Costa Mujeres Beach: 6 Must-See Attractions for Your Vacation
Costa Mujeres is a beautiful and tranquil destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
With a privileged location much quieter than the bustling Hotel Zone of Cancun, just a 20-minute drive away, you can enjoy a relaxing vacation close to all the action.
Costa Mujeres is part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo. This area is a beach lover’s paradise with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and fun outdoor activities.
If you’re planning a trip to this hidden gem, here’s a list of my favorite things to do in Costa Mujeres.
Where is Costa Mujeres?
If you travel from anywhere in Mexico, the fastest way to get to Costa Mujeres is by plane through Cancun.
Then, it’s just about 10 km north of Cancun. You can drive there or take a bus.
Is Costa Mujeres and Isla Mujeres the same?
No, Costa Mujeres and Isla Mujeres are not the same. They are two different destinations. I’ll explain:
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island just off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is accessible by ferry from Cancún, which is on the mainland.
Isla Mujeres is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere.
The island offers various attractions, including water sports, marine life encounters, and a charming town center.
It’s a popular destination for tourists seeking a more tranquil escape from the bustling mainland.
Costa Mujeres
Costa Mujeres, on the other hand, is a newer tourism development located on the mainland, north of Cancún.
It is not an island but rather a stretch of coastline that has seen significant growth in terms of resorts, hotels, and tourism infrastructure.
Costa Mujeres is known for its pristine beaches and luxury all-inclusive resorts.
It provides a more secluded and upscale alternative to the busier hotel zone in Cancún, making it an attractive destination for those looking for a more exclusive and serene experience.
In summary, Isla Mujeres is an island, while Costa Mujeres is a coastal area on the mainland, both offering unique experiences and attractions for travelers in the Cancún region.
Best Hotels in Costa Mujeres
1. The Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa
This is probably my favorite resort in the area. We had a really good time here during our stay so I highly recommend it.
The Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort right on the beach and just 30 minutes from Cancun’s international airport.
Here you will discover the true spirit of Mexico, from its paradisiacal white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to its marvelous vestiges of the ancient Mayan civilization.
This hotel stands out for its modern architectural design: its construction is above the sea line for magnificent views and, as if that were not enough, all areas of the resort are connected by an innovative system of canals, designed to facilitate the transportation of guests by boat.
In addition, the Grand Palladium has an exclusive area for children located within a special area created for them in the shape of an island.
2. TRS Coral Adults-Only Resort
If you are looking for a hotel designed exclusively for adults, you should visit TRS Coral Hotel.
This new 5-star luxury hotel is located on the idyllic white sand beach of Costa Mujeres and will allow you to enjoy the sun and the beach with maximum privacy.
TRS Coral Hotel also has a sophisticated space called “The Village,” which has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, stores, and entertainment areas.
6 Top things to do in Costa Mujeres
1. Swim with whale sharks
One of the best things to do in Costa Mujeres is to swim with whale sharks. But don’t let the name shark put you off, as these majestic creatures are harmless to humans.
Whale sharks, like humpback whales, are filter feeders. They swim with their mouths wide open to catch what they eat, primarily a diet of plankton, algae, small fish, and krill.
Whale sharks are up to 46 feet long and can weigh up to 15 tons, and diving alongside these gentle giants is truly breathtaking. The best times to see whale sharks are during the summer months.
Several whale shark tours are operating around Isla Mujeres. Secure your spot here!
2. Visit the Underwater Museum
Book a diving tour at the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA). At Salón Manchones, off the coast of Isla Mujeres, you will find 473 life-size sculptures at 8 to 10 mt below the water.
This tour is only recommended for divers, making it a unique diving/gallery experience.
The creation of the museum has greatly helped in the preservation of the natural coral reefs in the area.
If you are not a diver, you can visit another underwater museum MUSA, and snorkel in the Punta Nizuc Gallery, which has 30 sculptures.
3. Play a round of golf
Playa Mujeres Golf Course is one of the best attractions in Costa Mujeres and is considered one of the best golf courses in all of Mexico.
Designed by Greg Norman, this 18-hole course is as beautiful as it is challenging, with plenty of water hazards, but not too tight off the tee.
The greens are in excellent condition and meticulously maintained. What makes this course challenging is that, because of the ocean breeze, you must know where the wind is coming from and use accurate ball striking, adjusting your shot whether you are playing into the wind or the wind is behind you.
The course is tough but fair and you’re sure to love it.
4. Relax on the Costa Mujeres beach
Costa Mujeres Beach is a public space and one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
It is the perfect spot for tropical relaxation with crystal-clear waters and white sands. The water is shallow enough for swimming and you can choose to spend the day at one of the several beach clubs.
5. Visit Garrafon Reefs on Isla Mujeres and have fun!
In Isla Mujeres, the Garrafon Reefs Natural Park is the perfect place for nature lovers.
You can enjoy various adventure activities in this beautiful park, such as kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, and biking. You can climb to the top of a cliff and walk through a sculpture garden.
This park offers tons of fun in one place that the whole family will enjoy.
6. Swim with the dolphins
Visit Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres and enjoy up-close interaction with these people-loving creatures.
You will have the opportunity to interact with the dolphins in the water and experience what it’s like to be pulled by a dolphin as you hold its dorsal fin and it pushes you by your feet as you float on your back.
These adorable creatures will even give you hugs and kisses. This activity is both fun and educational and you will learn more about marine ecology during your visit.
How to visit Isla Mujeres for the day
As I said earlier, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Cancun.
If you’re staying in Costa Mujeres and want to visit Isla Mujeres for the day, you have several options for getting there. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Transportation to the Ferry Terminal:
First, you’ll need to get to the ferry terminal in Cancun from Costa Mujeres. You can do this by taking a taxi, using a shuttle service, or driving if you have a rental car.
Choose a Ferry Terminal:
Two main ferry terminals in Cancun offer services to Isla Mujeres: Ultramar and Magaña. Ultramar is the most popular choice for tourists.
Both terminals are located in the Hotel Zone. You can choose the one that is more convenient for you.
Purchase Ferry Tickets:
You can purchase round-trip ferry tickets once you arrive at the ferry terminal.
Tickets are usually reasonably priced, with frequent departures throughout the day. It’s a good idea to check the ferry schedule in advance to plan your trip.
Board the Ferry:
After you’ve purchased your tickets, you can board the ferry. The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes about 20-30 minutes, and it offers scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Explore Isla Mujeres:
Once you arrive on Isla Mujeres, you can explore the island at your own pace.
Some popular attractions on the island include Playa Norte (North Beach), the Punta Sur Sculpture Garden, and the town center with its shops and restaurants.
Rent a Golf Cart or Scooter (Optional):
Many visitors choose to rent a golf cart or scooter to explore the island more easily. It’s a convenient way to see the sights and beaches on Isla Mujeres.
Lunch and Relaxation:
Enjoy a meal at one of the island’s many restaurants. Seafood is a popular choice. Afterward, you can relax on the beach or engage in water activities like snorkeling or swimming.
Return to the Mainland:
To return to Costa Mujeres, simply head back to the ferry terminal in Isla Mujeres, and take the ferry back to Cancun. Be sure to check the return ferry schedule to ensure you don’t miss it.
Transportation Back to Costa Mujeres:
Once you’re back in Cancun, arrange for transportation to take you back to Costa Mujeres. Taxis or shuttle services are readily available.
Remember to check the ferry schedules, as they can vary depending on the time of year. Also, be prepared for varying weather conditions, so it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen, hats, and water to stay comfortable during your day trip to Isla Mujeres.
Costa Mujeres: Final thoughts
In conclusion, Costa Mujeres is a tropical paradise that offers a wealth of incredible attractions for travelers seeking an unforgettable vacation.
Whether you’re drawn to the stunning natural beauty of the area, the rich cultural heritage, or the luxury resorts that dot the coastline, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From the serene beaches and vibrant marine life to the captivating historical sites and thrilling adventure activities, this place has it all!
Make your dream vacation a reality, and embark on a journey to Costa Mujeres – a destination that promises memories to last a lifetime.
