17 Best Isla Mujeres Tours and Unforgettable Experiences

Isla Mujeres, the “Island of Women”, is known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. Here you can snorkel at Manchones Reef, scuba dive in the Cave of Sleeping Sharks, or stretch out on the white sandy beaches of Playa Norte. On this tiny Mexican island, you will find more than just spectacular beaches. The island also has authentic Mayan ruins, a vibrant downtown area, restaurants serving the very freshest seafood, hip beach clubs, hidden oceanside bars and a bustling nightlife.

Top Rated Isla Mujeres Tours and Excursions … and which tours to avoid

Isla Mujeres Tours from Cancun

Isla Mujeres, the “Island of Women” is a tiny Mexican Caribbean island located just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are staying in Cancun or anywhere along the Riviera Maya, taking an Isla Mujeres tour is a great way to spend a day. 

In fact, Isla Mujeres is the perfect place to escape the crowds of Cancun. To experience this island paradise for yourself, there are full-day and half-day excursions to consider with activities of all kinds. Whether you want to spend the day on land or at sea, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the Isla Mujeres Tours we recommend from Cancun.

Isla Mujeres Group Catamaran Tour

If you are looking for a great day trip to Isla Mujeres that won´t break the bank, this group catamaran tour may be just what you are looking for. The boat holds up to 100 people. The cost of the tour includes and open bar on the boat, snorkeling at El Meco Reef and a buffet lunch at a chill beach club on the island. You will head over to Playa Norte where you can swim in the impossibly clear blue water or relax on the beach.

 If you want to explore further, you have three hours of free time. You will have plenty of time to explore downtown Isla and wander its colorful streets. You will be able to check out all the souvenir shops and boutiques and admire the marine-themed street art. You can even rent a golf cart and check out all the cool sites on the island such as the sculpture garden at Punta Sur and the Turtle sanctuary  

Read more about this Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

This group catamaran is one of the most popular day tours and because it is all-inclusive tends to attract a “lively” crowd. If you are looking for a more exclusive experience, we have a recommendation for a private catamaran tour as well.

Private Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres

A private boat tour to Isla Mujeres may seem like a real splurge but compare the prices for the public tours. If you are traveling with a large group of family or friends, the total cost per person may turn out to be comparable and a great option for an unforgettable day of fun on the water. If you are organizing a bachelorette party, birthday celebration, family reunion trip or other special occasion, a private boat may be your best bet.

This private luxury sailing catamaran will take you from your departure point in Cancun to the popular snorkeling spot at El Meco Reef. Here you will have to time to swim and snorkel while your tour guides point out tropical fish and marine life hidden in the coral formations. You will also make a stop at MUSA, the underwater museum where you will see some of the 450 remarkable sculptures that have been embedded on the sea floor of Isla Mujeres Bay. 

From here you will sail across the bay to Isla Mujeres where you will cruise the coastline getting the best views of this tiny Mexican island. You will make a stop at Punta Sur, the southernmost point on the island, the highest point above sea level in the whole of the Yucatan Peninsula and home to the temple of the Goddess Ixchel. This is one of the most striking attractions on the island and one you will not want to miss. 

Next, it´s off to Playa Norte where you can relax and float in the shallow clear waters and chill out on the beach. Then, your group can head into town to have lunch, explore Hidalgo Street and maybe pick up some great souvenirs from your adventure on the island. Remember, the tour is private so you can tailor the itinerary to your desires. This is a private boat charter we can recommend for a fun tour to Isla Mujeres and a great experience.

Get the rates for your dates for this Private Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres

Premium Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

This is a group tour that is capped at just 40 passengers on the boat. The catamaran embarks from the docks near the Playa Tortuga Ferry terminal. This is a very convenient departure point if you are staying in the Cancun Hotel zone. The first stop is at El Mecco Reef, just off the coast of Cancun near Punta Sam. If you like, you can put on your snorkel gear and explore all the colorful coral, tropical fish and marine life. 

From there it´s off to Isla Mujeres. The catamaran will take you across the impossibly blue waters of Isla Mujeres Bay where you should keep your eyes open for sea turtles and rays. Once you have reached the island, the captain and crew will drop anchor off of Playa Norte, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here you will have time to swim and snorkel, relax on the beach or wander into downtown to explore. 

The next stop will be at the tour´s exclusive beach club where you will have a buffet lunch with foods typical of the region and an open bar. There are loungers and umbrellas there for your use at the beach club. Depending on the time of year, you may even catch the sunset as you sail back to Cancun.

Check the rates for your dates Isla Mujeres Tour Premium with Open Bar

Excursion to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy

Another way to visit Isla Mujeres from Cancun is by combining it with an excursion to Isla Contory. From Cancun, you will travel by speedboat to Isla Contoy, an uninhabited paradise and a protected sanctuary for migratory and native birds. Here, you’ll discover the diverse flora and fauna that calls this Island home including 150 tropical bird species and four types of endangered sea turtles. Isla Contoy has pristine beaches dotted with palm trees and is surrounded by strikingly clear blue water. The beauty of the island is breathtaking.

Weather permitting you will make a snorkel stop at Ixlache Reef. Ixlache is known for its rich biodiversity it is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and more.

If you are planning a boat trip to Isla Contoy from Cancun, you will be making a stop to disembark at Isla Mujeres. This stop is mandatory and required of all the tour operators certified to go to Contoy. Isla Contoy is one of the Mexican National Parks and is protected by the Mexican government. 

The island sits within the municipality of Isla Mujeres but because it is a protected natural reserve, no vendors and souvenir shops are allowed to do business on the island. Therefore, this stop is the only way for locals to sell their Contoy-themed crafts, t-shirts and trinkets even when they are not actually on Isla Contoy.

At the end of the tour, those staying on Isla Mujeres can hang out at Playa Norte and watch the sunset or head downtown for dinner. Those returning to Cancun will be transported back to the departure point.

The Mexican government limits the number of visitors on Isla Contoy to just 200 people per day. As you can imagine, this unique experience books up quickly so it is important to reserve in advance. There are quite a few tour operators with government permits to bring visitors to Isla Contoy. This is one that we can recommend.

Explore Isla Mujeres and Isla Controy with Breakfast, Lunch & Snorkeling

This Isla Contoy tour makes the mandatory stop on Isla Mujeres, allowing about 45 minutes to an hour for shopping. If you want a tour that includes more of time to explore the island, be sure you confirm the itinerary with the tour operator. You may want to consider a private tour which will give you more flexibility in your day and allow you more free time to enjoy the beauty of the Isla Mujeres at your leisure.

For more detailed tour information, options and travel tips, read our full article on Visiting Isla Contoy.

Exploring Isla Mujeres On Your Own

If you are coming from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or anywhere on the mainland, no matter what kind of Isla Mujeres tour you choose to take, your day will involve some time on the water. The boats will vary from pangas to pleasure cruisers, high-speed catamarans to pontoon-style party boats, sailboats to fishing boats. The kind of Isla Mujeres tour you choose will determine what kind of boat you are on. 

If you are not comfortable in open boats and catamarans, you have the option of taking one of the large passenger ferries from Cancun to Isla Mujeres where you can either join a tour group or explore the island on your own. The boats that depart from the ferry terminal Puerto Juarez and the embarkations in the Cancun Hotel Zone are very stable and will provide you with a safe and comfortable crossing. The ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes under 20 minutes and is unlikely to trigger motion sickness.

For more detailed information, read our full article on How to Get to Isla Mujeres!

Best Isla Mujeres Tours if You are Staying on the Island

If you are lucky enough to be spending a few days or more in Isla Mujeres, you have a wide variety of tours and unique experiences to choose from. So many in fact, you may have a hard time deciding what NOT to do! 

Here are just a few of the excursions we recommend on Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Bar Crawl

I know it sounds cheesy and super touristy but this tropical-style pub crawl really is a great way to see the Isla, have some tasty drinks, visit the local brewery sample and learn about Mezcal and check out some of the more off-the-beaten-path beach bars on the island. The best part is, that someone will do the driving for you so you can feel free to relax, enjoy some tropical adult beverages and not worry about getting home safely. The tour provides drivers and a great guide who will show you a great time and tell you everything you might want to know about Isla Mujeres!

If you don´t have a lot of time to spend on Isla Mujeres, this golf cart tour is an easy and fun way to cart around this beautiful island, see the downtown area and see some of the important sites like Punta Sur. If you are traveling with a small group of friends, this is a super fun way to spend an afternoon. This is a cool tour to take even if you are coming to the island from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. 

Read more about the Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Bar Crawl

Transparent Boat Tour

This is one of the best things to do on Isla Mujeres with children but that doesn´t mean it´s not plenty fun for adults too! This is a great tour for people who are short on time and still want to experience the beauty of the reef. If you do not have time for a snorkel tour, taking a cruise out in a completely transparent panga may be the perfect option. 

As you can imagine, kids and adults alike are completely mesmerized by this unique experience. Through the crystal clear hull of the boat, you can see colorful fish, coral reefs and all kinds of interesting marine life. If you are not a swimmer, this is the perfect opportunity to get a peek below the surface, all without getting wet! Because the coral reef is so close to the island, the tour can be completed in just a half hour leaving you plenty of time to so and see everything you want on the Island of Women.

Learn more about the Transparent Boat Tours

Isla Mujeres Whale Shark Tour 

Swimming with whale sharks is a bucket list activity and an absolutely unforgettable experience. If your trip to Isla Mujeres happens to coincide with the migration of these gentle giants, do not miss the chance to see them up close and in person. During the official season, mid-May through mid-September, whale shark tours leave daily from the docks in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. 

The boats will take you from your departure point to the areas where whale sharks have been sighted. Under the supervision of a certified guide, you will have the chance to slip into the cool Caribbean waters and snorkel side by side with the biggest fish in the ocean. The whale sharks are the main attraction, but if you are lucky, you´ll see the majestic manta rays that seem to be their travel companions. 

After your swim, the tour will take you back to Isla Mujeres where you will anchor off at Playa Norte, Isla´s most beautiful beach. Here you can float in the calm, crystal clear waters, relax on the sand and enjoy a delicious ceviche lunch. With departures from both Isla Mujeres and Cancun, this whale shark adventure tour is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because the season to see whale sharks is limited and this is a VERY popular activity, we strongly recommend that you book this excursion well in advance.

Find out more about  Whale Shark Adventure and Snorkel Tours

Discover SCUBA – No Certification Required

If you have ever wanted to try out SCUBA diving, the warm, shallow water surrounding Isla Mujeres is the best place to give it a go. This one-day experience is your gateway to the underwater world without the need for a certification. The day starts with classroom training. You, will meet your instructor and go through a 30-minute presentation to learn the basic skills and techniques required for SCUBA diving.

You and your instructor then head to the beach to practice the skills you just learned in 3-4 feet of water. When you are ready, you and your instructor will gear up and take a boat out to explore two exciting dive sites, MUSA, the famous underwater museum, and Manchones Reef. 

In order to give proper instruction and supervision, this is a small group activity with only 4 beginning divers allowed per session. SCUBA diving is a skill that you can use for a lifetime and an activity you can enjoy at amazing dive sites all over the world. If you have always wanted to dive, PADI Discover SCUBA is an incredible experience and one of the best ways to get introduced to the sport. Once you try it, I know you will be hooked!

Learn more about PADI Discover SCUBA  for Uncertified Divers

SCUBA MUSA and Manchones Reef

Experienced divers with their Open Water Certification will love this 2-tank dive to see two different reefs. The first is the manmade underwater sculpture garden called MUSA. In 2009, MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte) was created in the waters surrounding Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. 

The motivation behind the installation was to create a connection between art and environmental science by creating a visually stunning reef structure for coral and marine life to colonize and inhabit. During this dive, you will be able to get up close to the impressive underwater sculptures, marvel at the new coral formations and swim amongst the tropical fish that have made this new “reef” their home.

Manchones Reef, adjacent to MUSA, has a depth ranging from 8 to 12 meters, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. Manchones Reef is teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral, and other marine species. The reef is home to over 500 life forms, including the vibrant angelfish, parrotfish, and even barracudas. 

This dive company takes out small groups of under 12 people and safety is the top priority. All necessary dive gear, tanks, and weights will be provided. The cost of the tour includes bottled water, snacks and the National Park fee.

Read more about this tour: SCUBA MUSA and Manchones Reef  2-Tank Dive (for Certified Divers)

Open Water SCUBA Certification Course (4 Dives)

If you are staying on Isla Mujeres, there is no better place to get your open water SCUBA dive certification. The calm, clear waters surrounding the island are the perfect classroom for those just starting their adventure in SCUBA diving. The island is home to some very well-reputed dive shops with excellent dive instructors who will teach you all the skills and techniques you need to know to dive safely and have the best experience. This is a comprehensive 3-day course with classroom training as well as in-water exercises to master and 4 open dives.

Day 1, starts in the classroom with a review of your online e-learning. You will review the principles of scuba diving equipment and then learn a, get introduced to the equipment you will use. Then, under the watchful eye of your certified instructor, you will practice your skills in confined water. 

Day 2 starts with a review of skills and techniques then it´s GO TIME! You and your instructor will hit the water for 2 dives where you practice your skills and enjoy the beautiful crystal clear waters and beautiful coral and sea life on the reefs close to the island. 

On Day 3,  you and your instructor will take a 20-minute boat ride to do a 2-tank dive in the Marine National Park where you get to use your skills and explore!  

Your PADI open water certification class includes E-learning, knowledge development, confined water practice and two boat trips for a total of 4 dives. 

All gear and equipment are provided.  If you have already gone through the PADI Discover SCUBA program, that experience will be credited toward your certification. The Marine Park fee and dock fee are included in the cost of the course. Because of the e-learning component that must be completed at home, you must register for this course in advance.

Find out more about the PADI Open Water SCUBA Certification Course

Isla Mujeres Snorkeling and Fishing Tour

If you love being out on the water, you will love this private 4-hour snorkeling and fishing tour on the turquoise blue waters around Isla Mujeres. With your captain and guide, you and your friends and family will head to some local fishing spots to cast your line for native fish like snapper, grouper, bonito and even barracuda. 

Then, the captain will take you to some of the best snorkel spots around the island where you can explore the underwater world, filled with vibrant coral and colorful tropical fish such as angel fish, parrot fish, sergeant majors and blue tang among many others.

This private tour offers excellent value for money and your guides can customize the activities of the day to make sure you have the very best experience. This is a family-friendly experience and perfect for kids. All the fishing gear, bait, licenses, snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included in the cost. The professional crew will even clean your catch so you can bring it back and have it cooked up or made into fresh ceviche!

Read more about this local Snorkeling and Fishing Tour on Isla Mujeres 

Deep Sea Sport Fishing Trip

Whether you are an avid fisherman or just a beginner, we recommend chartering your sport fishing trip with Chili’s Sportfishing. Captain Rogelio Magaña, one of the island´s award-winning Captains, and his entire crew have years of experience on the water and will take you to the best fishing spots around beautiful Isla Mujeres. The species you’ll target include prized Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Wahoo, White Marlin, and many more. You can bottom fish, deep sea fish, troll, spin, jig, and even handline and spearfish.

The boat you’ll use is a 33’ Blackfin offshore sport fishing boat that can comfortably fit 8 guests and is equipped with all the bait and tackle you will need as well as a fighting chair, a live well, outriggers and downriggers and use of a refrigerator and an ice-box to store food and drink. Facilities include a flybridge, bathroom, kitchen, and bed. You’ll have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your day on the water. The boat also provides snorkel equipment for those who want to get in the water and check out the marine life on the reef. All the equipment, licenses, lunch, snacks, and drinks are all included in the cost. 

At the end of the day, you can keep your catch if you wish and have it cooked to perfection in a local restaurant. There are loads of big professional fishing charters on Isla Mujeres to choose from but Captain Rogelio and his crew really go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need for a day of great fishing.

Reserve your Isla Mujeres Deep Sea Sport Fishing Trip 

Private Inshore Fishing Trip

Inshore fishing around Isla Mujeres is a perfect experience for your kids and beginning anglers as you will be able to try your hand at all kinds of fishing from trolling to handlining. This fishing tour keeps the boat within 6 miles of the island where the waters are calmer. If you want to stay even closer to shore, you can combine your day of fishing with some snorkeling as well. 

The captain and crew are experienced fishermen whose families have been on the island for generations. They know everything about the island and the waters surrounding it and are eager to share their knowledge with you!  At the end of the day, the crew will clean your catch if you like and point you in the direction of the best local restaurant to cook it up for you. 

The average price for a private 4-hour Isla Mujeres fishing trip is about $600 USD, while an 8-hour private trip will cost you $900 USD so this inshore fishing trip is an affordable and fun way to get your family and friends out on the water and get some FISH ON!

Check current rates for a Private Inshore Isla Mujeres Fishing Excursion

Private Isla Mujeres Sunset Tour

Sailing or motoring across the incredible turquoise waters of Isla Mujeres Bay on a private yacht or catamaran is an unforgettable experience and one that is easy to arrange if you are vacationing on Isla Mujeres, in Cancun or anywhere along the Riviera Maya. Private yacht rentals offer excellent boating experiences and much more personalized service than the big boat party cruises. This private sunset tour is tailored for couples or small groups who want to enjoy a half day on and in the water and take in the exquisite sunset from their own private boat. 

This private tour embarks from Isla Mujeres. The crew will take you to some great places to snorkel and even throw out a line to see if the fish are biting. Beer, water, soda and snacks are available on the boat. For an extra cost, they will do a tequila tasting at a beautiful beach club on the island.

 Of course, the main attraction is the sunset. The crew will anchor the boat in the calm waters off of Isla Mujeres North Beach where you can watch the incredible display of light and color as the sun dips below the horizon. This tour is accessible to every kind of traveler, even those in wheelchairs. 

Book your Private Isla Mujeres Sunset Tour

Excursions to Consider on the Mainland

While there is certainly no shortage of things to do on Isla Mujeres, if you are planning to make the island your home base for a week or more, you may want to consider getting off the island and visiting some of the attractions on the mainland. 

If you have thrill seekers in your group, they may enjoy an exciting excursion riding ATVs or ziplining or even horseback riding through the Mayan jungle. History buffs will jump at the chance to see significant Mayan ruin sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba! The adventure starts with a short ferry ride back across the bay!

Getting to Isla Mujeres – Everything you need to know.

Xcaret

If you have been investigating the best tours and excursions to take while you are traveling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, then you are already familiar with Xcaret. Whether you are staying on Isla Mujeres or in Cancun, taking a day trip to Playa del Carmen and spending the day at Xcaret is something we can highly recommend. 

When the kids were small, we lived just five minutes from Xcaret and because of our resident discount, it was a fun and educational place to take them whenever we had a day off. Xcaret is the flagship adventure park for Grupo Xcaret whose other properties include Xel Ha, Xplor, Xenses, Xenotes and Xavage among others. Any of these adventure parks make for a great excursion and you should learn a little bit about each one to see which is best for your group. 

Discover Chichen Itza and Valladolid

Chichen Itza, one of the new seven wonders of the world is within your grasp, just an hour and a half from Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. Plan a day to tour the Mayan ruins at this breathtaking archeological site, swim in a sacred cenote and spend the afternoon exploring the charming colonial town of Valladolid. Having visited Chichen Itza many times, both on our own and as part of a tour group, I recommend a private tour if you can. The one we recommend includes all entry tickets into both the archeological site and Cenote Oxman.

This small group private tour gets you to Chichen Itza early, before the crowds and before the temperature reaches its peak. With fewer visitors around, you can get some great photos and not be distracted by so many other tour groups. Next, it´s time to cool down at Cenote Oxman, a beautiful ancient cenote located on the grounds of an old Hacienda. There are showers and lockers and life jackets available as well as food and drinks at your own cost.

 The last time we were there, they had some deliciously flavored tequilas to sample and purchase. We came home with a few bottles in our backpacks!  After a refreshing swim, you will travel to the colonial town of Valladolid for a walking tour with your guide to see some of the more significant attractions in the historic downtown area. 

The visit to Valladolid only lasts about an hour but if you want more or less time in one place, ask your guide to accommodate. If you are traveling with your family or a small group of friends, this private tour actually ends up being more cost-effective than the cheaper big-bus tours. You will certainly get more personalized attention and a better experience.

Find out more about this Chichen Itza Private Tour with Valladolid and Cenote Swim

If you are a solo traveler this group tour to Chichen Itza may be the better way for you. This group tour offers early entry to the archeological site, a chance to visit Cenote Saamal and have a nice buffet lunch on the grounds of the Hacienda. The tour makes a stop in Valladolid to check out the zocalo before returning you to your pick-up point. This tour gives you a lot of bang for your buck but does NOT include the entrance fee to Chichen Itza. Still, for the solo traveler or a couple, this is a great option.

Read more about this tour Chichen Itza Tour with Cenote, Lunch and Valladolid

Tulum and Coba Ruins and Cenotes

If you are only going to make just one day-trip to the mainland from Isla Mujeres, this excursion gives you a lot of bang for your buck. This all-day tour will allow you to see the ruins at Tulum and Coba, swim in one of the Riviera Maya´s famous cenotes and spend some time in Playa del Carmen.

The first stop is the ruins at Tulum where your certified guide will lead you through this spectacular coastal citadel, making sure to point out all the most significant structures and their meaning. From there, you will take a break from the heat and stop for a swim in the cool crystal-clear waters of Cenote Kuxtal. 

The next stop is Coba. One of my favorite Maya sites, Coba is home to the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula. Although climbing is no longer allowed it´s still an impressive site rising up out of the jungle. Coba is special in that much of it is yet undiscovered and untouched. Some of the most important Maya stelae can be found here. 

Your last stop will be in the city of Playa del Carmen where you can wander along 5th Avenue, Playa´s pedestrian boulevard. Here you will have an hour to check out the shops, stop for a drink or just explore. This full-day tour is really well-priced considering it includes all the entry fees for the archeological zones and the cenote, transportation (excluding the ferry) and lunch.

If I have family or friends visiting who have not seen this area of Mexico before, this is the tour we are joining. Read more about the Tulum and Coba with Cenote Swim 

Tours to Avoid on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a sought-after destination for travelers from all over the world. While this small island offers loads of genuine and enriching tour experiences, there are certain types of tours and operators that we don´t recommend.

Swimming with Dolphins: There is a reason you will not find us recommending any Isla Mujeres tour or excursion that includes Garrafon Park or any other organization that promotes “Swim with Dolphins” activities. While the idea of swimming with dolphins or taking photos with exotic animals might be enticing, these facilities cannot provide adequate care or living conditions for the animals that belong in the wild. These activities are part of a billion-dollar industry that values profit over ethics.  It’s always best to prioritize tours that promote conservation and the well-being of the animals.

Overcrowded Group Tours: Some operators might try to maximize their profits by cramming as many tourists as possible into a single tour. This not only diminishes the quality of the experience but can also be uncomfortable and unsafe. We look for tours that emphasize smaller group sizes and a more intimate experience.

Unrealistically Cheap Tours: Remember the old saying “You get what you pay for.”? Well, that certainly holds true when booking tours and excursions. If someone is offering you a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. Unusually inexpensive tours might cut corners in safety, equipment quality, or overall experience. It’s worth paying a bit more to a reputable tour operator with years of experience than risking an unsatisfactory or even dangerous experience.

Overpriced Walking Tours: Isla Mujeres is a tiny island. At just a few kilometers long, one could cover the whole island on foot. Just because you can, doesn´t mean you should and you certainly do not need to pay 200 USD for the privilege. I love walking tours. It is usually one of the first things I do when I hit a new city. (That or the TuriBus…don´t judge) 

Downtown Isla Mujeres you can explore on your own in an afternoon and see everything there is to be seen. To check out some of the other must-see spots on the island, rent a golf cart. It´s hot on the island. Very hot. The roads are narrow and in many places, there are no sidewalks or even shoulders. A walking tour of the island is a ridiculous notion, with the possible exception being the Isla Mujeres Street Art Tour which is well-priced and genuinely looks interesting.

6 Tips to Avoid Bad Tour Experiences or Scams

1. Research and Read Reviews: Before booking any tour, it’s crucial to do thorough research. Websites like TripAdvisor, travel forums and destination-specific Facebook groups can provide reviews from other travelers. Look for operators with consistently high ratings and positive feedback.
   
2. Ask for Recommendations: We do recommend that you book your excursions in advance through a reputable company and pay with your credit card. However, If you haven´t already booked your Isla Mujeres tours in advance and you’re staying at a hotel or resort on Isla Mujeres, ask the staff or concierge for their recommendations. They often have insights into which operators are most reliable and offer the best experiences.
   
3. Check for Certifications: Reputable tour operators will have the necessary certifications and licenses to operate. Don’t hesitate to ask for these credentials. For high-risk activities like SCUBA diving, ensure that the operator follows international safety standards and has certified instructors. Reputable dive shops and tour companies should be happy to provide documentation for you.
   
4. Confirm Pick-Up Details: Most of the complaints we hear about tours that have gone wrong involve confusion about the pick-up location and time. Be absolutely 100% sure you know the exact place and time to meet your transport driver. Also be sure that you have a working contact, phone or Whatsapp is best, for the tour group leader in case you are delayed or cannot find your driver. Do not leave anything to chance.
   
5. Transparent Pricing: Be wary of operators who are not upfront about their pricing or those who have hidden fees. A trustworthy operator will provide clear information about what’s included in the tour price and any additional costs. The cancellation and policy should be posted clearly. Be sure you understand under what circumstances you would be entitled to a full refund should a tour need to be canceled by either party.
   
6. Trust Your Instincts: If something offering you a tour feels off or too pushy, it’s okay to walk away. High-pressure sales tactics or evasive answers to your questions are red flags. This is one of the reasons we recommend that you book in advance through a reputable tour operator.

While Isla Mujeres offers a myriad of fantastic tour opportunities, it’s essential to be discerning in your choices. By doing thorough research, seeking recommendations, and being aware of potential red flags, you can ensure that your Isla Mujeres experience is both enjoyable and genuine.