This article contains affiliate links. When you book a hotel, a car rental or an activity through these links, we receive a commission from the advertiser at no extra cost to you 💕. By using them, you support us while paying exactly the same price 🙏. We earn a commission from the advertiser at no extra cost to you 💕. Thank you!
Our partners
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 🇲🇽
Isla Mujeres is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, just 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Cancún, known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water 😊. It was the last stop on our month-long road trip in Mexico, in October 2021: Adeline and I spent 3 nights there. The most beautiful beaches are in the north of the island, and we tell you everything in our article Playa Norte Isla Mujeres: our honest review.
According to Mayan legend, the island was dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of the moon and fertility. Women came from all over the region to make offerings to her, and the Spanish are said to have found many female statues when they arrived: that’s supposedly where the name Isla Mujeres, “island of women,” comes from.
In this article, we show you the south of Isla Mujeres, our real favorite on the island 💖: Punta Sur and its cliffs, and Garrafón de Castilla beach. For us, the south is much prettier and quieter than the north 👇
THE MAP OF OUR MEXICO ROAD TRIP 🗺️
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve gathered every place from our 30-day road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽 on an interactive map: cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches and stopover towns, from Yucatán to Quintana Roo. Click on each pin to discover the place in detail 📍. And to keep it handy during your trip, open it in Google Maps: you’ll find it easily on your phone 📱.
Our itinerary
Our trip to Mexico
1 month8 stops2 states: Yucatán & Quintana RooCar + ferry to the islands
The stops, in order
- 1
Cancún
1 night
Arrival by plane, then last night before the flight home
- 2
Holbox
3 nights
Beaches, sunsets and a timeless vibe
- 3
Valladolid
5 nights
Suytun, Oxman, Ik Kil, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam
- 4
Mérida
3 nights
Uxmal and the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá
- 5
Bacalar
5 nights
The lagoon of seven colors and its cenotes
- 6
Tulum
4 nights
Ruins, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Cenote Azul and Calavera
- 7
Cozumel
4 nights
Scuba diving and snorkeling
- 8
Isla Mujeres
3 nights
Jet skiing, beaches and the end of the road trip
PUNTA SUR, THE SOUTHERN TIP OF ISLA MUJERES 😍
Punta Sur is the southern tip of the island, and the easternmost point in Mexico. To get there, we took a taxi: in 2021, it cost 100 pesos (€5) from downtown. Entry cost us 30 pesos per person (€1.70).
This is where you get the most beautiful views on the island: the Caribbean Sea as far as the eye can see, Cancún bay and Isla Mujeres bay. You can even go down close to the water to admire that turquoise sea up close 😍. The site also has the remains of a small temple dedicated to Ixchel and a sculpture garden on the clifftop.
During our visit, the sun ☀️ was beating down hard, and we were quickly drenched in sweat (as during our whole trip to Mexico, really 😅). We came across tons of iguanas, some of them really huge 😱. Plan about 1 hour for the visit, depending on your pace.
GARRAFÓN DE CASTILLA, OUR PERFECT PLAN B ⛱️
GARRAFÓN PARK, TOO EXPENSIVE FOR US
At first, we wanted to go to Garrafón Park, a nature park with activities in the south of the island. But in 2021, it cost 1,000 pesos per person, so 2,000 pesos for the two of us (€100): an astronomical sum for us 😡. Today, expect about 1,500 pesos (€75) per person according to some sources, activities and meals included.
A QUIET BEACH FOR SNORKELING
As always, we had a plan B: 200 meters away is Garrafón de Castilla, a small beach with a beach club. In 2021, entry cost 100 pesos per person (€5), lounger included: much better 😛. There were very few of us on the beach, and we spent a good part of the day there, with lunch on site. We even chatted with a French family, it was really nice.
The water was warm ♨️, with gorgeous white sand and lots of fish. Snorkeling, we saw a starfish, lots of fish and sea urchins: beautiful marine life 🐠. And if you love snorkeling, don’t miss our snorkeling day in Cozumel, even more spectacular.
It’s up to you whether Garrafón Park is worth the price 💭: for us, Garrafón de Castilla was perfect.
NORTH OR SOUTH OF ISLA MUJERES? 🤔
- 🏖️ The north: Playa Norte, its white-sand beaches and sunsets, but also downtown, the hotels and many more people.
- 🌊 The south: Punta Sur, its cliffs and incredible views, and quieter beaches like Garrafón de Castilla. No shade, though, and the sun beats down hard.
For us, the south is much prettier and more authentic. Ideally, do both: the north takes half a day, the south a full day.
HOW TO GET TO ISLA MUJERES ⏳
BY FERRY FROM CANCÚN
The only way to reach the island is by ferry. We took it from Cancún’s port at Puerto Juárez, north of the city. The Ultramar company also leaves from the Hotel Zone. Today, expect about 290 pesos one way (€14) and 580 pesos round trip (€28) per adult, for a 15- to 30-minute crossing. All the details are in our article Playa Norte.
WHAT ABOUT THE CAR?
Throughout our road trip, the rental car was essential for discovering Mexico. But on Isla Mujeres, it’s useless and not recommended at all: we left it in the parking lot at Cancún’s port, for 100 pesos a day (€5) in 2021, so 300 to 400 pesos for our stay.
RENTING A CAR IN MEXICO 🚗
To explore Yucatán and Quintana Roo, we think a rental car is the best option: you’re free to string together cenotes, Mayan sites and beaches at your own pace, without depending on bus schedules or organized tours 🌴.
We did our whole one-month road trip by car, and everything went really well. Here’s the agency we used and recommend, plus an alternative if you’d rather compare 👇
Our rental tip
Renting a car in Mexico
The agency we used, and an alternative to compare.
TouraCancun
Car rental in Mexico
We rented with them for our whole road trip: we recommend them without hesitation!
Our budget€95028 days, insurance included · ~€34/day
- Tested for 1 month
- Pick-up in Cancún
- Our go-to in Mexico
DiscoverCars
Rental comparison site
To compare several rental companies in a single search.
Excellent rating290,000+ Trustpilot reviews
- 1,000+ rental companies compared
- Free cancellation
- 24/7 support
To compare before you choose
Good to know before you rent
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatoryIn Mexico, it's often not included in the price shown online: check before you pay.
- A deposit on a credit cardAn amount is held on your card for the whole rental. Bring a card with a high enough limit.
- Your French driving license is enoughIt's accepted for tourists. The international driving permit is optional: only if you want one.
- Photos and video at pick-upFilm the car from every angle when you collect it, to avoid any dispute when you return it.
- Filling up at the gas stationCheck that the pump meter is at zero before the attendant starts.
- Watch out for “topes”These speed bumps are everywhere, sometimes without a sign: slow down as you enter villages.
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND: TAXI OR GOLF CART
- 🚕 By taxi: that’s what we did to get to the south. In 2021, we paid 100 pesos (€5) to Punta Sur.
- 🛺 By golf cart (“carrito”): the most popular way to get around, but expect about €55 to €85 a day, more in high season.
- 🛵 By scooter: another option, to rent on site.
- 🚶 On foot: perfect in the north, but the south is too far.
All our car tips are in our article Car rental in Mexico: avoiding scams.
DISCOVER THE MAYAN SITES NEARBY 🦎
Explore the Mayan sites near this spot through nearly 40 articles dedicated to the Yucatán and Quintana Roo 🌍. Discover our tips, itineraries, historical stories, reviews and much more to make the most of your travel experience and dive 100% into discovering Mexico! It’s the perfect time to carefully plan your vacation ✈️.
DISCOVER THE CENOTES NEARBY 🧐
It’s time to explore the cenotes near this spot on my travel blog about Mexico to make the most of your stay 🌟! You’ll find details about the history of these cenotes, our honest review, and captivating photos of your future discoveries 🌍. These articles will be essential resources to plan your trip to Mexico! 🗺️📸
PRICES FOR VISITS IN THE SOUTH OF ISLA MUJERES ⏰
- 🌅 Punta Sur: in 2021, we paid 30 pesos per person (€1.70). The price may have gone up: check on site.
- ⛱️ Garrafón de Castilla: 100 pesos per person (€5) in 2021, lounger included.
- 🐠 Garrafón Park: 1,000 pesos per person in 2021, about 1,500 pesos (€75) today according to some sources.
- 🚕 Taxi to Punta Sur: 100 pesos (€5) in 2021.
- ⛴️ Ferry from Cancún: about 580 pesos (€28) round trip today.
- 💵 Payment: bring pesos. We explain everything in Where to withdraw money in Mexico.
WHERE TO STAY ON ISLA MUJERES? 🏡
During our 3 nights on the island, we stayed at the Bahía Tolok hotel. Most hotels are in the north of the island, near Playa Norte and downtown, from where you can do almost everything on foot. To find yours, check our picks in the “Where to stay in Mexico” block further down the article.
THINGS TO KNOW 🥰
As always, here are our tips for discovering the south of Isla Mujeres:
- 🚕 To get to Punta Sur, a taxi is easy and cheap.
- 🛺 A golf cart is handy, but expensive by the day.
- 🚗 Leave your rental car in the parking lot at Cancún’s port.
- ☀️ No shade at Punta Sur: a hat, water and a UV shirt are essential.
- 🦎 Iguanas are everywhere, and some are huge!
- 🐠 Bring your mask and snorkel for Garrafón de Castilla.
- 💸 The island is very touristy, so everything costs more.
- 💧 The water is warm, it’s so pleasant.
- 👃 Downtown, the smell of gasoline from the golf carts is very noticeable.
OUR REVIEW OF THE SOUTH OF ISLA MUJERES 💭
The south of Isla Mujeres is truly worth the detour, whether for the beautiful scenery or just to relax. It’s easy to reach by taxi and fairly cheap. On the other hand, there’s no shade and the sun beats down hard. It’s the complete opposite of the north, which is much more touristy and, in our view, less interesting.
Isla Mujeres is a small island that’s quick to visit, but it’s developing very fast, and you can feel it. To be honest: downtown really smells of gasoline 👃. Golf carts and scooters drive around nonstop on a tiny island, and the smell is everywhere. It takes nothing away from the beauty of the south, but it’s good to know before you go.
👉 What about you? Are you more northern beaches or southern cliffs on Isla Mujeres?
FAQ: YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SOUTH OF ISLA MUJERES ❓
Here are the questions we’re asked most often about the south of Isla Mujeres. Have another one? Ask it in the comments 😉.
In 2021, we paid 30 pesos per person (€1.70). The price may have gone up since, but it’s still very affordable.
The island’s best views over the Caribbean Sea, the remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, a sculpture garden and lots of iguanas.
Garrafón Park is an expensive park with activities: 1,000 pesos per person in 2021, about 1,500 pesos (€75) today. Garrafón de Castilla is a small neighboring beach, 100 pesos (€5) in 2021, lounger included: our pick.
By taxi (100 pesos, or €5, in 2021 from downtown), golf cart or scooter. It’s too far to walk from the north.
It’s not essential. It’s handy for touring the island, but expect about €55 to €85 a day. A taxi is enough to get to the south.
By Ultramar ferry, from Puerto Juárez or the Hotel Zone. Expect about 580 pesos (€28) round trip and a 15- to 30-minute crossing.
Yes, at Garrafón de Castilla we saw a starfish, lots of fish and sea urchins. Garrafón Park also offers snorkeling.
The north for Playa Norte and its sunsets, the south for Punta Sur’s scenery and the peace and quiet. For us, the south is prettier.
About 1 hour for Punta Sur, then half a day or a full day at Garrafón de Castilla beach.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO 🏨
During our one-month road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽, we stayed in 8 different towns, alternating between Airbnbs and hotels. And we were always very happy with where we stayed 😇.
We deliberately avoided “All Inclusive” packages. It’s not our idea of travel: we’d rather be in the heart of towns and villages, eat local and discover the country at our own pace 🌮.
OUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO STAY
- 📅 Book ahead in high season: the best places go fast and prices climb.
- 🚗 Private or secure parking if you’re traveling with a rental car. You’ll see, it’s not always available, but depending on the town it can be really worth having.
- ❄️ Air conditioning: essential in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where it’s hot all year round.
- 🏊 A pool: up to you whether you want one at some of your stays, because it can quickly push the price up.
- 📍 A place close to the center: so you can do everything on foot in the evening. That said, if you like places outside town and you have the car, nothing forces you to stay near the center
- ✅ Free cancellation, to keep your itinerary flexible.
AIRBNB OR HOTEL IN MEXICO?
Both have their advantages. An Airbnb is ideal for more space, a kitchen and living like a local. A hotel is more convenient for one or two nights passing through, with a reception desk and often breakfast included. As for us, we liked both. It all depends on what you want, whether you’re with family, solo or as a couple, and how you like to travel.
HOW MUCH DOES ACCOMMODATION COST IN MEXICO?
There’s something for every taste and every budget. We paid between €40 and €100 a night for two. To be completely transparent with you: €1,800 for 29 nights, or about €62 a night on average (that was in 2021, prices may have changed since).
👇 Here are the 8 places where we slept during our road trip, with our review of each one.
Tested during our road trip
Our 8 places to stay in Mexico
AirbnbHotel
-
AirbnbHolbox
An incredible room, with the pool right next door to cool off. Just perfect!
- Room
- Pool right next door
- Incredible room
- Hotel
Valladolid
A stunning setting and a super spacious room, ideal for catching your breath between two cenotes.
- Very spacious room
- Pool
- On-site massages
- Airbnb
Mérida
A whole house just for us, with a small pool to relax.
- Whole house
- Small pool
- A bit out of the way
- Hotel
Bacalar
A gorgeous place right in the town center, with a superb pool.
- Hotel
- Superb pool
- Town center, far from the lagoon
- Airbnb
Tulum
A whole place with a pool, but very far out: you'll need the car.
- Whole place
- Pool
- Far out, car essential
- Airbnb
Cozumel
A clean, well-located studio, so you can do everything on foot from the town center.
- Studio
- Clean and well designed
- Close to the center
- Hotel
Isla Mujeres
A beautiful seafront hotel with a magnificent pool.
- Hotel
- Magnificent pool
- Seafront, a bit out of the way
- Hotel
Cancún
Right next to the airport: perfect for the first or last night of the trip.
- Hotel
- Close to the airport
- Ideal for the 1st or last night
MY MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR 🧳
It’s a question that comes up a lot when preparing a trip “What should I bring?” That’s why you’ll find below some essential travel accessories to set off on vacation with peace of mind (your documents kept safe) 🛡️ . Planning ahead and getting these items in advance helps you save money and avoid paying for some of them on the spot, where they’ll cost you much more 💸 These are the accessories we took to Mexico and still use for every destination we travel to 👇.
Our road trip checklist
What to pack for Mexico?
Most of these items came with us throughout our 30-day road trip.
0 / 12 in my suitcase · check what you already have
- Essential
ElectronicsUniversal travel adapter
In Mexico, outlets are the American type: French chargers won't fit.
- Essential
ElectronicsPower bank
Long days between ruins and cenotes: your phone lasts until evening.
- Essential
Health & protectionBiodegradable sunscreen
Mineral and biodegradable, kinder to cenotes and reefs.
- Essential
Health & protectionMosquito repellent
Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially in the evening and near the jungle.
- Essential
Cenotes & beachWaterproof phone pouch
To film in cenotes and at the beach without any risk.
- Recommended
Health & protectionFilter water bottle
Tap water isn't drinkable in Mexico: filter it and avoid plastic.
- Recommended
Health & protectionTravel first-aid kit
Band-aids, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds: enough to handle small issues.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWaterproof bag
Papers and keys kept dry on boats, at the beach or by the cenotes.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWater shoes
For slippery cenote steps and rocky seabeds.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachMicrofiber towel
Light and quick-drying: perfect for swim after swim.
- Bonus
Travel & securityTSA lock
To lock your suitcase on the plane, with no risk of it being broken at security.
- Bonus
Travel & securityAirTag
To track your suitcase if your luggage is delayed or lost.
OUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS IN MEXICO 
During our 30-day road trip in Mexico 
, we filmed everything! From Holbox to Cancún, by way of Valladolid, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, we take you along with us step by step in our vlogs.
You’ll discover the cenotes we swam in, the Mayan sites we explored, the beaches that made us dream, our places to stay, our favorite spots to eat… and above all our honest take on each place: what amazed us, and what disappointed us a little 
.
If you’re planning your trip, or simply dreaming of getting away, these videos will give you a real glimpse of Mexico, far from the tourist brochures.
Our road trip on video
Our YouTube videos in Mexico
Now watching: Episode 1 · Discovering Mexico & Holbox
21 minEpisode 1Discovering Mexico & Holbox- 17 minEpisode 2Cenotes & Mayan cities
- 9 minEpisode 3Mérida, Uxmal, Cuzamá & the bats
- 13 minEpisode 4Bacalar, a hidden paradise
- 12 minEpisode 5Tulum, Coba, Sian Ka'an & Cenote Azul
- 12 minEpisode 6Cozumel, diving & snorkeling
- 17 minEpisode 7Isla Mujeres, jet skiing & the end of the road trip
21 min
17 min
9 min
13 min
12 min
12 min
17 minTHANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
Thanks for reading this article all the way to the end 🙏! We hope it helps you plan your trip.
A question, a doubt about your itinerary, or simply want to tell us what you thought? Write to us in the comments. Your messages also help other travelers plan their trip, and they always make us very happy 💚.
And if our articles are useful to you, a quick review on Google or Trustpilot helps us enormously to spread the word about the blog ⭐. Thanks for following us!