Mexico Family Travel

8 Exciting Activities For Isla Mujeres With Kids: Ideas for an Isla Mujeres Family Vacation

July 28, 2023

Looking for a laid back Mexico family getaway? Why not take a vacation to Isla Mujeres with kids? This beautiful island has so many options for Isla Mujeres tours to do, as well as an abundance of natural beauty. So pack your bags for a perfect Isla Mujeres family vacation!

Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a popular excursion destination for families looking for beach time, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. Whether you're visiting Isla Mujeres on its own or as part of a bigger Yucatan itinerary, here’s why you’ll love visiting Isla Mujeres with kids, and why these Isla Mujeres tours are the best for your family.

Catamaran in the ocean, photo by Angel Haas on Unsplash

This post was written by Mary Biron from Dive In.


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Where to stay during an Isla Mujeres family vacation

Isla Mujeres is a small island, so you can stay pretty much anywhere. There are many options for family hotels in Isla Mujeres, as well as vacation rentals. And all of them are generally within walking distance of the beaches on Isla Mujeres.

Hotels can be found at Isla Mujeres Playa Norte (the north beach area of Isla Mujeres), or elsewhere throughout the island. Here are some highly rated Isla Mujeres kid friendly resorts:

Ixchel Beach Hotel

Families will enjoy staying at Ixchel Beach Hotel during their Isla Mujeres family vacation. This hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a playground for families, and in-room babysitting services (for a fee). The hotel also has a restaurant on-site, as well as a gym.

Rooms at Ixchel Beach Hotel can accommodate families of 3-6 people. Each room has air-conditioning and WiFi, as well as TV with cable channels. Breakfast is available for a fee.

Izla Beach Front Hotel

Another great hotel, located close to the beach is Izla Beach Front Hotel. This hotel boasts a pool, full service spa, and on-site bars and restaurants. There's also a gym on-site, and guests can rent bicycles to get around the island.

Izla Beach Front Hotel has rooms that can accommodate families of 3-4 people. Rooms are sound proof and have WiFi, air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, and an in-room safe. Plus, some of the rooms have stunning views of the ocean!

Nautibeach Condos

If you're in the mood for a home-away-from-home type of vibe, book a vacation rental at Nautibeach Condos in Playa Norte. These condos can accommodate families of up to 5 people. Each unit has a kitchen with a microwave, so you can make your own meals. Plus, the units come with air conditioning, WiFi, and TV with a DVD player.

The resort area is right on the beach, but also has an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar. There's an on-site spa, and families can also book in-room massages. Nautibeach Condos has a restaurant on-site, but there are also several restaurants within a 2-10 minute walk from the condos.

Other hotel options in Isla Mujeres

The above hotels aren't the only options for families visiting Isla Mujeres with kids. Take a look at these other highly rated kid friendly hotels in Isla Mujeres, located throughout the island:

Hotel Secreto

Hotel & Restaurant Bucaneros

Hotel La Joya

Hotel Beló Isla Mujeres

If you need help planning your Isla Mujeres tours during your stay in Isla Mujeres with kids, just ask the concierge at your hotel what adventures are available near where you’re staying!

Additionally, there are several hotels on Isla Mujeres that offer child care services at their facilities so you can spend time enjoying other aspects of your Isla Mujeres family vacation without having to worry about leaving behind an unattended child in the hotel room.

What to see on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres offers many activities suitable for children of all ages—from exploring caves and ruins on foot or bike with an archaeologist guide; swimming with marine animals; snorkeling; visiting a water park; or taking your kids fishing off one of its many piers.

You can go snorkeling at nearby reefs or spend time at one of many beach clubs offering lessons in surfing, kayaking, and other water sports. 

If you’re looking for some Isla Mujeres tours to include on your Isla Mujeres family vacation, check out these excursion Isla Mujeres ideas to book for your trip to Isla Mujeres with kids.

Don't forget to visit other amazing destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula!

1. Snorkel at Manchones Reef

Diving in Isla Mujeres is a popular activity due to the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island. However, if you don’t know how to scuba dive, you can still have a dive Isla Mujeres experience by going on a snorkeling tour! This tour takes visitors to Manchones Reef, and also an underwater museum, where sculptures have been submerged underwater. Snorkel equipment and lunch is provided.

Book your snorkeling in Isla Mujeres with kids experience here: Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour with Lunch Included

2. Take a group Isla Mujeres snorkeling tour

If you still haven’t gotten your fill of snorkeling in Isla Mujeres with kids, then consider this tour from Casa del Buceo. They offer two options for snorkeling tours: a long group tour and a short group tour. So you can choose the snorkeling experience that fits best for your family. Snorkel gear is included in the tour.

Make your visit to Isla Mujeres memorable by booking this snorkeling tour: Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea

3. Enjoy local fishing and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres

For families who enjoy fishing, you’ll want to book this tour offered by Island Adventures Mexico. This tour takes visitors out to the best fishing spots in Isla Mujeres with a licensed guide. And at the end of the tour, families can take a dip into the water and enjoy some snorkeling! All fishing and snorkel gear are included.

Book this fishing and snorkeling experience for your trip to Isla Mujeres with kids: Local Fishing Plus Snorkeling Tour In Isla Mujeres

4. Charter a private boat to fish in Isla Mujeres with kids

If you looking for a more focused fishing experience, consider chartering a private boat for a fishing excursion. This highly rated experience, offered by Isla Fun Tours, takes anglers out into the water to troll for barracuda, snapper, grouper, and any other fish that's in season. Fishing equipment is provided, as well as snacks and drinks.

Book this fun experience of fishing in Isla Mujeres with kids: Private Inshore Fishing Experience in Isla Mujeres

5. Swim with whale sharks (seasonal activity)

Depending on the season, you might have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks during your visit to Isla Mujeres with kids. Whale shark season in Isla Mujeres runs roughly from June to September. So if you happen to be in Isla Mujeres during that time, definitely book this tour from Isla Fun Tours. The whale shark tour is a full day group tour that takes you out to see whale sharks, as well as manta rays and other marine animals. Snorkeling, snacks, and lunch are provided.

Book this whale shark experience while you're in Isla Mujeres with kids: Full-Day Whale Shark Snorkeling Adventure in Isla Mujeres

Whale shark, photo credit: whitcomberd

Beach clubs Isla Mujeres and other activities

Being an island, Isla Mujeres is full of great beaches. So it’s difficult to pick the very best beach in Isla Mujeres. Most of the swimmable beaches are found to the north of the island. Besides Playa Norte, there’s also Playa El Cocal and Playa Centro. To the south, you’ll find Playa Garrafon.

In addition to public beaches, Isla Mujeres has a handful of beach clubs that you can spend an afternoon at. Besides taking Isla Mujeres tours during your trip, take a look at these beach clubs and fun parks to visit during your Isla Mujeres family vacation.

If you’re visiting Isla Mujeres on a day trip, consider including one of the following beach club Isla Mujeres experiences for your Isla Mujeres day trip itinerary. It will surely make your vacation to Isla Mujeres with kids memorable!

6. Aquatic Funday Park

Visitors can experience a fun day at the waterpark no matter what the weather at Aquatic Funday Park. The slides and pools offer exciting ways to cool off while you’re visiting Isla Mujeres with kids. There are places to relax in the water or above it with a drink service that runs all day while you float around. 

There are food vendors on site to purchase snacks, drinks, and meals to enjoy inside or outside of the park. Lounge chairs and palapas can be rented, along with marquis with tables and chairs as well.

7. Kin Há Isla Mujeres (formerly known as Parque de los Sueños) 

This water park is located at the southwestern part of the island, just a kilometer and a half north of Punta Sur. Kin Há offers visitors to Isla Mujeres with kids everything from fantastic food, refreshing drinks, swimming pools, and waterslides. Families can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. 

8. Garrafon Park 

Located at Playa Garrafon, this park offers several activities for families coming to Isla Mujeres with kids. Activities at Garrafon Park include swimming in the Caribbean Sea, kayaking, and even zip-lining over the jungle canopy. You can also enjoy a temazcal ceremony at the park, for those interested in a spiritual cleansing experience. There are multiple price packages depending on the activities you choose.

The beach in Isla Mujeres, photo by Julie Radloff on Unsplash

Isla Mujeres day trip ideas

If your vacation time is limited, and you only have one day to spend on Isla Mujeres, consider taking a catamaran tour from Cancun. These types of excursions Isla Mujeres experiences are popular for families visiting Isla Mujeres with kids as it gives them a chance to relax while also offering great ocean views. 

If you’re looking for a catamaran Isla Mujeres tour to book for your Isla Mujeres family vacation, consider one of these highly rated tours. They all offer snorkeling and open bar, in addition to either snacks or lunch

Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel Visit To Isla Mujeres (Cancun Adventures)

Half-Day Sailing Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun (Cancun Riviera Maya Travel)

Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran (Cancun Sailing Catamarans)

Get ready for your trip by reading books about Mexico with your kids.

Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting?

Isla Mujeres is a family-friendly paradise and the perfect place to get away from it all, whether for an Isla Mujeres day trip or a longer Isla Mujeres family vacation. It’s absolutely worth visiting Isla Mujeres with kids just for its beauty and nature alone. 

The island has plenty to offer families, including swimming with marine animals and snorkeling in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Isla Mujeres is also a great place for kids to let off steam at one of the many water parks on the island. Kids will love playing in the water while parents enjoy taking some time off from being caretakers, as well as spending time together as a family in this beautiful location.

Isla Mujeres also has plenty of beaches where you can swim and relax with your kids. This makes it a great place for families who love being outdoors and don't mind getting a little sandy.

Find out why Isla Mujeres is also one of the most romantic places in Mexico!

What to know about visiting Isla Mujeres with kids

The island of Isla Mujeres was originally a sacred place to the Mayan goddess, Ixchel. She was the goddess of childbirth and medicine. The Spanish named this island Isla Mujeres, meaning the island of women, because of its special connection to Ixchel.

Snorkeling in the ocean

Today, Isla Mujeres is a popular destination for families, and it's easy to see why. The island is small enough that you can easily explore it on foot or by bike. And there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages. As a family, you'll want to take advantage of all the activities and excursions Isla Mujeres has to offer. 

But before heading off on your vacation to Isla Mujeres with kids, here is some basic information about Isla Mujeres you should know.

Family vacation Isla Mujeres packing tips

To prepare you for your trip to Isla Mujeres with kids, don’t forget to pack a Yucatan guide book. You’ll find plenty of great Isla Mujeres tips in these books:

Fodor's Cancún & The Riviera Maya

Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan

Moon Yucatán Peninsula

Make sure to pack your belongings in a sealed dry bag as you will be doing a lot of water activities! Also, don’t forget to pack along these beach items:

Taking the ferry to Isla Mujeres

Since Isla Mujeres is an island, the only way to get there is by ferry from Cancun. The main ferry terminal is at Gran Puerto in Puerto Juarez. However, you can also catch a ferry for your Isla Mujeres family vacation at Playa Tortuga and Playa Caracol. Ultramar operates the ferries that take visitors to Isla Mujeres.

Before embarking on your ferry Isla Mujeres experience, familiarize yourself with the ferry schedule. Ferries run roughly every half hour every day, except in the early mornings and late nights. During those times, they run hourly. 

For foreign visitors coming to Isla Mujeres with kids, one way ferry tickets cost 270 pesos (roughly $13.50 USD) for adults and 200 pesos (roughly $10 USD) for children. Round trip fares are double that cost. You can purchase ferry tickets ahead of time online on the Ultramar website.

Getting around Isla Mujeres with kids

Isla Mujeres is a safe place for families because it's small and easily navigable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk from one end of the island (Playa Norte) to the other (Punta Sur) in about an hour and 40 minutes. And from east to west, the walk across Isla Mujeres takes about 30 minutes. 

Colorful Isla Mujeres letters, photo by Katrina Julia on Unsplash

Isla Mujeres does not really have car rentals. However, there are Isla Mujeres golf carts you can rent if you are not able to walk for long distances. Isla Mujeres golf cart rental rates vary depending on the company and the season. In general, golf cart rentals cost around 300 pesos (roughly $15 USD) per hour. You will need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to do a golf cart Isla Mujeres rental.

Other transportation options for Isla Mujeres tours

Besides walking and renting golf carts, there are other ways to get around Isla Mujeres for kids and families.

The public bus is one of the most economical options for traveling around Isla Mujeres with kids. It will take you to most places on the island. The buses leave from a central station, are not air-conditioned, and tend to be crowded with locals, many of whom don't speak English (or Spanish). They can also be late or unreliable—but for very little money and some adventure, it's worth taking at least once!

Boat in Isla Mujeres, photo by Gerson Repreza on Unsplash

Alternatively, you can rent a scooter if you’re comfortable driving a motorized scooter while you’re in Isla Mujeres with kids. You'll have more flexibility in exploring the island if you rent a scooter rather than relying on taxis all day long. 

Prices start at $15 per day for mopeds with unlimited mileage included; driving license is required. If possible, find out if your credit card company has an insurance policy that covers rental vehicles in Mexico before renting anything—many do!

If you want to explore further afield, Isla Mujeres has two taxi options: regular taxis or open-air jeeps. Either choice will get you where you need to go safely, quickly, and inexpensively.


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    An island getaway to Isla Mujeres with kids

    If you’re looking for an island getaway full of things that your whole family will enjoy, you don’t have to search far. Isla Mujeres is the perfect place to go. With beautiful beaches, delicious food and drink, and plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged, visiting Isla Mujeres with kids is sure to be a hit with everyone in your group.

    8 Exciting Activities For Isla Mujeres With Kids: Ideas For An Isla Mujeres Family Vacation | Mexico Family Travel | Pinterest image of a beach with straw palapas and palm trees with the ocean in the background and text overlay

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