Welcome to Isla Mujeres!
Isla Mujeres is an island located off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. I had the pleasure of spending a week there, and it was fantastic! The ferry terminal is only a 20-minute drive from the airport, and the ride itself takes about 25 minutes. Once on the island, if you're staying at the east end, everything is within walking distance from the ferry, so you won’t need a taxi to reach your hotel. I stayed at Privilege Aluxes, which was conveniently close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The area felt safe even at night, the beach had soft, sugar-like sand, and the food was incredible. There’s plenty to do, so dive in and explore! Please click on the link below to explore more of our favorite moments through photos.
Activities, dining options, and accommodations in Isla Mujeres.
Ultramar Ferry
The first thing to know about visiting Isla Mujeres is how to get there. I prefer the Happy Shuttle, but you can choose any transfer service to get from the airport to the Ultramar Ferry. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The ferry runs approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day, and after 6 p.m., it switches to an hourly schedule. The shuttle can purchase your tickets in advance, including your return fare, or you can buy them at the terminal. Once on the island, the ferry drops you off on the east side, and we walked to our hotel from there. Right outside the terminal, you’ll find plenty of shops and convenience stores, and it’s perfectly fine to grab a drink and stroll with it.
Privilege Aluxes
I stayed at Privilege Aluxes, an adults-only resort, and it was amazing. While there are plenty of resorts to choose from, pick what’s best for you and your family. Our room had a spectacular ocean view, and the resort offered two main restaurants, including one right on the beach. We went with the all-inclusive package, but there’s also a breakfast-only option. The food was great, but the location was even better—walking distance to shops, restaurants, and a beach with sugar-white sand. Jose, the bartender, made fantastic cocktails and was super friendly. Our stay included 24-hour room service with anything we wanted delivered to our room. Be sure to catch the Saturday night fireworks, and on other nights, the nightlife is just a block away. Highly recommend!
Golf Cart Rentals
While planning to explore the island by golf cart, we weren’t sure which rental to choose. Luckily, a regular guest at our hotel beach bar recommended Mega Ciro’s de Caribe Golf Rental, just a short walk away. He mentioned the carts looked like mini jeeps and cost $65 for the day. When we arrived, they quoted $75, but after mentioning the recommendation, the staff kindly honored the lower price with no fuss. We ended up with a pink Jeep-style cart and had an absolute blast. After about four hours of sightseeing, we returned it, and the staff offered to let us use it again the next day since we hadn’t kept it for the full 24 hours. I highly recommend this rental spot. It made our day unforgettable!
Garrafon Park
While cruising around the island in your golf cart, make sure to swing by Garrafon Park, one of Isla Mujeres’ top attractions. Prices can vary online, but when we stopped by in person, entry was just $65 per person. It’s worth checking directly, as walk-up rates are sometimes lower than those listed online. The park offers breathtaking ocean views, snorkeling, zip-lining, and serene areas to relax and soak up the sun. It's a great stop to recharge and take in the island’s natural beauty while you explore.
Oscar’s
While touring Isla Mujeres in our golf cart, we made a spontaneous stop at Oscar’s for a bite to eat and it was a pleasant surprise. It’s a roadside spot with ample parking, and at first glance, it seemed pretty low-key. But when I headed to the restroom, I discovered how spacious it really was and realized it backed right onto the water with a lovely view of the lagoon. The food was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Though we visited during the day, the place has a fun energy that hints at a lively nighttime scene, which I’d love to experience on another visit. This is a place I’d go back to for both the food and the vibe.
Walk Around
Day or night, getting around Isla Mujeres on foot is both safe and effortless. On this end of the island, it's only half a mile wide, so you can stroll from the west coast beaches to those on the east in minutes. The island has a welcoming vibe, with well-lit streets and friendly locals that make exploring a breeze. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or just want a quick, budget-friendly bite, there’s an abundance of restaurants, cozy cafes, and delicious street food stands offering everything from fresh tacos to grilled corn. If you’re looking to stretch your pesos, you’ll find plenty of small convenience stores where you can grab a cold beer for just over a dollar. It’s common and totally okay to stroll around with your drink in hand as you take in the laid-back island atmosphere, vibrant street scenes, and ocean views.
Compadres
During our walk around town, we stopped at Compadres for lunch, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip. It was walking distance from our hotel and the restaurant offers a relaxed vibe with both cool indoor seating and breezy outdoor tables great for watching the world go by. The food was packed with flavor, and the margaritas hit the spot. With generous portions and a laid-back atmosphere, Compadres is a standout dining choice in Isla Mujeres.
The Beach
A beach vacation wouldn’t be complete without some serious lounging time, and ours delivered. Our hotel’s beachfront was stunning, with rows of comfy chairs shaded by tiki umbrellas, perfect for relaxing in style. The best part? We were steps away from great bars and restaurants, making it easy to grab drinks or food without ever leaving the sand. A club next door even allowed us to place orders right from the beach, and Senor Frogs was just a short stroll away along the shoreline. Attentive staff brought whatever we needed, and every beer arrived in its own mini-ice bucket, keeping things perfectly chilled under the sun. Whether we were soaking in the ocean or just unwinding with a cold drink in hand, beach time was hands down one of the most memorable parts of the trip.