Swim With Whale Sharks + More On Isla Mujeres

Soaking up some weekend sun in Cancun, Mexico? Make sure you spend one of your days on this pretty little island that's just a boat ride away: Isla Mujeres! 

People love vacationing in Cancun, but if you're looking for a chance to get away from some of the crowds and tourism of this very popular getaway destination, there is a little paradise island nearby just waiting for you. Sure it still has resorts and tourist traps, but it also has a whole lot more charm. Plus the chance to snorkel with whale sharks, the beautiful beaches, and stunning views? We think it's the perfect 1-2 day trip to add to your Mexico itinerary. 

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Isla Mujeres is an island only about eight miles away from the beaches of Cancun, making it the perfect 1-2 day trip.  One side has a rocky coastline and faces the Caribbean Sea, while the other side faces Cancun and has crystal-blue water and soft, white sand. And the entire island is only 4 miles long, so it's easy to see it all on your visit. We've pulled the highlights and details to help you plan a trip here, below. 

Everything To Know About Isla Mujeres

• The Best Things To Do 
• Don't Miss These Eateries 
• Tips For Your Trip
• The Easy Way To Get To Isla Mujeres

The Best Things To Do

Snorkel With Whale Sharks 

One ILP groups said this was the best experience they had in their whole semester in Mexico — snorkeling with whale sharks! Amy said "it was so awesome — I seriously felt that I had a spiritual experience in the water being so close to a huge animal like that". It's a popular thing to do on this dreamy island, so you're bound to find vendors who will take you out for the day. 

These beautiful animals migrate through the Mexican Caribbean from June to September, making it the best time to go snorkeling to hopefully spot (and swim besides) a whale shark or two. These giants can be over 40 feet in length, and have unique spots that aren't shared by any other whale shark. 

Below, we have a hostel recommendation that has a pretty good deal that our ILP volunteers have used in the past if you want to book with them (and are visiting in the summer months, during the migration). 

+ Other Snorkeling 

If you're not visiting during the summer, know that it's still worth the trip out to the island. Other volunteers have loved snorkeling here, with companies that don't do the whale shark thing. Plan on tours that are a half-day adventure (lunch included) for around $50.00 + tip. Other groups have booked via Viator, trip advisor, or talked with their hostel upon arrival. One ILP group went with Island Adventure Mexico and loved it.

Explore Iguana Caves 

Called the Statue of Ixcel, find this gem on the very southern tip of the Island. In the words of one volunteer, "Visiting Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres is a MUST." It's a set of ruins home to a temple which honors the Mayan goddess responsibile for fertility, happiness, and the moon.

You'll find a handful of carved women statues on the island used to worship with Ixchell goddess. There are hidden cliffside beaches which are quite stunning, and quite fun if you enjoy spotting iguanas hanging out on the hot rocks (or in the nearby caves). 

Walk along the winding path (with the wood railing) that takes you down to sea level, and some pretty stunning views. Make sure you stand on "Cliff of the Dawn," the eastern most part of Mexico that is the first point in the country to be touched by the sun each morning. 

This place is easily reached by taxi (you can pay to have them wait, or just walk back). 

The Best Beaches

As you will notice on the ferry ride to the island, this water is some of the prettiest you'll ever see. The most beautiful and popular beaches are found on the northern point of the island, while the bluest water is found on the western side. 

Playa Norte is a great place to go if you are wanting a peaceful, beachy afternoon. There are lounge chairs, snorkeling equipment, water toys, and big umbrellas for rent all up this beach. The water is crystal clear with no big waves and stays shallow for quite a ways out. Dreamy! 

Playa Bonita is another favorite place to take a swim, watch the sunset, or just hang out on the soft sand. 

Walk Down Hidalgo Street

This is where you'll find a lot of the little shops and restaurants on the island. But guess what?! It's a pedestrian only street! Time to get all those souvenirs! 

You can also find some fun surprises here, like spas that will do your nails, or let little fish take a nibble on your toes. It's a fun (and ticklish!) experience to try out at least once in your life. 

Don't Miss These Eateries 

Marakame Isla Mujeres

This will most likely become the staple of your trip since it's the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you like a restaurant with a fun atmosphere, this would be an ideal place to go, due to its live music and jungle-themed decor. Plus, the food is tasty, so what more could you want? Check it out for yourself!

Cafe Mogagua

This place serves not only great Mexican food, but also some American staples, like burgers and pancakes if you're craving that instead. Definitely a favorite breakfast spot (we love the crepes). If you're lucky, you may even be able to stumble upon live music while you eat. Plus free wifi! You can find them here on Tripadvisor.

Mango Cafe

Another breakfast favorite, because you can never have too many of those, but every dish served here is a real winner! Including their street tacos and quesadillas. It has incredible reviews and your mouth will start watering the second you walk in. If food presentation for pictures is important to you, then this is the place to eat! Here's a link to them on Tripadvisor.

Address: Av Payo Obispo S/N MZA 101 LTE 1, Meteorológico, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

Tips For Your Trip 

Places To Stay

You'll (of course) find your pick of places to say in Isla Mujeres, but one ILP group hands down recommends the Selina Isla Mujeres PocNa. It's right on the beach in of the most popular areas (Playa Norte) with access to hammocks and volleyball courts.

Another perks of this place? They had a good deal when booking a whale shark snorkeling tour that came at a pretty good discount. They also have live music in the evenings where you can totally unwind and relax while listening to the ocean waves. 

Other groups have booked with Airbnb to find the perfect vacation home for them. When choosing a place, make sure to take note of what side of the island it's on! If you are looking for a secluded vibe, staying somewhere farther from the city-center would be a great choice! Just remember that you will need to get a taxi to get to the other spots on this list. Also make sure that the Airbnb is actually ON the island!

How Long Should I Stay? 

Isla Mujeres is an easy day trip if you're staying in Cancun, but if you really want to soak up the chill vibes of this island, we suggest staying two nights. The whale shark adventure will take up most of your day, and we think you'll want time to see the iguanas and temple at the other end of the island, visit the serene beaches, and experience pure relaxation. This isn't a place you want to feel rushed. 

Getting Around The Island 

The whole island is rather walkable, and there are taxis available if you're in the mood to ride instead of wander. If you taxi, just make sure to ask the price first so things don't change once you are dropped off.

To really see the island, you'll have to rent a golf cart. The easiest place to grab one is on the main street directly in front of the port when you get off the ferry.  Pricing is always changing, but $60ish for the entire day is a good budget to have (which is pretty affordable if you're splitting that with a group of 3-4 of your friends).

Heads up: all of the streets in the central town of Isla Mujeres are one way, except for the street right in front of the ferry docks. And all of them are very narrow, so make sure you keep an eye out for pedestrians and other drivers. 

The Easy Way To Get To Isla Mujeres

Best to start in Cancun and take the Ultramar ferry over. The ferry that will get you from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is called "Gran Puerto Cancun", and the dock is in Puerto Juarez, just a few minutes from downtown Cancun. The ride over only takes 15 minutes. 

You can find more about ticket prices and when the boats leave by visiting the official site. 

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