Costa Mujeres is a beautiful and tranquil destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. With a privileged location that is much quieter than Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone, just a 20-minute drive away, you can enjoy a laid-back vacation in close proximity to all the action. Costa Mujeres is part of the Isla Mujeres municipality in the state of Quintana Roo. This area is a beach lover’s paradise with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and fun outdoor activities. If you are planning a trip to this hidden jewel, here’s a list of our favorite things to do in Costa Mujeres.
Swim with Whale Sharks
One of the best things to do in Costa Mujeres is swim with whale sharks. Don’t let the name shark put you off, as these majestic creatures are harmless to humans. Whale sharks, much like humpback whales, are filter-feeders. They swim with their mouths wide open to catch what they eat, which is largely a diet of plankton, algae, small fish, and krill. Whale sharks measure up to 46 feet long and can weigh as much as 15 tons, and snorkeling next to these gentle giants is truly awe-inspiring. The best times to see whale sharks are during the summer months. There are several whale shark tours that operate around Isla Mujeres. Contact concierge at your resort to help you arrange the best tour.
Visit the Underwater Museum
Book a diving tour at the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) (the Underwater Art Museum). At Salon Manchones, off the coast of Isla Mujeres, you will find 473 life-sized sculptures at a depth of 8 to 10 meters beneath the water’s surface. This tour is only recommended for divers, making it a once-in-a-lifetime diving/gallery experience. The creation of the museum has greatly helped the preservation of the area’s natural coral reefs. If you are not a diver, you can visit another MUSA underwater museum and snorkel at the gallery of Punta Nizuc, which features 30 sculptures.
Play A Round of Golf
Playa Mujeres Golf Course is one of the best Costa Mujeres attractions and is considered one of the top golf courses in all Mexico. Designed by Greg Norman, this 18-hole course is as beautiful as it is challenging, with plenty of water around, but not too tight off the tee. The greens are in excellent condition and are meticulously maintained. What makes this course challenging is that due to ocean breezes, you have to be aware of where the wind is coming from and use exact ball striking, adjusting your shot whether you are playing into the wind or the wind is behind you. The course is tough, but fair and you are sure to love it.
Relax on the Beach
Playa Norte is a public beach on Isla Mujeres and one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. It is the perfect place for tropical relaxation with crystal-clear waters and white sands. The water is shallow enough to swim in and you can opt to spend the day at one of several beach clubs. The Mayan Beach Club Restaurante and Tequileria is a great choice. After swimming in the ocean, you can refresh yourself with fruity cocktails and fuel your being with tasty seafood. Then you can enjoy a nap on a comfy lounge chair under the shade of an umbrella. You can choose to spend all day on the beach or rent a golf cart and take a tour around Playa Norte. You can also opt to rent a jet ski and take a 30-minute ride hopping over the waves. A highly enjoyable way to relax and let the day flow.
Play and Have Fun
While on Isla Mujeres the Garrafon Natural Reef Park is the perfect place for nature lovers. You can enjoy several adventure activities at this beautiful park including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, and biking. You can climb to the top of a cliff and walk through a sculpture garden. This park offers tons of fun all in one place that the whole family will enjoy.
Swim with Dolphins
Visit Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres and enjoy a close-up interaction with these people-loving creatures. You will have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins in the water and experience what it is like to be pulled by a dolphin while holding on to its dorsal fin and have it push you by your feet while you float on your back. These adorable creatures will even give you hugs and kisses. This activity is both fun and educational and you will learn more about marine ecology during your visit.
Get Pampered at a Luxury Resort
If you decide to stay in the Costa Mujeres area, you will find several luxury resorts along Playa Mujeres beach, a beautiful beach with white sands and clear waters that change to all different shades of blue throughout the day. Villa del Palmar Cancun and Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun are two excellent family-friendly resorts. Both resorts offer spacious luxury suites, world-class spas, complimentary resort activities, gourmet restaurants, and an incredible all-inclusive plan.
We hope that this list of things to do in Costa Mujeres and the surrounding area will give you a better idea of where to get started once you get here. The most important part is that you will have one of the most memorable vacations of your life. We hope that you enjoy your time here in Mexico and that you come back soon!
About Costa Mujeres
Costa Mujeres is an up-and-coming tourist area and a great option for travelers looking to vacation surrounded by unspoiled nature and a wonderful natural environment consisting of a mangrove jungle, aquamarine waters, and world-class resorts.
When visiting Costa Mujeres, a visit to Puerto Juárez, is a must. Here you can enjoy enticing local cuisine at beachfront restaurants. This is also the place to catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Isla Mujeres?
How much it costs to get to Isla Mujeres depends on how you get there, where you are coming from, and whether you take a tour or not. For Independent travel, you can catch the Ultramar ferry from the ferry dock in Puerto Juárez. The ferry service starts at 5:00 am and runs every half an hour until 9:30 pm. The crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs $450 pesos (around $21 USD).
You can also book a guided tour to Isla Mujeres with a local tourist agency. They offer a variety of tours from sailing trips and snorkeling to swimming with whale sharks.
