Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2025

So you’re heading to Mexico and wondering if catching the ferry to Isla Mujeres is actually worth it? Well, I’m here to give you all the deets you need to figure that out.

This little island sits just a short ferry ride from Cancun, about 20 minutes, but it feels like a complete escape from the chaos of the Hotel Zone. Think beach bars instead of nightclubs, golf carts instead of traffic, and turquoise water that might be the prettiest in all of Quintana Roo. 

But here’s the thing: since I first visited over five years ago, Isla Mujeres has gotten even more touristy. Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting, it just means you need to know what to expect.

In this guide on ‘Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?’, I’ll break down the real pros and cons of visiting Isla Mujeres, share my honest take on whether it’s worth it for a day trip from Cancun, and help you figure out if this little island paradise is actually your vibe.

Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visitng? My Quick Answer

I’m definitely a little biased when it comes to Isla Mujeres, I’ve now been more than five times, and I honestly think it’s one of the easiest and most worthwhile destinations to visit in Mexico. But I’ll admit, it wasn’t always that way.

The first time I went, I didn’t like it at all. It was raining, everything felt super touristy, and I left thinking, what’s the hype about? But after being convinced to give it another shot, I realized the problem wasn’t the island, it was me. I just didn’t know where to go or how to enjoy it properly the first time.

On my second trip, I ended up staying for over three weeks, and that’s when I completely fell in love with Isla Mujeres. The beaches are gorgeous with beautiful white sand and clear blue water, and there are still a few public spots where you can lay down a towel without paying for a beach chair. And while, yes, a lot of restaurants cater to tourists, there are plenty of incredible local taco stands that became my go to spot!

So, in my opinion, I totally get why someone might think Isla Mujeres isn’t worth it. But for me, it’s a yes. It’s so close to Cancun, super easy to get to, and has this laid-back island charm that keeps pulling me back.

But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Let’s get into the real pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if Isla Mujeres is worth visiting.

5 Reasons Isla Mujeres Is Worth Visiting

1. The beach

If you are a beach person, you’re absolutely going to love the beach on Isla. Photos don’t exaggerate here. Playa Norte’s water is some of the clearest and bluest in Mexico. 

I love that it’s shallow, calm, and perfect for long swims and lazy beach days where you do absolutely nothing. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle, and it genuinely feels like a different world compared to Cancun’s busy shoreline. And even during the seaweed season, it’s still pretty clear!

2. You can actually watch the sunset over the ocean

In my opinion this is one of my favorite things about Isla Mujeres. It’s one of the only spots on Mexico’s Caribbean coast where you can see the sun set directly over the water, and it’s absolutely stunning. Every evening, I would head to the beach with the rest of the tourists and locals to watch a HUGE orange ball float over the water! 

Groups are playing volleyball, some people just chillin with drinks, music drifts down the beach, and the sky turns pink and orange. For me, this is one of the many things that makes Isla Mujeres SO special. 

3. It’s easy to reach

Getting there couldn’t be simpler. Isla Mujeres is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, with boats running all day. You can leave your hotel in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring, and still be back on the mainland by dinner.

To give you an idea, I can fly from Texas to Cancun in about two hours, grab a quick 30-minute ride to the ferry terminal, hop on the 20-minute ferry, and boom… I’m on the beach with a margarita in hand before dinner. It’s one of those rare destinations that feels like a world away, but takes almost no effort to get to.

4. It’s a small island

The island is compact, which means you can see a lot without rushing. Rent a golf cart for the day and loop the island, stop at Punta Sur for ocean views, grab tacos in town, and end with a swim at Playa Norte. It’s effortless exploring, which is honestly part of the appeal.

I personally love how small Isla Mujeres is. From one end to the other, it’s less than five kilometers, so you really don’t need much time to see it all. Everyone’s cruising around on scooters or golf carts, and it’s so fun. Every time I visit, I find myself aimlessly driving around at some point, discovering new taco spots, local bars, or just enjoying the salty air.

And if you don’t feel like renting one, the downtown area is super walkable. You can hit the beach, grab tacos, browse a few shops, and catch the sunset all within a few blocks.

5. It’s relaxed but still has character

When you first arrive, Isla Mujeres can feel a little too touristy, there are souvenir shops selling shot glasses, beach clubs lined with sunbeds, and crowds snapping photos by the colorful Isla sign. But if you wander just a few blocks away, you’ll start to see the side of Mexico that everyone falls in love with.

The streets are lined with colorful homes, locals chat outside their doorways, and parts of the beach are still open for simply sitting on the sand. Oliver and I visited recently during Día de Muertos, and the local community put on a full celebration. There was face painting, live performances, and that unmistakable sense of warmth that makes Mexico so special.

So yes, the touristy side exists. But honestly, I don’t care. You can grab a margarita, eat tacos with your feet in the sand, and swim in turquoise water, sounds like the perfect vacation to me. And let’s be real, it’s not any more touristy than Cancun.

5 Reasons Isla Mujeres Might Not Be Worth It

1. It’s crowded 

Playa Norte is undeniably gorgeous, but it’s also where everyone goes. By mid-morning, every beach chair is claimed, the bars are full, and golf carts line the streets. 

It’s not exactly the quiet island escape some people imagine. If you’re hoping for a peaceful beach day, you might be disappointed, especially in peak season.

2. Prices aren’t as “budget-friendly” as you’d think

Because it’s such a popular destination, prices are creeping up fast. Beach clubs charge premium rates, restaurants in the main area cost about the same as Cancun, and even the golf carts aren’t cheap to rent. 

It’s still possible to visit on a budget, but you’ll have to look a little harder for those affordable taco stands and local cafes. Personally, I don’t think it’s so high that it’s an issue, it’s just something to keep in mind.

3. The beaches are small and can feel packed

Unlike other Mexican islands, Isla Mujeres is tiny and that means limited beach space. The whole island isn’t swimmable, so you can only really go to one little section to have a proper beach day. 

Playa Norte is the main stretch, and while it’s drop-dead beautiful, it gets crowded fast. You won’t find miles of untouched coastline here, just a few lovely beaches that you’ll be sharing with a few hundred new friends. However, I still think it’s less busy than the public beach in Cancun.

4. It’s very tourist-focused

There’s no denying it, Isla Mujeres runs on tourism. It’s the closest getaway to the Cancun Airport, making it a super popular destination. That means menus in English, margaritas everywhere, and vendors calling out as you walk by. For some, it’s fun and easy. For others, it can feel a bit like a theme park version of Mexico. If you’re craving an authentic, slow-paced vibe, you might prefer somewhere like Holbox or Bacalar.

5. Not a lot to do

I honestly could stay forever, ha! It doesn’t take much to make me happy. But once you’ve done the island loop, lounged on Playa Norte, and eaten your weight in tacos, there’s not that much else to do. 

The nightlife is fun but pretty low-key, think more chill beach bars and live music than wild nights out. If you’re after that big party energy, Cancun definitely does it better. Isla’s charm lies in how laid-back it is, which is perfect for a short stay, but most travelers don’t need a full week here.

Is Isla Mujeres Worth a Day Trip from Cancun?

This is probably one of the most common questions people ask when it comes to Isla Mujeres and honestly, the answer depends on what kind of trip you’re having in Cancun.

If You’re Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort

A lot of resorts offer organized day trips to Isla Mujeres, usually on catamarans. You’ll spend the day cruising the ocean, maybe snorkel a bit, stop for lunch and drinks, and sail back to Cancun with music and sunshine. It’s an easy, fun day out if you’re starting to feel a little trapped inside your resort bubble.

But if you’re thinking about doing the trip on your own, it might not feel worth the hassle. Between paying for ferry tickets, golf cart rentals, and lunch on the island, the costs add up quickly. And if your resort already has clear turquoise water and no seaweed, Isla’s beaches might not wow you as much as you’d expect.

If that’s the case and you’re only in Cancun for a few days, I’d probably skip it and just enjoy the resort.

If You’re Staying in a Regular Hotel or Airbnb

If you’re not staying at an all-inclusive, then yes, Isla Mujeres is definitely worth the day trip. Cancun can feel pretty hectic, and the beaches there lose sunlight early since the sun sets behind the hotel zone.

Spending a day on Isla gives you that “real vacation” feeling: full sunshine, calm beaches, and an island you can explore without much effort. Rent a golf cart, drive the loop, stop for tacos and margs, and end with a swim and sunset at Playa Norte. It’s an easy escape that makes your Cancun trip feel a lot more balanced.

Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres

Relax at Playa Norte – This beach is the reason most people fall in love with Isla Mujeres. The water is crystal-clear, the sand is like powder, and the sunsets are unreal. You won’t find ocean sunsets anywhere else on this side of Mexico. 

I usually grab a towel, some snacks, and just camp out for the afternoon. You can also grab a drink from the beach bars or eat some fresh ceviche! 

Rent a Golf Cart and Explore the Island – It’s the most fun way to see everything. The island’s only about 5 km long, so you can see all of it easily in a few hours. Stop at random beaches, local food spots, or viewpoints along the way. Oliver and I always end up finding some new street or quiet corner each time we go.

Visit Punta Sur – The southern tip of the island has wild ocean views and a few sculptures scattered around the cliffs. There’s also a small path that takes you right to the edge for those perfect “end of the world” photos.

It’s extra beautiful early in the morning before the tours arrive. It’s the first place in Mexico to see the sunrise! So if you’re up for an early morning, head out to the south of the island!

Snorkel or Dive at MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) – This one’s so unique, an underwater museum made up of hundreds of sculptures. You can snorkel or dive here, and it’s honestly kind of surreal to see art surrounded by fish.

Walk Around Downtown Isla Mujeres – The main strip, Avenida Hidalgo, is full of restaurants, bars, and little shops. Yes, it’s touristy, but grab a drink, listen to the live music, and just people-watch for a bit. It’s fun and easygoing.

Grab a Drink at The Soggy Peso – This tiny beach bar is a total classic. It’s got that old-school, no-frills vibe with cold beers, strong margaritas, and a front-row view of the ocean. The menu’s small, but the food slaps. It’s one of those places that feels laid-back and local even though everyone knows about it.

Who Isla Mujeres Is For

Isla Mujeres is for people who like things a little slower and a little simpler. If you love lazy beach days, tacos on plastic chairs, and hopping around in a golf cart with no real plan, you’ll love it here. It’s perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants a break from Cancun’s chaos. 

Oliver and I always end up falling into a rhythm here; beach in the morning, tacos for lunch, sunset beers on Playa Norte. It’s not about checking off must-sees, it’s about soaking it all in. If that kind of low-key, sun-drenched vibe sounds like your version of heaven, Isla will win you over fast.

Who Isla Mujeres Isn’t For

If you crave big nights out, constant entertainment, or a long list of must-dos, Isla Mujeres might not be your vibe. The island is small and quiet, more tacos and sunsets than beach clubs and DJs. After a few days, some people start to feel like they’ve seen it all. Oliver and I have friends who came for a week and were ready to head back to Cancun by day three.

And if you’re chasing something more low-key or authentically Mexican, you’ll have to drive a bit farther. Bacalar is about four hours south, but it’s worth every minute, a sleepy lake town with local charm and no crowds. Isla is easy, fun, and beautiful, but it’s not exactly an escape from tourism.

FAQs About Isla Mujeres

Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting for a day?

Absolutely. Isla Mujeres is tiny, you can explore most of it in a day without rushing. Rent a golf cart, do the island loop, grab lunch at Soggy Peso or Mango Café, and end with sunset at Playa Norte. If you have extra time, staying a night or two makes it even better, but a day trip is still totally worth it.

Is Isla Mujeres safe?

Yes! Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers. It’s small, easy to get around, and locals are super friendly. Just use common sense like you would anywhere and keep an eye on your stuff at the beach and don’t leave your phone on the golf cart seat while grabbing tacos (guilty).

Is Isla Mujeres expensive to visit?

It can be, depending on how you travel. Food and golf carts are a bit pricier than mainland Mexico, but you can still find affordable Airbnbs and local spots to eat and drink! 

When is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres?

The best months are December to April, the island is full of sunny skies, warm water, and no hurricane worries. May to October is hotter and more humid, but also quieter and cheaper. If you don’t mind a little heat (or occasional rain), it’s still a great time to go.

What’s the best resort in Isla Mujeres?

Without a doubt, Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres. It’s adults-only, ultra-luxury, and hands-down the best resort on the island. It’s perfect if you’re celebrating something or want a super luxury stay on Isla Mujeres.

Final Thoughts: Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?

I feel like people either love Isla or they don’t, and honestly, fair enough. We’re all entitled to our travel opinions. But I can genuinely say it’s one of my favorite places in Mexico. As long as you know what to expect, you’ll have a great time.

Embrace the touristy side of it, stay in one of the cute hotels, and enjoy the fact that you can walk everywhere. There aren’t many places in Mexico that are this easy, this beautiful, and this full of charm. Isla Mujeres might not be perfect, but it’s convenient, colorful, and kind of magical in its own way.

So for me, it’s 100% worth it—though I’m sure you could already tell.

Check Out My Other Isla Mujeres Travel Guides

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

Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

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