Traveling to Isla Mujeres soon? Here’s what you need to know to stay safe on your trip to this beautiful island.
Isla Mujeres is a small island located off the coast of Cancun in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico. It’s a popular tourist destination, and for good reason! Isla has beautiful ocean water, beaches and a super charming local culture that feels more authentic than the streets of Cancun.
There are so many things to do in Isla Mujeres, and it’s generally considered a safe place to visit. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and understand safety concerns to make sure you have an enjoyable vacation!
Here are some practical tips to help you have a safe vacation on Isla Mujeres!
Familiarize yourself with the Area
Take 10-20 minutes to familiarize yourself with the island’s layout. The island is small, with it being just over 4 miles long. Most of it’s attractions are located in the downtown area, which is a short walk from the ferry dock.
However, there are several attractions towards the south tip of the island. If planning to visit this area, review a map and make a plan to either rent a golf cart or taxi. Taxis are ample and affordable, but be sure to ask for the price before agreeing to the ride. In Spanish, you can ask the driver “Cuantos pesos?” to ask the price in pesos. If your Spanish is weak, do not hesitate to show the driver your destination on a map, or on your phone’s GPS to minimize confusion.
Also, check on your cell phone plan to understand what type of service will be available to use. My Verizon plan includes weak cell service, but my GPS signal is typically strong, which very much helps to navigate the island.
Secure your Belongings
Pickpocketing and petty theft occurs in all tourist areas, and although Isla feels very safe and sleepy, it happens here as well.
If staying on the island, secure your belongings in a hotel safe, including a hard copy of your passport. Keep a paper copy of your passport on your person at all times should you need help from local authorities. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and if you do carry cash, carry some on your person and some in a bag to avoid having it all taken at once.
And, if you rent a golf cart to navigate the island, be sure not to leave your belongings in the golf cart while you explore! Take valuables with you.
Drive Carefully
Golf carts and scooters are the primary mode of transportation for tourists on the island. If you rent one, drive cautiously, follow the flow of traffic and watch for pedestrians, which are everywhere!
Most importantly, be sure to have a sober driver designated. While enforcement varies across Mexico, the local authorities in Isla Mujeres are quite strict about sober driving, and will pull you over. I promise this is not an experience you want on vacation.
If you think I’m being overly cautious, I’ve visited the island 11 times, and have seen inebriated golf cart drivers destroy property, run into scooters, other golf carts and pedestrians, and yes be apprehended by local police! Don’t let this be you.
Swim Safely
The waters around Isla Mujeres are gorgeous, but ocean conditions widely vary based on which side of the Island you’re on. Playa Norte, on the north tip of the island, is known for it’s calm waters, while the east and southern shores have rough water and plenty of rocks, which can make swimming dangerous.
Stay Hydrated and Protect Against the Sun
The sun on Isla Mujeres can be super intense. Remember, you’re pretty darn close to the equator, and a bad sunburn can ruin your vacation. If you forgot your sunscreen, the local bodegas and Chedraui grocery store have plenty for purchase.
The local tap water is not safe for consumption, so stock up on bottled water. Again, if you run out, there’s a small store on most corners where bottled water can be purchased. Don’t stress!
Respect Local Culture
I considered putting this first, but thought I might lose some of you. So, I just want to emphasize the importance and value of respecting the local culture when visiting Isla Mujeres.
As someone who has traveled to the island extensively, and has had relatives live there for an extended period, I beg you to remember that people live there and you are driving through neighborhoods.
Driving intoxicated through the local neighborhoods while yelling obscenities is wildly impolite and disrespectful of the residents. You will see local schoolchildren walking to and from school during the day, and it’s always pained me to know the type of behavior they witness from tourists!
The local culture is quite modest and many are devout Catholics. When you’re on the beach, anything goes, but off the beach I recommend dressing modestly.
And of course, learning a few basic Spanish phrases goes a long way to showing that you care about the local culture! Many residents speak some English, but it shows a lot of respect to at least attempt to have your interactions in Spanish. I love using the DuoLingo app to keep my basic Spanish fresh for trips.
Monitor Travel Advisories and Warnings
Before any trip, be sure to check the latest travel advisories and updates for Mexico. While Mexico is a large country, and safety varies by region, it’s a good idea to be aware of any issues in the Yucatan region before you go.
By following these tips and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Isla Mujeres while ensuring your safety.
With a little preparation, your visit to this enchanting island will be both memorable and secure. If you’ve traveled to Isla and think there are any tips that I have missed, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!