The Perfect Day Trip to Isla Mujeres: How to Spend One Epic Day on the Island 2025

Isla Mujeres is just a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, which makes it one of the easiest and best day trips you can do from the mainland. 

There are a few different ways to do a day trip to Isla Mujeres, you can join a catamaran tour, book a guided day trip, or just hop on the ferry and explore on your own.

This guide is all about the DIY version and how I’d personally spend a full day on Isla Mujeres if I weren’t on a timed tour from Cancun. From lazy beach time to golf cart adventures and sunset margaritas, this is the perfect way to make the most of one day on Isla Mujeres 

The Perfect Day Trip to Isla Mujeres — My Experience

I’ve been to Isla Mujeres more than five times now, and honestly, I’m hooked. There’s just something about this little island that feels special. It’s laid-back but lively, tiny but full of life. In another lifetime, I’d probably end up here with a golf cart and a beach bungalow, never leaving.

After visiting so many times, I’ve learned what makes a day here actually good. I’ve done the tours, the catamarans, the “let’s just wing it” approach and now I know exactly how to plan a day that doesn’t feel rushed but still hits all the best spots.

The island’s only about five miles long, which makes it totally doable in a day if you know what you’re doing. When I come over, I always take the earliest ferry I can. They start around 6 a.m., and I usually grab breakfast at my hotel before heading to the port. I try to be on the 8 a.m. ferry, which puts me on the island by 8:30. 

That early start makes such a difference. The beach is still calm, the light is gorgeous, and you get to enjoy the island before the catamarans from Cancun start unloading at midday.

Catamaran Tour vs. Visiting Isla Mujeres on Your Own

There are two main ways to do a day trip to Isla Mujeres: hop on a catamaran tour or take the ferry and explore on your own. Both are great, but they give you totally different kinds of days.

Day Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun on a Catamaran

If you’re after a carefree, fun in the sun kind of day, the catamaran tour is the way to go. It’s basically one big floating party with music, snorkeling, drinks that never seem to stop appearing, and a super fun crew that keeps the energy up the whole time. 

You’ll stop for a swim, maybe snorkel with some fish, and sail straight into Isla with the wind in your hair and a cold drink in hand. It’s loud, it’s social, and it’s such a good time. My family did this tour from the Cancun hotel zone during my brother’s wedding week, and it was so much fun! Perfect for celebrating. 

Day Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun by Ferry

But if you’re more of an adventure traveler (or you’re trying to keep things budget-friendly), doing it yourself is honestly the better option. The ferry is cheap and easy, and once you’re on the island, you’ve got the whole day to do whatever you want, no schedules, no rushing back to the boat. 

I love renting a golf cart and cruising around at my own pace, stopping wherever looks fun, grabbing tacos when I’m hungry, and catching the sunset before heading back. It feels a lot more like an actual day in paradise rather than a tour.

If that sounds like your vibe, then this guide will show you exactly how to plan your own perfect day on Isla Mujeres without missing a single thing.

Step-by-Step Day Trip to Isla Mujeres Itinerary

For a step-by-step itinerary for the ultimate day in Isla Mujeres, this is it, my friend. 

From a slow morning on the beach to devouring the best tacos, cruising around in a golf cart, and sipping a margarita at one of Isla’s iconic beach bars, this is exactly how I’d spend one perfect day on the island. Let’s get into it!

Morning: Head to Playa Norte

The second I get off the ferry, I make a beeline straight for Playa Norte. It’s the main beach on the island, and it’s honestly unreal. It has that gorgeous powdery white sand, insanely turquoise waters, and palm trees scattered around.

Getting there early is the move. The beach feels calm, the water’s glassy, and there’s this peaceful energy before the catamarans start rolling in. I usually walk past all the beach bars and sun loungers and make my way toward Green Demon Beach Club. You can totally camp out there for the day if you want the comfort of chairs and service, but I usually just spread my sarong on the sandy bit next to the club. There aren’t any loungers there, which keeps it chill, and I usually just grab drinks from the bar and bring them back to my little free spot in the sand.

The water is so shallow and calm that it almost feels like a giant swimming pool. I’ll float around, dry off in the sun, and by the time the beach starts to fill up, it’s usually the perfect time to grab lunch and head into town.

Midday: Lunch + Downtown Wandering

Downtown is just a five-minute walk from the sand, which is about the perfect amount of effort for vacation mode. I usually head to Taqueria Los Burritos for quick, delicious tacos. The al pastor is so juicy and good, and it’s also super affordable! 

After lunch, I like to just wander around town for a bit. The streets are bright and colorful, lined with tiny shops selling woven bags, shell jewelry, and beachy clothes I definitely don’t need but somehow always buy. 

You’ll also see 2-for-1 margarita signs everywhere, and honestly, it’s most likely super hot outside, so I’ll grab a marg, people-watch for a while, and soak up that laid-back Isla vibe before heading off to grab a golf cart and explore more of the island.

Afternoon: Golf Cart to Punta Sur

Once I’ve had my fill of tacos and shopping, it’s golf cart time. I swear you can’t go to Isla Mujeres without renting one, it’s basically a rite of passage. There’s something about cruising around the island with salty wind in your hair, palm trees flying by, and turquoise water glinting on both sides of the road that just feels like peak vacation energy.

I always head south toward Punta Sur, the tip of the island where the calm beaches turn into wild cliffs. It’s such a shift in scenery as the waves crash hard against the rocks. The whole place feels raw and dramatic. I like walking down the little path by the water, checking out the sculptures, and spotting iguanas sunbathing on the rock walls. 

On the way back up, I always make a pit stop at The Soggy Peso. This is an ICONIC bar in Isla Mujeres that you can’t miss. It’s right on the water and is the perfect stop. Their margaritas are some of the best on the island, and of course, I have to get some chips and guac while I’m there. I’ll hang out there for a bit, just soaking up that lazy island afternoon before returning my golf cart around six. By that point, the sun’s starting to dip, and it’s the perfect time to head back toward the beach for sunset.

Evening: Sunset + Dinner

The thing I love most about Isla Mujeres is that you can actually watch the sunset, like the full sun dropping straight into the ocean. You don’t get that in the Riviera Maya, Cancun or Tulum, which is why I always stay at least until the end of the day. 

I usually drop off the golf cart, grab a couple of beers from the corner shop, and walk back to Playa Norte. The whole beach glows gold, the water turns pink and orange, and everything just slows down for a minute. It’s pure magic.

Once the sun dips, it’s dinner time, and Lola Valentina is one of my favorite restaurants on the island. Their arrachera steak and shrimp combo is ridiculously good, and the place isn’t super fancy, so going there salty isn’t a big deal. Lastly, I’ll swing by El Patio for live music and one last frozen mango margarita before catching the Ultramar ferry back to Puerto Juarez. (The last one leaves around 11:30 pm)

And that’s it, literally morning to night, and it’s been packed with beach time, tacos, golf carts, sunsets, and margaritas. Pretty much everything that makes Isla Mujeres one of my favorite places in Mexico.

FAQ: Isla Mujeres Day Trip

What’s the best day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun?

If you want a day that’s all about sun, fun, and zero stress, go for a catamaran tour, it’s basically an all-inclusive beach party on water. But if you want to explore at your own pace (and save some cash), taking the ferry and doing it yourself is my favorite way. You’ll have the whole island to wander, from Playa Norte to Punta Sur.

What are the best things to do in Isla Mujeres?

There is so many things to do on Isla Mujeres, from beach hopping and snorkeling to zipping around on a golf cart, there’s plenty to fill your day on the island. Don’t miss Playa Norte, Punta Sur, and a few local taco spots downtown. For my full list, check out my guide to the 9 Best Things to Do on Isla Mujeres.

Where is the ferry to Isla Mujeres?

The ferry leaves from Puerto Juárez in Cancun. It’s run by Ultramar, and boats go roughly every 30 minutes. The ride only takes about 20–25 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right in the center of Isla Mujeres.

When is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres?

The best time to visit is December through April when the weather’s sunny, warm, and less humid. May to October is the rainy season, but it’s also quieter and cheaper, so it really depends on your vibe. You can check out my full guide to weather and seaweed season in Isla Mujeres here!

Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s got that small-island charm that you just don’t get in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Even if you only have one day, it’s totally worth the trip. It has turquoise water, great food, and that laid-back island energy that makes you forget what time it is.

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

I can’t lie to you and say a day trip is the best way to see Isla Mujeres; for me, staying overnight is the real move. But if a day trip is all you’ve got, it’s still absolutely worth it. Follow this guide and you’ll get the perfect mix of beach time, a little adventure, and plenty of margaritas (which, let’s be real, is all anyone really needs).

Just make sure you’ve read my Isla Mujeres travel guide on how to get to Isla Mujeres so you end up at the right ferry terminal.

Check Out My Other Isla Mujeres Travel Guides

Restaurants on Isla Mujeres: My Top Food Spots

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres: The Best Areas & Hotels

Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

How to Get to Isla Mujeres: The Easiest Way to Get There

Best Time to Visit Isla Mujeres: My Seaweed & Weather Guide

Isla Mujeres Beaches: My Favorite Beaches in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Isla Mujeres