How to Visit Isla Mujeres and Feel Like a Local (My 7 Insider Tips)

A 7-step guide to avoiding the crowds, finding the best food, and discovering the island's authentic magic.

After living in Playa del Carmen for four months, Isla Mujeres became my favorite escape. It’s a tiny, perfect slice of the Caribbean, but it has one major problem: it’s incredibly easy to fall into the same tourist traps as everyone else and miss what makes it truly special.

While everyone else is rushing to book the latest trending spots like the new Almare Isla Mujeres or checking the buzz around the Fyre Festival 2 rumors, my goal is different. My entire travel philosophy is built on one idea: Stop Touring. Start Belonging.

This isn't a list of "the 7 most popular things to do." This is my personal guide to helping you feel like you’ve been let in on a secret. Let's dive in.

First, A Quick Logistic Tip: Getting There

Before we get to the secrets, let's clear up a common confusion. Many travelers mix up Isla Mujeres with Playa Mujeres. While Playa Mujeres (home to resorts like SLS Playa Mujeres or the Atelier) is on the mainland north of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is an island.

To get here, you need to take the Isla Mujeres Ferry (Ultramar is the main one) from Puerto Juarez. The trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes about 20 minutes, and watching the water change color is where the magic starts.

1. Yes, You Actually Need a Golf Cart

I know, it seems like the most touristy cliché. But trust me on this: it is the single most important key to unlocking the real island. Most tourists stay "stuck" in the crowded northern tip (Playa Norte), where luxury giants like Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets dominate the skyline.

But all the magic—the quiet cliffs, the local colonias, the hidden beaches, and the best views—are to the south. A golf cart isn't just transportation; it's freedom. It lets you stop anywhere, explore tiny side streets, and see the entire island on your own terms.

2. See Mexico’s First Sunrise at Punta Sur

This one is non-negotiable. Punta Sur (the South Point) is the easternmost spot in all of Mexico. This means it’s the very first place in the entire country to see the sun. Set your alarm. Grab a coffee to-go from your hotel. Get in your golf cart while it’s still dark and drive to the cliffs.

Watching the sky light up over the ocean, with a small Mayan temple beside you, is a core memory. You’ll be back at your hotel for breakfast before most people have even woken up.

3. Skip the Hotel Buffet. Eat This Breakfast Instead.

When I was researching the island, I asked other restaurant owners where they go for the best breakfast. They all said the same name: Mango Cafe.

I know there is a huge hype right now around North Garden Isla Mujeres (and for good reason, it looks beautiful), but Mango Cafe remains the OG island legend.

It’s located in the middle of the island, away from the tourist center, and it’s worth the trip. Do yourself a favor and order the Coconut French Toast. It’s what they’re famous for, and it’s the perfect fuel for a day of exploring.

4. Find the Tacos Voted "Best on the Island"

You can find good tacos anywhere, but if you want the best ones, you have to go where the locals go. Forget the main tourist drag. Head to Kantina Los tacos de Humo. This spot was officially voted as having the best tacos on the island. It's unpretentious, cheap, and absolutely authentic. This isn't a "tourist-friendly" spot; it's a local legend.

5. This is the Smartest Happy Hour on the Island

This tip is a game-changer. If you are looking for a party scene and meeting fellow backpackers, the Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres is the place to be (it's super social!). But if you want a laid-back, hidden gem vibe?

Head to EL PATIO CASA DE LA MUSICA between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. They have a daily happy hour with 50% off food and drinks. We’re talking massive plates of coconut shrimp and frozen margaritas the size of your head for just a few dollars, all while listening to live music on the upper terrace. It’s the best deal on the island, hands down.

6. My Favorite "Hidden Gem" for a Sunset Drink

Want to feel like you’ve really discovered something? Get back in your golf cart and drive down the quiet Sac Bajo street. Near the end, you’ll find a place that looks like a total "hole in the wall" called La Palapa del Capitan.

It’s a tiny, authentic local bar with a Caribbean view straight out of a movie. This is where you go to escape the crowds and feel like you’ve found a secret spot only you know about.

7. The Other Perfect Beach (That Isn't Playa Norte)

Look, Playa Norte is famous for a reason—it’s stunning. But it’s also a scene. It's crowded, loud, and lined with beach clubs. Whether you are staying at an all-inclusive Isla Mujeres resort or a small Airbnb, sometimes you just need silence.

When you want to actually relax, head to Playa El Cocal. It’s just next door but feels a world away. It’s far less crowded, more peaceful, and the water is incredibly shallow—you can walk out for hundreds of feet. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset in peace.

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Want All of My "Local" Spots?

I hope these 7 tips help you plan an incredible trip! Honestly, these are just a handful of the hidden gems, local restaurants, quiet beaches, and secret spots I found and personally vetted for my digital map.

If you love this "local-first" approach and want my complete guide, I’ve poured all my research into the "My Daily Journeys: Isla Mujeres Experiences Map." It’s not just a map; it's a shortcut to feeling like you belong there. It includes all my favorite spots, with personal notes, saved directly to your Google Maps.

Isla Mujeres Experiences Map

$32.00

Buy Now

Happy travels,

Maya 🧡