Cozumel or Isla Mujeres? Discover the Best Island for Your Next Vacation
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Blessed with white sandy beaches and clear waters, both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres offer pristine beaches and the best of what Mexico has to offer.
However, there are some key factors that you should consider before visiting. Here are some of the most important differences between Cozumel vs Isla Mujeres so you can make your decision easier.
Overview: Which Island is Best
Why Should You Visit Cozumel?
Across from rowdy Playa del Carmen, Cozumel carries a similar lively energy while offering a lot more than just endless partying on beaches!
This popular cruise ship stop is all about exploring underwater caverns, corals, and swimming with marine life.
At the same time, the verdant landscape spanning its entirety hides plenty of hiking trails, wildlife, historical ruins and freedom from the usual urban noise.
Why Should You Visit Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres is an island of calm that lets you truly sit back and relax. Its small size means a limited number of people to brush shoulders with.
Yet, there are enough to keep you busy – whether you choose to play on the beach all day, or walk through its Mayan heritage sites.
If you’re seeking a laidback holiday, Isla Mujeres is for you.
The Vibe
Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres
What Is Cozumel Like?
Beach clubs crowd along the western coast of Cozumel, sun loungers and hammocks placed between palms for you to starfish in your sandy glory.
But Cozumel isn’t just about the fancy schmancy – it’s about island wildness.
Remote beaches, extensive coral reefs and natural, green forests beckon nature lovers to live out the dream. Go wild, go natural.
What Is Isla Mujeres Like?
Living both underwater and on land, Isla Mujeres is a sanctuary of calm. Once revered by the Maya, the island still hosts a collection of ruins and historic charms.
Beyond the usual water-based entertainment, an underwater sculpture park grows by the day. Laid-back and hosting some of the friendliest locals, this slice of paradise is perfect for unwinding.
Location & Getting Around
cozumel island
Both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres are located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, sitting astride one of the longest coral reef systems in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Directly across from Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel is a 40-minute ferry ride away. Daily flights from the U.S and Cancun touch down frequently; it’s a common cruise stop too.
Likewise, Isla Mujeres can be reached via a ferry ride from Cancun. You can also opt for a catamaran day trip.
As for getting around Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, visitors usually walk within developed areas.
To reach outlying regions, car and bike rentals are the most flexible mode of transport. You can also get around in golf carts – an Isla Mujeres-only flex.
Of course, if you live by the ‘convenience is priority’ rule, taxis and shuttles are available as well.
Restaurants & Cafes
mexican street tacos
Like two sisters who have equal access to great-grandma’s recipes, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres’ food scene overlaps a lot.
As popular getaway spots, both islands feature a bit of everything – American, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and of course, fresh seafood.
They both dip into their Mayan roots to offer the ancient Tik’n Xic, a grilled fish dish marinated in achiote sauce.
Restaurants in Cozumel
When it comes to restaurants and cafés in Cozumel, the ratio of tourist-targeted locales and small, homey haunts is surprisingly decent.
While eateries are obviously more expensive around the harbor front; cheaper restaurants along the fringes of the town balances it out.
Plus, snack shops and relaxed juice bars at remote beaches got your budget-friendly portion covered!
If you want to stay in town but eat on a budget, visit the outdoor food courts. The central Mercado Municipal also treats with plenty of homemade Mexican foods.
Restaurants in Isla Mujeres
On the small and narrow Isla Mujeres, sea view and seafood are guaranteed to go hand-in-hand.
Due to its smaller size, your dining options are more evenly spread out. Many travelers have commented – don’t stick along the main street!
Many excellent restaurants are located on the side streets of the island. And like Cozumel, food prices vary depending on where (and what) you’re eating.
The menus in beach clubs, restaurants within hotels and easily accessible areas tend towards international tastes and higher-end prices.
Beaches
playa norte, isla mujeres
The soft scrub of sand against the soles of your feet, the buoyant waves, and Instagram-worthy backdrop are major pieces of the paradise puzzle. The question is, do Isla Mujeres or Cozumel beaches appeal more?
Beaches in Cozumel
Cozumel rocks the boat in this Cozumel vs Isla Mujeres debate – all thanks to its rocky coastline. Still, while primarily a diving destination, it has a fair share of public beaches.
Cozumel wins when it comes to beach diversity, but not necessarily in access and security. Depending on what you plan on doing at the beach, choose accordingly:
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park – part of a larger protected area, this “little sea” is a great blend of snorkeling opportunities and nature walks.
- Playa Mia Grand Beach Park – waterslides, floating obstacle courses, sunken Mayan villages underwater, and other pay-to-play activities make this beach great for families of all ages.
- Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park – a never-ending stretch of sand that goes from bustling with restaurants to an isolated island.
- Passion Island Beaches (Isla de Pasion) – off the main Cozumel island, it’s a quiet spot that requires a ferry ride.
- Playa Punta Morena – settled in the remote east, reach this untouched beach via car or motorbike.
- Playa Chen Rio – also in the remote east, this narrow lagoon is a must for picturesque photoshoots. Forgo the swimming (rough waves, not safe) for tide pool scavenging instead.
- Playa Palancar – for pleasant swimming conditions, further south of Cozumel’s largest beach clubs.
- Naked Beach – if you’re ever tempted to bare it all, the ‘live and let live’ attitude here is very inclusive.
Beaches in Isla Mujeres
If Isla Mujeres were to be known for only one thing, it’d probably be Playa Norte.
One of the most beautiful (and popular) beaches in Mexico, it runs from downtown Rueda Medina and along the northern coast.
Sections welcome calm waters perfect for swimming, while others run stronger tides.
Often, rental sunbeds are scattered under swaying palms; on the stretch facing away from Cancun, snack bars and beach clubs accommodate.
Other Isla Mujeres beaches include Garrafon de Castilla and Playa Lancheros.
The former lies right beside Garrafon Reef Park and offers snorkeling at a discount – simply pass over 50 pesos and choose your snorkel gear.
The latter is rather unassuming but perfect for catching some Zs. If easy access and moderate festivity are your beach-picking criteria, Isla Mujeres is your pick.
Things to Do
isla mujeres view
With Cozumel being Mexico’s largest Caribbean island and Isla Mujeres a tiny strip easily traversed via golf cart, Isla Mujeres simply can’t beat the sheer variety of things to do on Cozumel.
That being said, it’s all about what you’re looking to do. Both islands feature great water-based activities, but don’t miss out on the inland attractions either!
Things to Do in Cozumel
Cozumel’s wild emptiness balances out the one-fifth of the island that is developed. Within the extensive menu of things to do in Cozumel, snorkeling and diving are the specialties.
Reap the benefits of being based in the Mesoamerican Reef System and sign up for some time in the water.
The Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall and Columbia diving sites are three of the best diving spots in Cozumel.
For a combination of underwater and in-land exploration, two major attractions to visit are Punta Sur Ecological Park and Chankanaab National Marine Park.
The former sits on the southern tip of the island, home to reefs, beaches, forested trails and even an old Mayan temple.
Meanwhile, Laguna Chankanaab is an isolated freshwater lake with a host of underground channels – teeming with tropical fish and conveniently based next to an Adventure Park.
Local jeep tours are best if you’re diving into the wild east. Some head through Cedral to off-road caves and trails.
Others carry you over the remote beaches of Chen Rio and Punta Morena, which offer local beach bars for refreshments.
There are even some tours that send you over to Passion Island for more kayaking and fishing ops.
Of course, beach appreciation is a must. Fancy beach clubs on the west side come with pool and beach access, oceanfront restaurants, lounger rentals, and water activities. Check what services are covered by the entrance fee!
Alternatively, you can do your own beach hopping between the best beaches on Cozumel: Playa San Juan, Playa San Francisco, Playa Palancar, and Playa Mia Grand Beach Park.
Done with the sand? Browse shops along the waterfront of San Miguel de Cozumel or eat the days away.
The capital and port is typically busy; travelers shuffle between the outdoor food courts and interesting historical attractions such as the Island Museum.
Cozumel’s rich history still lingers too. Over 30 Mayan heritage sites are open to the public; some perched along the coast while others are hidden in dense jungles.
Highlights include: San Gervasio, an AD800 site; San Rita, ruins some distance from San Miguel; and Castillo Real, which boasts the island’s largest Mayan structure.
Things to Do in Isla Mujeres
The list of things to do on Isla Mujeres revolves around slow living, basking in the tranquil atmosphere and spending hours in nature. Like Cozumel, it’s a prime snorkeling and diving spot.
One famous underwater attraction is MUSA Underwater Sculpture Park, an ever-growing site that shows how nature grows around manmade developments.
The bright corals of El Farito and shallow waters at off-beat Garrafon de Castilla are two other well-loved locations.
Playa Norte keeps you grounded, a solid stretch of paradise along Isla Mujeres’ coastline.
The shallow water and calm waves make it a natural pool to play in, perfect for both swimming and anchoring yachts.
With the beach being as wide as it is, you are guaranteed a quiet patch to yourself.
Lounging outside of beach clubs is highly recommended by all visitors.
Being an island paradise, you can expect more water-themed attractions that you can easily turn into full-day itineraries.
The Turtle Farm on Sac Bajo is an unexpected find; the aquarium is funded by both the government and private parties to protect a variety of sea life.
On the noisier side of things, Parque de los Suenos at Kin Ha offers everything between terraced pools to boating and paddleboarding.
Punta Sur Park keeps a fascinating balance between nature and history, hemmed by dramatic waves.
The historic site and eco-park sits at the southernmost end, host to Mayan ruins, walking trails, sharp cliffs and a sizeable iguana population.
Explore the other ruins on Isla Mujeres as they offer a deep dive into the island’s history – Hacienda Mundaca, for instance, offers winding paths and a solar clock garden.
Shopping
local street shops in cozumel
Shopping in Cozumel
Cozumel bargains with empty wilderness and not shopping accolades, but you can enjoy a fair share of browsing.
Since it is a frequent stop along the cruise ship route, duty-free, souvenir and jewelry shops line the waterfront.
As day-trippers mostly loiter around downtown, shopping on Cozumel is concentrated around Plaza del Sol.
There’s also a Royal Village shopping area by the cruise ship pier.
Largely featuring imported handicrafts from all over Mexico, you might as well buy them on the mainland.
Still, the funky shops scattered around downtown are great time fillers.
Shopping in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres offers an even more limited range of shops. Shopping is characterized by small shops that sell regional handicrafts.
Alternatively, souvenir shops line the streets with your regular garish t-shirts, ceramics and sea-shelled everything.
To find the occasional, good folk art and textiles, you’ll have to dive into the wares. You’re pretty much limited to the downtown area by the ferry docks. It’s not really the island for a shopping spree.
Nightlife
People drinking beer
Nightlife in Cozumel
When the sun goes down, so does the heat! Cozumel tunes in to the ‘party’ frequency as early as dinner, with live music jazzing up the interiors of Wet Wendy’s, The Thirsty Cougar, and Woody’s Bar & Grill.
These tunes carry through to the central plaza, where the evening’s entertainment is as likely to be a beauty contest as freeform dancing.
Drinkers and dancers will converge on places that cater to the young and spontaneous.
Those still blessed with the ability to ravage the night can hit up Margaritaville, Fat Tuesdays and Senor Frogs.
Seeking a mixed crowd? While it can’t rival the variety of Cancun, Cozumel has its fair share of beach bars that keep you well-oiled ‘til early morning.
Nightlife in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres does stick to the typical Caribbean hours, with most bars closing by midnight and nightclubs running until 2 AM at best.
Take advantage of its compact nature (most venues are banded within four blocks) and bar hop with those adventurous feet.
Whether you’re kicking back with a chilled beer at Buho’s Beach Bar, sampling tequila and cigars at La Adelita Tequileria, or literally dancing your shoes off at Fayne’s – you don’t have to retire to bed by sunset.
Don’t miss out on the festive season either; the locals find every occasion to party.
Carnaval, Founder’s Day, Day of the Dead and more will see sleepy Isla Mujeres transformed with parades, dancing, and colorful costumes.
Cost & Budget
beach in cozumel
When it comes to matters of the wallet, the Cozumel and Isla Mujeres comparison isn’t clear-cut.
Costs and budgeting depend largely on your chosen accommodation, list of activities, party number, and travel preferences. Still, we can break down the average budget into major expenditures:
Flights
To reach both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, you have to fly into Cancun International Airport.
Solo travelers flying from the United States pay between $340 and $750 for an economy seat.
Ferry transfer is by far the cheapest option to travel from the mainland to the islands.
A round-trip ticket to Cozumel costs $17 to $25, while the Isla Mujeres trip costs $15.
Where to Stay
The fluctuation in accommodation cost can only be defined as dramatic! The contrast between budget stays and luxury hotel rooms are eye-opening.
Where to Stay in Cozumel
Cozumel resorts are clustered within San Miguel de Cozumel, the sole town on this island.
Hotel prices can start budget-friendly at $30 and shoot up to $300 per night in 5-star lodging.
On average, you’d pay around $60 to $130 for a double-occupancy room. You can also opt for cabin rentals on the island fringes.
The diverse range of vacation rentals cast a scale of $20 per night (1-bed room) to $920 per night (an entire, fancy villa for big parties).
Top hotels in Cozumel to consider:
Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres features a range of rustic and boutique hotels. Although its less-traveled nature typically results in lower prices, regular hotel prices are actually slightly above Cozumel’s – most likely due to fewer options.
Hotel prices per night cost between $50 and $530; most travelers pay for double-occupancy rooms between $100 and $150.
The cost of accommodation does drop for vacation rentals. Expect prices around $20 per night (1-bed room) to $800 per night (villa with spectacular sea views).
Here’s our top hotel picks for Isla Mujeres:
Daily Expenses
Because Cozumel is such a popular cruise stop, average meal costs in the city run high. You’d be hard-pressed to find meals priced below $15 (although not impossible).
Dining on Isla Mujeres also costs a pretty penny, but there are plenty of off-beat eateries to balance it out.
Regarding transport costs, consider: are you taking public transport, private taxi or renting a car? On both islands, walking and riding public transport are by far the cheaper option.
Activities
As for tickets to shows and attractions, Isla Mujeres tips the scales with a lower average cost of entry.
Outdoor tours run from $20 to $150 – but keep in mind that walking and snorkeling tours aren’t expensive compared to luxury Catamaran trips.
Meanwhile, Cozumel’s wider range of activities means you can spend between $30 and $300 to access protected areas, or indulge in a personalized tour.
