Visiting Isla Mujeres takes a little planning ahead of time, but nothing too crazy and luckily I’m here to walk you through the best way to get there. First things first is getting to Mexico. You can’t fly directly into Isla Mujeres so plan to fly into the Cancun International Airport, it will be the closest airport. From the airport, you’ll need to book a shuttle to drive you about 45 minutes to the ferry station. I’d suggest pre-booking your shuttle to avoid anyone hustling you out of additional money at the airport. I booked through Go Shuttle and they were ready and very helpful while I gathered friends landing in different terminals. Also, keep in mind that you’ll need a return service at the end of your vacation. It’s smart to plan ahead on both of these. I made the mistake of not booking my car from there to Tulum ahead of time and ended up spending a grip to make the journey. Oh well, you live and you learn I guess.
As for the ferry, expect to spend around $10 and again, you can pre-purchase your return trip then. Buy your ferry ticket when you get there, no real need to plan ahead as it’s an ongoing service making multiple daily runs on a schedule. More information here. Be aware of your belongings while waiting to board and while on the ferry, my friend got her passport stolen out of her purse while she stood to wait for the ferry. It’s always when and where you’d least expect it! This was the only criminal experience we had so don’t get worried about visiting this quaint little island-it’s totally safe!
The entire island is drivable by golf cart so there’s no wrong answer here. We rented an Airbnb and it was perfect. The location was smack dab in the middle of the island, next to bars and restaurants and just a short walk from the beach. Plus, it was decorated to perfection. Honestly, it deserves its own post, I may have to do that-until then you can check out the video tour on my Instagram under my Isla Mujeres highlight section.
Eat, drink, relax and repeat. No, there’s so much more to do than just that, though doing just that is also great. Here’s what we especially enjoyed while there
Off the beaten path so you will need a golf cart to get to this one, but it is a must! Located on the cliff overlooking the water, it’s a view you won’t want to miss. Plus, the margaritas are strong and the service is great!
Carretera Perimetral Al Garrafon,
Isla Mujeres 77400, Mexico
Another great bar right on the water, with amazing views and great fish tacos too! This place was recommended by friends prior to visiting and it didn’t disappoint. We spent hours hanging out on the dock, playing corn hole and volleyball and chatting with locals.
Av Rueda Medina Mza 88,
Bahía, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Located in Isla Mujeres Centro, this place will cook all of your fresh caught fish for just $7 a person. They fried it, grilled it, blackened and even made us ceviche. It was not only an experience but a delicious one at that.
Miguel Hidalgo # 3,
SM 01, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Service, service, service. We went in to this restaurant for brunch our first day and the following afternoon we were parking outside and the owner not only remembered our faces but our names too. I was beyond impressed. Eat here and then hop on a boat the day right behind here on the docks.
Av Rueda Medina Mz2 Lt5,
Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
I didn’t eat anything here but I did get an incredibly refreshing smoothie. If you’re looking for fruit bowls or juice this is the place!
Zazil-ha, Centro – Supmza. 001,
77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico
Isla Mujeres is the perfect destination for a friend’s getaway. It was a trip of a lifetime and the memories will last just as long. Add Isla Mujeres to your list of group travel destinations and round up your friends!
Have you ever been to Isla Mujeres?
Xx Sylvia