How to plan a trip to Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres (or the Women Island in Spanish) is a paradise off the coast of Cancun in Mexico that captivates with its peace and natural beauty. We’re sure you’ll have the time of your life on its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, which is why we’ve prepared this post where we give you the best travel tips for planning your trip to Isla Mujeres.

We accompany you during the first steps of your trip, such as choosing the best time to travel, preparing the necessary documentation, buying your tickets or booking your accommodation. And once you’ve arrived at your destination, we have numerous travel recommendations to help you get around the area, find out what to eat and what activities you shouldn’t miss. Are you ready to start your trip to Isla Mujeres?

1. Prepare your travel documents for your trip to Isla Mujeres

Before travelling to Isla Mujeres, it is essential to have all the necessary documents in order to enter the country. We tell you what you need. And remember, once you’ve processed your documents, you can keep them organised in the Passporter App, along with copies of your travel documents in case you lose the original one.

Visa exempt travellers: European, US, Canadian and some Latin American travellers.

• It is necessary to present a passport that will valid for more than 6 months when you leave the country.
• You are allowed to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
• A return ticket may be required.
• Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation may be required to be shown.
• Proof of financial solvency may be required to support the stay.

Travellers with visas from the other countries listed above

• Must apply for a visa in person at the embassy.
• An application form must be completed.
• Presentation of the original passport and a copy of the page with personal details, photograph and signature.
• A recent passport size photograph, in colour, white background and without glasses.
• All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated into Spanish.
• The visa fee is $53 USD and is non-refundable, even in the event of a visa refusal.
• It is advisable to check that the documentation is complete before submitting the application.
• The usual processing time is approximately 10 days after the interview.
• For longer stays, additional health tests may be requested.

During your stay you will also need to fill out a Multiple Migration Form (FMM), a document available both online and at points of entry into the country, which you will need to keep for the duration of your trip. If you arrive by plane, it will be processed directly by customs agents.

If you’re hiring a car, remember that most foreign driver’s licences are not valid, and you’ll need to apply for an international driving licence.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Isla Mujeres

The best time to visit Isla Mujeres is during the winter and early spring months, from December to April. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and rainfall is scarce, allowing you to fully enjoy the beaches and water activities. However, this is also the busiest tourist season, which can result in higher prices and more crowded beaches.

In October, keep in mind that there is the Sea Turtle Festival, which celebrates turtle conservation activities and offers opportunities to participate in the release of sea turtles. This event offers a unique and enriching experience that is well worth seeing.

3. Find out how to get to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is located just 13 kilometres off the coast of Cancun and due to its insular position, the best way to get there is by boat from the mainland. It’s also possible to fly by private plane, but it’s considerably more expensive.

There are several ferries departing from four different ports in Cancun:

• Puerto Juárez: operates between 6:00h and 0:00h.
• El Embarcadero: offers service between 9:15h and 21:15h.
• Playa Tortugas: sails between 9:00h and 21:15h.
• Playa Caracol: is operational between 9:00h and 17:15h.

The price of the ferry trip is between 7€ and 9€ if you book it directly there, and can be a little more expensive if you take it directly from your hotel, as it will also include the transfer service to the ferry and possibly lunch.

If you’re going directly from Cancun International Airport, you can get to Isla Mujeres by taking a taxi or Uber to Puerto Juarez for around MXN300-500 and from there a ferry, or opt for an ADO bus to downtown Cancun and then continue by taxi or local bus to the port. The latter option is cheaper but slower.

Once on Isla Mujeres it’s very easy to get around thanks to its small size. These are the options available to you:

• Golf carts: renting a golf cart is a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace, with prices around 1200-1500 MXN per day. It’s really fun, and we loved it!
• Motorbikes and bikes: you can rent them for around 600-750 MXN per day for motorbikes and less for bikes.
• Taxis: available throughout the island, with fixed fares depending on the distance of the journey.
• Local buses: there are bus services covering main routes. This is the cheapest option.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, in the Caribbean Sea, offers more than 200 accommodation options, ranging from luxurious resorts to budget hostels. When booking your accommodation, we recommend that you find out about the best beaches and decide where to stay based on your interests. We also recommend booking in advance to find the best prices, and comparing options with Booking through the Passporter App, where you can also keep all your accommodation information organised.

These are the main areas to stay in Isla Mujeres:

• North Zone: is the most popular and crowded, ideal for those looking to be close to the main attractions and enjoy Playa Norte, known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters. Accommodation here may be more expensive, but it offers the convenience of having everything within easy reach.
• Intermediate Zone: offers a perfect balance of nature and comfort, with less hustle and bustle than the northern zone. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat near the turtle farm. Prices here are moderate.
• Punta Sur: Remote and less developed, it’s perfect for adventurers interested in exploring the local culture and natural beauty without the tourist crowds. Accommodations are less frequent but very quiet and generally more affordable.

5. Where and what to eat on Isla Mujeres?

The gastronomy of Isla Mujeres reflects a delicious mix of Yucatecan and Caribbean influences, characterised by the use of seafood such as fish and snails which are often combined with other ingredients and local spices such as achiote. You will see that the most commonly used cooking techniques are grilling and, in contrast, ceviches. We ate deliciously, and if you’re a fish lover, we’re sure you will too.

Typical dishes from Isla Mujeres:

• Tikin-Xic: fish marinated in achiote and grilled
• Ceviche de caracol: snail tartar with a touch of citrus, tomato, red onion and habanero chilli.
• Cochinita Pibil: pork marinated in achiote and slow-cooked in banana leaves.
• Queso Relleno: a Yucatecan dish that combines queso de bola with a minced meat filling.
• Sopa de Lima: chicken broth with a hint of Yucatecan lime, accompanied by crispy tortilla strips.

Among the drinks, agua de chaya is one of the most popular in the region. It is made from a local plant similar to spinach and has a distinctive green colour.

6. Choose the activities you want to do on Isla Mujeres

Most tourists who travel to Cancun spend a day on Isla Mujeres as it is easily accessible by boat. However, as we have seen above, the island offers a wide range of accommodation that invites you to stay in the area for several more days to visit the main points of interest without rushing.

Here is a list of the main things to do on Isla Mujeres, and we also recommend you read this post for more details: Things to see and do in Isla Mujeres?

• North Beach: is famous for its calm, crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Punta Sur: this is a site of Mayan ruins and a modern sculpture park with a breathtaking view of the cliffs. Entrance to the park costs approximately 30 MXN.
• Temple of Ixchel at Punta Sur: ruins dedicated to the Mayan goddess of fertility and the moon. Included in the entrance fee to Punta Sur
• Garrafon Park: natural park known for its snorkelling activities and beautiful ocean views. Entrance fees from MXN 90.
• Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA): explore underwater sculptures while diving or snorkelling. Tours start at 1,200 MXN.
• Calle Hidalgo: the commercial heart of the island, ideal for dining and nightlife.
• Playa Lancheros: popular for its shallow waters and famous Tikin-Xic fish.
• Tortugranja: turtle conservation centre with the opportunity to interact with these marine creatures. General admission 30 MXN.
• Club de Playa Garrafón de Castilla: less crowded than Garrafón Park, it offers a quieter experience for 100 MXN admission.
• El Farito: a popular snorkelling site near a small lighthouse. Snorkelling tours around 400-600 MXN.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Isla Mujeres

Visiting Isla Mujeres with friends opens up a range of possibilities, from snorkelling under its crystal-clear waters to strolling and sunbathing on its paradisiacal beaches. Sharing these experiences strengthens the bonds of friendship, although sometimes challenges arise due to different rhythms and preferences, which is normal when travelling in a group.

To solve these challenges, we recommend using the Passporter App, which facilitates the organisation of the trip by allowing everyone to express their interests and creating a plan that reflects the taste of the whole group. Download the App and start organising your trip to Isla Mujeres today, creating a joint itinerary and drawing inspiration from the experiences of other travellers. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico

• The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
• The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
• Before you travel, do your research on Isla Mujeres Mexico. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
• If you do not like spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
• Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
• Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Mexico City

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico