Isla Mujeres - security situation?

Incredibly safe. Once your on the island, I would say much safer than New Orleans.

Agree with not doing a resort (mia reef is the only all incl that comes to mind.) it kind of defeats the purpose of going to Isla to stay in an all inclusive imo.

I would consider New Orleans much more dangerous than isla mujeres or any other tourist spot in Mexico. Anyone that tells you something different doesn't know what they're talking about.

Look into staying at casa sirena on isla mujeres. Probably one of my favorite places I've ever stayed in all of my travels.

This was my first Isla trip. I just got back Saturday. I've been flying to
CUN for 10 years anywhere from 1-3 x per year. Airport was easy, breezy and business as normal. Landed in CUN at 11:20 am and lines were short and quick. We used CARM for our transfers. I booked our ultramar ferry tickets with them and they had our tickets waiting. CARM agent with clipboard was waiting right outside the airport door. He radioed and our private ride (Nissan SUV) arrived and was loaded in about 5 mins. Traffic to ferry dock was minimal. We made it to 12:30 ferry. Very impressive time. Ferry arrived on Isla at about 12:50. Porters took our luggage and I discretely watched it as it sat with all others in back of ferry. As soon as ferry stopped I quickly made my way to claim luggage. I didn't want any funny business or someone walking off with it even by accident. Porters lugged my bags off (I have dive gear so travel pretty heavy) with me walking behind and they gladly took a tip. I handled my luggage from ferry ramp down the dock. I was approached by officers with a dog who asked politely to have dog the inspect. Luggage remained closed and once dog was done they sent me on my way. It was about a 100 yard walk to taxi stand. They loaded me up and sent me on my way to our mid island condo. No problems!!! I did not notice a significant or imposing security presence. Saw a few cops or military guys, but they were just hanging out as usual for Mexico. Felt very safe. Biggest risks or concerns were other tourists on golf carts. Locals were completely nice and patient with tourists. Unlike most of my visits I got lots of pesos. Exchange rate was like 19.10 at a little place north of ferry dock on right side of the road heading north about 2 blocks before the turnaround. All inclusives suck, but they have privelage Aluxes and Mia reef on north side. And zoetry on south-ish side. Most of the fun was driving around eating and drinking. Be careful drinking on golf cart. Do not drink and drive the cart.

There is literally no place on the island that you can't go. We eat at a few places right in the middle of the island where the locals live and we feel perfectly safe.

Damn. Are those your pics? Because that place looks incredible. I got kind of relaxed at my desk staring at the ocean. That place just jumped to the top of the list. Thx.

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If you want to do AI, stay in Playa and take a day trip or two to isla.

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I am assuming from the above the ferry ride is short? Would it be worth it to stay on the island for a couple of days and then transfer over to the AI Resort for the remainder or just do day trips?

This place sounds so great I am thinking about pushing my long weekend into a full week vacation at this point. Now considering if I should split my time and try both options.

After reading this these post I am starting look at Isla Mujeres instead of PV for a 10 day trip. We usually stay at a AI in PV. Most have said to skip the AI in Isla. What should I budget for meal and drinks down there?

I spent about 250-300 on food and drinks for just myself in 5 days. Some breakfasts were 16 US dollars for coffee, water and 2 entrees (north garden). Our most expensive meal was at limon. 1 glass house red, 1 water, shrimp appetizer, ribeye entree and coconut shrimp entree 67 US. Some places near the ferry have 15 $ margaritas. Didn't even walk into those establishments. There are wanna be high end restaurants near or in hotels we didn't try. Average margarita price was 7. El capitans at the end of sac bajo road is a little trailer/tent and they had my favorite margarita for I want to say 6$. I am female and small so I don't eat huge amounts. I'd say my husband could probably spend 200 more on food and drinks than I could because he'd order a bottle of wine, more margs, and some appetizers and deserts. Plus tips of course. And a cost to consider is the golf cart. We paid 1000 pesos per day, about 56$. From now on I will consider that part of the trip cost bc for us it's a fun must.

If you stay on Playa Norte you only need a golf cart for exploration days. A cab ride anywhere on the island is $5.

There are tons of good cheap restaurants. If you like authentic Mexican food there’s really no need to spend more than $8-$15 a person. Can you go to Ballyhoo or Olivia’s and spend more? Sure, if that’s your thing. But what you should do is go to Bastos and get arecherra (skirt steak) and eat like a king and have a delicious meal. Or you could get fresh fish baked or grilled with achiote paste for about $20 which easily feeds two people. There are tons of great food choices on Isla.