Instagram-Worthy Places Isla Mujeres

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Explorers, Adventurers

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PLACES IN ISLA MUJERES
Written by Cancun Adventures

Inspired by Nature°

Article Summary

Isla Mujeres, across the Bay from Cancun, is a laid-back Caribbean paradise perfect for unforgettable photos. Arrive on a luxury catamaran and capture the island's beauty from the sea. Dive into the El Meco Reef to snap underwater shots at the Underwater Museum of Art. Swing over the ocean, enjoy Playa Norte's clear waters, and explore colorful facades, murals, and local shops. Don’t miss the Rainbow Staircase, Punta Sur's lighthouse, and the Goddess Ixchel statue. End your day with a sunset photo from the pier.

Discover some of the Instagram-worthy photo spots in Isla Mujeres

Underwater sculptures of hands giving a blessing gesture, located in the clear blue waters of Punta Sam, creating an ethereal and serene scene.

Isla Mujeres – aka the Island of Women – is located just across the Bay from Cancun. It’s the perfect destination for travelers searching for a more laid-back Caribbean Island vibe. Easy to get to via a gorgeous sailing excursion, we highly recommend visiting Isla Mujeres for an unforgettable experience during your Mexican getaway.

Map of Isla Mujeres showing key locations such as Playa Norte, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and downtown areas. Inset includes a detailed view of downtown Isla Mujeres with numbered points of interest.

01. On a Sailboat to Isla Mujeres

Hop aboard Cancun Adventures’ luxury sailing catamaran and head from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres for a day of sea, sun, and fun. Take photos on the French-made luxury catamaran, while looking out over the incredible blue water. Capture the island in the background as we approach for a truly spectacular photo opportunity that combines upscale adventure and picturesque natural wonder.

A woman in a tie-dye dress and hat sits on the edge of a catamaran, enjoying the Caribbean Sea near Isla Mujeres, Cancun at sunset.

02. Las Bendiciones (The Blessings) at El Meco Reef

The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) has made what was already a naturally beautiful coral reef even more amazing with the addition of sculptures referred to as “The Blessings”. Swim amongst schools of fish and giant-sized works of art while snapping underwater photos that will be sure to get your friends to stop scrolling and stare.

English Alt Text: A snorkeler swims near an underwater statue of a hand in the clear waters of Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico.

03. Swing Over the Ocean

Our yacht docks right beside an in-water swing where many Instagram models have paused to take flattering photos suspended in the azure water. Whether you want a solo photo on the swing or to capture your Isla Mujeres visit alongside your friends, this is a great spot to stop and snap a story – or five.

A woman in a white crop top and red bikini bottom sits on a swing over clear, turquoise water with a tropical beach and palm trees in the background at Isla Mujeres Centro, Quintana Roo.

04. Playa Norte

Playa Norte is another stop on our luxury Isla Mujeres catamaran tour. This shallow, sandy water is home to countless schools of friendly fish, making for the ideal snap of you befriending the local wildlife.

A woman in a blue swimsuit is partially submerged in clear turquoise water, surrounded by fish, with her arms raised in joy at Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

Capture the beauty of Isla Mujeres’ buildings & artwork

The colorful streets and architecture you will find while walking around the island will make for truly unique backgrounds for all your Instagram photo needs.

05. Las Casitas: Colorful Caribbean Facades

These neon-coloured facades located throughout Isla Mujeres are a must-have for your Instagram feed. While exploring the area, you can find the most famous facades located at the corner of Av. Juarez and Matamoros street, and at Av. Juarez between Morelos and Madero streets.

A woman in a floral dress and straw hat sitting in front of a colorful yellow and red house with a pink door on Isla Mujeres.

06. Murals

Isla Mujeres’ oversized street murals, depicting abstract settings, people and more, are a culture and photo lover’s dream. Take a stroll throughout the core of downtown to find some of these hidden gems.

A vibrant mural on Isla Mujeres featuring surreal, colorful artwork with multiple eyes, hands, and oceanic elements, painted by danae_brisso.

07. Local Shops

While you are walking along the gorgeous streets, you can take advantage of the great shopping opportunities in this cool and creative location. Grab a new dress to outfit yourself in bold colors and beautiful designs for your Instagram shots.

A woman with long braids in a white dress shopping at a colorful market stall filled with vibrant bags, textiles, and handmade crafts in Isla Mujeres.

08. Rainbow Staircase

There is a can’t-miss stop on the way to Punta Sur where hundreds of tourists stop each year for the perfect photo. The oversized rainbow staircase is a one-of-a-kind site where you and your loved ones can take photos and feel good about adding a big pop of color to your lives and feeds.

A couple kissing on colorful rainbow steps in Isla Mujeres, with words like "AMISTAD," "OPTIMISMO," and "VALENTIA" written on the steps.

09. Lighthouse at Punta Sur

The beacon of the lighthouse at Punta Sur means you are approaching your destination. This historical building is located close to Maya archaeological sites and the sea-battered cliffs welcoming you. If you have the chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse, you'll have a magnificent view of the Mexican Caribbean, the surrounding architecture, ruins, and more!

A shirtless man wearing shorts and a cap stands in front of a white lighthouse with a blue door at Punta Sur, Isla Mujeres, under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

10. Acantilado el Amanecer (Cliff of the Dawn)

After your climb, you can visit the cliffs at Punta Sur to take in what locals call the “seven colors of the Caribbean Sea”. From dark navy blue to bright jewel tones, a look over the cliffs will give a whole new meaning to the word “blue” and a whole new photo album for you to share with friends and family.

A man stands on a rocky cliff overlooking the vibrant blue waters of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, with the coastline visible in the distance.

11. Goddess Ixchel

While you are visiting the south side of the island, you can check out the sculpture of the Ixchel (pronounced Ishchel) Goddess. Rich in colour and history, this statue and her associated temple are wonderful odes to the history of the island and the culture of its people. If you are lucky, the goddess may grant you favors such as a longer life, fertility, romance and more!

Just because your Isla Mejures tour is coming to an end does not mean your Instagram-worthy photos have to

A woman in a red skirt and black top stands holding hands with a large statue of the Mayan goddess Ixchel on Isla Mujeres, with the ocean and sky in the background.

12. The Pier

Take one last shot from the pier, overlooking the water before you board the upscale catamaran.

A couple embraces on a wooden pier over turquoise water with a sailboat in the background and a colorful sunset sky on Isla Mujeres.

13. Sunset in The Caribbean

Once you are back relaxing onboard, enjoying refreshments, and reveling in your amazing day, you can capture a few more photos of the breathtaking sunset you can’t miss as we sail home.

A person relaxes on a boat with legs stretched out towards the sunset over the ocean, capturing the vibrant colors of the sky and the water at Isla Mujeres.

From start to finish, your trip to and around Isla Mujeres will provide you with endless photo opportunities. Reach out to our expert tour guides today and learn more about this luxury sailing trip and how we can elevate your Cancun vacation beyond your wildest photographic dreams.

Published on June 13, 2024

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