The ULTIMATE Guide to Isla Mujeres Beaches: Best Spots, Hidden Corners & Beach Clubs to Visit

Isla Mujeres has changed a lot since I first visited back in 2020. It used to be pretty straightforward: the best beach was Playa Norte, and that was that. No matter what kind of vibe you were chasing, you could find it somewhere along that same stretch of sand within a ten-minute walk.

And while the water is still that ridiculously perfect shade of turquoise and the seaweed (aka sargassum) is still almost never a problem, the beach scene itself has completely transformed. These days, you’ve got to be a little more strategic about where you go if you want to have the best beach day possible.

That’s exactly why I put together this guide, to help you figure out where to go depending on what kind of day you’re in the mood for. Whether you want to swim and snorkel, sip a few beachside margaritas, or just lay out in the sand with a good book, this will help you find your perfect spot on Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres Beaches — My Experience

When I first visited Isla Mujeres, it was still COVID times, so naturally, it was a lot quieter than usual. I could grab a sun bed right in the middle of Playa Norte for 200 pesos, and that even went toward food and drinks, so for me it was a no brainer. A few years later, when I went back, that same sunbed was 500 pesos—excluding food and drinks. Uh, sorry?! Out of principle, I just couldn’t do it, so I started hunting for other spots to hang out.

Of course, if you’re only here for a day trip, maybe 500 pesos isn’t so bad, but if you’re staying any longer than that, it starts to add up fast. Along with the price hikes, the number of day trip catamarans coming from Cancun has become astronomical. The beach and water can get seriously packed, which makes finding those little, serene escapes harder and harder.

But the good news? After visiting more times than I can count, I’ve found a few perfect spots around the island where you can still enjoy those insanely blue waters without the crowds (and without emptying your wallet).

Best Beaches in Isla Mujeres

The island might be tiny, but it’s packed with some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

After spending so much time here, I’ve found the best little corners for swimming, snorkeling, and actually escaping the crowds, because yes, that’s still possible on Isla.

Playa Centro // Best Beach on Isla Mujeres for families

Playa Centro is the first beach you’ll see when you pull in on the ferry, just about 10 minutes to the left of the dock. It’s absolutely stunning. It has fine white sand, that ridiculously turquoise-blue water Isla is known for, and it’s a pretty long beach. Personally, I think this beach gets way less love than it deserves. Everyone bolts straight to Playa Norte, but Playa Centro has this easygoing, local vibe that I’ve really grown to love.

There aren’t any big beach clubs here, just people renting out chairs or setting up their own spots, which I actually kind of prefer. But there are definitely a few things to note. For one, it’s a bit busier and feels more local, so you’ll see a lot of families hanging out and vendors walking by selling everything under the sun. Honestly, that’s my least favorite part. I feel like I’m saying “no gracias” every other minute.

Another thing: while the catamarans don’t really park right in front of this beach, they do pass by and dock just next door, so the water can feel a little smaller at times. But honestly? It’s still one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. And if you’re looking for shade, there are plenty of palm trees near the back of the sand where you can set up and chill.

Playa Norte // Most Popular Beach on Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte is the beach everyone talks about on Isla, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. The sand is soft, the water is that perfect turquoise blue, and it basically looks like a screensaver come to life. The beach is wide and calm, with hardly any waves; it’s more like a giant saltwater pool than the ocean.

But here’s the thing: it gets busy. If you’re on a day trip, you’ll be arriving with everyone else from the ferries, so get there as early as possible. Whenever I’m on Isla, I head straight to the beach after coffee as mornings are pure magic. The water’s glassy, the crowds are gone, and everything’s golden and quiet. By noon, the boats from Cancun start rolling in, so that’s usually my cue to grab tacos or explore the south. Then I come back for sunset once it clears out again.

One thing I love about Playa Norte is that it’s usually seaweed-free all year round. Cancun gets hit hard, but Isla seems to live in its own bubble of perfection. The beach is lined with hotels and beach clubs, but you can rent a chair anywhere or just throw down a towel since it’s all public. This is definitely not a hidden paradise or a quiet beach, so don’t expect it all to yourself, but it’s gorgeous and a must-visit on Isla.

My Go-To Spot on Playa Norte

If you keep walking down Playa Norte toward the MIA Reef hotel, you’ll find my favorite part of the entire beach. This is where I go every single day when I’m on Isla. It’s right next to Green Demon Beach Club, but it’s a small stretch of soft sand with zero beach chairs. It’s just palm trees, good vibes, and that insanely blue water.

We usually grab our drinks from the bar and then bring them down to our own little spot in the sand to skip the bed fee. It’s super chill here, even in the middle of the day, and somehow it still feels peaceful despite being so close to the action. 

Then at sunset, people start playing volleyball, there’s music floating through the air, and it just turns into this magical little slice of Isla life.

Hermosa Caleta // Best Snorkeling on Isla Mujeres

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and just chill out somewhere peaceful, Hermosa Caleta is the spot. It’s tucked away on the other side of the MIA Hotel, and honestly, it feels like a little secret slice of Isla that most people don’t even know exists.

There’s no loud music, no beach club scene, just soft sand, swaying coconut trees, and super clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling. It’s not a huge beach, but that’s kind of what makes it so special; it feels quiet and personal. I’ve never seen it packed, and there’s usually plenty of shade under the palms to just lie back and relax.

It’s located just to the right of the bridge that leads to the MIA, so it’s really easy to find but somehow still stays under the radar.

Punta Sur // Best Views on Isla Mujeres 

Here’s the thing about Isla: a lot of the coastline is wild, which means you can’t actually swim in most places, and that includes Punta Sur. But you still have to check it out. This is the southern tip of the island, and it’s seriously beautiful. The cliffs are rugged, the waves crash dramatically below, and it gives you this whole other side of Isla that’s way different from the calm turquoise waters up north.

There’s a walking path that winds along the cliffs, and if you look closely, you’ll probably spot tons of iguanas just chilling in the sun. I always come down here in a golf cart and make an afternoon of it. You can explore the views, take a few photos, and then head over to my favorite coffee spot in the south (Lacandona Coffee Bus!) and then head to Kin Ha for lunch and swimming.

Kin Ha // Best Swimming Spot on Isla Mujeres

This is my go-to spot on Isla. If you want to swim in that dreamy turquoise water but avoid the chaos of Playa Norte and all the day trippers from Cancun, Kin Ha is the place. It’s technically part of a hotel, but the restaurant and beach area are open to the public.

There’s a floating dock, swings over the water, snorkel gear, and even a rope swing if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s such a fun, relaxed vibe, you can spend hours here without realizing it. The food is genuinely good, and the drinks are always cold. It’s busy enough to have energy but never overwhelming, which is exactly why I keep coming back.

There are other little spots along the coast where you can swim, but for me, Kin Ha just has that perfect mix of fun, good food, and crystal-clear water that makes it an ideal Isla day.

The Best Beach Club Isla Mujeres

Along Playa Norte, you’ll see tons of “beach clubs,” but honestly, most of them are just restaurants with chairs lined up shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s not exactly luxury, more like a sea of loungers and menus being waved at you. Still, there are two beach clubs on Isla that I actually think are worth going to.

Green Demon Beach Club

This one’s my go-to. I mentioned earlier that I usually hang out on the free stretch of sand next to Green Demon (because, let’s be real, paying for a bed every day adds up fast), but when I want to celebrate or just have a fun beach day with friends, we splurge on one of the big orange beds. They play great music, the food is solid, and their piña coladas are my favorite on the island. It’s such a good time, and it’s not SUPER expensive.

Zama Beach Club

Zama is the most popular beach club on Isla Mujeres, and for good reason. It’s definitely pricier, but it feels more private and polished than Playa Norte. There’s a pool, loungers, and plenty of space to spread out, so if you want a quieter, more “treat yourself” kind of day, this is the spot.

FAQ: Isla Mujeres Best Beaches

Things to be careful of in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is generally super safe, but like anywhere touristy, just use common sense. Keep an eye on your stuff at the beach, especially if you’re swimming. Just watch out for the “Hey, remember me? I was your waiter at the resort!” scam. Spoiler: they were not your waiter. They’ll usually try to lead you to their “cousin’s shop” for a “special deal.” Just smile, say “no gracias,” and keep walking.

Best Isla Mujeres all inclusive resort

For an all-inclusive stay, Privilege Aluxes is probably the most popular option. It’s right at the bottom of Playa Norte and has that perfect turquoise-water setting on it’s private beach. The rooms are big and the staff is super friendly. It’s definitely the best option for an all inclusive resort on Isla!

Which side of Isla Mujeres is better?

It really depends on what kind of trip you want. The north side is where all the action is; Playa Norte, restaurants, shops, and bars, all within easy walking distance. If you stay here, you don’t really need to rent a golf cart unless you want to explore. The south side, on the other hand, is quieter and more local. You’ll get better views, fewer crowds, and more space, but you’ll definitely need a golf cart to get around.

Are there free beaches in Isla Mujeres?

Yes! All beaches in Isla Mujeres are technically public, so you can always just throw down your towel and enjoy. Playa Norte, Playa Centro, and the smaller coves near the MIA are all free, you’ll just pay if you want to use sunbeds or beach club facilities.

Does Isla Mujeres have good beaches?

Oh, absolutely. The beaches here are insanely beautiful. The water is calm, clear, and warm, and there’s hardly ever seaweed. Just go in knowing it’s not a secret, it’s busy and popular for a reason. But find your little pocket of sand, and you’ll understand why everyone falls in love with this island.

Final Thoughts on the Beaches in Isla Mujeres

If you’re coming to Isla thinking you’re about to have some secret, hidden-gem kind of beach vacation, I’m so sorry to tell you… that doesn’t really exist anymore. The beaches are busy, the island is popular, and everyone and their grandma seems to be on a day trip from Cancun.

But don’t let that scare you off; the beaches here are still some of the most beautiful in the world. The water is ridiculously blue, the sand is soft enough to nap on, and with the right expectations (and a little insider knowledge), you can still have an incredible time.

My biggest tip is to walk north. The further you get from the ferry dock, the more privacy you’ll find. Whether you’re spending the day swimming at Kin Ha, lounging on Playa Norte, or catching sunset at Playa Centro, Isla Mujeres really does have some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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

Things to Do in Isla Mujeres: My Top 9 Activities

Day Trip to Isla Mujeres: How to Spend 1 Day in Isla Mujeres