How to Visit Isla Mujeres + Top things to do + Best Tours
If you plan to visit Isla Mujeres, you have two options: a day trip from Cancun by ferry or a Catamaran tour.
Actually, you also have a third option: staying on the island for a couple of days, which lets you have a more relaxed experience and see everything without rushing. If you want to do that, you can check my posts on the best hotels in Isla Mujeres, or the best Airbnb in Isla Mujeres and keep reading for all the things you can do on the island.
Since I live in Cancun, I have had all these experiences, and in this post I will share my showdown of them to help you decide the best way to visit this island. Or, in case you have already opted to stay for a few days, I am sure this post will help you plan your trip.
Despite its small size, Isla Mujeres offers many activities, which can sometimes be overwhelming.
So in this post, I will share my honest opinion and objective pros and cons of all the options to help you decide which one is best for you.
Visiting Isla Mujeres by Catamaran vs by Ferry: What’s the Difference?
⛵ Going to Isla Mujeres on a Catamaran
This is the “fun day on the water” option. Think music, open bar, snorkeling stops, and a few hours to explore the island. The goal here isn’t transportation — it’s the whole vibe. If you like a party-like scene, with some snorkeling and everything already organized and planned for you, this is the best option.
Pros
- Open bar + music
- Snorkeling stop included
- Super scenic and relaxing
- No planning needed
- Great for groups, couples, and social travelers
Cons
- Limited time on the island
- Fixed schedule (you can’t leave early or stay longer)
- Not great if you want to explore Punta Sur or rent a golf cart
- Not suitable if you’re staying overnight (no luggage allowed)
Going to Isla Mujeres on a Catamaran is best for people who want a fun day trip with drinks, water activities, and zero logistics.
Top-Rated Catamaran Tours
⛵️ All-inclusive Catamaran Tour – This tour gives you a full day on the water with slow sailing, snorkeling, beach time, and a relaxed stop in Isla Mujeres. You cruise across the Caribbean on a comfortable catamaran, snorkel at El Meco Reef, enjoy snacks and drinks on board, have lunch at a beach club, and then get free time to wander the island or visit Playa Norte. It’s an easy, worry-free way to enjoy the sea, the views, and a bit of island life without rushing. BOOK HERE
⛵️ Isla Mujeres Day Tour with Catamaran, Snorkeling & Beach Club – This tour gives you a full day out on the water, sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with a stop to snorkel the El Meco reef along the way. The crew guides you through the best parts of the reef, and once you’re back on board, the music and open bar keep things light and fun as you sail toward the island.
You’ll have some free time in downtown Isla Mujeres to wander, shop, or head straight to the beach, depending on your style. A buffet lunch is included, and hotel pick-up is available if you want an easier start to the day. Dock fees are paid separately at the marina. BOOK HERE
⛴️ Going by Ferry (Puerto Juárez / Hotel Zone)
This is actually my favorite way because you don’t have to depend on a fixed schedule and you can do whatever you want. The down side is that there’s no snorkeling included. However, the flexibility makes up for it and it’s also the most affordable way to visit Isla Mujeres. The ferry runs all day and only takes about 20 minutes. Check out my guide on how to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for more details.
Pros
- The cheapest way to get to the island
- You control your schedule
- Easy to visit Punta Sur, Playa Norte, local restaurants, and hidden beaches
- Perfect if you’re staying overnight
- You can rent a cart and explore the entire island
Cons
- You need to plan your day
- Extra costs (golf cart, food, activities)
- No drinks/snorkel stops included
Going to Isla Mujeres by ferry is best for independent travelers, families, photographers, and anyone who wants a full day exploring at their own pace, and also on a budget.
PRO TIP – Please note that the Ultramar Ferry leaves both from Puerto Juarez and Playa Tortuga in the Hotel Zone.
Quick Verdict
Pick the ferry if you want to actually explore Isla Mujeres properly — especially if you want to see Punta Sur, roam around, or stay overnight.
Pick the catamaran if you want a chill, all-inclusive-style experience on the water with drinks and snorkeling.
What if you want to stay on Isla Mujeres for a few days? Here are all the things you can do on the island.
Top things to do in Isla Mujeres + Best Tours [ More days on the island]
1. Watch the sunset from the beach
Isla Mujeres has breathtaking beaches, and a beach day is made doubly unforgettable with an evening spent watching the endless turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea turned golden by the setting sun.
There are plenty of bars along the coast that offer service right on the beach, so you can take advantage of the facilities provided there and lounge on one of their deck chairs to enjoy the sunset while sipping on freshly made cocktails.
2. Rent a golf cart and explore
Isla Mujeres is gorgeous, but also small enough to explore around at a slow pace and take in the surrounding beauty.
This makes a golf cart rental perfect for exploring the island and seeing its many attractions and scenic beaches, and getting to Punta Sue (more about it later on the post)
3. Visit el Garrafon
4⭐ 27 Reviews
El Garrafon is a reef park on Isla Mujeres where you can enjoy an array of thrilling activities like zip-lining, snorkeling, and kayaking as well as things like temazcal ceremonies and relaxing in an infinity pool with breathtaking views of cliffs and reefs in front of you.
You can also purchase a VIP pass to the park and enjoy added facilities like exclusive admission, a VIP lounge with a jacuzzi, an open bar, unlimited snacks, a buffet lunch, and even round-trip boat transportation to the park from Cancun.
ViP very worth it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kevin_S, Jul 2018
Had a great time. Separate areas meant never having to worry about finding a table or lounge chair. Staff was fantastic and attentive. We have done the park 5 times at least… but the VIP is worth every penny. Had a great time. And a real bargain for a full day.
3. Visit Punta Sur
Punta Sur is located at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. It’s a popular ecological park on the island, with a sculpture garden featuring various art pieces as well as an ancient Mayan temple, a small lighthouse, some restaurants, and a few souvenir shops there.
This is the island’s highest point, so it serves great as a lookout spot to watch the sunrise or simply enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean Sea.
4. Spend a day on North Beach (Playa Norte)
Located at the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Make sure you spend a day at North Beach and participate in all the fun water activities offered to make your trip memorable.
Many beachfront resorts and luxury hotels of Isla Mujeres have a private beach area at Playa Norte for their guests as well.
If you’re staying at such a place, you can spend time on North Beach just a few steps from your lodgings while enjoying a variety of water sports and 5-star service.
5. Take a snorkeling tour
5⭐ 1033 Reviews
If you’re looking to go on an underwater adventure, there’s no better place than Isla Mujeres. The island’s coast is home to exotic marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and more.
You can join one of the many organized snorkeling tours to explore coral reefs full of vibrant colors and aquatic species.
Here’s one with a memorable experience and a delicious beachfront lunch.
Great adventure with kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cynthia_M, Jan 2023
Theo was our guide and we enjoyed his good nature and expertise. He engaged with all of us – including our kids – like a total pro. Our boat captain Jose was likewise skilled. We saw loads of fish, and even a stingray and a turtle. Lunch is the last stop (yummy grilled fish, noodles, rice, and a salad), so eat before you go!
6. Snorkel in the underwater museum
5⭐ 119 Reviews
Speaking of snorkeling, you can also take this tour to go on a unique experience in the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) located off the coast of Isla Mujeres.
This incredible museum is home to over 500 sculptures made by local and international artists and carefully placed in three different galleries, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Amazing half day trip
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jazmond_M, Sep 2022
Amazing trip. Diego and other guide was amazing. We stopped 3 different places and then for an amazing lunch. We got two guides due to weather however it wasn’t bad at all. Guides were patient and informal as well as poured great margaritas 10/10
7. Dive into the underwater museum
5⭐ 61 Reviews
If you would like a deeper look (literally) into MUSA, this diving tour is just the thing for you. You will be provided all the scuba gear required for the trip to this fascinating underwater world, as well as delicious snacks and refreshments and a certified instructor to go along with you.
Pepe and crew made it a wonderful experience to share with my teenagers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julie_P, Apr 2022
I was having difficulty relaxing. It was our first dive but I wanted to share the experience with my children. Pepe was very patient and walked me through several times while taking a lesson in the pool. He and the rest of the crew helped me along the way and made sure we had a good time. Thanks for the memories!
8. Swim with whale sharks
Swimming with whale sharks in their natural habitat is truly an experience of a lifetime, and Isla Mujeres is one of the best places to do it.
This is where whale sharks migrate in huge numbers. So, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity while visiting the island, the Whale Shark Tour Isla Mujeres is a great choice.
How to Visit Isla Mujeres: Final Thoughts
No matter how you decide to visit Isla Mujeres, the island always delivers. Some people want the party vibe, others want a smoother, premium day, and some just want their own boat and zero stress. Pick the style that fits the mood of your trip, not just the price. At the end of the day, Isla Mujeres is one of those places where even the “imperfect” option still gives you a great day in the Caribbean. Enjoy it your way.
