Isla Mujeres is the name of a small island, as well as the town on that island, a short distance off the coast of the northeast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. Isla Mujeres is also one of the eight municipalities of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is about 13 km northeast of Cancún, at 21.20° North, 86.72° West. The island is some 7 km long and 650 meters wide. In the 2005 census the municipality had a population of 13,315, and the town had a population of 11,147. The municipality, which lies mostly on the mainland in the northeastern corner of the state, has an area of 1,100 km² (424.7 sq mi).

Transportation on Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis or golf carts and moped scooters. As of 2005 there were 121 taxis, 500 golf carts, and 1500 moped scooters.

Since the 1970s there has been substantial development for tourism here. Ferry boats run every half hour during daylight between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Juárez or Puerto Cancún on the mainland. The island is popular with day trippers, but activity quiets down in the evening after the tour groups leave. There are numerous places to eat fresh seafood, as well as Maya cuisine. Hotel prices vary from cheap to very expensive at the resorts on the southwest end such as Hotel Villa Rolandi. On the east is the Caribbean Sea with a strong surf and rocky coast, and on the west the skyline of Cancún is seen across the clear waters. On the north end is Isla Town, which harbors the famous Hidalgo Street, where many shops and restaurants are located. Also located on the north end is a famous beach called Playa del Norte which has recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005.

There is wonderful snorkling at Garrafon. If you want to island hop, you can stay in Cancun, take a $3.50 quick ferry ride to Isla Mujeres and go snorkling at Garrafon. There are more fish to see than in Cancun as there is less activity and less tourists there to scare them away. Tip- Leave early to catch the sun hitting the aqua blue waters! The 1st ferry from Cancun leaves at 6:00 am.

At the cemetery at the north end of the island there is the grave of a real pirate with crossbones and scull. His small house and lands at the south end, offers a look at the island's land formations, plant life and wildlife such as butterflies and lizards.  There are only cages of spider monkeys  and some wild pigs left in the failing zoo.   It costs 2 dollars to get in but to enjoy this sight you must look for what is there not what you want to see.

The Mayan ruins are small, only one wall is standing.  They charge to walk out to see them and say that the money is for the art metal sculptures that line the area.  Do climb the lighthouse and take in the view, 360 degrees of beauty was worth the ride.

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Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs, and the area is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for the rehabilitation and breeding of them. This facility is open to the public.

Playa Cocoteros is the main beach on Isla Mujeres and is near the ferry terminal. Its location makes it the most crowded beach on the island. The most popular beach for snorkeling is Playa Lancheros in Garrafon National Park at the southern end of the island. A reef makes the location ideal for snorkeling, but it is also very crowded. Facilities are available. Playa Langosta, located on Makax Lagoon on Isla Mujeres' eastern side, is another great beach and is often less crowded than the other beaches. There are several restaurants and facilities.

Deals on Isla Mujeres Hotels

• Hotel Villa Rolandi
• Isla Mujeres Palace
• Ixchel Beach Hotel
• Villa Vera Puerto Isla Mujeres
• Los Arcos Suites
• Casa Ixchel
• Avalon Reef Club Isla Mujeres
• Villas Hinaha
• Perla del Caribe Hotel
• Unik Resort

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