A Digital Nomad Guide to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Visa

Mexico has some of the best visa conditions for digital nomads in the world. Most nationalities are eligible to stay in the country for up to six months on a tourist visa which is completely free and very easy to obtain. In most cases, this will be more than enough time to spend in Isla Mujeres or the rest of Yucatan. Just make sure you’re only working and earning money online, as working locally is prohibited on this visa.

If six months are not enough for you to explore Mexico, you could apply for a temporary resident visa. This is not an easy process, but it’s worth it if you’ve fallen in love with Mexico and want to make the country your home for a while. The visa is valid for up to 4 years and only costs 36$. This is almost unheard of in the world of digital nomad visas. It’s incredibly affordable and lets you have a lot more freedom during your time in Mexico and do things such as buying a car or opening a bank account. However, the process of obtaining a temporary resident visa is extensive and will require you to have all the correct documents. You’ll also most likely have to do an interview process at a nearby embassy, so consider carefully whether you really need this visa or if the regular tourist visa is enough. Six months is usually enough time to spend in Mexico, and you can always exit the country and return later.

Culture and Food in Isla Mujeres

Mexico is world-famous for its delicious cuisine and arguably one of the best places to live as a digital nomad when it comes to culinary experiences. When you think of Mexican food, tacos and burritos might come to mind. However, there is actually so much more to Mexican food than just the Americanised versions you might know from your home country.

Tacos are, of course, one of Mexico’s most famous recipes, but nothing tastes better than an authentic street food taco prepared in a traditional way. Tacos in Yucatan usually contain some sort of meat but are also available as vegetarian options. They’re topped with pico de gallo or salsa verde and taste absolutely delicious. The best thing is that since they’re so small, you can have two, three or even more of them in one sitting. There are many restaurants around Isla Mujeres that make incredible tacos. Los Tacos de Humo, which is located in Playa Norte, is an excellent choice, for example. Prices are reasonable, and the tacos are to die for. For delicious street food in Isla Mujeres, the Mercado Municipal is definitely the place to go. There are lots of options to choose from, and the prices are absolutely unbeatable. All dishes are prepared authentically and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Another dish you need to try during your time in Isla Mujeres and the rest of Yucatan is Cochinita Pibil. This is one of the most iconic dishes of the area and consists of slow-roasted suckling pig served in tortillas with beans and onion. It’s somewhat similar to a taco but has such a specific taste that you absolutely need to try it. The pig is roasted underground in banana leaves, and only the best cuts are used. You’ll find Cochinita Pibil in restaurants around the island or served as street food. The restaurant La Lomita is continuously rated as one of the best eateries for authentic Mexican food on the island. Their guacamole is especially good, and they also serve fantastic margaritas. Make sure to stop by for lunch or dinner at least once during your time on the island.

Mexico is a diverse place, and its culture is colourful and absolutely mesmerising. Everything here is about art, and every street corner seems to have something new in-store. Mexican music is a huge part of the local culture, and you’ll often encounter street musicians or live music playing in the evenings. There are plenty of opportunities in Isla Mujeres to shop for hand-crafted souvenirs to take home, which include beautiful statues, colourful figurines and hand-painted china. You can also find lots of colourful fabrics and clothing items which are perfect for the hot weather.

Mexico also has its ancient Mayan culture, which is still present today. Isla Mujeres is home to the ruins of a former Mayan temple and was once considered a spiritual site by the Mayans. Some relics of this ancient society still exist today in this area of Yucatan, and it’s a fascinating culture to learn about.

Isla Mujeres Nightlife

Cancun and Playa del Carmen definitely steal the show when it comes to nightlife in Quintana Roo. However, considering how small Isla Mujeres is, the nightlife is surprisingly decent if you know what to expect. This is not the place to come if you enjoy wild parties every night, though. The mainland will be much better suited for that. Isla Mujeres is better for small bars, live music and then the occasional beach party. There are some venues that stay open quite late, though.

The island’s nightlife is almost exclusively concentrated in the north, close to Playa Norte. This is where most of the tourists stay, so coming here in the evening will be your best bet for a fun night out. Jax Bar and Grill is one of the island’s most popular bars. They have live music almost every night and even have a small dance floor. The bar is American-themed, and they also serve food so you can have dinner before you start drinking margaritas. Then there is Kokonuts which is probably the closest thing Isla Mujeres has to a nightclub. This place stays open very late and is always good if you want to dance the night away.

The Selina Hostel is also a great spot to party on the island. They often host a DJ and have parties on the beach on weekends. In addition to Kokonuts, this is probably the place that stays open the latest on the island and parties here are known to go way past midnight.

Of course, there are a lot of more laid back bars in Isla Mujeres as well. There is a great selection of places to choose from, and most of your nights in Isla Mujeres will most likely be spent with a drink in a bar somewhere. For example, you can enjoy cocktails and music at Terraza Isla Mujeres. Some of the most beautiful spots for drinks are located along the beach. You can sit outside, watch the waves and maybe even dip your feet in the water if you want. Buho’s is one of the most popular beach bars on the island, and their cocktails are absolutely incredible. The Na Balam Hotel is another fantastic choice and a favourite among tourists. They serve delicious tapas, and although drinks can be a little pricey, it’s more than worth it for the incredible sunset views. For a more local and authentic experience, head to La Tablita, which plays Spanish music and serves little snacks you can enjoy alongside a cold beer. While you don’t need to drink to go out in Isla Mujeres, it is definitely quite common in Mexico. Fortunately, the beer is relatively light and refreshing, and you can order cocktails without alcohol if you like. Of course, drinking tequila is very common, and since it’s produced in the country, you should try it at least once. Alcohol is quite affordable, which makes going out in Isla Mujeres relatively budget-friendly for digital nomads.

Things to do in Isla Mujeres

• Rent a golf cart

Isla Mujeres is a small island. One of the most fun things to do here is to rent a golf cart and explore the area. Golf carts are easy to drive and don’t go very fast, so almost anyone can drive them. You do need a valid driver’s licence at most rental companies, though. A golf cart costs around 50$ per day, although rates get significantly cheaper if you rent for a week or more. Most golf carts seat two people, and you might have to pay more for one with more seats. Definitely make sure to compare the prices of different rental companies to get the best deal.

• Visit Punta Sur

The north of Isla Mujeres is covered in beautiful beaches, but the south actually has a relatively rough coastline with jagged rocks and impressive cliffs. Visit the iconic Mayan ruins and learn more about Yucatan’s incredible history. For a relaxed place to snorkel and swim, head to Garaffon de Castilla. For an entrance fee of only 5$, you can use the changing rooms, bathrooms and lounge chairs to relax while you enjoy picturesque views.

• Go to the Underwater Museum of Art

In an effort to protect the local reefs and encourage tourists to visit other parts of the island, Isla Mujeres actually constructed an underwater museum with more than 500 different submerged sculptures. The artist Jason deCaires Taylor came up with most of them and gave this incredible place his unique touch. You can see the museum either by glass-bottom boat or by going on a snorkelling or diving trip. Not only is this a fun tourist destination to visit, but the sculptures also act as artificial reefs, which helps with local conservation projects.

• Swim with whale sharks

Between the months of June and September, Isla Mujeres becomes a hotspot for swimming with whale sharks. These giant animals can reach a length of 13 metres but are actually not dangerous to humans. Swimming with them is safe and an incredible experience you’ll never forget. Join a boat tour that will take you out to the open ocean, where you’ll see the whale sharks. On some days, you might even get lucky and encounter giant manta rays as well. Tours cost around 125$ per person but the high price is more than worth it. Just keep in mind to never touch the animals and keep a respectful distance.

• Try the best local street food

Mexico is known for its delicious food, and Isla Mujeres is no exception. The Mercado Municipal is one of the best spots around town to try local street food specialities and get to know all the best Mexican dishes (possible link: https://guideyourtravel.com/25-foods-and-dishes-you-need-to-try-when-visiting-mexico/) . The food is incredibly affordable, so this is one of the best budget-friendly spots to eat on the island. Local restaurants will be slightly more expensive but still reasonable enough. You won’t have trouble finding a meal for around 5$ per person.

• Visit a turtle farm

A turtle farm doesn’t sound like a very environmentally friendly place, but the Tortuga Granja in Isla Mujeres is actually a very ethical venture that focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles in Isla Mujeres. It’s located close to the hatching grounds of sea turtles on the island, and volunteers collect and gather eggs that were laid in the sand to protect them from predators or human interference. Once the baby turtles have hatched, they are released into the ocean. This is always a popular event and for an entrance fee of 3$ tourists can watch. Just make sure never to touch a baby turtle if you see one in the wild.

• Go scuba diving

Isla Mujeres is an incredible place to go scuba diving. With crystal-clear waters and a fascinating underwater world, this is the best place to get your PADI certification. Visit the Underwater Museum or dive close to the reefs. You’ll encounter many different species of fish and might even see turtles if you get lucky.

• Spend the day at a beach club

In the northern parts of Isla Mujeres, you’ll encounter a lot of beach clubs and small resorts. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind while you enjoy picturesque views of the ocean. You can rent a sun lounger for around 15$, which will go towards drinks and food in most cases. Go swimming, play beach volleyball or read a book while you enjoy cocktails and local specialities. There is lots to see and do in Isla Mujeres, but sometimes you need to do absolutely nothing to truly feel relaxed.

• See an island made from plastic bottles

Isla Mujeres is actually home to a floating island that is made almost entirely of plastic bottles. It may sound unreal, but the Joysxee Floating Island actually exists. The creator Richard Sowa began constructing his island in an effort to get rid of plastic waste. For just 2.50$, he’ll come to collect you from shore in his small boat and show you the island. It’s an incredible sight to see and a unique place you won’t find anywhere else.

• Explore the town

Isla Mujeres is a lively island that includes a small town centre. This is a great area to go shopping, eating out or for some drinks in the evening. While it might not be the largest place, you can easily spend an afternoon here. Keep an eye out for beautiful street art, which makes the perfect photo subject.

• Volunteer with stray dogs

If you want to give back during your time in Mexico, you should look into volunteering with stray dogs in Isla Mujeres. Isla Animals is a fantastic organisation that works with abandoned or injured animals. They’re always looking for helping hands, and you can show up without an appointment. They will let you take a dog on a walk or help in the animal shelter. Even if you don’t have much time, a short 30-minute walk will be the highlight of a stray dog’s day. Find a new furry friend and give back to the community by volunteering with Isla Animals.

Best Time to Visit Isla Mujeres

The weather in Isla Mujeres and most of Yucatan tends to change very little throughout the year. It’s usually hot and humid, with temperatures between 26°C and 33°C. January to April is one of the best times to visit the area as there will be little rain, and the heat will be manageable. May through September are the wettest months with high chances of rain and extreme humidity. This is also when the hurricane season takes place, and a lot of tropical storms come to this area of Mexico. Luckily, Isla Mujeres is usually spared from the worst of it, and storms don’t tend to do too much damage. However, keep an eye out for cancelled flights during this time of the year which does happen frequently. 

The water temperature is always warm in this area of Mexico. It averages at 27°C, which makes Isla Mujeres the perfect place to swim year-round. The island is also occasionally spared by the notorious seaweed season. This occurs from April to August when masses of seaweed are swept ashore, making the beaches essentially unusable. Isla Mujeres still experiences seaweed, but it’s usually far less than the mainland. 

The island is definitely hot, so if you’re not a fan of air conditioning and warm outside temperatures at all times, Mexico might not be for you. Make sure to pack sunscreen and be prepared to sweat a lot. Luckily, there are plenty of bars where you can cool down with a refreshing drink.

Isla Mujeres for Families

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island, and children would be lucky to grow up in an incredible place like this. However, the schooling situation isn’t ideal for digital nomads. While there are expats that live on the island, there are definitely not a lot with families. There are no options for international schools, and all education takes place in Spanish. Young kids might be able to adapt to this, but older children will have trouble. There are some good local schools for children aged ten and below, though, so families with small children will most likely be able to get by. However, the mainland might be a better choice for digital nomads looking to relocate to this area of Mexico. There will be more options for hospitals or urgent care, which is always good to have close by when you’re travelling with children. Isla Mujeres is definitely small, and while it’s a fantastic vacation spot or place to spend a few months, it might not be ideal for longer stays.

That being said, this shouldn’t discourage you from visiting Isla Mujeres with your family. Perhaps plan to stay here during the school holidays or while your children are young enough where they can easily integrate into a local school. There are definitely plenty of things to do on the island that the entire family will enjoy. The beaches are, of course, the star of the show. The water in Yucatan is shallow and warm, so it’s perfect for playing. Older children can learn how to scuba dive or snorkel and enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking. There is also a water park on the island and the turtle farm, both of which are fantastic places to spend an afternoon or even an entire day.

Living in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres Transportation

Isla Mujeres is only 7 kilometres long, so you can actually walk from one end to another if you feel like it. If you drive, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the southern end from the north. Most tourists will either rent a golf cart when they get to the island. This is a good option for long term visitors, but you need to be aware that it can get quite pricey after a while. Golf carts can cost as much as 50$ per day, although you’ll most likely get a discount if you rent monthly. While they’re super convenient and fun to drive, golf carts are mostly just a tourist attraction on the island. Locals tend to drive cars or scooters. You probably won’t need a car unless you’re moving to the island permanently and have a family. A scooter is a good option, but you need to be experienced to ride it. The traffic can sometimes be a bit crazy, and roads tend to be very narrow in Isla Mujeres. If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, this is definitely not the place to try for the first time. 

A great low-cost and environmentally-friendly way to get around Isla Mujeres is by bike. You can rent bikes in several locations around the island, or you could even buy one if you want to stay for a while. A bike will take you to all the important places on the island but won’t be as expensive as a golf cart. Just beware of the sun. It can get quite hot after a while to bike around, so bring plenty of water and always wear sunscreen.

If you want a more comfortable form of transport, you could rent or buy a car in Isla Mujeres. Buying one is a bit of a process for foreigners, though, so only do this if you’re sure that you’ll be staying on the island for a while. Renting is a great option but will cost a lot of money. You’ll easily pay more than 600$ per month unless you’re lucky to get a good deal. As convenient as having a car can be, you also need to consider that the island is very small, so parking space is limited. You’ll be very flexible because you can drive everywhere, but you might struggle to navigate the narrow roads. With lots of tourists driving around in golf carts, traffic can be slow, so having a car might not be worth it.

Isla Mujeres also has a basic bus system. It mostly operates without stops, and you can just get on and off wherever you like. Tickets vary from 1$ to 2$, and the bus is mainly used by locals. You can get to important parts of the island, but the buses can be quite crowded during rush hours. They’re not the most reliable but can be helpful occasionally. 

To get to the mainland, you can take the ferry, which departs every 30 minutes to an hour. The first ferry leaves around 6:00 am in the mornings and goes as late as 11:00 pm in the evenings.

Fitness and Health

If you’re interested in watersports, then Isla Mujeres is the place to go. This is the perfect place to learn how to scuba dive or get into swimming. You can also try other fun activities, such as wing diving, which lets you be towed underwater behind a boat while you enjoy the underwater world.

For a more traditional workout, head to the island’s main gym, which is called Gym Tonic. It’s located near the centre of the island and is mostly used by expats and locals. The gym might not be the largest, but considering most hotels have their own, there is no real need for more equipment. It’s open most days from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm and also offers fitness classes. Memberships start as low as 22$ per month, which is an absolute steal. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Isla Mujeres with an in-house gym, you should look at the Ixchel Beach Hotel. This hotel has a lot of amenities, including a large pool suitable for swimming laps and a dedicated fitness centre. It’s not the most affordable hotel but great for anyone looking to work out close to home. Privilege Aluxes is another excellent option. Their fitness centre is modern and even has a view of the grounds. It’s a great place to stay in shape during your time in Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres People

The permanent population of Isla Mujeres lies somewhere below 13,000, so it feels very much like a small town. The island receives thousands of visitors every day, though, and on occasion, there will be more tourists in Isla Mujeres than actual residents. This is something you have to expect before coming to the island. It’s not a quiet or serene experience, and many attractions in Isla Mujeres are geared towards tourists. If you’re looking for an authentic place to experience Mexican culture, this might not be it. However, the people are extremely friendly and welcoming here. Isla Mujeres is an open place where all cultures and nationalities are welcome. It’s also an LGBTQ-friendly place, although the scene is very small. 

You’ll find all types of travellers in Isla Mujeres. A lot of families like to come here but many also just visit for a day trip. There are also a large number of honeymooners or couples on a romantic trip. Backpackers and budget-travellers tend to stick to the mainland, which is more affordable, but those brave enough to venture to the island absolutely love it. The majority of tourists here are Americans which is unsurprising considering they don’t like to travel very far from home. Locals have adjusted to the high tourism numbers and tend to be very tolerant towards visitors.

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso, but the US dollar is actually widely accepted as well. Just keep in mind that the currency exchange will be less favourable if you pay in dollars as the shop or restaurant will be able to control the exchange rate. However, using dollars can also be better in some instances, so you need to decide on a case-by-case basis. Always clarify whether you’ll be using dollars or pesos before you buy something. They both use the $ sign, so it might be confusing sometimes to tell the two apart. Also, keep an eye out for scams involving currency. Some taxi drivers might ask you to pay in dollars even though you were expecting pesos. This is not extremely common in Isla Mujeres but does happen occasionally. Also, be careful when using ATMs on the island. Some will overcharge you or might even copy your PIN number. This is not always the case but try only to use reputable ATMs ideally recommended by other travellers. There aren’t many places to get cash on the island, so after a while, you’ll know which ones are trustworthy. Cash is definitely the preferred payment type in Isla Mujeres so leave your credit card at home as much as you can.

These warnings should not put you off travelling to Isla Mujeres, though. The island is considered to be very safe, and scams can happen anywhere in Mexico. You’ll definitely be less vulnerable here than in a big city if you use your common sense.

Isla Mujeres Insurance and Medical Care

It won’t come as a surprise that a small island like Isla Mujeres has some issues with medical care. While there is a small hospital on the island, they are only equipped to handle minor issues and are not the best place to treat complicated illnesses. Most patients with an urgent need for treatments such as a heart attack or a stroke need to be transported to the mainland, most commonly Cancun, where there are larger hospitals. This means that if you have a history of medical issues, Isla Mujeres might not be the best place for you. The doctor’s on the island are very professional and knowledgeable, but they can only do so much with limited equipment. However, the hospital is being invested in and has improved a lot in the past years. For example, they can now handle childbirth while pregnant women used to have to go to Cancun to have a baby. There are both public as well as private ambulance services on the island which can help in case of an emergency. 

Keep in mind that hospitals in Mexico tend to be for-profit, meaning you’ll have to prove that you’re able to pay before you’ll be treated. This makes it essential to have travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses in case of an emergency. Complicated treatments in Mexico can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s essential that you are prepared for all types of situations. It’s usually best to have an insurance policy from your own home country which will cover you when travelling abroad.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is an island that primarily lives off of the tourist industry. There are not many jobs to be found on the island, and digital nomads should not rely on finding local work to earn money. Foreigners are not allowed to work in Mexico on a tourist visa, and making money locally is strictly prohibited. If you break these rules, you might be subject to fines and even deportation. As a digital nomad, it’s important to always respect local laws and regulations and treat your host country with kindness.

Even if you do have a work permit for Mexico, consider whether you really need the money and if there aren’t opportunities to make an income online. Unemployment is an issue in the entire country, and foreigners should avoid taking jobs away from locals. There are several ways you can make money online, so you should make sure your finances are stable before you begin your digital nomad journey.

The most common jobs in Isla Mujeres are in the hospitality or tourism industry. If you have the correct permits to work in Mexico, you could start by looking in Facebook groups or local job boards to find work. Some resorts or hotels hire seasonal workers during the high season. Hostels also sometimes offer work for accommodation deals where you work a few hours a week in exchange for a free stay. All of these could be options for earning money in Isla Mujeres, but again it’s highly recommended to make your living online instead.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.