Getting to Isla Mujeres with Kids

Getting to Isla Mujeres is part of the fun! Families take the ferry from Cancun. The ride is about 20 minutes, with shaded seating, music, and ocean views. Sit on the upper deck for the breeze and photo ops or inside for a little shade and calm. Once you’re on the island, most hotels are just a five- to seven-minute taxi or golf-cart ride from the ferry terminal.

Where to Stay - Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Isla Mujeres

Ixchel Beach Hotel

Steps away from Playa Norte, this hotel has standard rooms as well as full suites with kitchens to accommodate larger families. There are two pools, including a shallow one for kids. While there is a restaurant on site, this hotel is the closest to all the downtown shops and restaurants, so you can just walk over after a day at the beach.

Casa de Los Suenos

The boutique hotel has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, bikes for rent, and family suites to accommodate multi-generation groups. The nearby restaurant, Kin Ha, is fun for kids with a water slide and a kid-friendly menu. Casa de Los Suenos is located about seven minutes from the ferry dock on the south side of the island.

Bahia Chac Chi

A no-frills hotel that is great for small families, Bahica Chac Chi has a pool and a restaurant on site. It's right next to the ferry terminal and to golf carts, so there's no need to get into a cab to head downtown or to the ferry when it's time to go home. This hotel also has an amazing view of the ocean.

Day 1 - Golf Carts, Beaches, & Sunset Strolls

Morning

After you arrive and check in to the hotel, rent a golf cart for a fun day of exploring with the kids. There are several spots to rent a golf cart when you get off the ferry on the island, or your hotel can rent one for you. For most kids, riding around the island in a golf cart is half the fun!

Activity

Head to Playa Norte, famous for its calm, shallow water. You can rent a lounger for the day at a beach club like Green Demon or Playa Norte Beach Club and sip on cocktails (or smoothies) while the kids dig in the sand and splash in the water. Older and more adventurous kids can partake in activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling.

Lunch

Stay at the beach club for lunch or head to Los Tacos de Humo, a color, super fun taco spot with outdoor seating.

A popsicle from Tropic Ice Cream is a refreshing treat!

Afternoon

Stroll through the quaint, small, and colorful downtown Isla Mujeres. Check out the street murals, browse the little shops, and grab a cone at Tropic Ice Cream, a local ice cream and popsicle shop with tropical flavors kids will love.

Dinner

Try Xantolo's, a restaurant right in the middle of downtown with big portions and swings that kids can sit on at the bar on less-busy nights. It also has a super fun atmosphere—we heard a singer playing hit songs a few restaurants over and saw a hula-hoop light up show! The food is delicious and a hit for both kids and adults. It was our favorite restaurant in Isla Mujeres by far and a must-try.

Day 2 - Wildlife & Underwater Wonders

Morning

One of the big draws of Isla Mujeres is the crystal-clear water where families can see fish right under their feet. There are several places to go snorkeling including El Farito, Manchones Reef, and Garrafon de Castillo, all of which are great for first-timers and little ones.

Lunch

Check out Mango Cafe Isla, a quirky cafe for a late breakfast or early lunch. Don't miss the fresh juices, Benedicts, and star-worthy stuffed poblano pepper. Note that it is cash-only.

Afternoon

If your kids are up for more water time, head to Garrafón Natural Reef Park for snorkeling and splash zones (they provide kid-sized life jackets). It's great for families with older ids as well, who will enjoy activities like zip lining, kayaking, and more. A calmer spot for toddlers is Playa Centro.

Take a sunset stroll after a downtown dinner.

Dinner

Keep it simple with Mamma Rosa, a reliable win for picky eaters thanks to pizza and pasta. It is also right in the middle of downtown if you want to stroll and shop afterwards.

Day 3 - Local Culture & Island Exploration

Morning

Drive your golf cart down to Punta Sur, the island’s southern tip, to see the other side of Isla Mujeres. Check out the open-air sculpture garden, the Temple of Ixchen, and the Casa de Caracol (Shell House). Kids will love spotting iguanas along the path.

Lunch

Try Playa Lancheros Restaurant, a local favorite for it's specialty grilled fish, Tikinxic. The open-air space makes it easy with kids, and the menu has plenty of simple sides.

Afternoon

Stop by the Women’s Beading Cooperative to see local artisans at work and pick up souvenirs that support the community. Or, tour the MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), a sculpture museum submerged in the reef that is accessible via a glass-bottom boat tour or scuba tour.

Sunset beachside dinners are a must In Isla Mujeres!

Dinner

End your trip with a beachfront meal at Mayan Beach Club, where you can watch the sun dip below the horizon while the kids play in the sand.

FAQs About Visiting Isla Mujeres with Kids

Q: Is Isla Mujeres safe for families?
A: Yes! The island is small, friendly, and walkable. Just keep an eye on your belongings and always supervise kids near the water.

Q: What’s the best way to get around Isla Mujeres with kids?
Renting a golf cart is the easiest and most fun option—kids love the novelty of traveling in a new way!

Q: Do I need to bring cash?
A: Larger restaurants and shops usually accept credit cards, but taco stands, ice cream shops, and many souvenir stalls are cash-only. So, bring pesos for small purchases.

Q: Is the ferry stroller-friendly?
A: Yes, both the terminal and ferry can handle strollers. A lightweight foldable stroller makes boarding and navigating downtown much easier.

Q: Are there medical facilities on the island?
A: Yes. There’s a clinic and pharmacy right on Isla Mujeres, and Cancun hospitals are just a short ferry ride away if needed.

Q: Can toddlers enjoy the beaches?
A: Absolutely! Playa Norte and Playa Centro are especially calm and shallow, making them the best beaches in Isla Mujeres for kids. Water shoes help with the occasional shells and rocks.

Q: What should I pack for kids?
A: Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hats, water shoes, reusable water bottles, snorkeling gear (if you have and want to bring it), and rash guards or long-sleeve swim shirts for sun protection.

Q: Are there grocery stores on the island?
A: Yes, Chedraui is the main supermarket where families often stop for snacks, diapers, drinks, and breakfast supplies. There are also small convenience stores scattered throughout downtown.

Q: Do golf carts come with seat belts?
A: Some do, but not all—the ones we rented did not. Parents usually recommend having kids sit between adults and driving slowly.

All photos by the author

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