Looking for something new to do on your next trip to Cancun? Consider a day trip to Isla Mujeres! This sun-splashed Caribbean isle offers stunning turquoise water, gorgeous beaches, tropical flora and an enticing boating culture. 

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a magical day on Isla Mujeres:

How to Get to Isla Mujeres

Take the ferry from Cancun or Playa Mujeres. Boats leave the Gran Puerto Cancun (Ultramar) ferry dock in Puerto Juarez every half-hour throughout the day and every hour in the late evening. The ride is only about 15 minutes. Once there, rent a golf cart and explore to your heart’s content. 

Or, make the journey more of an experience on a catamaran day cruise. You’ll spend the day cruising and snorkeling, sipping rum punch and enjoying a buffet lunch on Isla Mujeres. You won’t have as much unscheduled time on the island this way, but it’ll be a day to remember. 

What to Do on Isla Mujeres

You’ll easily wile away the hours at Isla Mujeres’ secluded beaches, locally owned restaurants and bars and fun shops. Hit the Playa Norte beach, known for its brilliant white sand and clear waters. You can even stop into a pop-up stand along the beach for a seaside massage. 

Visit Punta Sur Park – perfect for nature lovers – for its Mayan ruins, fantastic views and wandering iguanas. There’s a lighthouse, a sculpture gardens and even the remains of a temple dedicated to Ixchel. 

Go snorkeling or diving at the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Garden. This unique attraction is home to more than 500 sculptures of people, animals, cars and more – covered in plants and coral to create an artificial reef. For more snorkeling, with bright coral and colorful fish aplenty, head to El Farito. 

When to Visit Isla Mujeres

With its predictable tropical climate, much the same as you’ll find in Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a great place to visit any time of year except the rainy hurricane season. From January through March, you can expect the most tourists – but the weather is also ideal. May through October are the hottest and wettest months of the year – you’ll still experience a lot of sunshine and the water is particularly warm for snorkeling and diving. In September and October, hurricane season peaks (a good reason to invest in travel insurance in case you have to pivot your vacation plans). Many consider autumn and early winter to be the best time to visit the island – after the threat of hurricanes has passed and a time of low humidity. 

When Cancun calls, be sure to consider a day trip (or even an overnight) on Isla Mujeres. From the crushed-coral beaches to the calm, warm waters, Caribbean-influenced dining to carefree nightlife, your time in Isla Mujeres will be the cherry on top of your tropical holiday.