The Traveling Vet Girl

Isla Mujeres is a small island in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.  It is a short 20 minute ferry ride from the popular city of Cancun.  Many people take day trips from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, but I say, why stay just one day?? The island is a calmer, more relaxed sister to Cancun, and arguably has better beaches.

1) Stay in an All-Inclusive Hotel 

Seriously, this area in Mexico is known for its amazing all-inclusive resorts. While they may not be cheap, you can often find flight + hotel deals that save you a lot of money. I found a very reasonable deal for 2 round trip flights and 1 week at the MIA Reef Hotel on Expedia. While I am normally a budget accommodation kind of girl, it’s worth it to splurge for an all-inclusive deal when your main goal is to lay by the beach, drink, and eat. An all-inclusive resort is very much a hassle free way to spend your vacation!

2) Rent a Golf Cart

Isla Mujeres is only ~7 kilometers long, and there are very few cars on the island.  The main mode of transportation, for tourists especially, are golf carts! There are multiple shops around the ferry dock that rent the carts for around $50 per day. It really is such a fun way to zip around the island and explore to your heart’s content.

3) Visit a turtle sanctuary

Tortugranja, or turtle farm, is a hatchery focused on the conservation of sea turtles. It is a great first stop on your golf cart tour of the island. It is $3 dollars to enter and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to tour. There are volunteers available to answer your questions about the endangered sea turtles that migrate to Isla Mujeres every year.

4) Punta Sur

Punta Sur is the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres, and the place where the sunrise first touches Mexican soil. So if you’re feeling ambitious, get there early! You can also see a small Mayan ruin of the goddess of fertility, Ixchel, as well as a small sculpture garden. Take sunscreen, because there is little shade here and it gets hot!

5) Find some iguanas

Iguanas like to live in hot tropical climates, so Isla Mujeres is the perfect habitat.  I was obsessed with watching them shimmy across the rocks!

6) Swim with Whale Sharks

Every year between May and September large numbers of whale sharks congregate near Isla Mujeres to feed. These gentle giants are amazing to see in person and should not be missed! I recommend Isla Whale Sharks for eco-tourism at its finest.

7) Go Snorkeling

Whale sharks aren’t the only fish you can swim with in Isla Mujeres. The waters are teeming with tropical fish and the turquoise waters give you perfect views of the reefs. If you’re braver than me, you can also scuba dive!

8) Day Trip to Chichen Itza

This ancient Mayan temple and new wonder of the world is an easy, albeit long, day trip from Isla Mujeres. Ferries run early in the morning so you can meet your Cancun based tour group (or on your own!) for the journey inland. Soak up a little history and culture for one day during your tropical vacation – you won’t regret it!

9) Discover street art

The port area of Isla Mujeres is easily walkable, and you will find many restaurants and souvenir shops.  I mostly enjoyed finding random pieces of street art tucked away on side streets.

10) Spend a day (or few) on the beach

It’s what you came here for, right? Playa Norte is one of the best beaches in Mexico. Its white sand and crystal blue waters will leave you wishing you lived there! Grab a pina colada and relax!