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The post/reel I put up for my Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun has gone semi-viral for a smaller mini content creator so I thought I should so a quick write up and review of how I found my Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun, what you can do and if it is actually something I would recommend going to for the day. The island is stunning and for only 20 minutes by ferry to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. For me it’s totally work it.
If you’re considering a trip to Isla Mujeres then you should. It truly feels like a completely different world compared to the busy Hotel Zone. But I get it you have some questions. I did too like. How far is Isla Mujeres from Cancun? Is a day trip to Isla Mujeres worth your time? And can I get a ferry to Isla Mujeres from Cancun? Don’t worry because here’s everything you need to know on how to do a Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun.
Related post: 5 Days in Cancun Mexico: The Ultimate First-Timers Itinerary (What to Do, Eat & Where to Stay)
Where and What is Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is a small beautiful island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, known for its beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Mayan history.
The island Isla Mujeres, has a fantatsic meaning in Spanish, “Women Island” and has rich history dating back over 1,500 years. It was sacred to the Maya goddess Ixchel, associated with the moon, fertility, medicine, and happiness Island Life Mexico.
The island was part of the Maya province Ekab and was used for salt production, which served as currency and for food preservation. During the 16th century, Spanish explorers named it Isla Mujeres after the many images of goddesses found there. In the 1800s, it was a stopover for pirates like Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte.
How to Get to Isla Mujeres From Cancún
You can easily get the ferry to Isla Mujeres, which is what I did as it is easy to do so solo via Ultramar which, runs very frequently throughout the day roughly every 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on the weather conditions) so you can always get a ferry.
Ferry Terminals For A Isla Mujeres Day Trip From Cancun
There are three main terminals you can use to get a ferry to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. How far is Isla Mujeres from Cancun will depend on which ferry you take :
- Puerto Juárez – the most popular and where most visitors go
- Playa Tortugas – the one I took the ferry from as it was walking distance from my hotel
- Playa Caracol – another option to take depending where you are staying.
I was lucky enough to be staying at Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel which is just a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal, and made the whole day trip to Isla Mujeres incredibly easy for me. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, check which terminal is closest to your hotel.
Ferry Tips for Your Isla Mujeres Day Trip From Cancun
- Arrive early. I’d suggest getting to the terminal at least 20 to 40 minutes before your intended departure time, especially if you’re going first thing in the morning. The queues can get long and you don’t want to be waiting for a ferry in the heat.
- The crossing itself is beautiful. You’re sailing across the Caribbean Sea, and on some departures there’s onboard entertainment with food and drinks available. There was a singer and a guitar person. Please note you’ll need cash for anything you buy on board as they do not take care.
- Tickets for your day trip to Isla Mujeres cost around $30, which you can be purchased online via Viator in advance or directly at the terminal on the day.
Getting Around Isla Mujeres
Once you arrive for your day trip to Isla Mujeres, you have a couple of options for getting around the island:
- Golf carts are probably the most popular, and the most fun way to explore the island. You’ll see rental shops dotted around near the ferry terminal. Many visitors swear by them, and they’re great for getting to the further beaches and viewpoints.
- That said, simply wandering on foot around the main area is genuinely enjoyable too, which is what I did as I do love a good old wander around the streets. It allowed me to stop and see the colourful streets and building, and it was super easy to navigate. Don’t feel like you have to rent a golf cart to have a great day trip to Isla Mujeres.
What to Do on Your Day Trip To Isla Mujeres
Playa Norte
This is the must-visit spot on the island. Playa Norte is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, and it certainly lived up to the hype for me. The water is sooo blue, shallow, calm and did I say crystal clear blue and just perfect for swimming without fighting waves. You could easily spend a few hours here just relaxing on the beach or floating in the sea.
Around the beach you’ll also find small shops and cafes to browse, so it’s easy to fill a full morning or afternoon here.
Explore the Town
The main town area is also worth a wander if you have time. There are markets, souvenir shops, beach bars, and brunch spots and it is much more a calmer vibe than Cancun.
Where to Eat on Isla Mujeres
There are a lot of places you can eat at while on your day trip to Isla Mujeres. I knew I was going to be at a Taco food tour later in the day so opted for something small which was Oh My Brunch.
It’s a lovely café with a relaxed atmosphere and I would highly recommend them. I ordered a poke bowl and a juice which were both lovely. All the same, there are also plenty of beach bars if you fancy a drink with a view, and food options around Playa Norte if you want to eat closer to the beach.
My Day Trip to Isla Mujeres Itinerary
Here’s how I structured my day trip to Isla Mujeres, I got the first ferry out in the morning and took the last ferry back, which gave me a full day on the island:
| Time | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Catch the first ferry from Cancún, arrive early to beat the queues |
| On arrival | Head straight to Playa Norte before it gets busy |
| Mid-morning | Swim and relax at Playa Norte |
| Lunchtime | Head into town, eat at Oh My Brunch or grab food near the beach |
| Afternoon | Explore the town, browse the markets, rent a golf cart if you fancy it |
| Late afternoon | Last wander, pick up souvenirs |
| Evening | Catch the last ferry back to Cancún |
Even More Tips for Your Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
- Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. It gets very hot on the island, and I mean really hot especially in the middle of the day.
- Bring cash. You’ll need it for drinks and food on the ferry, and it’s handy for markets and smaller vendors on the island.
- Go early, leave late. Getting the first ferry out and the last one back gives you the most time and means you hit the beach before the crowds arrive.
- Book ferry tickets online here via Viator, if you want to skip part of the queue, especially in peak season.
Is A Day To Isla Mujeres Worth it?
I would say if you certainly havent been to the Carribean this could well be a small flavour of what it would be like. I think doing a Isla Mujeres day trip from Cancun should be added to your itineary regardless, but maybe I’m bias. I think it’s just one of the best things you can do from Cancún.
The contrast between the busy Hotel Zone and the relaxed, colourful streets of Isla Mujeres is striking, and Playa Norte alone justifies the trip.
If you’re planning your wider Mexico trip, make sure to check out my full Mexico travel guide and my post on visiting Chichen Itza is coming soon.
Have you been to Isla Mujeres? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear what you thoughts and do subscribe to the blog if needed.
Speak soon,
Debs MBV x
