Where to Stay on Isla Mujeres
Choosing where to stay on Isla Mujeres can be confusing if you don’t know the island. Do you want to walk to the beach, restaurants and shops? Have a pool? Stay in a hotel room, a condo with a kitchen, or a private home big enough for the whole family?
You’ll find all of these options on the island, but location matters! Some places are steps from North Beach and the action, while others offer ocean views, more space and a quieter, more local experience.
Here’s a quick guide to help you narrow down your options and find your island happy place.
El Centro & North Beach
Best for: Walking everywhere, beach days, restaurants and shopping.
This is the most walkable part of the island. You’re close to North Beach, restaurants, bars and shops, so you can leave the golf cart behind and explore on foot.
You’ll find smaller hotels with basic rooms (some with pools), along with condos and vacation rentals offering kitchenettes or full kitchens, living areas and separate bedrooms. Some have lovely ocean views, although an ocean view doesn’t necessarily mean a swimmable beach is right outside your door. Fortunately, North Beach is usually an easy walk away.
Large private rental homes are harder to find here, so bigger families or groups may want to look farther south.
Airport Road
Best for: Ocean views, private homes and a little more space.
Just south of El Centro, this area has private rental homes, many with ocean views and some with their own pools. The catch? Those beautiful views don’t usually come with a swimmable beach right outside.
You’ll likely want to take a taxi or rent a golf cart to get to North Beach, restaurants and shopping. A good option if you want more room to spread out and don’t mind a little transportation planning.
The Colonias
Best for: Local flavor, private rentals and a more everyday island experience.
The colonias are residential neighborhoods where many island locals live. You’ll find Airbnb-style accommodations, private homes and small, family-run restaurants serving up an authentic taste of island life.
This is where you can get a feel for everyday Isla Mujeres beyond the main tourist areas. You’ll generally need a taxi or golf cart to reach North Beach and El Centro, but you’ll discover a different side of the island along the way.
The South End
Best for: Spacious vacation homes, ocean views and a quieter stay.
Looking for a larger rental home, a private pool or a little breathing room? The south end has plenty of vacation properties, many with gorgeous ocean views. Just keep in mind that much of this coastline is rocky rather than swimmable beach.
You’ll also be near local restaurants in the surrounding colonias, a couple of larger all-inclusive resorts and some lovely beach clubs. You’ll need a taxi or golf cart to get to El Centro and North Beach, so plan accordingly.
Sac Bajo
Best for: Peace and quiet, bay views and a slower pace.
Located along the island’s western side, Sac Bajo offers condos and a smaller selection of vacation rentals in a more peaceful setting. There aren’t many restaurants right nearby, but you’ll find more options a short ride away.
Some areas have swimmable beach along the bay. The water and beach experience are different from North Beach, and this side is generally less crowded. If your idea of a perfect vacation involves a quieter setting and fewer people around, Sac Bajo may be just your speed.
Before you book, ask yourself:
- Can I walk to the beach and restaurants, or will I need transportation?
- Is the beach actually swimmable, or am I booking for the ocean view?
- Do I need a kitchen, separate bedrooms or a private pool?
- Am I looking for a lively location or a quieter, more local experience?
Don’t know where to start?
Check out some of our recommended local booking sites:
Everything Isla
Isla Mujeres Vacation Rentals
Lost Oasis
Mundaca Realty
There are also many properties who book through airbnb, vrbo or their own private websites. All of these listings can be found on Mapchick’s Isla Mujeres app.
