What to do in Isla Mujeres
Cozumel is probably the most well-known island off the coast of Quintana Roo, mostly because of its relaxed atmosphere. But, if that’s what you’re interested in, the smaller Isla Mujeres, to the north, deserves your attention as well.
There are many lodging options at Isla Mujeres
From big resorts to humble, yet exclusive cabins at the beach, there are all kinds of different places to stay in the Riviera Maya, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Isla Mujeres. Many young people, for example, prefer the small and homely boutique hotels, like Casa Barco.
Located in the northern part of the island, more than a hotel, staying at Casa Barco feels like you’re staying at someone’s house (if you remember your most basic Spanish, “casa” means “house”). This is not just any house, however. Some rooms are decorated like those in European mansions from the turn of the century, while others have a more modern twist. The common areas include a homely kitchen and dining room, and pool area, and a terrace with hammocks and deck chairs. Lodgings in the Caribbean tend to fluctuate quite a bit. Staying in Casa Barco can set you back anywhere from 65 to USD 150.
That might be a bit too steep for anybody planning to spend only a couple of days at Isla Mujeres. For those passers-by, Nomads Hotel, Hostel, and Beach Club might be more fitting. Usually, hostels have a bad rap for being occupied by unruly young backpackers who leave their dirty clothes wherever they can hang them. That’s not the case at Nomads.
Here, the rooms consist of bunk beds, and each has its own bathroom with a couple of sinks and toilets. More importantly, each guest gets a private locker to safely store their stuff in. There are rooms exclusively for female guests, too. The best thing about all this is the rate, which can be as low as USD 12.50 a night, depending on the room and season.
This place is not just for backpackers, though, and has normal hotel rooms as well, each its own private bathroom. Of course, the rate is a bit higher and can go all the way up to USD 200.
As it has its own beach club, you don’t have to stay at Nomads to enjoy it. Anyone can come and have a drink on its beach, surrounded by cozy décor.
Perhaps Nomads is not a place for a family vacation, though. For that, there are hotels like Belo in Isla Mujeres, as well. Open since 2019, This is a more traditional hotel, with no shortage of amenities. Among these, there’s a roof bar with jacuzzis and an amazing view from an infinite pool.
Or, if your idea of a relaxing vacation is getting pampered, Izla Hotel is right next door to Belo, with its spa and wellness center.
Isla Mujeres’ peculiar transportation options
Did we mention this place is small? Everything is nearby in Isla Mujeres and moving around is very easy—you can cross the whole island in a matter of minutes. Because of that, other than your usual bikes and bicycles, here you can rent golf carts, too. The rates vary from place to place, but, usually, they’ll charge you around USD 50 for a period of 24 hours. They’re quite the comfortable option, especially if you’re planning on spending only a day or two at Isla Mujeres.
The varied food at Isla Mujeres
Obviously, because of its size, Isla Mujeres is not a place like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, in that there aren’t many nightclubs, eco-parks, or jungle tours here. This is more a place to experience the small beach town life, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see—or eat.
Among the many restaurants on the island, the options at Isla Mujeres’ Mercado Municipal (municipal market) are widely varied and cheap, especially for those looking to try some traditional Mexican dishes. The selection is so varied, that it incorporates food from other areas of Mexico, not just the Caribbean.
Isla Mujeres is a place of beaches
Of course, beaches are what Isla Mujeres is most famous for, chief among which are Playa Norte and Playa Centro. The most popular beaches at Isla Mujeres, other than offering the trademark Riviera Maya white sands and turquoise waters, are only a few paces away from a multitude of bars and restaurants. Others are no paces away, as they’re on the beach itself. The best thing about Norte and Centro beaches: they’re connected, so visitors can walk from one to the other as they decide where to eat or have a drink.
The underwater museum and the first rays of Mexico’s sun
As most tourist spots at Isla Mujeres are in or around water, a submerged museum doesn’t sound too out of the ordinary. You can book a tour to MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art, from your lodging place—Casa Barco, Nomads, and Belo, all offer the option. A boat will take you to a diving spot in the ocean where you’ll find all kinds of submerged statues and sculptures. These are not from shipwrecks, but actual works of art designed to be exactly where they are.
Finally, travel to the southernmost point of the island—appropriately named Punta Sur to see the sunrise. It’s not like any other sunrise: here, you’ll catch the first sun rays as they wake Mexico to a brand-new day.