Solo Female Travel in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, located a swift 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun in the sublime waters of the Caribbean Sea, Mexico, is a mesmerizing haven for the weary travellers. Known for its spectacular beaches, abundant marine life, notable snorkeling and scuba diving spots such as the acclaimed MUSA Underwater Museum, and wildlife-friendly destinations like the Turtle Farm, it captures the fascinating blend of Mexican cultural appeal and natural beauty. With Playa Norte being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a remarkable Mayan heritage showcased by the remnants of a Mayan temple at Punta Sur, and a vibrant local shopping scene, Isla Mujeres offers an immersive and unforgettable vacation experience.

Travel rating

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

Isla Mujeres is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Like anywhere else, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. Most locals are very friendly and willing to help. The island is easy to navigate and has a lower crime rate compared to more populous places in Mexico. However, it is still advisable to avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas.

Transport:Easy

Isla Mujeres is relatively easy to navigate. Because of its small size, walking is often a viable option for exploring the main downtown area. Renting a golf cart or bicycle also provides flexibility in getting around and exploring the scenery at your own leisure. However, language can sometimes be a barrier if you don't speak Spanish, but locals are generally friendly and willing to help.

Things to do:Interesting

Isla Mujeres offers a solid array of activities tailored to various interests. If you love the ocean, it has stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island also houses a sea turtle sanctuary as well as the mesmerizing Underwater Museum. For those who prefer land activities, there are numerous shops and local art galleries. The cuisine is fantastic too, with a wide variety of fresh seafood and local dishes. Don't miss exploring the island by renting a golf cart. However, it's a small island, so the activities may not be as diverse as larger cities.

Food:Above average

The food experience in Isla Mujeres is quite remarkable and diverse. This Mexican Caribbean island offers a wide array of culinary delights catering to different palates with fresh seafood being their specialty. Vegetarians and vegans can also find plenty to enjoy. While most establishments are keen on maintaining high quality, a few places may not live up to the expected standards. Always remember to pay attention to reviews and recommendations.

Budget:Moderate

Isla Mujeres offers a moderate level of budget-friendliness for solo female travelers. The expenses might not be as low as other destinations in Mexico, but you can absolutely have a great time without breaking the bank. Affordable ferry transportation, reasonably priced accommodations, and cost-effective local meals can help manage your budget. However, expenses may rise if you choose to indulge in various water sports and high-end dining. Overall, it is particularly friendly for those who value experiences over luxury.

Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Solo travel experience

I spent two weeks by myself on the island. I first went to Cancun and took a ferry which took me about 20 minutes to reach Isla mujeres. Cancun didn't appeal to me, it looks like it changed or adapted itself in order to meet the needs of American tourists. Isla mujeres on the other hand is a very magical Island and quite small, but big enough to spend a relaxing two weeks on it. I stayed at Pocna Hostel because it was recommended to me. Mind you I'm not a hostel fan due to previous experiences. :) But this place was different and I even returned to another occasion. I stayed in a six bedroom room. It was clean and had more of a community feeling to it. You can take classes there in languages or yoga or dance. they had their own private beach. you could chill out in the dining area where they would also play music in the evenings or play games. They're also sometimes parties at night and everybody and everything felt really free : you could participate if you wanted to or not. The audience was widely mixed and very International, age wise also mixed. The island itself is beautiful you can swim with dolphins, snorkel or do a catamaran tour. I also visited Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum. At any given time I felt safe, the food was great, I liked the down to earth local feeling to it. But it's like anywhere else in the world you always watch your wallet or your cell phone.

Posted: December 25, 2023Experienced: November, 2016
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Isla was so beautiful and local. I didn’t want to be in Cancun. It’s too touristy for me. The island can be explored with golf carts. There are several beaches. The food is delicious. Overall a great experience.

Posted: July 10, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Isla Mujeres is one of my absolute favorite places. It is a small island off the coast of Cancun. I felt at home there for the entire stay. It's so beautiful, fun and relaxing. I can't wait to go back.

Posted: May 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I can't recommend Isla Mujeres enough. Good vibes, delicious food, friendly people and low prices. I also felt very, very safe. It's a small island, and golf carts and taxis are mainly dominating the roads, but I absolutely loved it there.

Posted: May 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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