Playa Norte Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres' Playa Norte is a world-renowned beach with impossibly shallow, clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Playa Norte Isla Mujeres
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Isla Mujeres' Playa Norte is a world-renowned beach with impossibly shallow, clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand.
"The most beautiful beach in Mexico is located in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo."
Ferry Choice Matters
Opt for Puerto Juarez ferry for more frequent departures and later returns. Avoid Playa Tortugas if you want flexibility.
Golf Cart License
Don't forget your driver's license to rent a golf cart; it's often a requirement.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playa Norte (North Beach)
Northern tip of Isla Mujeres
World-renowned for its incredibly shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Punta Sur
Southern tip of Isla Mujeres
Dramatic cliffs offering stunning ocean views and the ancient Ixchel temple ruins. Catch the sunrise here for a magical start to your day.
Golf Cart Exploration
Island-wide
Cruise the island at your own pace, discovering hidden coves, local eateries, and breathtaking viewpoints. A quintessential Isla Mujeres experience.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry vs. Tour: Choose Your Adventure
Golf Cart Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry Choice Matters
Opt for Puerto Juarez ferry for more frequent departures and later returns. Avoid Playa Tortugas if you want flexibility.
Golf Cart License
Don't forget your driver's license to rent a golf cart; it's often a requirement.
Cash is King (Sometimes)
While cards are widely accepted, carry some pesos for smaller vendors and golf cart rentals.
Beach Club Strategy
Many beach clubs on Playa Norte have a minimum spend for chair use. Guru and Mayan are popular family-friendly options. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Ferry Choice Matters
Opt for Puerto Juarez ferry for more frequent departures and later returns. Avoid Playa Tortugas if you want flexibility.
Golf Cart License
Don't forget your driver's license to rent a golf cart; it's often a requirement.
Cash is King (Sometimes)
While cards are widely accepted, carry some pesos for smaller vendors and golf cart rentals.
Beach Club Strategy
Many beach clubs on Playa Norte have a minimum spend for chair use. Guru and Mayan are popular family-friendly options. +1
Pack Light for Ferry
You can bring your own umbrella, food, and drinks on the ferry. Seven Elevens are available on the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Norte is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning, shallow turquoise waters and soft sand, making it a paradise for relaxation and families. Visitors love the ease of exploring via golf cart and the vibrant island atmosphere. Some find tours rushed and prefer the flexibility of the ferry. Crowds can be a factor, especially with day-trippers.
"The beach was absolutely beautiful! The water was sargassum free and one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. Right after we got off the ferry we walked 10 minutes to get to Playa Norte and it was so worth it!"
Havane Emik
"It is a nice beach but not much water that you are allowed to swim in. The line is to close to the shore line. Also service at the beach is hit and miss. Sometimes you get service snd sometimes u don’t. It’s easier going to the bar to get a drink. That has been our experience since we first arrived. Hopefully it gets better!
Update: Another question why is you get no bottles of vodka or tequila mini bottles brought to your room to replace those that were here when we first arrived? The only option is beer which we don’t want. Do you get these little bottles replaced or do you have to go buy your own at the store?"
Tristin
"This is the main beach on Isla De Mujeres and you will find many shacks and people here. The water is crystal clear turquoise blue. The white sand makes it a perfect beach to chill and enjoy. Since I visited in month of July, there was slight seaweed in the water and the weather was pretty hot though."
VIPUL TALWARIA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Isla Mujeres is by ferry. You can catch ferries from Puerto Juarez (most frequent departures, last return around 10:30 PM) or from Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol (limited schedules). Tours from Cancun also include ferry transport. +2
For maximum flexibility, the ferry from Puerto Juarez is recommended as it departs every half hour and has later return times.
Yes, you can take a local bus (R1) from downtown Cancun or the hotel zone to beaches like Tortuga Beach, where ferry ticket offices are located. +1
Many tours offer pick-up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya, including catamaran trips. +1
The ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres typically takes about 20-25 minutes. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry tickets can vary, but a round trip for locals is around 200 pesos, and for nationals, it's 260 pesos. Non-residents may pay more. Some tours bundle this cost. +1
It's generally not necessary to book ferry tickets in advance, especially if you're using the Puerto Juarez terminal, as departures are frequent. However, booking through services like CARM can simplify the process.
There is a fee of approximately $100 Mexican pesos per person to enter Punta Sur.
While many activities have costs, simply enjoying Playa Norte, exploring the town on foot, and watching the sunset are free.
Yes, you can bring your own umbrella, food, and drinks on the ferry. There are also convenience stores like Seven Eleven on the island.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Renting a golf cart is the most popular and convenient way to explore the island. Taxis and local buses are also available. +2
Yes, a valid driver's license is typically required to rent a golf cart on Isla Mujeres.
Golf cart rentals can be around $38 USD for the day, or you can rent them by the hour or for 2-hour minimums. Prices can vary. +1
Absolutely! Playa Norte is famous for its extremely shallow and calm waters, making it ideal and safe for toddlers and young children.
Popular and family-friendly beach clubs include Mayan Beach Club and The Mayan. Guru and Zama are also recommended. Many require a minimum spend for chair use. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
For standout tacos, try street vendors or restaurants like Rosa Sirenas and Los Amigos. Many restaurants along the coast offer great food.
Most restaurants and stores on Isla Mujeres accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have some cash for smaller purchases.
Yes, street food vendors offer delicious and affordable options like churros and local snacks. Local eateries and taquerias are also budget-friendly.
Expect fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and international cuisine. Many beach clubs offer a variety of options.
Some day tours to Isla Mujeres include a buffet lunch as part of the package. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Playa Norte's turquoise waters, the dramatic cliffs of Punta Sur, and colorful streets are all fantastic for photos. Don't forget to capture your golf cart adventures!
Yes, the ferry ride offers stunning views of the Cancun skyline and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, perfect for scenic shots.
Playa Norte is an excellent spot to watch and photograph the sunset, offering beautiful colors over the calm water.
The iconic 'ISLA MUJERES' sign near the ferry terminal and the sculptures at Punta Sur are popular photo spots.
Exploring the less-trafficked southern part of the island by golf cart can lead to unique and less crowded photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Isla Mujeres: Ferry vs. Tour
Alternatively, numerous day tours from Cancun and the Riviera Maya bundle transportation, often via catamaran, with activities like snorkeling and lunch. These tours can be convenient, especially if you prefer an all-inclusive experience. However, some visitors find them rushed and prefer the freedom of the ferry.
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a local bus (R1) to the ferry terminal is a cost-effective way to start your journey.
Exploring Isla Mujeres: The Golf Cart Experience
It's advisable to book your golf cart in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out quickly.
Playa Norte: Paradise Found
Along Playa Norte, you'll find numerous beach clubs offering lounge chairs, umbrellas, food, and drink service. Many operate on a minimum spend basis, typically around $25 USD per person, which is easily achievable given the quality of the offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit