What to Do on Isla Mujeres in One Day

Getting there

Xcaret Xailing departs from El Embarcadero, in the Hotel Zone, and crosses in about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the sea. Ultramar departs from Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol, and asks you to be at the terminal 30 minutes early.

Early: Punta Sur

It is the easternmost point of Mexico: cliffs over the open sea and a sculpture park that, according to the municipality, holds 17 sculptures telling the island's story. The municipality says the first rays of sun in the country land here, and every January 1 it is celebrated.

The temple of Ixchel

Punta Sur holds the remains of a small Maya temple to Ixchel, goddess of the moon, fertility and medicine. Hurricane Gilbert, in 1988, destroyed almost all of it: today the foundations and part of the walls remain.

In the 16th century, the Spanish found female figures left as offerings to Ixchel. That is where the island's name comes from.

Snorkeling at Garrafón

At the southern tip of the island, Garrafón is the place to get in the water from the shore, to snorkel or dive.

The afternoon at Playa Norte

To close the day, Playa Norte, at the northern tip: fine white sand and calm, shallow water. It is the island's beach for staying until the sun goes down.

What is closed today

Many guides still recommend the Tortugranja turtle farm, but Profepa shut it down in 2021 and it was still closed in March 2026. Hacienda Mundaca has also been closed to the public for years. Better not to plan your day around either one.

Questions we get

How much time do I need for Isla Mujeres?

One day is enough for Punta Sur, Garrafón and Playa Norte. The island is about 7 to 8 km from end to end.

Can I go and come back the same day from Cancún?

Yes. The ferry crosses in about 20 to 30 minutes from the Hotel Zone or Puerto Juárez.

Is the Tortugranja still open?

No. Profepa shut it down in 2021 and it was still closed in March 2026.