The 15 Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres (That Aren’t Just Lounging at the Beach)
Wondering what to do in Isla Mujeres, Mexico?
The beautiful beaches in Isla Mujeres are truly spectacular — soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and some of the best spots on the Caribbean Sea to simply relax.
But once you’ve soaked up the beach life, we found that Isla Mujeres has so much more waiting to be discovered.
During our week there, we would take time each day to explore a little farther from the beach, and we were pleasantly surprised.
From ancient Mayan history to underwater adventures and incredible food, this little island offers experiences that go far beyond its shoreline — so let’s check out the 15 best things to do in Isla Mujeres beyond the beaches.
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The 15 Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres (That Aren’t Lounging at the Beach)
1. Visit the Temple of Ixchel Mayan Ruins & Sculpture Park
Head to Punta Sur on the southern tip of the island to see the remains of a temple dedicated to Ixchel — the Mayan goddess of fertility and the moon.
While the Mayan ruins here are small, the sweeping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and colorful sculptures throughout the eco-park make it a must-visit.
Strolling along the cliffside paths as waves crash below is unforgettable, especially at sunrise.
2. Marvel at the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
While the best beaches in Isla Mujeres, like Playa Norte, Playa Centro, and Playa Sur, have plenty going on above-water, there’s something truly unique beneath the surface.
In fact, snorkeling at the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) was one of the most exciting activities of our trip.
Imagine floating above life-sized sculptures — everything from human figures to VW cars — slowly being covered with coral reefs.
It felt surreal, like drifting through a submerged art gallery that also helps marine life thrive.
On our tour, we also visited several separate reefs that are full of various coral and colorful fish 🐠 It was truly an underwater playground.
If you love the ocean, this is one of the Isla Mujeres must-dos you need to add to your list.
3. Visit Isla Contoy National Park
Just a short boat ride from Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is a pristine, protected island that feels untouched by time.
Visiting this Mexico National Park almost feels like you are on your own private island!
Known as a haven for seabirds and marine life, it offers white sand beaches, lush mangroves, and excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
With visitor numbers strictly limited each day, it’s one of the most peaceful and unspoiled places you can experience in the region.
Boat tours like this one offer a trip that includes time at the beach, a traditional Mexican food lunch and snorkeling 🤿
It makes for a perfect day trip from Isla Mujeres to visit one of the best Mexico hidden gems that so many people (sadly) miss out on.
4. Rent a Golf Cart to See the Whole Island
Exploring Isla Mujeres by golf cart is the best way to get around — and you can rent yours here so it’s waiting for you when you arrive.
The island is only about 4.5-miles-long (7 km), so you can circle it in a day, stopping at roadside food stalls, quiet coves, and local neighborhoods.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Make sure you pass by the famous Isla Mujeres Shell House (Casa Caracol). It’s one of the coolest Airbnbs in Mexico.
Cruising from one end to the other, with the sea breeze in your hair, is one of the best and most convenient ways to soak up island life.
5. Book an Isla Mujeres Fishing Charter
Fishing has deep roots in Isla Mujeres, and chartering a boat like this one is a fun way to experience it firsthand.
Depending on the season, you might reel in barracuda, grouper, snapper, or bonito.
Local guides will provide everything you need, including expert advice and fishing gear to make your time on the sea exciting and memorable.
Even if you’re not an avid fisherman, spending the day at sea with a local captain is an adventure in itself.
6. Explore Downtown Isla Mujeres
Downtown, especially along Avenida Hidalgo, is the beating heart of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
This pedestrian street is lined with colorful shops, lively bars, and restaurants where you can linger over fresh seafood or sip margaritas (or Mexican mocktails 🍹) under twinkling lights.
For a special treat, be sure to check out the amazing ice cream that is offered at the authentic gelaterias (ice cream shops 🍦) in this area.
7. Swim With the Whale Sharks (Seasonal)
From about May 15 to September 15, Isla Mujeres becomes one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks.
Every year, they assemble in an area north of the island considered to be one of the largest congregations of whale sharks in the world.
These gentle giants are the largest fish in the ocean, and swimming alongside them is humbling and exhilarating. (Check out the video above of my tour 🐋)
Small group tours like this one with certified guides ensure the experience is safe for both humans and the animals.
8. Take the Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If snorkeling or diving isn’t your thing but you would still like to explore the underwater world, book this glass-bottom boat tour.
The boats offer clear viewing panels so you can see coral reefs, colourful fish, and sometimes even turtles without getting wet.
The local guides share a lot of information about the sea life and even the history of the region, which adds to the experience.
It’s an easy and fun option for families or anyone who prefers to stay dry.
9. Play With the Rescue Pups at Isla Animals
For a heartwarming experience, head to Isla Animals, a rescue center in Isla Mujeres that cares for stray and abandoned dogs.
Visitors can stop by to play with the pups, help walk them, or even adopt.
If you are missing your pet at home, this is a wonderful way to give back during your trip and is guaranteed to brighten your day on the island.
⚠️ Update: Isla Animals has relocated to Cancun, but if you’re staying in Cancun, you can still visit Isla Animals there.
10. Try Some Local Cuisine
The flavors of Isla Mujeres are rooted in traditional Yucatán cuisine — which is different from what many know as traditional Mexican cuisine.
We loved trying some of the most popular dishes from the region, like these popular these local dishes.
- Cochinita Pibil – Pork marinated in citrus and achiote, slow-roasted in banana leaves. This meat literally melts in your mouth.
- Tikin Xic – A local specialty of marinated, grilled fish. Typically, grouper or another hearty white fish, its seasonings are distinct and flavorful.
- Poc Chuc – Citrus-marinated pork grilled to perfection. Wash it down with a refreshing agua fresca (fresh fruit water) or an ice cold Mexican cerveza 🍻
11. Cool Off at the Isla Mujeres Ice Bar
Yes, there’s an ice bar ❄️ on this tropical island — which makes perfect sense because the weather in Isla Mujeres is hot year-round.
Step inside, slip on a parka, and sip cocktails in a frozen wonderland where even the glasses are made of ice.
The bartenders are cheeky and make the experience fun, even taking photos for you.
While it may be quirky, we found it to be a surprisingly fun way to beat the heat in the middle of the day.
12. Experience a Temazcal Ceremony
For a cultural and spiritual experience, book a temazcal ceremony with Mundo Natural Spa.
This is a traditional prehispanic purification ritual that’s similar to a Native American sweat lodge or Russian banya (sauna).
Held in a dome-shaped stone hut, volcanic rocks are used to create intense steam while a shaman leads the ritual with chants and herbs.
It’s believed to purify the body and spirit, and visitors report feeling completely renewed after the experience.
⚠️ Note: This might not be for everyone, so check with the staff before booking to make sure it’s something you want to do, and can physically do.
13. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Isla Mujeres
This island may be small, but it boasts a vibrant food scene. Three spots we recommend are:
- Olivia – A cozy Mediterranean restaurant in a lush garden setting, which gives it a lovely atmosphere. Try their moussaka or pastilla; both were terrific.
- Lola Valentina – Creative Mexican fusion and some of the best cocktails in town.
- Mango Café – A local favorite for authentic tacos, hearty breakfasts, brunch dishes, and more. Make sure you try the coconut french toast; it’s awesome 👍
14. Visit Tortugranja, the Isla Mujeres Turtle Sanctuary
For something both educational and heartwarming, visit Tortugranja, the famous Isla Mujeres turtle sanctuary.
This small centre works to protect sea turtles and release hatchlings safely into the ocean.
Depending on the season, you might even witness baby turtles making their way to the sea.
Even outside nesting season, it’s a wonderful place to learn about conservation and see how the island protects its marine life.
15. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset at Punta Sur Park
For unforgettable views, head to Punta Sur (which means “South Point”). This is the highest point on Isla Mujeres.
Watching the sunrise here is magical — and you’ll be one of the first people in the country to see it each morning thanks to Punta Sur’s elevation and location in the southeastern part of the country.
This is a very popular place to be, especially on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, when people stay up all night to welcome the new day.
Alternatively, at sunset, the cliffs glow golden as waves crash below, creating a perfect backdrop for photos.
During your stay on the island, plan to either start or end your day here; or both!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres (Beyond the Beaches)
Isla Mujeres may be famous for its beachfront, but the real magic lies in its variety of experiences.
For such a small Mexican island, you have everything from Mayan history and whale sharks, to sizzling local cuisine and even this underwater museum.
Whether you’re after adventure, Mexican culture, or just a different pace of life, Isla Mujeres delivers. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
📝 This article was contributed by Kim of Explore Your Bucket List, a Canadian travel blogger who has been to 81 countries (and counting).
