I didn’t mean to go to Isla Mujeres. I actually knew nothing about it before I got there. I didn’t know that it was some island paradise that people long to go too. All I knew was that it’s a tropical island in the gulf of Mexico and its not as touristy as Cozumel….and it was where I would be able to swim with whale sharks in August. So that’s where I was headed, this little island I didn’t know much about.
I was absolutely astounded when I got there
Isla Mujeres is gorgeous, safe and incredible
The beaches on Isla Mujeres are pristine. White sands and turquoise waters, what more could you ask for? You can even go snorkeling at Garrafon. I was unable to go snorkeling at Garrafon as I was traveling during COVID, but that just means I need to go back.
From the city center, you can rent a scooter, golf cart or use a taxi to get around. Although the island isn’t huge, it’s big enough that you’ll need a set of wheels to get around. While we were there we walked and used cab service. You can always ask a local to call you a cab. They likely have a friend who makes a living from driving their cab, so they’ll definitely have someone to call. If you end up in the cab of a driver you like, you can ask for their WhatsApp and the cab driver will try to help you with your travel needs while you’re on the island. Each cab ride was anywhere from 80-200 pesos. FYI, cabs in Mexico are white and red!
Hotel La Joya
This may seem like a paid add, and to be honest I wish it was. But regardless, it would be a disservice to you and the hotel to not shout from the rooftops what an incredible hotel this place is. Originally we had only planned to be there for one night….tell me why we extended our stay not once, but twice!? Because the hotel was that wonderful, we did not want to leave.
From the incredibly comfortable room, our private balcony and private garden, the infinity pool over looking the ocean, poppin’ wifi, the delicious breakfast and private beach, I had nothing bad to say about this hotel. It was splendid. I’ve told everyone I know to go here. There are also iguanas every where, in the greatest way! They hang around the hotel, they scurry away from you so they’re never too close, and it feels so deep jungle.
A few things to note:
This hotel is not wheel chair accessible. The entire building sits on a hill and is entirely made of stairs so it would not work for anyone who cannot navigate stairs.
It is a bit far from the town center, definitely further than walking distance but a quick cab ride away.
On the side of the hotel, you’ll find a short flight of stairs that lead to a private cove. The cove is “private” - meaning there is public access but it’s on the hotel property and I didn’t see anyone down there except hotel guests. To the right of the cove you’ll see many docks (the view from the first image of this blog) and you can swim in between them, around them and if you’re feeling brave maybe even jump from them! Now I did not jump from the dock because I couldn't tell how deep the water was, but you do you! Pictures from this cove always get the same response “is that a pool or the ocean!?” It’s the ocean folks.
Isla Mujeres Food
Tonichos Restaurant, Mz 192 1 17 Av Isla Contoy & Calle Sierra, Isla Mujeres 77400 Mexico - I didn’t take any pictures, sorry! But I couldn’t stop and take a picture, I had to eat this food. It was absolutely delicious. The meat was seasoned and cooked to perfection, the tortillas are fresh, the horchata was soooooooo good I swear I would go back just for that horchata. This is on my NUMBER ONE recommendation. It was recommended to us by the locals, it’s not touristy. A pure locals joint. Click here to see more trip advisor.
Aroma Isla, Mz 20, Miguel Hidalgo, Centro - Supmza. 001, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico - A lovely spot for brunch! Beautiful fresh ingredients and seating on a lovely patio. Not exactly “Mexican” but a lovely brunch, as well as many vegan options. Click here to see their facebook page.
Asia Caribe, North Hidalgo at Plaza Almendros Colonia Centro, Isla Mujeres 77400 Mexico - Wonderful Thai food! The plates were gorgeous, the ingredients were fresh and delicious and they had a restaurant cat! I love a restaurant cat. This place is a bit more pricey than other restaurants on the islands but it is worth it. Click here to see trip advisor.
Swim with whale sharks with Isla Mujeres Trips
Blog post coming soon about our whale shark adventure with Isla Mujeres Trips. Click here to check out their website. They offer tours year around, are incredibly responsive and responsible. See our video of swimming with whale sharks below, entire blog post coming soon!
To get to Isla Mujeres, there is a ferry you can catch from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. It could not be easier to catch the ferry. You can purchase tickets ahead of time on your app or purchase them there at the gate. Full disclosure, I had an issue with the app. I couldn’t access the tickets, and missed the ferry, then had to buy the tickets again at the gate! So, that said, I would buy them at the gate, and ignore the app. But you can give it a try, hopefully it works for you. Aside form the app mess, the ferry and the ride are lovely. There is a top deck you can catch some sun, there are musicians playing, and there is an indoor air conditioned area as well. Click here to see their website.
When I look back at my first week in Mexico, Isla Mujeres was everything I could hope for and more. I really did not know what to expect or what would happen once I was there. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. I would go back and swim in the ocean, eat all the food, walk around the entire island with my camera and just soak up everything I could. If you’re going to an island in Mexico, this is the one. I think next I’ll go to Isla Holbox, and let you know which one I like the most!