Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres), Cancún
An upscale resort haven known for pristine, sargassum-free beaches and luxurious all-inclusive experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal weather, less humidity.
Playa Mujeres (Costa Mujeres), Cancún
Best Time
Ideal weather, less humidity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An upscale resort haven known for pristine, sargassum-free beaches and luxurious all-inclusive experiences.
"Playa Mujeres offers a serene escape with stunning beaches, often untouched by sargassum."
🚢 Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the ferry from Puerto Juarez for more flexible return times than other departure points.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tip around $1 per drink, $5 for lunch, and $10-20 for dinner. Bring cash in smaller denominations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Beaches
Playa Mujeres coastline
Enjoy soft white sands and calm, turquoise waters, often less crowded than other Cancun beaches.

Isla Mujeres Day Trip
Ferry from Puerto Juarez
A short ferry ride to a vibrant island known for Playa Norte, snorkeling, and colorful streets.

Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts
Various resorts in Playa Mujeres
Experience top-tier service, gourmet dining, and extensive amenities in a sophisticated setting.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Sargassum
Resort Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the ferry from Puerto Juarez for more flexible return times than other departure points.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tip around $1 per drink, $5 for lunch, and $10-20 for dinner. Bring cash in smaller denominations.
📱 Resort Apps
Download your resort's app for class schedules, restaurant menus, and event calendars.
🚗 Transportation
Resorts can arrange taxis. For rides back to Cancun, consider DiDi or Uber, but be aware of potential local taxi friction.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to Isla Mujeres
Take the ferry from Puerto Juarez for more flexible return times than other departure points.
💰 Tipping Etiquette
Tip around $1 per drink, $5 for lunch, and $10-20 for dinner. Bring cash in smaller denominations.
📱 Resort Apps
Download your resort's app for class schedules, restaurant menus, and event calendars.
🚗 Transportation
Resorts can arrange taxis. For rides back to Cancun, consider DiDi or Uber, but be aware of potential local taxi friction.
🌊 Sargassum-Free Beaches
Playa Mujeres is often less affected by sargassum, offering clearer waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Mujeres is highly praised for its beautiful, often sargassum-free beaches and luxurious, tranquil resort atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the high level of service and the convenience of all-inclusive options. Some find the area too resort-centric, with limited off-resort dining and entertainment, and transportation to Cancun can be a consideration.
"We had an amazing stay, everyone here is amazing. The customer service is impeccable. People treated us so nice and personable. My girlfriend lost her phone in the lazy river and they had it back to us in ten minutes. They went above & beyond and are very accommodating. Everyone always greets you with a smile. Also, shout out to Andrei in the beverage department - he kept our room stocked with drinks and snacks and always went the extra mile for us. We will definitely be back for another vacation soon."
Jeff Leone
"Currently celebrating our 1 year anniversary its the experience has been as amazing as it was when we came on our honeymoon. Sully and Yuediel at the Exclusive beach concierge had made my wife and me feel special and well taken care of. They have been attentive and wonderful host. Thanks the beach waiters for always being there when we needed something and creating us with a smile. Juan from the kitchen table was excellent and gave us good recommendation from the menu. The massage specialist Giovanni gave the best deep tissue message i have ever had. We leave Sunday but we are definitely planning on coming back to Excellence next year!!"
Joshua
"We had a wonderful stay at the Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres in August. Every single thing was above expectations! The pool and beach areas were meticulously maintained all day and the staff were attentive and friendly. Every restaurant was incredible. We had no bad meals and loved the Kitchen Table for buffet breakfast each day.
Beyond the resort itself, the people that kept the whole place running were over the top fun, friendly and amazing who always remember a face. A few stand-outs that we want to mention are: Raul at concierge for everything. Israel at Milo who took great care of our big group at two tables. Julybed who made a sand design on the beach for our anniversary was so creative! Daniel and bartenders for an entertaining time at Whisper. Every person at Excellence Coral made this trip and resort extra special. Thank you!"
Jennifer & Justin Kennedy-Mills
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most resorts in Playa Mujeres offer airport transfers, often included in your booking. Alternatively, you can arrange private transfers or take a taxi. The drive is approximately 30-40 minutes.
Getting to Cancun's Hotel Zone or downtown requires a taxi or rideshare service, taking about 30-40 minutes.
Some travelers find Uber or DiDi reliable for return trips, though local taxis are also available.Public bus access directly from Playa Mujeres resorts is limited. You'll likely need to rely on resort-arranged taxis or rideshares for transportation to areas with bus routes.
The most convenient way is to take a taxi or Uber to Puerto Juarez, where ferries depart regularly for Isla Mujeres.
Some tours also offer direct pick-up.Taxis are available, but typically need to be called by your resort's bellboys.
Be sure to confirm rates beforehand.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For resort-based activities, booking is usually handled internally. For day trips like Isla Mujeres, booking tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Resorts are generally open 24/7 for guests. Restaurants and bars within the resorts have their own operating hours, which can be found on the resort's app or website.
The beaches in Playa Mujeres are generally accessible to guests of the resorts located there. Public access may be limited.
Day tours to Isla Mujeres can range from $50 to $100 USD, often including transportation, snorkeling, and a buffet.
Yes, you can take the ferry from Puerto Juarez and explore Isla Mujeres independently, renting a golf cart or using taxis to get around.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Popular choices include The Excellence Playa Mujeres, TRS Coral Hotel, and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres.
Many are adults-only or offer adult-focused sections.Resorts offer a wide range of activities like water sports, fitness classes, and evening entertainment.
Nearby, you can explore Isla Mujeres or enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.While many resorts cater to adults, some like Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres offer family-friendly options.
Consider resorts with dedicated kids' clubs and pools.The water is typically calm, clear, and a beautiful turquoise color, making it ideal for swimming and water activities.
Yes, snorkeling tours often visit the Meco reef and the underwater museum near Isla Mujeres, offering vibrant marine life and underwater sculptures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Playa Mujeres is dominated by all-inclusive resorts, offering multiple on-site restaurants with diverse cuisines, from Mexican to Italian and French.
Dining options outside the resorts are limited within Playa Mujeres itself. Many visitors opt for day trips to Isla Mujeres or Cancun for a wider culinary selection.
Tipping is appreciated. A common practice is $10-20 for dinner, depending on the service and meal complexity.
Most resorts offer extensive breakfast buffets and à la carte options. Some hotels on Isla Mujeres also offer brunch experiences.
Expect a wide variety, including international buffets, à la carte fine dining (Mexican, Italian, French, Asian), and casual beachside grills.
📸 📸 Photography
The pristine beaches with their turquoise waters, the luxurious resort architecture, and the vibrant streets of Isla Mujeres are all highly photogenic.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly stunning over the ocean.
Drone usage is typically restricted within resort properties and protected natural areas. Always check local regulations and resort policies before flying.
The underwater museum sculptures near Isla Mujeres, the colorful buildings on Isla Mujeres, and the unique resort designs offer great photo ops.
Focus on the vibrant colors of the water and sand. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the beach and consider including palm trees or resort elements for context.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For day trips, Isla Mujeres offers a more relaxed vibe than the bustling Cancun hotel zone, making it a good option for families. Playa Norte's shallow waters are a major plus for younger swimmers. Consider booking family-friendly tours that cater to different age groups.
🥂 Couples & Honeymooners
Consider a sunset catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres or a romantic dinner at one of the resort's specialty restaurants. The sophisticated ambiance and high level of service make it ideal for honeymoons and anniversaries.
💰 Budget Travelers
For excursions, opting for independent travel to Isla Mujeres via the public ferry from Puerto Juarez can be more economical than organized tours. Researching local eateries on Isla Mujeres or in Cancun can also offer more affordable dining options compared to resort prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Sargassum
While sargassum is a natural phenomenon, its presence can significantly impact beach vacations. By opting for Playa Mujeres, visitors increase their chances of experiencing the pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters that the Caribbean is famous for, without the unsightly seaweed.
It's still advisable to check local reports closer to your travel dates, but Playa Mujeres remains a top recommendation for those concerned about sargassum.
The All-Inclusive Experience
Travelers often praise the high level of service and the convenience of having everything readily available. From swim-up suites to diverse culinary experiences, the all-inclusive model in Playa Mujeres aims to provide a seamless and luxurious vacation. Some resorts even offer adults-only sections for a more tranquil atmosphere.
While the focus is on resort living, it's worth noting that some travelers express a desire for more off-resort excursions. However, the convenience and quality of the all-inclusive offerings are a major draw for many seeking a relaxing getaway.
Day Trips to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is famous for Playa Norte, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, offering incredibly shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore the island's colorful downtown area, visit the Punta Sur sculpture park, or go snorkeling at the Meco reef and the underwater museum.
Several tour operators offer all-inclusive day trips to Isla Mujeres, which typically include catamaran transportation with an open bar, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore the island. These tours provide a hassle-free way to experience the best of Isla Mujeres.
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