Events at Taboo | Best Beach Club in Isla Mujeres, Cancun

About Taboo Beach Club (Isla Mujeres)

Taboo is a high-end beach club and restaurant concept by the Grupo RosaNegra hospitality group. Opened in January 2023 in the Sac Bajo area of Isla Mujeres, Taboo brought a bohemian-chic, resort-style party vibe to the island. It quickly became known for its jungle-inspired décor, central pool with plush sunbeds, private cabanas, and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. As one press review notes, it was designed by Jorge Borja (a UNESCO Versailles Prize winner) to deliver a “bohemian, exclusive beach day” experience (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx). Guests could dine on upscale fusion dishes (e.g. tiger shrimp, Mediterranean lobster, branzino fillets) and signature cocktails, and enjoy live DJs and performers in an open-air pavilion set against the turquoise bay (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx) (www.tripadvisor.com). The décor was described as “fabulous jungle style” with a central pool and cabana seating (www.tripadvisor.com), making Taboo notable as a world-class, Instagram-friendly venue on the quieter Isla Mujeres. In that sense, it helped put Isla Mujeres on the map for travelers seeking a luxury beach party destination, complementing the island’s status as a “Pueblo Mágico” of natural beauty (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx). (Note: Taboo closed in 2024 (www.tasteofisla.com), but during its run it was prized for creating an upscale party atmosphere on Isla Mujeres.)

Events and Programming

At its peak, Taboo Beach Club hosted lively daytime and evening events. By day it operated as a beach club (Thursday/Sunday) with DJs spinning upbeat house and electronic music by the pool and shore. As evening fell, Taboo often transformed into a dance party. Visitors reported fire-dancer shows, drumming troupes, live saxophone and percussion, and internationally-minded DJs during a single night (www.tripadvisor.com). According to a travel guide, “international DJs” frequently took the decks at Taboo, turning it into a “lively hub” after sunset (coming2mexico.com). The music leaned toward modern lounge, world and electronic styles, catering both to younger clubgoers and guests seeking a sophisticated vibe (coming2mexico.com). The club also built a reputation for themed and special events. For example, Grupo RosaNegra annually stages special parties at its venues; Taboo’s New Year’s Eve 2025 program included a fireworks show and after-party with a guest DJ (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Generally, Taboo operated mid-week through the weekend (typically Wednesday through Sunday) from late morning until evening. Many events required advance ticketing and sold out quickly: New Year’s Eve tickets for Taboo were listed as “Entradas agotadas” (sold out) well in advance (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). In short, programming ranged from daytime beach lounging with music to nighttime dance parties and holiday festivals, reflecting Taboo’s goal of “exclusive events with the best DJs” (gruporosanegra.com.mx).

Tickets and Booking

Taboo Beach Club did not have a walk-up box office. Instead, tickets and day passes were sold online or through tour operators. The official Grupo RosaNegra website offered “day pass” and VIP packages that included entry and food/beverage credit. For example, at one point a Taboo day pass was advertised at around MXN 1,500 per person (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant), while a VIP beach lounge package (with cabana, pool beds, and consumptions) ran in the MXN 10,000–15,000 range (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). These prices generally covered facility access and included credits redeemable on food and drinks. Reservations were strongly recommended, especially for popular dates or dinners, since the club often operated at capacity (coming2mexico.com). Some packages bundled Taboo access with transport from Cancun: for instance, combo catamaran trips plus Taboo day passes (starting around MXN 2,500) were offered through vacation sites (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). In general, guests bought tickets or passes in advance through official channels (Grupo RosaNegra’s site or affiliated ticketing), since door tickets were not guaranteed. Any unused amount on a pre-paid ticket could typically be spent on site. (Taboo’s cancellation policy was strict: bookings changed or cancelled less than 72 hours in advance were non-refundable (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant).)

Seating and Layout

Taboo’s layout combined a beachfront, pool area and bar/restaurant in one open-air complex. A large shallow pool sat near the center, surrounded by teak sunbeds and cabanas. Beachside loungers and umbrella shades lined the sand just in front of the pool, giving easy sea access. A covered dining lounge and bar area bordered this space for meals and dancing. Travel guides describe the restaurant deck as “gorgeous” and note that the beach club was “perched on the shore with a spectacular view” of the bay (coming2mexico.com). Seating options ranged from daybeds and Bali-style beds to wooden tables and striped cabanas. The VIP or “beach lounge” sections (reserved by purchase) offered the most comfortable spots: each included a reserved cabana or group of sunbeds plus umbrella (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). General admission areas included the open sunbed rows on the sand and basic bench seating by the pool. For audiences, the best views of the action were near the pool and stage area, where DJs and performers were positioned. Viewplanes were generally good across the space, since there were few solid walls; just note that midday sun hits the open seating – many guests claimed a desirable shaded cabana well in advance. One pro tip from the club was to arrive early (before noon) to “get the best spot” for a sunbed or cabana (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Acoustically, the open-air design meant the sound system had to cover pool and beach without echoes – Taboo used professional DJ sound gear and stage lighting for evenings (stage and speaker towers near the pool), so music reached all sections. Some seats (for example, those fully exposed on the beach) might be least ideal during peak sun. Overall, the club was higher-end and “upscale”， with VIP seats the most comfortable and furnishing. The design was intentionally eye-catching (jungle foliage, boho wood structures) which made almost any viewing spot scenic.

Getting There and Parking

Taboo is located on Isla Mujeres’ northwestern shore, at the corner of Sac Bajo & Gaviota (Manzana 69, Lote 29) (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). To reach it, visitors first get to Isla Mujeres by water. The most common route is to take the ferry from Cancún (Puerto Juárez or the Zona Hotelera ferry terminal) to the Isla Mujeres ferry dock. Ultramar and other ferry lines run frequent passenger ferries (20–30 minute ride) throughout the day. Car ferries also operate at Puerto Juárez if driving. After arriving at Isla Mujeres, Taboo is several kilometers away near the northern tip. From the ferry terminal, you can take a taxi or rent a golf cart/car on the island. Taxi fares are moderate and the ride to Sac Bajo takes roughly 10–15 minutes. Many visitors instead rent golf carts or scooters to explore; Taboo can be accessed by roadway from downtown via a paved road (ask locals for the fastest route). If arriving by sea, Taboo even allowed mooring: as one travel blog noted, you could “arrive by car or yacht, parking at the dock” (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx). (In practice, this meant guests could rent a private boat or take a catamaran charter directly to Taboo’s dock.) Parking on Isla Mujeres is limited – aside from the ferry-terminal lots downtown, any on-island parking for visitors is sparse. If you bring a car (via ferry), you would likely park at downtown lots or near the ferry pier and then take a cab to Taboo. Note also: Island taxis (no Uber) and local transport ($) operate until evening. If staying late, pre-arrange your return trip or have phone credit. In summary, the main access is: ferry into Isla Mujeres, then a local taxi or taxi boat to Sac Bajo. Some boats and tour operators also sell Taboo day-pass tours that include round-trip ferry/catamaran transport (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant).

Inside the Venue

Expect an upscale, party-like beach resort atmosphere. Upon entry, guests usually check in (present their pass or booking); photo ID is often required, especially for credit-card purchases (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Staff will escort you to your seating area. Security bags checks are typical at larger beach clubs, so expect a quick inspection; however, Taboo’s official policies emphasize that no outside food or drink is allowed (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). The venue has multiple bars (one in the lounge, one poolside, possibly a beach bar) serving premium cocktails, wine and champagne. Dress code is resort casual: swimsuits, sundresses, and flip-flops are acceptable during the day; many guests wear stylish beachwear. (Evening attire can be fancier semi-casual if dining or partying.) Coat checks are unnecessary, but lockers or storage not typically provided – keep valuables secure at your table. The menu features Mediterranean and Asian-fusion dishes (with items like stuffed squid, handmade pasta, sushi-inspired bites) (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx). Guests often eat an appetizer or dinner; both food and drink are pricier than average, reflecting the premium setting. Vegan/vegetarian options may be available case-by-case. Payment is mainly by credit card or cash; note again that using cards requires showing ID (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant) (many found good signal even by the pool). There is an on-site boutique gift shop for souvenirs or beachwear (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Restrooms and outdoor showers are present, as listed in the amenities (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). Expect lively music from the in-house DJ (especially later in the day) – it is a place to socialize and dance. Photography is typically allowed for personal use (no flash/massive rigs usually). Tipping bartenders and servers is polite – many reviewed staff as attentive. In short, inside Taboo feels like an open-air nightclub by day with added dining and lounging comforts, so plan to relax in swimwear, eat/drink at the bar or beachside table, and enjoy the entertainment.

Nearby Amenities

The Sac Bajo area is mostly undeveloped except for a few resorts, so Taboo’s own restaurant was one of the few dining options in immediate walking distance. The nearest notable accommodation is the Mayan Monkey Isla Mujeres (a beachfront social hotel), which is literally across the road and also hosts dance events. Beyond that, most visitors travel to downtown Isla Mujeres for restaurants and nightlife. Isla Mujeres’ main dining strip (Avenida Hidalgo and instant down Guerrero) is about 10+ minutes by car or cart south. There you’ll find a range of eateries: casual taco stands, seafood grills, sushi bars, Italian bistros, and local Yucatecan cuisine. For example, popular spots in town include rustic seafood palapas and upscale restaurants along the Playa Norte beach area. If arriving early, many guests stop in town for a meal (or snack) before heading to Taboo. On-site at Isla’s center are also bars (e.g. photo-op roof bars, reggae lounges), which can complement a beach club visit before or after. In terms of accommodations, some upscale hotels near Sac Bajo include Mayan Monkey and boutique villas (bookable via booking sites). Otherwise, Isla has mid-range and budget hotels further south. Taxis and golf carts are readily available for evening travel. For departure, it’s wise to leave Taboo well before the last ferry (around 10–11pm) unless staying overnight. If eating nearby, note that some local spots close by 9–10pm. In summary, Taboo sits somewhat apart from the main town, so plan meals and lodging on Isla either at the beach club itself or with a short taxi ride to the restaurant port and town areas.

What Makes This Venue Special

Taboo stood out as an ambitious fusion of upscale dining and nightclub on a laid-back island. Architecturally, it featured a creative boho design (palapa roofs, natural woods, lush greenery) by Jorge Borja (www.taboobeachclub.com.mx), giving it an exotic “jungle oasis” feel that was unique in Isla Mujeres. Its perch along Sac Bajo offered sweeping ocean and sunset views that many visitors called a highlight (www.tasteofisla.com). The club’s ambiance – champagne bottles and fire dancers by the beach – offered a sense of exclusivity and party glamour not found in most Isla bars. Historically, Taboo represented the expansion of the famous RosaNegra brand (of Tulum, Cabo, etc.) to Isla Mujeres (coming2mexico.com). It created cultural buzz as one of the island’s first true luxury beach clubs – combining international DJ sets with gourmet cuisine and a boutique setting. Local reviews and blogs often emphasize the “spectacular” setting and high-energy nights: one said Taboo was “one of the best nights out” someone had ever had (www.tripadvisor.com). For locals and expats, it was a symbol of Isla entering a new nightlife era. Its mix of live performances (e.g. drum shows, violinists) and lush amenities made even daytime lounging feel like an event. In short, what made Taboo special was its blend of high-design and high-end service against a natural Caribbean backdrop – earning it a reputation as “one of the most beautiful beach clubs” in the region (www.tasteofisla.com).

Visitor Tips and Information

Plan ahead and be prepared for a big day at Taboo. Arrive early (around opening time, 11am) to claim a good spot, since the loungers and cabanas fill fast (they recommend arriving by 12:30pm for best placement (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant)). Bring light beachwear, a swimsuit and sun protection: much of the seating is exposed. Note that outside food and drink are strictly forbidden (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant), so budget accordingly for cocktails, water and snacks inside. It’s wise to bring a photo ID and cash or card for incidentals – cards are accepted (remember to present the cardholder’s ID at payment) (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). If visiting at night, dress beach-casual or resort-smart (swimsuits and flip-flops are fine during the day; in the evening some men move into collared shirts, but no formal attire is enforced). The venue is open-air, so sudden rain means the club may close early. (In case of weather shutdown the entry fee can usually be used as restaurant credit (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant), but refunds are generally not given for bad weather (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant).) As for age rules, kids under 12 enter free (13+ pay adult price), but be aware the pool area is adults-only (www.gruporosanegra.restaurant). During events, Taboo can be loud and crowded – earplugs might help if you’re close to speakers. Photography is common (many guests take Instagram photos), but keep video and drone use moderate out of courtesy. Since Isla Mujeres is generally safe and tourist-friendly, petty theft is rare, but watch your belongings on the beach. Finally, double-check operating hours and status before going: as of late 2024 Taboo had announced it was closed (www.tasteofisla.com), so confirm whether it’s open by season or for special events. Overall, the top tips are: book in advance, arrive early, dress for a beach party, and soak in the sunset views.