Isla Mujeres Mexico Quintana Roo
Frequently Asked Questions
They anchor off the west coast: only small vessels call here, as the island has no cruise pier. Tenders come ashore near the town centre, a short hop from the painted houses.
Yes for the town centre, a grid you can walk in an hour. The island is eight kilometres long, so for Punta Sur and the east coast, rent a golf cart or take a taxi.
Playa Norte in the morning, before the Cancún ferries arrive, then a loop of the island by golf cart, which takes barely two hours with stops. Finish in the town streets with a conch ceviche.
The beach at the northern tip, regularly ranked among the most photographed shores in Mexico. The water is so shallow you can walk a hundred metres with it barely above your knees, which makes it ideal for small children. Palapas, chairs and paddleboards are rented on site.
From 1517: the Spanish found female figurines here, offerings to Ixchel, the Maya moon goddess, whose sanctuary stood on the southern point. The temple remains are still visible at Punta Sur.
The remains of the Ixchel temple, a garden of boldly coloured contemporary sculpture, and a path around low cliffs that are among the first points in Mexico to catch the rising sun. There is an entry fee and little shade: a hat and water are essential.
It is the local ritual and the simplest way to see the island: the full loop takes barely two hours with stops. Carts go quickly on busy days, so book early in the morning, right after landing.
The Mexican peso, with US dollars accepted. Bring small notes: change often runs short in the shops downtown.
Yes, the calm shallows of the west shore suit occasional swimmers well, especially in the morning when visibility is best. Garrafón park near the southern point combines snorkelling with loungers, and boats also run to the submerged statues of MUSA, the underwater museum that has become an artificial reef.
Yes, particularly so. Playa Norte's water stays calm and shallow, the golf cart delights children, and the Sac Bajo turtle farm protects eggs and juveniles before their return to the sea. The town centre is safe to walk.
