Cozumel Vs. Isla Mujeres

[Aigtbootbp]

We are experienced Cozumel visitors but have ran into some interesting reviews of Isla Mujeres. So, for those who might know how do they compare? We mainly spend our time in CZM diving, driving over to the east side, Punta Sur and Chankanaab.
Do you think it would it be worth it to try Isla Mujeres instead of Cozumel for once?

 

[kujhawk91]

I have been to both and, while there are some interesting sites to dive in Isla, my opinion is that the diving is quite a bit better in Cozumel. The reefs are bigger and the variety of life is more diverse. The shop I went with was much more laid back than what I have found in Cozumel. They would have me show up at 9 and we never left before 10. On a positive note, the dive shop I went with (I dove with Enrique), took his spear gun out one dive, caught us a permit fish and we had it for lunch with fresh ceviche at his family's restaurant. We did get to see a couple of pretty cool shipwrecks.

I enjoyed Isla Mujeres as an island. Much smaller, but a large variety of restaurants and a some nice places to stay. I stayed at Privilege Aluxes.

I would go back, however, I'm not sure I'd spend more than a few days diving there - and its not difficult to get to Cozumel from there (2 ferry rides and a bus trip), if you want to split the trip up.

 

[annlaur]

They are very different islands.

Isla Mujeres is a lot smaller, closer to Cancun and is more a party/beach island, which attracts many young backpackers, snowbirds and day-trippers. Whereas Cozumel is a whole lot quieter (except for the Malecon and Plaza areas), and attracts mainly divers and cruise-ship people.
Both have their charm. I like Isla for the dancing, live music, nice beaches, partying…
I love Cozumel for the diving and the general "healthier" way of life.

I only dove once near Isla Mujeres (Manchones) and was disappointed : lots of fish but barely any reef. Very shallow and no current where I went, but I don't know if that's the case at every site.
You can always do an overnight trip there from Cozumel to see if you like it. Better yet, if you fly in / out of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a great place to spend the first or last night of your trip. It's a 15 minute boat ride from the continent. Otherwise, it's less than a 3-hour trip each way if you make all the connections (Coz ferry + bus Playa-Cancun + taxi Cancun-Puerto Juarez + ferry to Isla).

There are many lodging options on the island, either in town (the North tip) which allows you to walk everywhere (beach, restaurants, shops, ferry&#8230, or further South, which is a lot quieter (but you might then want to rent a golf cart or rely on taxis, as there is only one bus route and it is not very convenient).

What else ? The beaches are awesome (although Playa Norte, which used to be an absolute wonder, has greatly suffered from Wilma as well as the building of big hotels), with extra fine white sand and cristal clear turquoise water. The snorkeling is nice as well and they offer trips to see the whale sharks if in season.

 

[CaptEsteban]

I have been to both, too.

Cozumel = better diving with the walls, better viz , current, & more coral. BUT, deeper.
Isla Mujeres = good diving, good viz , MORE critters, shallower.

Cozumel = getting too tourist, for ME , but I have been there since the early 1980's.
Isla- very laid back, not as much to do, but lots of time to relax. Cheaper good hotels in town.

Overall a cheaper vacation can br had in Isla Mujeres. If you go there, swim with the WhaleSharks.

Look all over this website for info;

IslaMujeres.info - Your Guide to Isla Mujeres Mexico