8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Isla Mujeres Adventure

Wander and Explore

Isla Mujeres is known for its super-relaxed vibe and colorful daily life, making it the perfect place to stroll about discovering the local culture.

At the northern, port-end of the island you can peruse countless street food stands, local markets, and family owned restaurants where you can find an authentic island experience. At the southern end, you have Punta Sur and the ruins of Temple Ixchel as well as Garrafon National Reef Park that are worth afternoon adventures.

From Isla Mujeres Palace, near the center of the island on the western coast, you can get your own golf cart or bike and ride to every spot on the island – it’s only 5 miles long and half-a-mile wide at its widest point.

Take a Dive

Whether you’re an amateur or seasoned diver, Isla Mujeres has the dive site for you. Towards the north and east of the island, the part facing Cancun, you have large coral heads scattered about in quite shallow waters no more than 45 feet in depth with hardly any currents – perfect for a dive trip.

The island is also a launching off point to visit MUSA, the one-of-a-kind underwater museum consisting of over 500 permanent life-size sculptures by English artist Jason deCaires Taylor. An innovative project designed to counteract the effects of climate change on our oceans and reef systems, the sculptures change overtime, as coral grows and marine life establishes itself. See your Palace Resorts Vacation Planners for dive tours.

Taste the Bounty of the Sea

While Isla Mujeres is dotted with seafood restaurants, Isla Mujeres Palace guests won’t have toleave the resort to enjoy the best the ocean offers. The outdoor La Cevichería restaurant overlooking the Caribbean boasts a menu that features Ensenada-style fish tacos, Leche de Tigre, ceviche and other fresh dishes from the sea.

Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most unique things to do on Isla Mujeres is the chance to take a dip with the gentle giants known as whale sharks. 

Between May and September, these large, yet harmless, fish hang out in the warm waters between Isla Mujeres and nearby Isla Holbox - and yes - you can actually swim with them as they glide close to the surface during their annual aggregation.

Party Like a Local

For a night out in Isla Mujeres, head to the center of town (known as the Zocalo) and join in celebrations, dances and events with locals and tourists alike sharing in the celebrations. 

Aside from getting your party on in the town square, you can also indulge in local Mexican fare from the vendors lining the park, as well as pick up souvenirs from local artists.

Visit the Turtle Farm

During your jaunt to Isla Mujeres, get in touch with the local wildlife with a stop by the local Turtle Farm (La Tortugranja) to see baby sea turtles and other marine life. 

Of course, as a Palace Resorts guests, you can make your way over to Moon Palace Cancun and participate in a sea turtle release program, where you help newly-hatched sea turtles make their way to the sea. The program typically runs from the end of summer through October.

Lounge on a Private Beach

What’s any trip to Mexico without a little sand and surf action? Not much. Although the island boasts some of the most popular beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor, you hardly have to leave the resort to enjoy palm trees, pristine beaches, and cool surf lapping your toes.