In a place where the sun shines almost every day, the Isla Mujeres Ice Bar offers the opposite. Kept at around minus eighteen degrees Celsius, the room is built almost entirely from ice, with frozen walls, bar, sculptures and seats, and drinks served in glasses made of ice. Visitors are given thermal coats, hats and gloves at the door, then spend a short session inside, sipping a cocktail or soft drink and taking photographs before the chill drives them back out into the heat. It is a quirky, fun break from the beach that suits groups, couples and families with older children, and it makes a good stop on a golf cart loop of the western side of the island.
How a visit works
Tickets cover entry for a set session, usually around half an hour, which is about as long as most people want to stay at that temperature. Some tickets include one or more drinks, with soft drinks available for children and non-drinkers. Thermal coats and gloves are provided, but wear closed shoes rather than sandals, as the floor is icy and slippery. Children are generally welcome with an adult, though very young children and anyone with heart or circulation conditions should think twice about the cold.
Where it is and when to go: the bar is on the Sac Bajo side of the island, near the beach hotels on the road towards the lagoon, a short taxi or golf cart ride from town. It makes an easy stop on the way to or from Playa Norte, the beach clubs or a lunch on the western shore.
The middle of the day, when the sun is at its fiercest, is the most satisfying time to visit. Sessions can fill when cruise or tour groups arrive, so buying a ticket in advance secures your time slot.
Is it worth it? As a cultural attraction, no, but as a playful, photogenic half hour that everyone talks about afterwards, it is fun and good value for groups. Combine it with a relaxed afternoon at a Sac Bajo beach club, a swim at Playa Norte or the drive south to Hacienda Mundaca, Playa Lancheros and Punta Sur. Bring your phone or camera in a pocket, as condensation can be an issue when you step back out into the tropical heat.
What to expect
The experience
A timed session in a bar kept at around minus eighteen degrees, made of ice, with thermal coats provided and drinks in ice glasses.
Best time
The hottest part of the day, as a cool break from the beach.
How long
About thirty to forty-five minutes including kitting up.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, book a time slot in advance and keep your camera in a pocket to limit condensation.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups and couples looking for a fun, unusual half hour.
- Families
- Fine for older children with an adult; not ideal for babies or toddlers.
- Couples
- A playful stop between a beach club afternoon and dinner in town.
- Pair with
- Sac Bajo beach clubs, Playa Norte and a golf cart loop south.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
How cold is the Ice Bar?+
It is kept at around minus eighteen degrees Celsius.
Do I need warm clothes?+
Thermal coats, hats and gloves are provided, but wear closed shoes.
Are drinks included?+
Many tickets include one or more drinks, with soft drinks available; check your ticket.
Can children visit?+
Generally yes, with an adult, though very young children may find the cold uncomfortable.
Where is it?+
On the Sac Bajo side of the island, a short taxi or golf cart ride from town.
