Isla Mujeres Hotels

Isla Mujeres, or ‘Island of Women’ in Spanish, is an island located off the Yucatan Peninsula in the warm Caribbean Sea. There are both land- and water-based activities here, but the beaches are definitely the draw. Playa Norte and Playa Sol are both popular beaches that are full of restaurants and bars and powdery white sands. You can get up close and personal with the local wildlife at the Turtle Farm, Dolphin Discovery, Garrafon Park and Whale Shark Tours. Snorkel along the several reefs, including Manchones, Cuevones and Banderas reefs.

On land, venture out to Isla Mujeres’s pedestrian-friendly Hidalgo Street, where shopping and eating are the main attractions. Beachside dining remains popular at the ferry terminal, where the atmosphere is lively. Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary, and you can still find ruins of a temple to Ixchel at Punta Sur, as well as a sculpture garden. The Hacienda Mundaca was built by a pirate and has stunning arches, exotic plants and gardens. Sample some of Isla Mujeres’s local cuisine, including fresh ceviche and Tik-n-chik, which is a marinated and grilled fish.

When To Go

No matter when you go, the air will be warm and the sand will be hot. Isla Mujeres has a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) year-round. Lows rarely drop below 12°C (54°F). Hurricane season runs from June through November, however there is little rain and storms move through quickly. September and October are most likely to see tropical storms and hurricanes, as well as the most daily sunshine hours. August sees the lowest precipitation on average.

• November through March: Highs 29.5°C (85°F); lows 18°C (64°F)

• April through October: Highs 33.8°C (93°F); lows 22°C (72°F)

• Tropical storms/hurricanes most likely in September and October

Getting There

Isla Mujeres is most accessible by boat. Most tourists take a boat or ferry from Cancun’s hotel zone. By ferry, you can depart from Gran Puerto Cancun, Puerto Juarez or Playa Tortugas. It is also possible to take tour boats for a day trip to Isla Mujeres. If you are flying into Cancun, you will likely land at Cancun International Airport (CUN). There are also private charter planes that will take you to Isla Mujeres for a price.

From the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal, you can get to anywhere in town for 30 pesos. Although the main areas are easy to navigate on foot, many tourists opt to hire a scooter or golf cart to get around the island.

• By air: Cancun International Airport (CUN) or charter plane

• By ferry: Depart from Gran Puerto Cancun, Puerto Juarez or Playa Tortugas

• Get around on foot, scooter or golf cart