24 Best Things to Do on Isla Mujeres with Kids!

Whether you’re looking for exciting or relaxing things to do on Isla Mujeres with kids, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve visited Isla Mujeres a few times; the first was in 2010 before many tourists discovered it. And way before having our son.

Our most recent trips were when we lived in Riviera Maya for a year, and we realized there are a ton of things to do in Isla Mujeres with family. Even Isla Mujeres with toddlers is a great idea!

And if you’re planning a trip, then you need our list of favorites and we’re happy to help you out. So let’s go!

Getting to Isla Mujeres with Kids

Just 8 miles (13 km) from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a perfect day trip or weekend destination with kids. Though a bit touristy, it offers a more relaxed vibe than Cancun’s party scene.

Being touristy isn’t automatically negative, especially for those new to travel or exploring a different country.

Because it’s an island, there is really only one way to get to Isla Mujeres, with kids or without. That’s by boat! Most people come by ferry, but it is also possible to arrive by private boat.

People who arrive at Isla Mujeres on their own vessel can either dock at one of the marinas or anchor in designated areas.

Rent a Golf Cart

Isla Mujeres isn’t a big island. One can walk the entirety of it if they aren’t in a hurry. That’s exactly what we did pre-kids during our first visit to the island. Most people don’t do this, though.

And it’s completely unnecessary now that golf carts are so prevalent as a means of transportation for tourists.

On our last visit, these were the golf cart rental costs:
💸 On-Island Golf Cart Rental: 1,100 pesos (~$65 USD)
💸 Renting at the Cancun Ferry Terminal: 850 pesos (~$50 USD)
⏰ Rental Length: 9 am to 5 pm

There are a few outliers that cost a little less, but they all seem to charge the same price. Unless you book online at a lower price, you generally won’t find one lower when you walk around asking different places for their rates.

If you don’t pre-book a golf cart on your vacation to Isla Mujeres, go for the ferry port offer before leaving Cancun.

Day Trips on Isla Mujeres with Kids

While there are so many things to do on the island, there are also some excellent day trips offshore. Especially for people spending five or more days on Isla Mujeres with kids, a day trip to change things up can be a lot of fun.

However, depending on the time of year not all of these things to do in Isla Mujeres with family are available.

1. Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale Shark swimming season starts in May and ends in September. The best times to see these gentle giants are July and August.

Fun Fact: Whale sharks are totally docile and range from 14 to 45 feet long.

In June 2021, we swam with whale sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres. Some of them were well over 25 feet in length!

This is an excellent activity for families with older children who are comfortable in the water. Little Man was eight at the time and an excellent swimmer with deep water confidence.

👉 We went swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres on this tour and had an amazing time!

Whale shark swimming in Isla Mujeres is highly regulated for the animal’s protection. National park rangers even patrol the waters to ensure boats don’t upset sea life or break the rules.

2. Catamaran Cruise

One of the most popular day trips from Isla Mujeres with kids is a catamaran snorkeling cruise. Most cruises meet at the docks in Centro around 10 am. They then take passengers on a lovely cruise around the island with lunch and drinks included.

In addition, you get to go snorkeling on a reef or two near the island to see some beautiful corals and schools of fish. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see some wild sea turtles!

Pro Tip: Be sure to read reviews before booking with a company.

Some tours focus more on the all-inclusive drinks which turns them into a party cruise. These are not the most family-friendly options.

This tour gives a more intimate, family-friendly experience.

3. Visit Isla Contoy

There has been ongoing commercial development in Riviera Maya over the last couple of decades. So it may be hard to believe that there is still a barely touched paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

Isla Contoy is exactly that! It lies 37.5 kilometers (~23.5 miles) northwest of Cancun and is the smallest island in Mexico.

Despite its proximity to the Mayan Riviera, this tiny, uninhabited island is practically untouched by modern civilization.

A day trip here to relax on the beach, see copious amounts of wildlife and sea birds, and go snorkeling is a welcome change of pace from the wild adventures on the mainland.

4. Swim with Sailfish

Sailfish are the fastest fish in the ocean. They are highly sought by deep-sea fishermen but you can also snorkel with them! From January to March each year, they come to the Mexican Caribbean in search of sardines.

During the sailfish season, you can easily find tour operators on Isla Mujeres to take you out the next day (or sometime during your trip). It’s not really necessary to prebook online in advance.

Licensed guides follow the birds to find schools of sardines. When they find the sardines, they know they’ll also find the sailfish. That’s when you get to slide into the water and watch the sailfish hunt the sardines!

Because this is a deep-water snorkeling excursion, it’s best suited for families with older kids and children who are very comfortable in the water.

Admire the Architecture on Isla Mujeres with Kids

Like many Mexican towns, especially in Riviera Maya, the buildings and walls are colorful and special.

Whether it’s homes decorated with bright colors, murals painted on commercial walls along the sidewalk, or a uniquely designed house there is a lot to see in Isla Mujeres with family.

5. Admire the Street Art

Like many towns in Mexico, Isla Mujeres has beautiful street art. Much of the general architecture is comprised of concrete walls. So local residents liven their homes with beautiful paintings.

A blank wall in Mexico is often just a canvas that doesn’t have art yet.

The history of street art dates back to the Mayan and Aztec cultures, which drew ornate pictures on the walls of their temples. Mexican muralism became a famous art form in the 1920s after the Mexican Revolution.

Some Mexican street artists have become so famous that they have been invited to paint murals around the globe.

Pro Tip: In Isla Mujeres, there’s an awesome map to ensure you don’t miss seeing any of them.

We enjoyed just wandering through Centro and asking Little Man which were his favorites. Little Man likes the one with the manta ray since we’d seen some up close while snorkeling with whale sharks a couple of months prior.

👉 To ensure you don’t miss any of the murals, take a walking tour of Centro with a local guide who can tell you all about each one.

6. Shell House

This unique home is shaped like a conch shell, inside and out. It’s only available as a private vacation rental. However, there is an alternative for families who don’t want to shell out (pun intended!) $300/night for a place to sleep.

If you rent a golf cart, the Shell House is an easy drive from Centro. The home is located on Avenida Perimetral Oeste (West Perimeter Avenue).

Just take the right fork in that road at Margaritaville Beach House to drive inland toward Punta Sur instead of the oceanfront road. Shell House is a little way down on the right.

The house is recessed away from the road a bit, so visitors have to get out of their golf carts to see it. Despite not being able to enter the property to see inside, it’s worth a quick stop for some exterior photos when touring the island.

7. Crayola House

This private home in Isla Mujeres isn’t available for rent. However, the murals on the front are available for all to see.

Their crayon-themed murals are the first large-scale murals of their kind on the island. They have been painted for visitors to enjoy for over 15 years, and are the only ones that have lasted so long.

The Crayola House is also an easy drive from Centro. We stopped on our way toward Punta Sur.

Just turn right from Avenida Perimetral Oeste onto Calle Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez (Josefa Orztiz of Dominguez Street). The Crayola House is a block and a half down on the right.

8. Capilla de Guadalupe Church

This oceanfront Catholic church offers beautiful views inside and out. Some just call it the church on the sea because it’s located atop a small cliff overlooking the Caribbean.

Walking around the church, indoors or outdoors, is free. It offers excellent views of the sea.

Pro Tip: There is a small donation box and table with souvenirs available for those who wish to contribute or shop.

If you’re visiting by golf cart, note that the maps take you to a side street to enter. However, the main entrance is on Avenida Perimetral Oeste right across from Polo’s Mango Cafe.

9. Take a Photo of the Isla Mujeres Sign

You’ll find colorful signs with town names all over the Yucatan. They’re perfect Insta photo ops. The Isla Mujeres sign is no different.

It overlooks the ocean and is a perfect scenic stop whether you’re driving the island on a golf cart or just wandering around Centro.

The “Letras Isla Mujeres” or “Parador Fotographico” are on the northeast side of Centro on Calle Abasolo.

Walk three blocks north from the ferry dock and turn right on Calle Abasolo. Then walk all the way to the end of that street through Centro and you’ll see the sign on your right. It’s so easy!

Pro Tip: Don’t be fooled by the fake miniature versions of the letters in front of the Centro shops. Hold out for the real deal with the best view!

10. Hunt for Lighthouses

Of course, an island will have a lighthouse. On Isla Mujeres, there isn’t just one. There are actually three lighthouses on Isla Mujeres.

Fun Fact: Little Man enjoyed watching for them as we drove around on the golf cart. It was like his own personal seek-and-find.

📌 The largest lighthouse is located at the Naval base just south of Centro. It’s called El Faro (The Lighthouse) and was built during World War II.

📌 The smallest lighthouse, called El Farito, isn’t actually on the island. It’s on a tiny rock outcropping in the harbor where the ferries arrive. Snorkel trips around the lighthouse are very popular.

📌 The third lighthouse is on the southern tip of the island at Punta Sur. It’s 34 feet tall and is the only lighthouse on the island that visitors can climb.

Where to Eat on Isla Mujeres with Kids

Everyone you talk to on the island will give you a recommendation on where to eat on Isla Mujeres with kids. It’s become a foodie paradise! We even wrote an entire blog post just about breakfast on Isla Mujeres!

11. Breakfast at Mango’s

Everyone we talked to on Isla Mujeres, from tourists to locals, told us to go to Mango’s for breakfast. We even ensured we left the golf cart rental place RIGHT at 9 am. This got us to the restaurant before the line started at 9:30 am.

However, Mango’s food was just okay for us. Some food was good. Some food definitely was not. And the juices were overpriced for the size and flavor compared to other spots on the island.

You may have a different experience though, so because it’s so highly recommended we left it on our list.

Verdict: We LOVED breakfast at Rooster in Centro much more. It was the only place we ate breakfast twice during our stay in 2021.

12. Burgers at Isla Burger

We are self-proclaimed burger aficionados. We wrote about the best burger in Chicago and basically tried all the burger places in Malaysia during our 13+ months there in search of the perfect taste of ‘home.’

Now, we try burgers everywhere we go just to see how they compare to our experiences so far. Isla Burger did not disappoint!

It has a custom-blend ground beef and premium toppings that justify its reputation as the best burger joint on the island.

Even the homemade key lime pie was really tasty! With a location in the middle of Centro, it’s easy to get to for anyone staying on Isla Mujeres with kids.

Little Man gave the artisanal horchata and the Isla Burger two thumbs up, so it’s a plus that this place is kid-approved!

13. Isla Brewing Company

After living in Chicago for over 16 years, we really enjoy microbrewed beer. David even brewed his own with a friend for a while. When we find a local microbrewery, we always want to check it out.

While some might question this parenting choice, having a kid in tow doesn’t stop us from trying new spots.

After all, a tasting doesn’t mean getting drunk or partying. Plus Little Man gets a Coke, so he doesn’t mind these kinds of stops.

Isla Brewing Company’s motto is “Cerveza with a Caribbean flair.” This approach has resulted in some truly unique flavors, including ginger and hibiscus beers, in addition to standard stuff, like IPAs and porters.

Fun Fact: In 2021, the brewery opened a new Beer Garden, which is located on the corner just south of Casa Ixchel and Da Luisa and across the street from Isla Retreats.

14. Street Food Vendors

Food carts are an integral part of dining throughout Riviera Maya. Isla Mujeres is no exception.

The best place to find these vendors is the town square, called the Zocalo, or north Centro where Avenida Manual Hidalgo meets the city cemetery.

Fun Fact: Zocalo is pronounced “Zoh-kah-loh.”

Each food vendor shows up around sundown, some a little before and some a little after, in the same spot. You can find a whole meal by wandering the carts, from main dishes like tacos and tamales to desserts like marquesitas and churros.

All of these just cost a few pesos, so they’re easy on the budget! If your kid isn’t a fussy eater, you’ll easily be able to find something they’re willing to eat.

The night Little Man was feeling a bit fussy about food, we caved and let him get the churro with Oreos on top. YOLO, amiright?

15. Freeze in the Ice Bar

We were going to skip this, but I’m so glad we didn’t! It was Little Man’s favorite activity that day. I know it doesn’t sound at all kid-friendly, but it’s actually great!

For $18 USD, adults get two drinks and a shot. Kids enter for free. Everyone is given a fur poncho.

Fur hats are also available if you want one. Kids should definitely opt in for the fur hats! Then you can spend as long as you want inside the ice bar.

Fun Fact: At -18 Celsius (Zero Fahrenheit), I absolutely believe their claim as the coldest place in Mexico to be true.

Inside the bar, everything is made of ice. The tables, the benches, ice sculptures, even the bar itself! It’s not a huge place but there’s enough to do for a while just wandering around and posing for pictures while enjoying adult beverages.

There’s even a wall of fame for people who last the longest. We were NOT one of them, but a family of five from Canada all made it almost two entire hours inside the Ice Bar!

Overall, the drinks are overpriced but it’s a fun experience for adults and kids alike. I’m glad we did it!

Enjoy Nature on Isla Mujeres with Kids

While Isla Mujeres continues to become more commercial and developed over the years, there are still some fun nature-oriented Isla Mujeres family activities to do on the island.

16. Parque De Los Suenos at Kin Ha

Parque de los Suenos (translates to “Dream Park”) is a family-friendly park and beach club with a number of included amenities.

Cost: Free
Hours: 8 am – 10 pm
Paid Amenities: 450 pesos for a beach chair+300 pesos credit toward food/drinks
Free Amenities: gardens, paddleboards, water slides, freshwater pools, rope swings, climbing walls, water trampoline

Snorkeling is available but you must bring your own snorkeling equipment. There is also an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar and live music on weekends.

👉 If you stay at their hotel, you get free beach entry and free breakfast.

It’s a great way to spend some time outdoors in a less hectic environment than at Playa Norte in Centro.

17. Tortugranja

This small non-profit aquarium is a non-profit that focuses on sea turtle conservation including Carey, Cahuama, and Green turtles. 

Their primary goal is to protect sea turtle eggs that hatch on the beaches as well as help turtles that have been victimized by the hunters who capture them for their meat, eggs, and shells.

Note: At the end of September 2021, Tortugranja closed its doors. It’s unknown if it will reopen.

18. Garrafon de Castilla

Not to be confused with the big, commercial reef park next door (which we do not recommend), this small and affordable nature park has excellent snorkeling.

Cost: 100 pesos (~$6 USD)
Hours: 11 am – 5 pm
Paid Amenities: lockers, towels, life jackets, snorkel gear, restaurant
Free Amenities: You’re allowed to bring your own towels, life jackets, and/or snorkel gear

19. Snorkel an Underwater Museum

No, it did not sink into the ocean. It’s a massive art exhibit designed for underwater enjoyment. In fact, it’s one of the largest underwater art exhibits in the world!

The Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) is located between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. It’s a really fun adventure that can be enjoyed from a glass-bottom boat, by snorkeling, or by scuba diving.

👉 The Punta Nizuc gallery is shallower and close to Cancun so it can be accessed by snorkel tour or glass bottom boat.
It can also be combined with other nearby snorkeling sites.

👉 The Manchones gallery is close to Isla Mujeres and as a deeper site, can only be accessed by scuba diving.

20. Punta Sur

Punta Sur is the southernmost point of Isla Mujeres. There you can watch iguanas either as you stroll around or relax at the small restaurant. Little Man loved to count the iguanas as he found them blended in with the scenery.

Generally, visitors can climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the ocean and the northern part of the island. However, in the fall of 2021 the lighthouse was closed for renovations.

The namesake Mayan ruins for which the island is named are also found at Punta Sur. For just 30 pesos (~$2 USD), visitors can wander around the ruins of the Ixchel Temple.

Mayan women used to visit this temple to honor Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, medicine, happiness, and the moon.

Explore Centro on Isla Mujeres with Kids

While renting a golf cart to explore the entire island for a day or two is a lot of fun, so is staying in Centro. It’s where most restaurants, hotels, and shopping are located.

Plus, it’s where the passenger ferries from Cancun dock. Whether it’s a late-night party or a quiet family evening, there is something for everyone and every family here.

21. Playa Norte

This beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise! The sand is like powder. The views are total paradise in every direction.

The water is shallow a long way out, so the waves stay calm and small almost every day. This makes it a great place for families to relax without parents worrying their kids will get knocked over by a wave.

Whether you want to get a shaded beach chair and some snacks at one of the many beach clubs or just hang out on a towel in the sun, this is a great place to spend the day.

We love coming down at night to watch the sunsets. Walk north to where the beach turns east for the best views of the sky as it turns all shades of red and orange.

22. Shop

What’s a vacation without shopping for souvenirs? While you can find a variety of items all over the island, the majority of stores are in Centro.

From tequila tastings and swimsuits to handicrafts and beach toys, anything is available there.

The main two streets of shops are on Avenida Rueda Medina and Avenida Miguel Hidalgo. Rueda Medina is the main street running through Centro. The beach is on one side and the city is on the other.

Plus, the ferry port is here as are a lot of golf cart rental places. It is by far the busiest street on the island.

Miguel Hidalgo on the other hand is much quieter. We prefer shopping here as a family. It’s less busy and crowded because it’s a couple of streets east of the beach.

In addition, it’s a pedestrian-only street which allows us to give Little Man a bit more freedom to roam.

Safety Tip: Be extra vigilant at the crosswalks. All the east-west streets intersecting Miguel Hidalgo still allow golf carts to get through Centro and not all the golf cart drivers are responsible.

23. Stroll the Malecons

The Malecons are seaside promenades. They are lined with benches, palm trees, brick walking paths, and sculptures.

In addition, local vendors have stalls set up to sell their wares. Sometimes there are even musicians or other entertainment.

The West Malecon runs from the ferry terminal in Centro up to the end of Playa Norte. It is very busy with pedestrian traffic from late morning through late evening.

Our favorite time to walk on it is in the earlier morning hours before the vendors and throngs of tourists show up. It’s quite peaceful before breakfast!

The East Malecon is on the opposite side of Centro (hence the name). It runs south from Playa Media Luna down to the end of town.

The best time to visit is in the early morning hours. If you can, show up to watch the sunrise at the Isla Mujeres sign!

24. Visit an Isla Mujeres Swing Bar

No, not swing dancing. No, not a ‘swingers’ bar either! Literally a bar with swings. There are several around Centro, but our favorite is El Rincon Isleno.

The only way to love cheap drinks and live music more is if you’re enjoying them while sitting on a swing bench.

When we felt like stopping for a drink before watching the sunset, we discovered a fun open-air bar a stone’s throw from Playa Norte. The bar serves food as well as drinks and has live music in the evenings.

We thought it might be weird taking our kid to a bar, but we saw several other families doing the same. The scene wasn’t super rowdy at 5 pm. Just a few locals having a drink after work and a few tourists like us enjoying a drink with the music.

Note: This bar is cash only so bring pesos!

We appreciated that the bartenders had no concerns with Little Man enjoying the swings with his Coke while we adults enjoyed our beer.

With a real sand floor, it’s a relaxing place to pass some time even with kids in tow.

AVOID Unethical Animal Encounters

There are so many ways to engage with animals in a positive way on Isla Mujeres with kids.

Please do not engage in activities where animals are forced to perform for humans outside their natural mannerisms or are kept captive for human enjoyment.

Note: All of the off-island day trips we recommend involve interacting with wild animals in a way that they can move away from humans if they wish.

Generally speaking, the best way to ensure an animal or wildlife encounter is ethical is to engage in experiences observing animals in their natural environments and engaging in natural behaviors.

National parks are usually a great place to see wildlife, but always ensure the park is involved in conservation work for animals.

Where to Stay on Isla Mujeres with Kids

Although there are some all-inclusive resorts on Isla Mujeres, we don’t recommend staying there. Don’t get me wrong. All-inclusives are awesome! We love this family-friendly eco-resort in Playa del Carmen.

👉 These resorts are great and get stellar reviews!

However, visitors will miss out on all the good eating on the island if all they do is leave their resort for a couple of excursions.