14 Reasons Why Isla Mujeres Should Be On Your Bucket List

The island was sacred to the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ixchel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it “Isla Mujeres” because of the many images of goddesses.

The Maya also came to the island to harvest salt from the salt lagoons. These lagoons still exist but are unhealthy due to land mismanagement. Efforts to restore the lagoons to their glory are still ongoing today.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Trip Advisor.

The soft white sand, palm trees and water so blue the sky looks pale, make it the perfect place to relax and unwind from the rigors of life. There is almost no current and you can wade out very far with the water still only coming to your waist.

It is surrounded by hotels and bars. There are many chair, massage, and umbrella services, coconut drinks and wonderful ocean breezes.

Golf cart rental is a huge thing on Isla Mujeres. I personally am not a fan.  I like to enjoy an adult beverage or 4. But, many enjoy renting golf carts for the openess, and there are multiple options at varying prices for you to tour yourself around Isla.

I preferred a different route  I explored Isla Mujeres on my 55th Birthday in a golf cart , with an experienced tour guide. Gonzalo, of Go Isla Tours, is my man. He offers 4 tours: drinking, families, street art,and scavenger hunts.  I wanted to do a bit of each of the first 3 and he worked with me and we did a “hybrid tour”. It was the experience I hoped for and then some.

The tour started with Mezcal tasting at Skull’s Landing, a trip to the dog shelter, pirates tomb, Isla Brewery, a kick butt classic rock band at The Joint in Punta Sur, the Turtle Sanctuary, Murals, Crayon House, a couple of hidden gems and local knowledge that you can only experience with Go Isla Tours.

For more info and pricing you can reach out to Go Isla Tours here

If it’s art you love… Isla Mujeres has tons of it!!! From Wall Murals, to the famous Crayola House, beautiful architecture and hand crafted jewelry. Mujeres is an Art lovers dream.

Art Fairs happen regularly and places like Madera Food and Art are all over the island.

Music abides everywhere on Isla Mujeres.  My Top 3 Isla Music Spots:

• • The Joint– 2 locations on Isla. The Hidalgo spot is more in the Centro tourist area. I love rolling out to the “jungle” site at Punta Sur . I just like the vibe better there. TIP: Take cash, preferably pesos, no credit cards here. But, the music is spot on every time from Reggae to Rock.
  • Stingray– Because everyone should have one karaoke bar for late night shenanigans. Very cool bar with late night karaoke. Great staff. Kick butt karaoke host. Located on Hidalgo Ave. in Centro
  • Big Daddy’s Beach Bar – If you are looking for something a bit more chill with a beach feel, this is the spot. Friday afternoon cornhole tourneys, intimate music sessions with some of the Isla’s best artists, all in a beach setting with hammocks and lounge chairs. Very easy vibe . The staff is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !! This is my go to spot every time I visit. Tell Victor we sent y’all !! And sign the bar! “Sure You Can Dance!”-Tequila

If you have read a couple of my other pieces on travel, you will know I am a very proud of descendant of the war hero and pirate, or privateer if you will, Jean Lafitte. Uncle Jean is reported to have visited Isla often. Isla is known for it’s rich pirate history for a couple of reasons. Because of it’s protective lagoons, it was a favorite place for pirates to wait out a storm or just chillax. It was from the Yucatan that the Spanish transported massive amounts of gold to Europe and the pirates took advantage of the opportunity to blunder the merchant ships. Legend has it that they kept their women here while they went out plundering, another reason Isla is called “The Island of Women”.’

And then there is the sad and tragic tale of Mundaca the Pirate. As legend goes, pirate falls in love. Pirate builds huge complex that covers 40% of Isla . Pirate falls for much younger woman who every man on Isla was in love with. Pirate thinks wealth can buy love. Pirate loses to younger man. Pirate goes insane. Pirate carves his own tomb with skull and crossbones and the phrase ”

This was a truly great experience. Located in La Gloria by the Little Yellow School. This group of amazing artists (57 women more or less) creates one of a kind handcrafted beaded jewelry … necklaces, earrings, bracelets, purses and more. Their work is very high quality, the kind you would find in a juried craft fair. Each piece of jewelry is unique, woven together one bead at a time, handcrafted over many hours and made from Delica and glass seed beads, shells, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones and pearls. The play of texture, color and light reflects the centuries old Mayan heritage which they bring to their designs.

When I walked in the women were laughing and singing and creating around the table. They were happy to have their pic taken and show me the store. As I shopped singing and laughter filled the air! And the prices for the quality merchandise was AMAZING!! I felt guilty for what I paid so I dropped a nice donation.

From street vendors to sit down spots ,you would be hard pressed to be hungry or thirsty for any period of time on Isla Mujeres. Some of my suggestions:

Breakfast: Gringo Special at Big Daddy’s (99 pesos) , Mango Cafe

Lunch: Beachin’ Burrito , Snapper’s Sports Bar ( great food, multiple sattelites and tvs, game room,2 large pools )

Dinner: Fish and Gin, Fuego De Mar, Q’Bravo

I have yet to have a bad meal anywhere on Isla Mujeres. Ask 10 people on Isla their favorite place, you will get 10 different answers. And don’t underestimate the street vendors, there is some quality authentic food coming from many.

The one thing I LOVE about Isla Mujeres is the ever changing landscape as you move across Isla. From the beautiful clear water of North Beach where calm is the theme to a 15 minute walk to the crashing breakers of the west side beaches. Travel South and the winds pick up and the cliffs get higher, and the waves get bigger as you approach Punta Sur on the Southern tip. Heading back on the east side, lagoons and calmness bring you back to Centro. Plus all the iguanas and wildlife make it well worth it!

Ultramar is the name of the ferry that takes you round trip from Cancun to Isla. It’s 300 pesos ( around $15 ) round trip. The ticket is good for 60 days, so you save $$ by buying the round trip. BUT, for that price you may purchase an adult beverage on the ferry, or at the bar while you wait and take it with you on the ferry. AND, there is live entertainment. the whole trip is about 20 minutes. Quite an easy ride even in rough seas. Do the rooftop if the weather is nice.

Isla Mujeres has great events. Most are to help the locals and the children of the community. While lots of tourist money floats into Isla, the locals don’t necessarily receive the full benefits. It’s one of the best reasons to pay in pesos and always tip. And remember that all those locals trying to sell you golf carts, tours, souvenirs and more are just trying to eek out a living. So DO NOT get annoyed. Life is too short. They are just doing their job.

Some of the great events start in February with the Island Time Music Festival where Nashville singers and songwriters gather on Isla to help raise money for the Little Yellow School. The Little Yellow School helps local special needs children. The event is week long and includes a fishing tournament.

In late February it is Carnival! A 5 day celebration considered the most spectacular event in Quintana Roo.

And there is the huge Ruben’s 3 Kings Day Celebration held each January to provide the kids of Isla Mujeres with a special Christmas.

Animals are very important on Isla Mujeres. None more so than the sea turtle. There is a Turtle Sanctuary that works hard to protect and keep this species surviving and is open to the public.

If you miss your 4 legged buddy, I had a blast visiting the local dog shelter which is very nice. You can take the dogs and walk and play in the AC or out under the huge palapa!

And yes cat lovers, there is a cat hotel also.

As I wrap this up, my time on Isla is just beginning. I plan on snorkeling at the MUSA this summer and swimming with whale sharks. Checking out sleeping sharks, and discovering more hidden gems and history each trip I make. Maybe try to find some of Uncle Jean’s buried treasure.

I find the locals of Isla Mujeres to be a wonderful group of people. I have made friends with some. I respect their work ethic and drive and the fact that nothing really seems to upset them no matter their situation.

If you visit, be nice. Tip. Smile. Embrace the culture. And enjoy a unique slice of paradise.