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Top things to do in Cancun

Chichén Itzá pyramid with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan site in Cancún, Mexico.
Chichén Itzá Tours

Isla Mujeres is an island jewel set off the coast of Cancún, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Isla Mujeres is Spanish for Island of Women, and it traces its roots back to when 16th-century Spanish explorers discovered figurines of the Mayan goddess Ixchel on its shores. Today, it’s one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after getaway spots and is home to Playa Norte, among the world’s most stunning soft sand beaches.

Overview:

  • Best time to visit: December to April for warmer temperatures, and May to mid-September to spot whale sharks. 
  • Boarding point: The Marina Adventure Bay at Playa Tortugas | Find on Google Maps
  • Expect to spot: Whale sharks, crustaceans, sea turtles, manta rays, and angelfish, among others. 

Where should you start your Isla Mujeres tour from?

From Cancún

  • Distance from the starting point: 10.6km to the Marina Adventure Bay at Playa Tortugas 
  • Travel time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
  • Located at a convenient distance from the starting point 

The Marina Adventure Bay at Playa Tortugas is situated on the coast of Cancún, making it the most convenient location to begin your tour. The ADO buses connect all parts of the city, making access convenient. If you book a tour with hotel pick-ups, you won’t have to worry about the logistics of navigating public transport.

From Tulum

  • Distance from the starting point: 136km from central Tulum to the Marina Adventure Bay 
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes 
  • Eliminate the hassle of transport with hotel pick-ups. 

Tulum is a gorgeous town on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, but it is about 136km from the starting point of your Isla Mujeres tour. Booking a tour with hotel pick-ups is ideal, as you won’t have to deal with the hassle of navigating the public transportation network.

From Costa Mujeres

  • Distance from the starting point: 15km
  • Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes to the Marina Adventure Bay 
  • A quiet neighborhood located at a convenient distance from the bay. 

Costa Mujeres is set about 30km north of Cancún’s Hotel Zone, and is ideal if you want to stay at an upscale resort with access to the beach. Once again, booking a tour with hotel pick-ups will be your best bet, as you’ll be chauffeured right from your doorstep to the bay and back.

Things to know before booking your Isla Mujeres tour 

  • Your Isla Mujeres tour is an all-inclusive, day-long experience, with transport to the island via a shared catamaran, an international buffet with regional blends, and free time to explore the island included. 
  • The tour lasts approximately eight hours, and you get to choose one that begins in the morning (ideal if you want to catch the sunset on your way back) or the afternoon, with which you’ll catch the sunset while you’re at Isla Mujeres. 
  • The tour begins from Marina Adventure Bay in Playa Tortugas, where you’ll board the catamaran after checking in. You have two options here: you can either choose a tour without pick-ups (for which you’ll need to arrive at the bay yourself) or one that includes pick-ups from your hotel in Cancún, Tulum, or Costa Mujeres.
  • You’ll get to enjoy a snorkeling experience, for which you’ll be provided with the gear on board the catamaran. An expert will accompany you throughout, so you’ll be in safe hands at all times. 
  • The shared tour also includes the $20 dock fee per person, which you’d otherwise have to pay on-site in cash. 
  • At the end of your tour, you’ll be brought back to the starting point, from where you’ll either have to organize transport back to your hotel, or enjoy a ride back if you choose an option that includes pick-ups.

Popular stops on your Isla Mujeres tours

Playa Norte

Playa Norte dazzles with soft white sand and calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming, and has been voted among the Caribbean’s best beaches.

  • What you can expect: The soft sand beaches, swimming zones, and beach bars
  • Time required: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Included in all tours

Downtown Isla Mujeres (Centro)

Experience the island’s colorful heart, dotted with local shops, murals, and seaside cafés along Avenida Hidalgo.

  • What you can expect: Handicraft markets, local eateries, and street art alleys.
  • Time required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
  • Included in all tours

El Meco Reef

Snorkel amid coral gardens and tropical fish at one of the island’s signature marine sanctuaries.

  • What you can expect: Coral reefs and sightings of countless marine species 
  • Time required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
  • Included in all tours

Zaza Yatch and Beach Club

Your stop for a delectable buffet with a selection of great local blends. The club offers unbeatable ocean views and is a great place to lie back and soak in the Caribbean sun.

  • What you can expect: An international buffet, relaxed lounging, and stunning ocean views 
  • Time required: 3 hours 
  • Included in all tours 

Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres

Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is your chance to dive into a living aquarium of turquoise perfection. Slip on your mask and glide through crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful reef fish, graceful manta rays, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive whale shark. You might even spot sea turtles cruising by or schools of angelfish shimmering in the sunlight.

The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for beginners, and if you’re a seasoned snorkeler, you’ll relish the marine diversity in this underwater paradise.

Marine life you’ll encounter in Isla Mujeres

Whale shark

Meet the gentle giant of the Caribbean, and the world’s largest fish. Your best bet at spotting them is to go snorkeling between mid-May and September, and once you do, the adrenaline rush will be second to none. Take our word for it!

Sea turtles

Watch these calm ocean travelers paddle effortlessly past coral reefs. Every now and then, you’ll spot them surfacing for air and giving you a curious glance before vanishing into the blue.

Parrotfish

These rainbow-colored munchers constantly nibble on coral, helping keep reefs clean. You’ll spot them flashing brilliant blues and greens as they chatter underwater like the reef’s most stylish gardeners.

Eagle ray

Sleek, spotted, and stunningly elegant, eagle rays soar through the sea like underwater kites. You’ll catch them gliding past in formation, almost as if they were part of an aquatic ballet.

Angelfish

These bold, stripey divas love the spotlight. They’ll dart right up to you, flaunting their colors like they’re on a catwalk, primarily because they’re curious creatures.

Barracuda

Long, shiny, and lightning-fast, barracudas exude serious ocean attitude. Don’t worry, they’re just curious! You could spot one hovering midwater, perfectly still, or nestled in the crevices of the corals, waiting for the perfect moment to make a meal out of the passing fish.

Plan your Isla Mujeres tours

The starting point of your tour is the Marina Adventure Bay in Playa Tortugas, right on the edge of Cancún’s Hotel Zone. | Find on Google Maps

Getting there:

  • By bus: Bus routes R-1, R-2, and R-27 run from Cancún’s central terminal to the city’s Hotel Zone. If you’re in Tulum, you’ll have to take an ADO bus to downtown Cancún, from where you’ll have to transfer to a local bus to reach the Cancún Hotel Zone. 
  • By car: If you’ve rented a car, you can even drive from Tulum, Cancún, or Costa Mujeres to the starting point. 

Peak season:

The peak season to visit Isla Mujeres is between December and April, when the weather is warm, the beaches buzz with activity, and you get to enjoy the best sunsets along the way. However, the island can also get rather crowded during this period.

Low season:

The low season is between May and November. This period is ideal if your priority is fewer crowds, but it comes with the risk of the occasional tropical shower, which could disrupt your snorkeling plans.

  • Safety briefings: Your tour begins with a safety briefing, so you’re aware of what precautions to take for a seamless experience. 
  • Bilingual guide: You’ll always be accompanied by an English and Spanish-speaking guide, who’ll tell you fascinating stories about the island’s discovery and history, its culture, and more. 
  • Onboard restrooms: Your catamaran has restrooms onboard to ensure you’re always comfortable. 
  • International buffet: Your stop at the Zaza Yacht & Beach Club will involve a delectable international buffet, along with the chance to savor some of the best local blends.
  • Snorkeling gear: You’ll be provided with all the essential gear to enjoy a safe yet thrilling snorkeling experience.
  • Optional hotel pick-ups: If you choose a tour that includes pick-ups from Cancún, Tulum, or Costa Mujeres, you’ll enjoy the convenience of seamless round-trip transfers directly from your hotel’s doorstep.

Tips to make the most of your Isla Mujeres tour 

  • If you can, opt for a tour that includes hotel pick-ups. This way, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of navigating the public transportation network, especially if you’re staying in Tulum. 
  • Carry extra cash on hand, especially in the Mexican Peso, for seamless transactions at smaller vendors or souvenir stores. This will also come in handy at stores that don’t accept credit cards. 
  • Don’t miss out on trying Cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork dish native to the Yucatán Peninsula. 
  • Enjoying the selection of local blends on the catamaran can be fun, but make sure to drink responsibly. A glass of water now and then can do wonders! 
  • Stick to biodegradable or reef-safe sunscreens when going snorkeling. The reefs around Isla Mujeres fall within protected areas, and regular sunscreens are generally not permitted as their chemical composition can disrupt the delicate underwater ecosystem. You can also wear a rash guard, which protects both your skin and the corals.

Frequently asked questions about Isla Mujeres tours

What is the starting point of the catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres?

The starting point of the cruise is the Marina Adventure Bay at Playa Tortugas. This is where you’ll check in and be briefed on the safety procedure before boarding your shared catamaran.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Absolutely! You’ll be given all the necessary gear on board, so you can enjoy your snorkeling experience in complete safety.

Will we be accompanied by a guide on the tour?

Yes, an English and Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you on your tour, offering fun facts and stories about the island’s history, the local culture, and tips to make the most of your time.

Are the reefs at Isla Mujeres protected?

Yes, the reefs around Isla Mujeres are protected due to the delicate nature of the underwater ecosystem. As a result, you will need to take certain precautions, such as wearing only reef-safe or biodegradable sunscreens, as regular options are not permitted.

Will I get to enjoy some free time to explore the island?

Yes, your tour includes free time that you can spend exploring the island’s streets. You can try out some of the local delicacies or pick up a souvenir or two as well.

Are hotel pick-ups available?

Yes, if you choose a tour that includes pickups from Tulum, Cancún, or Costa Mujeres, you’ll enjoy comfortable round-trip transfers, eliminating the stress of dealing with public transportation.

Does the tour include meals?

It certainly does! You’ll get to enjoy an international buffet at the Zaza Yacht & Beach Club at Isla Mujeres, where you can also try some of the best local blends for an insight into the region’s culinary culture.

Does the tour’s price include the $20 dock fee?

Yes, the $20 dock fee is included in the ticket price, so you won’t need to pay this on the day of your tour.