Mexico : Safety by City
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Isla Mujeres is a fascinating island located where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet.
The island, whose name means Isle of Women, or Women Island, got its name as part of its rich history that dates to the time of the Maya.
The Mayans thought of what is now Isla Mujeres as a sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel.
The Europeans claimed that they discovered Isla Mujeres when they landed on its shores in the early 16th century.
Spanish explorer Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba discovered only a few women at Isla Mujeres, along with a few statues of Ixchel.
They gave the island its present-day name.
Isla Mujeres became an important stop for explorers and others who traveled various trade routes.
It also became an important stop for pirates, until the number of people coming to Isla Mujeres started expanding.
The crystal-clear waters, the natural beauty, and the vibrant culture that rapidly evolved made the island a haven for travelers.
The number of tourists who visited recently increased by 39 percent in just one year.
One thing that may be on the minds of some people who are considering traveling to Isla Mujeres and experiencing its rich history and breathtaking views is whether it is a safe place for travelers to visit.
Learn about how safe Isla Mujeres really is, and what to see and do while you are there.
Learn about warnings and dangers, and safety tips to help you have an unforgettable experience at Isla Mujeres.
Warnings & Dangers in Isla Mujeres
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Isla Mujeres is a safe island paradise for many people. The crime rate is very low, compared to many other areas in Mexico. When crimes do occur, they are usually low-level crimes. Serious crimes are usually not directed at tourists.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Travelers who visit Isla Mujeres need to be aware of possible taxi scams and pickpockets when they use other public transportation. Get a quote on the cost of your taxi ride before you get in the cab. Use reputable taxi companies to avoid being overcharged. Many people get around the island by renting a golf cart. Avoid being overcharged for your golf cart rental. Double-check the rental terms. Take photos of the golf cart before you drive off in it to avoid alleged damage charges.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Isla Mujeres does not have as big a problem with pickpockets as many other areas. The risk does still exist, so travelers need to secure their wallets and belongings out of the sight and reach of pickpockets.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
People who travel to Isla Mujeres need to be aware of the risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes. Check the weather reports before leaving on your trip. Stay tuned to local weather reports during your stay. Follow the directions of local authorities if there is a natural disaster while you are there.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Sources vary in the reports of alleged corrupt police officers in Isla Mujeres. There have been reports of police officers demanding money for alleged minor offenses, and others saying they have no issues with corrupt officials. Most people do not experience mugging, bribes, or other issues with the police, or with criminals.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Isla Mujeres is usually considered one of the safest places in Mexico. It does not have the same threat of terrorism that many other areas may have in Mexico.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Do not get into a taxi with a driver yelling at you, offering to take you to your hotel. You may get scammed by taxi drivers who are not working for a licensed company. Do not drive away in a rented golf cart without having the terms in writing and taking pictures of it from all sides. Travelers should never allow someone to help them with their bags or with their ATM transactions.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women who travel to Isla Mujeres rarely have any safety issues. They usually enjoy the fabulous beaches, the shopping, the nightlife, and visiting the sites as safely as other travelers. Solo women travelers are likely to feel completely safe on their trip to Isla Mujeres. They should still stay aware of their surroundings and be cautious if anyone seems to be following them.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Do not drink the tap water in Isla Mujeres. It is not safe. The water is treated in Isla Mujeres, but it is still considered to be unsafe for human consumption. The reason is because of contaminants that may be in the distribution system. Although hotels, resorts, and restaurants usually use purified water for ice and for cooking, check to make sure that it is not tap water. Bring a refillable water bottle or drink bottled water when you visit Isla Mujeres.
Safest Places to Visit in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places in Mexico.
The pristine beaches, the spectacular natural beauty of the island, and all the things to see and do are some reasons that people choose to visit this safe island.
One of the safest places to visit in Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte.
It is the most popular beach on the island.
It is famous for its white sands and its clear waters.
Many people visit Playa Norte for the vibrant atmosphere.
Go snorkeling or diving to see the marine life.
Take a dip in the Caribbean Sea.
Sip a cocktail on the beach while you people-watch.
Stroll along the beach and enjoy its beauty.
Visit Downtown Isla Mujeres and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Visit the shops or a quaint little restaurant.
Solo travelers and families alike will likely have a great time enjoying the culture, the vibrant murals, and the great food and drinks.
Visit the stunning Punta Sur Park and marvel at its historic and ecological features.
See Maya ruins, take a nature walk along the trails, view the cliffs and the blue waters, and enjoy the other things that draw people to Punta Sur.
Another safe place for travelers to visit is Avenida Miguel Hidalgo.
Stroll down the street and experience the true vibe and ambiance of Isla Mujeres.
Visit the local shops, enjoy great food, or just watch everyone else enjoying this fun place.
Have a unique experience when you visit the Underwater Museum of Art.
Travelers enjoy this unforgettable experience when they go diving or snorkeling to see the 500 submerged sculptures.
They are there to promote coral life and sea life conservation.
It is safe to visit the beaches, to enjoy shopping, to go snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing when you visit Isla Mujeres.
Places to Avoid in Isla Mujeres
People who visit Isla Mujeres should exercise caution in some areas.
Do not go to remote beaches after dark.
It is safer to visit the beaches during the day or to visit beaches in more populated areas if you really want to go there in the evening.
Stay on the main streets of Isla Mujeres, where there are more people.
Tourists should stay close to where there are other travelers.
They should also only walk down well-lit streets.
Do not go down any side streets downtown, thinking that you are avoiding the crowds.
It may be a safety risk.
The southern part of Isla Mujeres is less well-developed compared to other parts of the island that are popular with travelers and residents.
There are likely to be fewer services available to people who go to this area.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Isla Mujeres
- Do not accept drinks or food from strangers. Some people may just want to be nice. Other people may want to spike your drink or your food.
- Leave your valuables at home. It may be tempting to show off your new designer handbag or that fancy, expensive watch. Showing off your valuables makes you an easy target for pickpockets and other criminals.
- Use ATMs in safe places. Do not use ATMs on the street or in smaller businesses. Use ATMs that are inside banks or other trustworthy businesses.
- Use reputable taxi companies. Do not get into a taxi on the street. Call a reputable taxi company or have someone at your hotel or resort call a reputable, licensed company for you.
- Do not flash your cash. You may think that flashing your cash makes you look rich. You are right. It does make you look rich to scammers and muggers.
- Stay with your travel group or friends. Although Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, staying with your group is likely to increase your safety.
- Use legitimate currency exchange offices. One scam that may target travelers happens when visitors fall for the currency exchange scam. Someone claims that they can get you a great deal on currency exchange rates. You find out after they are long gone that you have fake bills.
- Monitor the weather. Check the weather forecast before you leave on your trip to visit Isla Mujeres. Stay alert to any changes in the weather and listen to local forecasts for updates after you arrive in Isla Mujeres.
- Stay away from unfamiliar areas. It may seem tempting to go off the beaten path, but you could be putting your safety at risk. Stay in areas that are popular with travelers. Avoid areas that are not well-lit after dark.
- Do not share your personal information with strangers. You may think the person who politely asks where you are staying while you are in Isla Mujeres, and if you are traveling with anyone, is just being friendly. They could be making you their next target.
So... How Safe Is Isla Mujeres Really?
Isla Mujeres is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.
It has low overall crime rates, a low risk of terrorist activities, and low risks to the safety of travelers.
The most common risks to travelers are things like pickpockets.
People who visit Isla Mujeres are likely to have an unforgettable experience, especially if they follow a few safety tips.
How Does Isla Mujeres Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Isla Mujeres |
82 |
| Aguascalientes |
75 |
| Cozumel |
82 |
| Manzanillo |
65 |
| Culiacan |
40 |
| Veracruz |
60 |
| Oaxaca |
78 |
 Grand Portage | 80 |
| Rosine | 90 |
| LaPlace | 75 |
| Leesburg | 72 |
| Miramar | 72 |
 Pretoria | 25 |
Useful Information
Visas
People who visit Isla Mujeres do not need a visa unless they visit for more than 180 days.
Currency
The Mexican Peso is the official currency in Mexico. Many businesses accept U.S. dollars in Isla Mujeres. Make sure you have at least some of the official currency because smaller shops may not accept U.S. cash.
Weather
The weather in Isla Mujeres is warm and humid. The temperature averages about 83 degrees year-round. The hottest months in Isla Mujeres are from May to October. It is also the months when the island gets the most rain. The weather is great from January through April, which many people consider to be an ideal time to travel to Isla Mujeres.
Airports
The Isla Mujeres Mexico National Airport has a single landing strip. It is only for small aircraft and for private planes. Tourists usually fly to Cancun and then take a ferry or other transport to Isla Mujeres.
Travel Insurance
People should always purchase travel insurance before they take their trip to Isla Mujeres. The U.S. Department of State highly recommends that people get travel insurance. Talk to your travel insurance provider to get details before going on your trip to Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
| Low °C |
19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| High °F |
82 | 82 | 84 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 82 |
| Low °F |
66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 72 | 68 |
Isla Mujeres. Mexico is beautiful.. Ive always felt safe.. Great people..A must to go vist
Safety is now an issue
Isla Mujeres is a great island and usually safe however there have been 4 murders this month (November). Two of these were in broad daylight. The latest was just yesterday afternoon.
Concerned
We’re they tourist involved?
No
Not Safe Right Now
Beautiful place and usually very safe. They have multiple murder this month (November 2020). Two of them were in the daytime.
This was an issue with locals, not visitors. Your chances of actually being murdered as a guest are extremely slim. I have been here several times in the last 10 years. Yes, there is gang activity and issues but they mostly leave tourists alone because they know it will draw too much attention to do anything to them.
Did you get to see the baby turtles being released when you were there?
I can’t believe how many baby turtles you can see there in the fall, it’s like a little sea adventure!
Just got back, and those baby turtles were the cutest thing ever, definitely a highlight of the trip!
So, did you actually manage to get a picture of yourself swimming with the whale sharks or was it all just a ‘wish you were here’ moment?
Did you get a chance to see the baby turtles when you were there? That must have been such a cool experience!
Stumbling upon those baby turtles at the farm was such an unexpected delight; watching them waddle off to the sea felt like a heartwarming little moment in paradise.
It’s interesting to think about how Isla Mujeres has transformed from a sacred site for the Maya to a bustling spot for tourists today; I can only imagine how those crystal-clear waters must feel when you’re surrounded by such a rich history.
Can’t believe how much the tourism has shot up there, it’s like a hidden gem that everyone’s finally discovering! The water really is as stunning as they say, but safety stuff is definitely worth considering.
Seeing the turquoise water at dawn with the little fishing boats made me unexpectedly teary.
Yeah, the beaches are crystal-clear and all, but after the ferry unloaded a crowd I felt claustrophobic and just wanted the quiet back.