A day trip to Isla Mujeres is definitely worth it! Isla Mujeres has much to offer, including: beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving, a charming laid-back island atmosphere, historical attractions, and great food.
History of Isla Mujeres
The name means “Island of Women” in English.
Here’s an overview of the history of Isla Mujeres:
Ancient times:
Isla Mujeres was originally inhabited by the Maya civilization. The island served as a sacred site dedicated to Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon, fertility, and childbirth. Pilgrims would visit the island to worship and make offerings to the goddess.
Spanish Conquest:
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers encountered the island and named it “Isla Mujeres” due to the numerous sculptures of female figures they found there.
Pirate Activity:
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Isla Mujeres became a haven for pirates who used the island as a base for their operations in the Caribbean.
Modern Development:
In the mid-20th century, Isla Mujeres began to see development as a tourist destination. Fishing and tourism became the primary industries on the island. The sleepy fishing village transformed into a popular getaway spot for tourists seeking beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and a laid-back atmosphere.
How to Get There
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, leave early in the morning to make the most of your day trip to Isla Mujeres.
Rent a car: For the best and cheapest car rentals, book online from Rentalcars.com. Whenever I’m in Mexico, I prefer to rent a car. Car rentals are inexpensive and getting around is easy because everything is along Highway 307, which runs north and south.
If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, drive one hour north to Gran Puerto Cancun (Ultramar) ferry dock in Puerto Juarez, Cancun. If you book a dolphin swim at Dolphin Discovery, catch the free 9:30am ferry to Isla Mujeres from Playa Langosta in Cancun.
If you’re staying in Cancun, be sure to check out this 4 Days in Cancun Itinerary for other great activities in the area.
Take the 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Getting Around Isla Mujeres
Rent a golf cart: The island is small, so it’s easy and cheap to get around the island in a golf cart. There are taxis and scooters available, but golf carts are definitely the best option!
Golf cart rentals cost $15 per hour, and $48 for three or more hours. A valid drivers license is required to rent a golf cart.
If your time in Playa Mujeres is limited, the taxi ride from Dolphin Discovery to Playa Norte takes about 20 minutes and costs $11-$14 each way.
Things to Do
Swim with Dolpins: Dolphin Discovery offers numerous dolphin encounter and swimming options. Whichever option you choose, you get a free ferry ride to/from Cancun, buffet lunch, and soft drinks!
Visit Playa Norte Beach: this stunning stretch is known for its turquoise waters and lush palm trees. Enjoy a swim year round without seaweed!
Visit Mayan Ruins: view the ancient ruins of the Temple of the Goddess Ixchel in the Pur Sur area of the island. The entire path offers beautiful views of the ocean.
Places to Eat
- Los Tacos de Humo: voted the best tacos in Isla Mujeres. Don’t miss their fish tacos and margaritas!
- Caprcci Pizza and Sfizi: considered the best pizza on the island because of the crispy wood fired crust and creative toppings.
- Lola Valentina: offers an extensive menu including tacos, ceviche, hamburgers, enchiladas, burritos, and salads. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious to order!
Places to Stay
If you fall in love with the island and decide to stay for a night or two, book one of these great hotels on Booking.com:
- Zoetry Villa Rollandi: luxury all-inclusive resort with numerous amenities and beautiful views
- Casa Coco: luxury boutique hotel overlooking the beach with an outdoor pool
- Hotel Secreto: quiet boutique hotel with an infinity pool and panoramic sea views
Otherwise, end your day trip to Isla Mujeres by taking the ferry back to Cancun and driving south to your Playa del Carmen hotel. Be sure to check out all of the amazing things to do in Playa del Carmen while you’re there!
Conclusion
Whether you make a day trip to Isla Mujeres or stay overnight, this laid back and scenic island is definitely worth a visit!
I went here about 20 years ago and loved diving there! Would love to visit again and see what it’s like now. I remember it looking like paradise just like your pictures.
Yes, the ocean water is some of the clearest I have ever seen! It’s definitely worth a trip back.
The island is stunning! Thank you for your thorough guide. Thank you as well for the taco recommendation. It looks yummy!!
I’m saving it for my future travels!
You should definitely check it out next time you are in Mexico!
On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Isla Mujures for scuba diving. Good to know it is an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen. But we might plan a longer stay if we wanted to enjoy the water for a few days.
It’s an easy day trip. But if I had more time, I would definitely have stayed longer!
I stayed in Playa del Carmen for my honeymoon, but we didn’t go to Isla Mujeres. Instead, we went to Cozumel. Would love to check out Isla Mujeres, there’s a seashell house I want to stay in!
Great spot for a honeymoon! I love Playa del Carmen. Believe it or not, even though Cozumel is a closer, I haven’t been there yet. Next time!
Beautiful island and interesting history. Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t been there yet but this makes me want to go!
Next time you’re in Quintana Roo, you should check it out!
Yes, the history of the island is definitely interesting. The name is unusual, so I read up on its history.
Looks like a perfect travel destination! The resort and foods are so inviting.
A dream destination on my list.
Thanks.
It’s truly a tropical paradise, and worth a visit!
I loved Isla Mujeres when I went in 2017!! I didn’t know all the history about the island which is really interesting, this post makes me want to go back.
It’s an incredibly beautiful island, with such a nice laid back vibe!
This is my idea of a place for a beach vacation. Snorkelling would be on my list of things to do.
I’m sure that snorkeling would be great too!
I enjoyed your article on your day trip to Isla Mujeres. You have given a very detailed and interesting account of your adventure and the activities you did on this island. I liked how you described your experiences of snorkeling, swimming, biking and exploring the island. You have also shared some amazing photos that capture the beauty and fun of Isla Mujeres.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!