Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres (Best Places)

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FIRST TIME IN ISLA MUJERES

FIRST TIME IN ISLA MUJERES

Playa Norte

Right on the northern tip of the island, Playa Norte is the most popular destination with tourists. Close to the main ferry terminal, this will likely be the first place you visit on your trip to Isla Mujeres.

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FOR AUTHENTIC STAYS

FOR AUTHENTIC STAYS

Meteorológico

This neighbourhood sits in the heart of Isla Mujeres. Base yourself where the locals are for that authentic experience.

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FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Punta Sur

The southern tip of Isla Mujeres is the quietest part of the island. This makes it a fantastic option for families heading to the island to kick back and relax.

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Now you have an idea of the best neighbourhoods in Isla Mujeres. I’ve done you a solid and broken area down including my recommendations for the best places to stay and things to do.

1. Playa Norte – Best Place to Stay for Your First Trip

Right on the northern tip of the island, Playa Norte is home to the most popular beach in Isla Mujeres. It’s close to the main ferry terminal, ideal if you plan on a day trip if you’re staying in Cancún.

For first-time visitors, everything you could ever want is available in the neighbourhood. White sand beaches, vibrant bars and tantalising restaurants await around every corner.

As the main tourist hub, there are also some great transport options in Playa Norte, which makes it the ideal choice for getting to know Isla Mujeres. It’s a small island, so even using this beach spt as a base means you can visit most neighbourhoods within 20-30 minutes. It’s home to some of the top hotels on the island, and great tour guides across the area.

• Best For: Beach lovers, and first-timers looking to be close to the highlights.
• The Vibe: It’s lively with booming beach clubs, and an atmosphere all day long.
• Proximity to Ferry Terminal: A 10-15 minute walk away.
• Transport Level: Easily walkable, but you can rent a golf buggy if you wish.
• Budget: Higher, this is one of the more popular parts of the island.
• Crowds: High, as I say, it’s pretty busy here, so you don’t just pay higher prices, but also find more tourists.

Top Things to Do

1. Hang out by the phenomenal Playa Norte. Don’t forget your sun protection.
2. Try your hand at some watersports.
3. Rent bikes and go exploring around this magical island.
4. Marvel at the underwater world with a snorkelling trip.
5. Enjoy the bustling nightlife on Hidalgo Street.
6. Need something a bit quieter? Playa Centro is within walking distance from Playa Norte and offers a more laid-back experience away from the massive crowds.
7. Take a walk down to Plaza Isla Mujeres, the main square in the neighbourhood, and check out the regular events throughout the year.

Best Hotel in Playa Norte: Suites Los Arcos

This is the cheapest private stay in the Playa Norte area that’s actually decent. Sure, it’s a few blocks back from the beach (you aren’t a true broke backpacker if you stay right by the beach), but it has everything you need.

Air con is an absolute essential when it gets hot and sticky round here, and Suites Los Arcos delivers. You also get a little kitchen with a microwave and fridge among other things, so you can save some cash by cooking your own scran.

Best Hostel in Playa Norte: Nilu Isla Mujeres

This glorious hostel is perfect for travellers who want a budget-friendly option, but without skipping the idea of a luxurious boutique hotel. Nilu Isla Mujeres is just a 5-minute walk from Playa Norte Beach and they rent some wheels so you get the best of island life. If you remember the now-defunct hostel chain Selina, Nilu is its successor, and still offers a lot of Selina’s charm.

Equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant, and a stunning sun terrace, you might not ever want to leave. 

Best Airbnb in Playa Norte: Casita Azul

If you’re not a fan of luxury hotels, but you are a fan of luxury, Casita Azul is one the best Airbnbs in Mexico! Located in the most serene location, on North Beach, you have crystal blue views on your doorstep with your own private beach.

All the best local restaurants, lively bars, and unique shops are within walking distance. Then enjoy sunrise and sunset from your slice of paradise. You’ll need a buddy or a partner to split costs with though, in order to make this affordable.

2. Meteorológico – Where to Base Yourself For an Authentic Stay

Heading towards the centre of the island, you’ll find fewer tourist attractions and a more authentic insight into local life. Isla Mujeres is such a major tourist destination that it can be tricky to find an honest piece of local culture – but Meteorológico is definitely your best bet. The colourful houses that line the streets here create a vibrant backdrop for getting to know the real side of Isla Mujeres.

Being at the centre of the island, it’s another great base for getting around easily. Plus, the restaurants here are dirt cheap, and the locally owned accommodations won’t break the bank too much.

If you rent a golf cart, some of the best beaches in Mexico are super accessible from this area in Isla Mujeres! If you’re on a tighter budget, the taxis are really convenient – but if you don’t want to negotiate in Spanish, they’ll charge you tourist prices. If you’re really patient, the bus is the best budget option.

• Best For: Budget backpackers looking to escape the madness of Playa Norte and enjoy a more local feel.
• The Vibe: Much quieter here without the crazy bars and clubs.
• Proximity to Ferry Terminal: It’s a 40-minute walk away, or 15 minutes by golf buggy.
• Transport Level: Average. But rent a golf buggy and it’s not problem. Walking is easy too if you’re okay with longer trips to reach the furthest corners of the island.
• Budget: Budget-friendly compared to other parts of Isla Mujeres.
• Crowds: Pretty low here.

Top Things to Do

1. Avenida Rueda Medina is the main shopping street. Explore locally owned boutiques for unique souvenirs.
2. Grab a snorkel and discover the vibrant coral reef and marine life
3. Enjoy incredible views of the crystal-clear waters of Isla Mujeres on a clear bottom boat tour
4. The Crayola House is a monument to the colourful buildings in the neighbourhood.
5. Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of the temple of Ixchel and dive into the island’s history.

Best Hotel in Meteorológico: Izla Beach Front Hotel

Izla Hotel is a slice of paradise. It’s a little drive out from Playa Norte and Punta Sur but this gives you a very luxurious experience.

But don’t worry, if you rent a golf cart, you’re in a perfect position to explore the whole island! This luxury hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, and on-site restaurants too. Dipping your toes into paradise never felt better.

Best Budget Stay in Meteorológico: Casa Paz

This one-bed apartment has a kitchen area, and is much cheaper than other places around here. They’ve got a bar, plus offer tours and bike hire.

Then you’ve got the breakfast, and wow, this is delicious! They gave us cheese, pancakes and fruits, so it was better than the small breakfasts we had elsewhere around Cancun. This place is great value for money overall.

Best Airbnb in Meteorológico: Ocean Front Suite

This incredible apartment in Meteorológico offers something unique. This is a real hidden gem.  You’ve never seen ocean views quite like this from your own private terrace. Soak up turquoise blue waters and the best of island life from your little home.

You’ll have an outdoor swimming pool, your own kitchen and the best beach bars right around the corner. That’s way more than what any luxury hotel in Isla Mujeres can offer. 

3. Punta Sur – Best Area for Families

The southern tip of Isla Mujeres is the quietest part of the island, making it a fantastic option for families wanting to kick back and relax. It’s also one of Mexico’s safest destinations.

Here, you’ll find some of the best condos and apartments on the island, giving you added privacy. Adventure parks, stunning hikes and simple bike trails make this one of the best places to stay in Mexico for outdoorsy people.

It’s also a great region for couples – especially if you opt for a condo or an apartment. The beaches here are much quieter than those in the north, giving you more room to sunbathe and relax.

You’re also guaranteed to see both the sunrise and sunset from this narrow strip of land. To make your trip even more romantic, visit the home of the Mayan Goddess of fertility, Ixchel, who is believed to have inhabited the island in Punta Sur.

• Best For: Couples, families, and anyone who prioritises quiet nature over rowdy beaches.
• The Vibe: I found it pretty calm and quiet here.
• Proximity to Ferry Terminal: It’s at the complete opposite end of the island, so takes 30 minutes to drive down here (or 1.5 hours to walk).
• Transport Level: Pretty low, so renting a golf buggy or using taxis is necessary here.
• Budget: It can be more expensive with a few flashy spots.
• Crowds: Much lower than the northern end of the island.

Top Things to Do

1. Spend the day sailing the turquoise water with a catamaran tour with an open bar and snorkelling.
2. Explore the breathtaking cliffs trails and natural beauty of Punta Sur.
3. Relax on the secluded white sand of Playa Lancheros and soak in those Caribbean rays, coconut in hand.
4. Explore the vibrant coral reef, zipline through the trees and kayak the crystal clear waters at Garrafon Natural Reef Park.
5. Get your hiking boots on and trek to the Punta Sur ecological park and enjoy amazing views of the Caribbean coastline.
6. Check out the underwater museum to see what treasures you can find

Best Hotel in Punta Sur: Villas Coco Resort

You have baths in the bathrooms, rather than the crappy showers you’ll find in much of Mexico as a budget backpacker. Plus the pool here is lovely and relaxing, and it’s one of the most affordable spots in the south for families.

Then there are the things you can book here. Wanna hire a golf cart? No problem. Island tours? They can do that too. Any other awesome stuff? Well, swimming with turtles is pretty incredible if you ask me. Absolutely loved my time here.

Best Hostel in Punta Sur: Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres

The clientele here does tend to skew younger, but small families can benefit from the private rooms in the hotel section of the resort. They offer organised tours of the area alongside many other exciting activities – including kayaking and paddleboarding.

For those that do opt to stay in the hostel, the beds have their own privacy curtains and super comfortable mattresses. The perfect place to meet some new travel buddies and go exploring.

Best Airbnb in Punta Sur: Entire Rental Unit

Up to 4 people can stay in this more budget-friendly rental unit in the south of Isla Mujeres. It’s in a quiet location, and there’s a private beach next door (it costs extra though).

It’s a great spot to go snorkelling without big tourist crowds, which is why I’m such a fan. This is my fave affordable spot in the south for sure.

Which is the best beachfront hotel?

Ixchel Beach Hotel is the dream beachfront hotel in Isla Mujeres. You are located steps away from the white sand beaches and crystal clear, Caribbean sea. The only problem with staying here is you may never want to leave.

Is Isla Mujeres safe for tourists?

Yes, it is safe. However, with any place you visit, it is important to be aware and stay vigilant here, especially after dark, when it’s best to stay in your accommodation.

When you’re taking a dream trip to Isla Mujeres, you don’t want anything to turn it into a nightmare. That’s why good travel insurance for Mexico is super important. It won’t be pleasant if you topple your golf cart after a few too many beverages.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Wanna be near the parties, beaches and bars with a lively atmosphere? Settle down in Playa Norte for a few days. Looking for a quieter spot? Meteorologico or Punta Sur are better options for you.

In case you are still unsure where to perch up, I’ve recapped my top picks below.

Izla Hotel is where I had the most fun, with fantastic connections to the rest of the island. Plus, when you’re surrounded by more locals than tourists, you really get to know a place better. 

For a cheap hostel option, Mayan Monkey has affordable rooms in a (slightly) quieter part of the island.

Do I recommend Isla Mujeres? Damn it, I couldn’t recommend it more. Now it’s over to you, I hope your trip was as magical as mine was in this place that combines touristy clubs and beaches, with more offbeat places to snorkel and have fun.