Visiting Isla

Isla MapChick Map
We highly recommend you order an Isla Mujeres MapChick map before you come to visit.  It has all the things to do marked as well as restaurants, shops, beaches, etc. It is a great reference source & we suggest you familiarize yourself before you arrive, then you can prioritize what exactly you want to do while vacationing in Isla.  MapChick Maps are also for sale at Barlito on the SW corner of Hidalgo & Abasolo Avenues in el Centro.  www.mapchick.com

Where To Eat

Restaurants in Downtown/Centro
Isla may be a small island but we are spoiled with many excellent restaurants, loncherias & lots of ethnic choices!  Here are our favorites.....

Olivia, a taste of the Mediterranean, located on Avenue Matamoros, open for dinner only Tuesday through Saturday. The owners, Lior & Yaron, originally from Israel, create all the tapas, entrees, breads & desserts fresh daily from family recipes. The quality of food is exceptional. The ambiance is unique only to Olivia. They have back garden & palapa dining, the private pagoda for parties up to 12 & inside dining for two seatings 6:30pm & 8:30pm. Reservations are necessary because of the continued popularity of Oliva. www.olivia-isla-mujeres.com  They do not take credit cards.

Fredy's, on the North end of Hidalgo is a family owned & operated restaurant that has some of the very best seafood & a world famous porch chop. The food & Fredy's dry & sarcastic sense of humor will keep you coming back for more. His baked shrimp made with fresh Isla shrimp, lime, cilantro, jalapenos, butter & cheese is to die for. He will also do this with fresh snapper, grouper & chicken. Fredy is known for his pork chop with Isla visitors all over the world. He also does a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey, stuffing with apples, almonds, raisins, onions & celery, homemade gravy, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes & cranberry. He suggests reservations for holiday dinners & is open for dinner every evening but Tuesday. He also welcomes fresh fish that you caught & will prepare it for you family style or with sides. They do not take credit cards.

Barlito, bakery & market cafe located on the SW corner of Hildago & Abasolo, open Tuesday through Sauturday, 8am to 3pm.  Specializes in fresh baked goods, soups, salads, specials, paninis, sandwiches & sweets all made from scratch.  The only place on the Island that bakes authentic bagels.  They also sell loaves of bread (multi grain, honey whole wheat, oat nut) when you place an order in advance.  Their menu changes daily showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients with fun eclectic flavors.  Lots of choices for vegetarians & meat lovers. They also will deliver food & pizzas for orders over $250 pesos anywhere on the Island! Check out their FB page at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=256493982411  They do not take credit cards.

Viva Cuba Libra, authentic Cuban food on Hidalgo across from their partner restaurant Angelo. We recommend their Cuban sandwich with any two sides (all delicious) & a bowl of their black bean soup. But all their entrees are great & they have several with fresh fish. Their mojitos are super good & they have great beer specials. You can also order off the Angelo menu which has great pastas & pizza. They take credit cards & their location is great for people watching. Open daily for dinners only.

CoMoNo, located on the South end of Hidalgo. A great place for tapas, salads & entrees. The decor is fun, upbeat & funky. www.comono.islamujeres.info  Open from 4pm to 10pm, Monday through Friday.  They do not take credit cards.

La Lomita, located on the road behind the Navy base just South of town is a must do for lunch (only). Their black bean soup is a meal in itself & their chili relleno is the best on the Island. www.hollyeats.com/LaLomita.htm They do not take credit cards.

Alexia & Giovanni's, the very first loncheria located next to the Post office on Guerrero. A great place for authentic Mexican breakfasts & our very favorite fish tacos on the Island.  You can not beat the service or prices at A&G's!!  They do not take credit cards.

Qubano, located on Abasolo just East of Barlito is known as the home of the Toston.  A great sandwich made from fried plantains instead of bread & filled with chicken & caramelized onions topped with an onion vinaigrette.  The owner, Vivian is fiesty & fun. Her menu is filled with with delicious choices incorporating her Cuban & Hungarian roots.  Every Friday she has a special that is out of this world.  Qubano is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5pm.  They do not accept credit cards.

Real Maya Tortilla, located on the East side of Medina not too far from the ferry. Real Maya Tortilla makes handmade organic corn tortillas with several delicious toppings.  A great option for the gluten free crowd!  Open daily until 6pm.

Asia Caribe, located on Hidalgo.  Asia Caribe serves up all your favorite Asian inspired dishes...egg rolls, sticky short ribs, Thai soups, curries, etc.  Lots of vegetarian options.  And the perfect place to continue your Christmas day tradition of eating Asian food!  Check out their FB page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Restaurant-Asia-Caribe/264094107330  They are seasonal & are not open during the summer months.

Jax, soon to be world famous Sports Bar across from family beach. The Jax burger is the best hamburger on Isla by a lot!!  They have indoor, outdoor & upper deck seating with beautiful views of the water & sunset.  They have satellite tv & offer all the major sports games throughout the year.  www.jax.islamujeres.info  They do accept credit cards.

BoBo's Fish & Chips located across from Olivia offers the flavors of Canadian fish & chips in Mexico. The Owner Brian uses fresh Isla fish battered with a hint of dill & served perfectly tender with their housemade tarter sauce. Do not assume they only serve fish...their hamburgers, veggie burgers & chicken sandwiches served on freshly made buns are incredible.  As well as their caesar salad & weekly specials including surf & turf. Check out BoBo's Fish & Chip's FB page.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=184376589646 They do not accept credit cards.

Rooster Café, open for breakfast & lunch daily.. It is located next to Fredy's on Hidalgo & is awesome. The owner, Sergio makes all of his own breads & muffins. Lots of salads, soups & sandwiches to choose from & some great options for the vegetarian!  Check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rooster-Caf%C3%A9/104049529631052

Pita Amore, on Guerrero across the street from Centro de Salud (the hospital) is a great find. Ricardo, the owner is originally from Merida & wanted to create a unique menu. His gyros are not the traditional Greek style but they are excellent & his pitas are the real thing (made by a Lebanese man). The gyros range from $35 pesos to $40 pesos, they serve soda & water & you can byob.  They do not accept credit cards.

Brisas Grill, located on Rueda Medina just North of the passenger ferry, they offer fresh seafood under a beautiful palapa.  They have tables on the sand where you can watch the local fishermen unload their catch.  You can't get much fresher than that.  They also have big screen TV's and show most major sporting events. Check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BRISASGRILLISLAMUJERES

Restaurants Mid-Island
The Soggy Peso, is one of our favorite out of the way spots on Rueda Medina just out of town. They have a daily special which will be posted on the sign on the sidewalk. Just a fun place to have a really cold beer & some good grub. www.thesoggypeso.com  They do not accept credit cards.

Chuuk Kay, an out of the way spot as well on the water behind Chac Chi Suites.  Has a large palapa as well as a sand volleyball area.  Enjoy listening to the bands on Saturdays & Sundays from 3pm to 5pm.  Their menu has lots to choose from & you will see lots of familiar faces.  Check out their FB page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001725694164

LoLo Lorena's Garden Dining is located across from the Superior plant & next to the Navy hospital. You need to make reservations for her garden dinner parties which are 5 course meals for $35 (USD) per person & byob. You can book the garden for a large group or sit at the communal table with other Isla guests. There are 5 courses & they include...an amuse bouche (mouth teaser in French) then you choose between two starters then another amuse bouche then you choose between 2 or 3 entrees then a dessert course. She is very thoughtful to dietary restrictions or strong dislikes. You may check out her FB page at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=341744620979 They do not accept credit cards. 

Kash Kekun Chuc, the very best BBQ chicken. On the corner of Rueda Medina just across from the Navy hospital sits this little joint. They have a table or two or take your chicken & sides to go. It is just delicious. Open daily until they run out of chickens.  At night they switch gears and offer regional Mexican cuisine. They do not accept credit cards.

Just down from Kash Kekun Chuc on the side road (across from the tennis court) is a little place called AA Taqueria. Awesome sandwiches for breakfast or lunch. Open for breakfast & lunch daily.  This is where the locals go for a truly great sandwich.  They do not accept credit cards.

Across from LoLo's Bakery you will see a sign & an arrow pointing to a La Esperanza Nueva Carnitas (pork) place. Absolutely the most tender pork you will ever have. You can order some tacos or sandwiches or a half kilo/kilo of pork to go. It is served with chiccorones, limes, onions, cilantro & salsa.  They do not accept credit cards. 


Restaurants on or near Punta Sur
La Bruja, the very best local Mexican food on the Island. Roberto the owner & chef makes you feel like family. The daily special is our favorite to order but his grilled octopus is always awesome. The empanadas (cheese & chicken) are too good to pass up as an appetizer to share. And on Sundays, they serve Chilpachole. A seafood stew filled with crab, rock shrimp, octopus, calamari & fish in a spicy tomato broth that is an experience in itself. They are open every day but Thursday for breakfast, lunch & dinner & well worth the taxi ride or golf cart ride to La Gloria.  They do not accept credit cards.

El Pueblito, a little outdoor place across from Castilla de Garrafon that advertises 4 beers & guacamole for $100 pesos. Hard to pass by this place without stopping for a cold beverage. Their Azteca soup is definitely a favorite & their fajitas are good too.  They do not accept credit cards.


Sac Bajo Restaurants
Villa Rolandi, a 5 star resort & restaurant on Sac Bajo offers only the finest food & service.  The view of Cancun at night is just beautiful. A bit expensive, but well worth it for the quality of food & service. www.villarolandi.com  They do accept credit cards. 

Zama Beach Club,  a beautiful beach club with pools, a restaurant & a great beach with lounges & beds. In order to enjoy a day at Zama, they require you to buy your drinks & food from them. The minimum was $220 pesos per person but they are now under new management so that may have changed. www.zamabeach.com.

Restaurants.....Isla has so very many & not all of them are listed above.  There simply is not enough time to try them all out.  To name a few (some new)... Da Luisa,  Mininos, Velaquez, Sardinian Smiles, Bastos, etc.

Catering Services

Sonrisas Catering
If you rent a house & are interested in a catered meal or party, or plan a sunset cruise & need tapas or are celebrating an occasion & want a dessert, Sonrisas Catering will take great care of you! We also do welcome platters for property managers!  In addition to this website, check out & join our Facebook page at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=256493982411

Night Life on Isla

As for night life, Isla is not Cancun or South Beach. We do not get a lot of highschool or college spring breakers. Hidalgo street, the main "drag" in town is lined with mostly restaurants, shops & a couple of bars. They often have bands & some dancing but it is not an all night party place!  Our favorite hang outs are a great tequila bar, Adelitas, a lounge bar, Om,  Saturdays & La Luna  & La Terraza (across from Barlito).  For the younger crowds, check out Poc Na Hostel!

Things To Do While on Isla

Before Isla Mujeres became developed it was known as a sleepy little fishing village & while the Island is no longer sleepy the fishing is still incredible.  We highly recommend a fishing Charter on the AZ Grand with Captain Brad Wareing.  Whether you want to sportfish (sailfish & marlin, all catch & release) or meat fish (dorado/mahi mahi, yellow tail, tuna, wahoo, grouper, snapper, porgy, tile) you will not be disappointed. Check out & join the AZ Grand Sportfish Charters Facebook page to see lots of pictures.  www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122872168921 

At Dolphin Discovery, you can swim with the dolphins. We have had lots of guest do this & everyone loved it.

The Turtle Farm, see & learn all about tortugas.

Swim/touch Nurse sharks, a big hit with the kids that visit us.

On Sac Bajo is the recyclable floating Island.  Richart Sowa built himself a three story house on a floating Island all made from recyclable materials.  He will take you over to the Island on his recyclable tender, give you an organic refreshment & a tour of his Island for $50 pesos per person.  MTV Cribs was just here filming his place for an episode!  It really is amazing & worth a visit!

Mid May is when whale shark season starts & you can swim with the whale sharks.  The season ends mid September.

 On the South Point on Isla, you will find the Eastern most tip of Mexico & some Mayan Ruins. There is a restaurant, a lighthouse, an ice cream shop, gift shop, sculptures & a beautiful view.  There is an entrance fee to walk down to the ruins, climbing the lighthouse is free.

The Caribbean side beach is great for experienced surfers, shell & sea glass collecting & just hanging out to enjoy the waves & view. Swimming is not recommended because it can be rough & there is a current. You will see very experienced surfers on the Caribbean side.  It is legal to fish from the beach on this side.  The bay is considered protected & we do not recommend you fish there.  If you are an early riser, you will see beautiful sunrises on the Caribbean side. 

North beach & family beach are great for swimming, sun bathing, people watching & sunsets. The sunsets in Isla are just beautiful.  If you want to be on the water, check out our Sonrisas Sunset Cruise page.

The Scuba Diving is great. We have had guests use Carey Dive Center (PADI) www.careydivecenter.com  & FaceBook page Carey Dive Center, Isla Mujeres, Mexico & they were very pleased. There are several other dive centers as well.

If you are interested in snorkeling, there are several pangas (local Mexican boats) that will take you out for snorkeling excursions. All are about the same price per person. If you bring your own snorkeling equipment, you can snorkel by Avalon Resort or Castilla de Garrafon (which also rents out equipment). Castilla de Garrafon is down on the South end & a great place to spend the day & snorkel, very reasonably priced & quite beautiful.

Garrafon Park, on the South end, has a zip line, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. You pay to spend the day there & all of our guests that have done it have really enjoyed it.

If you are interested in birds & natural wildlife, a trip to Contoy Island would be perfect for you.  30 kilometers north of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is 8.5 kilometers in length & a sanctuary for countless species of birds, marine life & plant life. 

Feel free to research any of the above things to do & you will find more information that should help you plan your vacation.