What to do and see in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is located 13 kilometres from Cancun and is world famous for snorkelling and scuba diving. Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, it consists of privileged places that will remain in your memory due to its unquestionable beauty. Without a doubt, it is the perfect destination for your trip to the Riviera Maya, so we will tell you all about what you can see and do in such an impressive place. What to do in Isla Mujeres? All the information below.

What to see in Isla Mujeres?

We recommend that you stay in a hotel on Isla Mujeres so that you don't depend on the boat schedule that takes you to the island from the port of Cancun. From there, take note of the following must-see sights.

Dream beaches

What to see in Isla Mujeres? If we talk about beaches, it is difficult to choose just one, taking into account their total integration with nature and all they have to offer. We have selected the following:

• North Beach. Its white sand, coconut trees and crystal-clear waters are its main attraction. It is open to the public and it is highly recommended to watch the sunset from the sand.
• Garrafón Beach. This is the extension of the natural park of the same name. You have to pay about 5 euros to get a sun lounger, but it's worth it as it has a spectacular seabed. If you like snorkelling, you're sure to enjoy it.
• Lancheros Beach. It is huge and its main advantage is that it has several bars and restaurants. The prices are quite affordable and you will be able to try other variants of Mexican cuisine that are equally delicious.

Punta Sur

It is close to Playa Norte and includes a park with more than 20 sculptures. You can visit the ruins of the temple dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility to whom the island is dedicated. For just over two euros, the visit will give you a better understanding of Mayan culture.

Strolling along Hidalgo Street

It is the main artery and where everyone goes at sunset to enjoy the night. There is a huge variety of eateries that will allow you to choose from the full range of gastronomic offerings in the area. If tacos, ceviches and traditional recipes are your thing, it won't take you long to find the perfect restaurant to enjoy your meal.

La plaza

It acts almost like the Plaza Mayor, but in this case you have a huge variety of stalls with homemade food. Choose from tacos, churros, fried food and even cakes. If you want to feel like a local, this is the place for you.

Immaculate Conception parish church

It is next to the previous square and the town hall. Its façade is presided over by the virgin that gives it its name. It is a good place to go to see how the islanders live their religion. Right next to it are some basketball courts where you can play a game, or several games, every afternoon, with those who have turned this place into a meeting point.

Visiting the Mundaca hacienda

It was Fermín Mundaca, a 19th century pirate who decided to leave his activity and take refuge on the island, who dedicated it to his beloved. The bad thing is that she married someone else, the good thing is that he left us a house full of details for the woman who could have been his wife.

The turtle sanctuary

Large turtles nest on Isla Mujeres in spring. The local government collects the eggs to hatch them and place the hatchlings in tanks safe from predators. Once a year they are released into the open sea, saving thousands of turtles from death. The visit is as educational as it is interesting.

Captain Dulché's museum

It is dedicated to the diver after whom it is named and to his diving companions Jacques Cousteau and Ramón Bravo. It is possible to see everything from models of boats to photographs and maritime objects.

The lyrics of Isla Mujeres

They can be the finishing touch to your visit. Taking the obligatory photograph in front of these coloured letters, and enjoying the mural in front of them, will become the best souvenir of your stay.

What to do in Isla Mujeres?

When you stay at a resort on Isla Mujeres you will always have enough activities to keep you entertained. However, there are options of great interest all over the island that will allow you to get to know it better.

An East Coast road trip

Rent a car or a bicycle, there is a cycle path to cycle along it. It has the advantage of running just a few metres from a beautiful cliff. The views from the road are magnificent and will help you get to know much better an area of the island where there is not much tourism.

What to do in Isla Mujeres?

When you stay at a resort on Isla Mujeres you will always have enough activities to keep you entertained. However, there are options of great interest all over the island that will allow you to get to know it better.

An East Coast road trip

Rent a car or a bicycle, there is a cycle path to cycle along it. It has the advantage of running just a few metres from a beautiful cliff. The views from the road are magnificent and will help you get to know much better an area of the island where there is not much tourism.

Snorkelling or diving

We said it at the beginning and we stand by it. Isla Mujeres is an ideal destination to dive into the Caribbean Sea at points such as:

• Garrafón Park. It has a coral reef of great ecological value. You will be shown the different types of coral while you dive surrounded by tropical fish.
• The MUSA. It is the underwater art museum and is made up of sculptures full of meaning. You'll love the freedom to explore it at your own pace.
• The cross in the bay. It is on the Manchones reef and was put up in 1857, the day the island was founded. You can't miss it.
• The cave of the sleeping sharks. It is accessed by diving as it is a natural refuge for these animals. It was always thought that the sharks needed to be in constant movement or they would end up suffocating. This place proves just the opposite. The sharks lie on the bottom and the water currents allow them to breathe. If you dare to dive, it will be an unforgettable experience.

As you will have seen, all kinds of alternatives await you on Isla Mujeres to make your holiday perfect. You will surely add to the above recommendations others that you will come across during your trip. The important thing is that you know that more than just a complementary excursion, this island is also an ideal destination to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean in a different way.