Cancún

A small, laid-back island 20 minutes by ferry from Cancún, with colourful streets, golf carts and the calm turquoise water of Playa Norte.

Best for Families · Budget

Transport
2/5
Sights
3/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
4/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$200/night · 45 min to Downtown Cancún

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Isla Mujeres on the map

Why stay here

  • Calm, shallow Playa Norte
  • Relaxed island village
  • Easy ferries to Cancún

Who should stay here

  • Couples
  • Families
  • Snorkellers

Not ideal if…

  • You want big resorts
  • You want nightlife
  • You hate ferry transfers

What it's like

Isla Mujeres is a narrow island off Cancún with a colourful village at its northern end, where Playa Norte's shallow, calm water is one of the best beaches in the region. Visitors get around by golf cart, heading south to Punta Sur's cliffs and the turtle farm.

It's a relaxed island escape with Cancún close by. Day-trippers crowd the village by day, there's no airport, and choice of big resorts is limited.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Playa Norte

    The island's best beach, at the northern tip.

  • Avenida Hidalgo

    Pedestrian street of restaurants and shops.

  • Punta Sur

    Cliffs and sculpture garden at the southern tip.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Ferries from Puerto Juárez and the Hotel Zone, and golf carts, mopeds and taxis on the island.
To Downtown Cancún
About 45 minutes
From Cancún International Airport (CUN)
About 75 minutes: taxi to Puerto Juárez, then a 20-minute ferry.

Nearby attractions

  • Playa Norte

    Calm, shallow water and sunset bars.

  • Punta Sur

    Clifftop views and a small Mayan temple.

  • Snorkelling and whale sharks

    Boat trips to reefs and, in summer, whale sharks.

Where to eat and drink

  • Avenida Hidalgo

    Seafood restaurants and bars.

  • Playa Norte

    Beach bars for sunset.

Where to stay in Isla Mujeres

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets

Why we like it: Adults-only luxury all-inclusive on the island's west side.

Typical luxury rate in Isla Mujeres: ~$600/night

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Best value

Ixchel Beach Hotel

Why we like it: Highly rated hotel on Playa Norte.

Typical mid-range rate in Isla Mujeres: ~$200/night

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Boutique pick

Na Balam Hotel

Why we like it: Small hotel on Playa Norte with a pool.

Typical mid-range rate in Isla Mujeres: ~$200/night

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Hotels in Isla MujeresMid-range from ~$200/night

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