Mexico · Quintana Roo
Isla Mujeres
A 20-minute ferry from Cancun to shallow turquoise water, golf carts and the best sunset on the Caribbean coast.
Best season
December to April for calm water and clear skies.
What it costs
Affordable: MXN 1200-2200/night, golf cart rental about MXN 900/day, tacos under MXN 60.
Getting there
Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez in Cancun, roughly every 30 minutes, 20 minutes each way.
Getting around
Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez in Cancun, 20 minutes. On the island, golf cart or scooter.
Highlights
- Playa Norte shallow turquoise water
- Punta Sur cliffs and sculpture park
- Snorkelling at MUSA underwater museum
- Sunset on the west-facing malecon
Local tips
- Take the ferry from Puerto Juarez, not the hotel-zone piers — it is far cheaper
- Book the golf cart the night before in high season
- Playa Norte is best before 11am, before the day-trippers land
What to eat
- Tikin xic fish on the beach at Playa Norte
- Street tacos in centro after dark
- Marquesitas from the plaza carts
Where to stay
- Centro, for walking to Playa Norte and the malecon
- South end near Punta Sur for quiet
- Day trip works fine if you are short on time
Sample itinerary
Day trip: 9am ferry, Playa Norte morning, lunch in centro, Punta Sur afternoon, 6pm ferry back. Two days lets you add MUSA snorkelling.