The small island of Isla Mujeres is located northeast of Cancun. I had a fantastic time the first time I stayed there, and it felt like a little hidden gem. As time goes on there are more people and encroaching beach clubs, and the island is becoming more developed along the East side in particular. It’s still a special place though, especially in the mornings and evenings when the day-trippers from Cancun are not there.
Getting There
There are several places in Cancun where you can catch an Ultramar Ferry to Isla Mujeres. The primary and cheapest option is Gran Puerto in Puerto Juarez, but there are also 3 terminals in the hotel zone. From Gran Puerto, it takes about 15 minutes each way. There are also a lot of catamaran day trips you can book as well.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying at Privilege Aluxes. I have stayed there every time I have been on the island, and I especially enjoy the good service, the great breakfasts, and the wide beautiful patch of beach in front of it (no seaweed!). Breakfast is included, and you can schedule ahead to eat at the beach club, or just hit the buffet, both of which are great options. There is an all-inclusive option that you can add on a day-by-day basis if you want, but I usually skip it and eat dinner in the center of town or other parts of the island.
Visit May 2022
A fun thing to do on Isla Mujeres is to rent a golf cart and drive down to Punta Sur, going down one side of the island and back on the other. On the west side, we stopped at Playa Lancheros “La casa del Tikinxic”. I really enjoyed the catch of the day and the molcajete there.
There are many excursions available from the island, whether for fishing or snorkeling, or just cruising, and your hotel can probably arrange them for you. This time it was a private sunset cruise that explored a few parts of the island, stopped up north for some swimming, and dropped us off at Muelle 7 where dinner was waiting.
My favorite restaurant this time around was Olivia, a great little Mediterranean spot a couple of blocks off the main drag.