Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte aerial shot

Playa Norte (North Beach) is known as one of the best beaches in Riviera Maya. It’s a gem of the Mexican Caribbean. Its crystal waters and white sand invite to stay forever and dive into adventure.

This beautiful beach has been awarded twice by TripAdvisor. In 2020 obtained the Travelers’ Choice Award and in 2017 the Certificate of Excellence. The awards were given thanks to its 17th position on the “Top 25 Beaches of the World” list. It is, without a doubt, a paradise to visit if you are in the surroundings or wanting to have a time off.

If you visit Isla Mujeres, you can’t miss this 100-meters-wide paradise nestled in the surrounding vegetation and the seashore, being one of the widest in all of Mexico.

How to get to Playa Norte?

As its name suggests, it is located at Isla Mujeres north. Your route may depend on where are you located. If you happen to be in Cancun, you must get to Isla Mujeres by ferry first. Puerto Juarez, Punta Sam and Hotel Zone ferry ports provide this service. Once at Isla, you may take a taxi to Playa Norte.

If you wish to get to one of these ferry ports, you can book a transfer service with us.

An identifiable feature of Playa Norte is its weather. Most times is warm and semi-humid, at around 28°C. Another feature is its crystal and calm waters, which simulate a big shallow pool, theme bars, restaurants with diversified menus and actual unique sunsets.

It’s hard to choose between watching a sunrise or a sunset at Isla. It is the first place to be reached by sunlight in the whole Mexican territory. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can actually see how the sun sets and “hides” behind the sea. Definitely, a must-do in Playa Norte.

image via Beach Bar Bums

Thanks to its wide spaces, Punta Norte counts with recreative options for the whole family. Among bars, restaurants, and some aquatic activities, stays here are mostly incredible. Here, you are very likely to live a dream vacation. If looking for options on what to do at Playa Norte, check these out:

What to eat at Playa Norte

Near Playa Norte or at its shore, you may enjoy the delicious gastronomy offer. Most restaurants specialize in Mexican and seafood. Among the most popular options is Tuturreque, a highly popular one, which serves grilled octopus among other great dishes.

Tuturreque, Isla Mujeres

Another popular restaurant is Dopi’s, an owner-managed restaurant with a familiar and nice atmosphere serving the best lobster tacos in the area.

Dopi’s, Isla Mujeres

There are also many options for those preferring conventional dishes, such as Angelo restaurant, which diversified menu include seafood and pizzas at reasonable prices.

Where to stay at Playa Norte

In general terms, Playa Norte counts with modern infrastructure for comfortable and calm stays. Even on the shore, there are some easy-beach-access hotels and picturesque villas where spending nights watching stars is possible. Among the available hotels, there is Ixchel Beach Hotel, located right in the center of Playa Norte providing a pool and direct beach access.

Ixchel Beach Hotel

If you travel with the family and are looking for some extra privacy and home-style ambiance, Nautibeach Condos might be an option for you, a little hotel offering rooms equipped with kitchens. It also offers bikes for rent. A truly good option considering cost-value.

Nautibeach Condos

Another more-complete option is Privilege Aluxes, an elegant 5 stars hotel with a private pool, three restaurants, and two bars. Rooms at this hotel count with hydromassage tubs and an exclusive beach area. Cabañas María del Mar Hotel is another option, where guests can get massages in the privacy of their rooms.

Privilege Aluxes

Bars at Playa Norte

When the night comes, party-holic and cheerful tourists also have somewhere to go at Playa Norte. Among many options is Jax Bar & Grill, a nice place where author exotic cocktails are served, which you may drink while enjoying some delicious tacos or burgers. Another famous bar is La Adelita, an economic option with an open atmosphere where you can even bring your own food and pay just for the drinks.

Jax Bar & Grill

Another bar to experience is Ice Bar, a climatized one at really low temperatures which menu offers Mexican food, so as international dishes and delicious national and international drinks. It contrasts with the rest of the area which is warm, but there is nothing to worry about since it provides coats upon entrance so you can enjoy without freezing-out. Another must-do at Playa Norte.

Ice Bar

Well now, remember Playa Norte is not the only attraction at Isla Mujeres. You must take a chance to visit Punta Sur as well.