Learn About Expat Life in Mujeres, Mexico!

What's life like in Isla Mujeres, Mexico? Whether you’re seeking sunshine, turquoise waters, or a laid-back lifestyle, Isla Mujeres has much to offer. We found the island to be a safe, tranquil place full of natural beauty, but still offering modern amenities like supermarkets, internet access, beautiful churches, and even a University! English is widely spoken, but learning Spanish enhances integration into the local community. 

Isla Mujeres, located just off the coast of Cancún in Quintana Roo, graces the easternmost shores of Mexico. This tropical haven spans 7 kilometers in length (about 5 miles) and about 1 kilometer  in width. Imagine endless stretches of palm trees, tropical flora, and respite-inducing fresh breezes. While hurricane season occurs from August through October, rest assured that the island’s infrastructure is hurricane-ready, ensuring your safety.  When we arrived at the island, in July 2024, Hurricane Beryl had just passed through the region, and although this was a  destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, Isla Mujeres seemed largely untouched.

​There was some obvious downed palm trees and we saw peeling pain in some of the waterfront buildings, but all the utilities were working and life seemed to be running smoothly for all the residents. I asked our taxi driver on the island when we arrived, and he said that they had lost power and water for 48 hours, but that was all. 

The tropical climate is delightful, and it was hot in July, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C). The humidity makes it feel warmer. The rainy season runs from May to October, but the rains are usually brief. It did rain 2-3 times in the week we visited, but the rain lasted less than 15 minutes or so. 

Getting to Isla Mujeres from the Cancun Airport

​Getting from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres is quite straightforward. We flew into Cancun and took a taxi to the ferry departure zone, which is about 15 minutes away from the airport. Then we booked a ferry to take us to the island. The Ultramar high-speed ferry departs every hour.

The ferry ride is modern and comfortable, and takes approximately 30 minutes and offers comfortable amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and onboard snacks. You can buy tickets either on the Ultramar website or right at the port. We took this picture at the Isla Mujeres arrival port, which is clean and modern (but we suggest avoiding all the tour salespeople trying to sell you tours!)

Ferry Terminal at Isla Mujeres, July 2024

A Rich History

Spanish explorers first arrived on the in 1517, and the island’s abundance of feminine symbols earned it the moniker “The Island of Women.” Today, a small community of about 22,000 residents calls Isla Mujeres home, while hundreds of tourists visit daily, drawn by its beauty and vibrant atmosphere. During the month of July, we met tourists from everywhere, including Sweden, France, the United States, and Canada. Most of them were families traveling with their children, like us. 

Life on Isla Mujeres is serene, even with the constant influx of tourists. The island maintains its charming fishing village character, fostering close-knit relationships. Time moves unhurriedly, reflecting the tranquil pace of life. Low crime rates and unique boat-only access contribute to the sense of safety. There is always police and national guard patrolling the island, and they are friendly and take very good care of the tourists.

We rented a two-bedroom Airbnb for about $1,000 for a week's stay, but there are cheaper and more expensive options all over the island. Our Airbnb had A/C in every bedroom (you will want A/C in July!) as well as a washer, dryer, Wi-fi, and a modern kitchen. If you want a waterfront rental, it will be more ($2,000 an up) but you can find much cheaper options inland for less, and discounts if you stay a month or longer. 

If you want to explore, we suggest renting a golf cart, there are multiple golf cart rental places as soon as you get off the ferry from Cancun. We rented a golf cart for around 1,800 pesos a day to get around the island, which is all you need. 

Our local guide, Jaime, told us that they do not want any bad press to affect the tourists from coming to the island, as happened in October 2021 in Tulum, where a German and Indian tourist were caught in drug-related crossfire.  

We saw none of that on Isla Mujeres, no theft, no obvious criminal element, not even any rowdy tourists or public drunkenness. Everyone seemed very calm and relaxed, and that was the vibe around the entire island. 

Rent a golf cart to explore the island!

Key Factors if You're Considering Moving to Isla Mujeres

Key factors for living in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, include a tropical climate with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, a small but vibrant community, and a mix of local and expatriate residents.

There are tons of great restaurants and beautiful sights to see. If you're not sure about your move, you can easily rent an Airbnb short-term, almost anywhere on the island if you want to check it out before making any permanent decisions about a move. The island offers a laid-back lifestyle with beautiful beaches, a rich history, and a low crime rate. It's important to prepare for the hurricane season and to consider the cost of living and available amenities when planning a move.