Isla Mujeres is a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Cancun resort scene. My family has been coming here for years because my parents had a condo we would stay at. Since we frequent the area so much, I figured I would share an Isla Mujeres travel guide with some of my favorite places and tips to make your trip a great one!
How to Get to Isla Mujeres
We fly into Cancun and take Cancun Valet as our transport to the ferry at Puerto Juarez. From there we take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres. Once you arrive, you can grab a taxi to your hotel or you can walk if staying in the North Beach area. Also, there are bikers who will bike your bags while you walk (we trust them and always use them).
Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres
Ixchel Beach Hotel
This isn’t an all inclusive. My parents have owned a condo here since it was built. It is like my second home. Located on the gorgeous Playa Norte (North Beach). It is walking distance to Hildalgo Street which is packed full with dining, shops and nightlife. Ixchel is kid friendly with 2 pools. There is a restaurant that you can order food and drinks and charge to your room during your stay. They also have massages close by and they are amazing (right on the beach).
Is Isla Mujeres Kid Friendly?
The island is definitely kid friendly. There are several all inclusive options or adult only options, but we love Ixchel because it is family friendly!
How to Get Around in Isla Mujeres
You can rent a golf cart for a day or you can rent it for the entire time you stay here. Prices will vary by each location. You will have to negotiate. We have always rented from Prisma.
Golf Cart Tour
Highly recommend booking with Alex to do a golf cart tour. He can show you around the island or take you on a day or night bar hop. We booked this for Ross’s 40th birthday and loved it.
Isla Robby (we also use them and they are great too)
Make sure while cruising the island that you check out the gorgeous houses on the south side especially the HGTV famous shell house. If you ever have the chance to stop by (we met people at a bar staying here) it is worth the picture opportunity!
Favorite Places to Eat
Breakfast
North Garden: We love the maple bacon bagel and the mimosas! Also, we love their staff. If you get to know the owner and staff you’ll get breakfast tequila shots.
Oceans: Absolute amazing breakfast located on Hildalgo. If you are in the mood for 2 for 1 mimosas or a boozy coffee, this is the spot. They also have amazing service and food.
Roosters: Hands down the best lattes in my opinion. They have a neat menu. You can also grab a coffee to go here at their to go bar. Cinnamon rolls and lots of loafs (blueberry, banana etc).
Mango Cafe: They have the most delicious cinnamon coffee. This is also a Miranda Lambert favorite (she visits here). You must try the stuffed Poblano Pepper.
Rancho Capricho: This is typically a lunch stop for us but they recently added in breakfast. The menu is impressive! Red velvet waffles or crepes are faves. They also have an “egg” bar with lots of interesting egg options!
Lunch
So many places we like to hop around to!
Soggy Peso: If you are here on a Friday make sure to pop in for the best crunchy tacos!
Rancho Capricho: Best tacos on the island hands down! If you love shrimp get the shrimp tacos! Also their margaritas are phenomenal.
Oscar’s: Amazing pizza! We love to sit here and people watch. The garlic knots they bring out to start are superb! We always get New York style pizza (pizza mexicana is my favorite).
Ixchel Restaurant: If you stay here they have amazing ceviche and amazing chicken nachos!
Dinner
Denuccios: If you are looking for a nicer restaurant, I recommend this. It is Italian and the owners are from Rhode Island. Y’all… the food is top notch. I usually get the stuffed mushrooms to start as well as bruschetta. For my meal, I love the fettuccini with shrimp added in. Ross got the Chicken Parmesan served with fettuccini alfredo. The dirty martini and espresso martini are a must. After dinner drinks like the tequila iced coffee and the nutty Irishman are highly recommended!
Samura: If you love hibachi, this is a must visit. You can reserve the hibachi table or dine regularly. They have sushi and so many amazing dishes.
Rolandis: Another amazing Italian restaurant. This is on Hildalgo. I know it sounds weird, especially if it’s hot out, but get the potato soup as an appetizer. It is delicious! We order pasta dishes here usually but their pizza is great too.
Oceans: Dinner here is just as amazing as breakfast. I get the enchilada verdes. Ross orders the carne asada steak tacos. We like to get our Mexican dishes here that we are craving! The cocktail presentation is Instagram worthy! If you have a birthday, get their special shot (I don’t know the name but it lights up and it’s super cool). The espresso martinis here are a 10/10.
Xanto Isla: This is also on Hildalgo right next to Oceans. They have great fajitas and also an amazing stuffed pepper appetizer. Drinks here are also Instagram worthy. If you like mezcal this is the place for an amazing mezcal marg!
Lola Valentina: This is also a great place for dinner. We haven’t stopped there as much lately but they are known for the poblano pepper (they made the menu for mango cafe so they are similar). This is the place to stop for a spicy margarita! The watermelon jalapeño or the passion fruit chipotle are my favorites.
Jax’s Sports Bar: Here you can catch a game and have an amazing burger!
Honestly, anywhere on Hildalgo is amazing. Those are some of the places we frequently stop!
Drinks and Nightlife:
Soggy Peso: The strongest dang margaritas on the island. Have more than one and you might stray losing your personal belongings 🙂 Trust me they are strong! It’s a must see spot – bring something to sign and leave in the palapa! Also check their daily specials for food. Don’t miss taco day or burger day!
The Joint: A Bob Marley looking bar! Stop for some tunes and a drink. We get the frozen mojito!
Isla Brewery: The only brewery on the island and the beer is delish! Great spot and great staff.
La Terraza (the salsa dancing place): you’ll hear it before you see it! It is up above Hildalgo and they play live music perfect for salsa dancing. Have a drink and watch people on Hildalgo or try to dance! Espresso martinis are good here too!
Faynes: Live music and great food and drinks.
Stingray: Swing chairs and a fun bar atmosphere. This is the place for karaoke!
El Borracho Burro: Outdoor atmosphere with a fake Michael Jackson that is fun and creepy to watch! Good drinks and good food. A fun pop in spot when golf cart cruising!
Hope you found this Isla Mujeres travel guide helpful for your next trip!
xo,
Jena
The best way to shop my current links is over on the LTK app. I have a Mexico folder with all the outfits saved there!
