Playa Norte (North Beach)

The Basics

Snorkeling, sailing, and sightseeing cruises to Isla Mujeres are available from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The island is known for its many palm trees and white-sand Playa Norte, which stretches along the island’s northern end. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and waters are shallow and clear, but swimmers should be aware that there can be a strong undertow and swim with caution. Experienced swimmers and snorkelers can enjoy the underwater sea life, and on-site shops rent snorkeling gear, along with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Playa Norte is also home to a slew of fun beach bars and restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bottled water is available at all the restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores on Isla Mujeres.

• US dollars are accepted, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants and by some tour operators.

• You can rent a golf cart for a few hours, a full day, or 24 hours to get around the island.

How to Get There

Playa Norte and the rest of Isla Mujeres is easily accessible from Cancun via daily boats that depart as frequently as every half hour from several different harbors. Tours typically provide pickup and drop-off service to and from hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Once on the island, it’s recommended that you rent a golf cart as opposed to a scooter since traffic has become an issue.

When to Get There

Keep in mind that tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to occur in September and October, so if you’re planning a visit during this time, purchase travel insurance. Also, during the winter months, the island is sometimes hit by a cold front from the north, so pack a sweater or light jacket for the evening.

Cancun Underwater Museum

Located in the National Marine Park, just off the coast of Isla Mujeres, the Cancun Underwater Museum, also known as the Underwater Museum of Art (Museo Subacuático de Arte, or MUSA), is an ongoing project created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor in an effort to draw attention to the area’s coral reefs. Snorkelers and divers are able to view the museum’s collection of more than 500 sunken sculptures.

Ways to explore

A wealth of snorkeling, sailing, and sightseeing cruises to Isla Mujeres depart from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Excursions typically combine time at Playa Norte with snorkeling at the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), where more than 500 submerged sculptures provide a haven for marine life. Luxury experiences available include sailing on private catamarans or chartering a yacht at sunset.

Accessibility

Playa Norte is wheelchair accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available (although availability is limited). Ferries from Puerto Juárez and the Hotel Zone in Cancun typically have ramps for wheelchair access.

Age limits

None; the water here is typically calm and shallow, ideal for paddling.

What to pack

The crystal clear waters off Playa Norte are ideal for spotting marine life, so bring your snorkel and flippers.

What to wear

A bathing suit and sun protection, as the sun here is unforgiving.

Not allowed

Camping overnight, fires

Amenities

Umbrellas, loungers, beach bars, water sports rentals, snack kiosks

Address

Tours typically provide pickup and drop-off from and to hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Once on the island, it’s recommended that you rent a golf cart as opposed to a scooter since traffic has become an issue.

Driving

While you can bring a car over to Isla Mujeres on the ferry from Cancun if you desperately need to, the island is not a good place to drive. Not only is it tiny, but there's barely any parking available.

Public transportation

From the ferry dock on Isla Mujeres on Av. Rueda Medina, it's a 15-minute walk to Playa Norte via Av. Juarez and Carlos Lazo.

Best times to visit

Many people visit Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun, so stay overnight and explore early before the tour groups arrive from the mainland.

Best days to visit

Weekends see huge crowds on Playa Norte, so visit during the week for a (slightly) more peaceful experience.

Best months to visit

Cancun’s dry season runs from December through April. While accommodation prices are higher, you're almost guaranteed clear skies.

Special events

August is the liveliest time to visit Playa Norte, as that's when celebrations for the Foundling of Isla Mujeres festival light up the streets.