How to get to Isla Mujeres
Are you thinking of visiting the stunning Isla Mujeres, just off the shore of Cancun? Don’t miss out on all this place has to offer! Before venturing here, it’s important that you learn about all your transportation options. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled them in one handy post – so check it out and choose how best to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Educate yourself on your various options to determine the best way of getting to Isla Mujeres, whether you’re coming from Cancun Airport, downtown Cancun or the Cancun Hotel Zone where the big resorts are. Here we provide you with ferry times and prices for travelling from Cancun as well as alternative routes if need be!
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If you’re flying to Cancun International Airport, take comfort knowing there are several airlines from which to choose. Most international flights use Terminal 3, although charter services typically utilize Terminal 2. To ensure a smooth journey, be sure to read our comprehensive guide of the airport’s layout and plan your arrival accordingly!
Your initial choice is how to get yourself to Puerto Juarez, from which you’ll board a ferry and sail over to the island.
After you make it through the Cancun airport, there are three methods to reach Puerto Juarez ferry docks that can transfer you to the island. You could take a bus, share an airport van with others or book a private car/van in advance. When exiting the terminal building, look for several companies displaying signs near arrivals and pick-up area. If your transportation has been previously arranged by yourself, search for your name on one of these signage boards; if not opt for purchasing a shuttle ticket or perhaps hire a bus!
When travelling with family or a group of friends, pre-booked private transportation is the most sensible choice. The cost per vehicle not by person makes it extremely affordable and eliminates any delays in transit. Whether you wish to go one way or round trip, tickets can be purchased quickly online.
Look out for the sizable “ADO” sign in red to purchase your tickets to downtown Cancun (at around $5 USD per individual). With a bus scheduled every 30 minutes, you’ll be able to get there with ease! If you’re feeling especially daring and are looking for an economical way as one or two people, take the taxi from the downtown bus station directly towards Puerto Juárez. This should cost no more than a total of $5 USD.
Although shared airport transportation is the more affordable option, you may have to wait until they are full before departing and possibly be dropped off last. Private taxis can also provide a convenient alternative, yet come at quite a hefty price – over $70 USD for one-way travel. But if everyone else in your van is headed to Isla Mujeres too, then rest assured that you won’t need long as the drop-offs will be much quicker!
The Gran Puerto Cancun (Ultramar) ferry dock is a short drive away from downtown Cancun, situated in Puerto Juarez. Boats leave every 30 minutes starting at 5:00 am until 9:30 pm and then once an hour afterwards, the crossing takes a mere 15 minutes.
Another company called Naveganto also serves this route. When compared to Naveganto, Ultramar is the more popular choice for traveling between Puerto Juarez and Isla Mujeres. Having experienced a pleasant journey with them myself, I can confidently recommend it. On arrival at the ferry terminal in Puerto Juarez, you will find an array of modern conveniences waiting: bathrooms, OXXO store, ATM and cafe which also serves meals and beverages!
As soon as you arrive there are friendly porters ready to assist with your luggage which they swiftly load onto the ferries for easy transport across the water
UltraMar Service from Gran Puerto, Puerto Juarez
Gran Puerto offers a plethora of comfortable amenities, from bathrooms to an Oxxo convenience store and even a bar. Moreover, you can find traditional Mexican food such as quesadillas at the small food stall within the facility, or get souvenirs like hats, sunglasses, beach bags and clothes in the tourist clothing shop. The one-way ticket costs 160 pesos while roundtrip tickets cost 300 pesos – great deals indeed!
If you’re carrying your own luggage when traveling on this boat during high season (when it becomes particularly crowded), allow porters (“maleateros”) to assist with loading everything so that it’s easier for yourself; don’t forget to tip them afterwards too!
Hop on board for your unforgettable, first-time ferry ride to Isla Mujeres! Beer, soda, water and snacks are available for purchase during the journey. If weather permits – which is usually does – bask in the sunshine while you take a seat outside on the top deck.
Ferries depart from Cancun every half hour starting at 5:00 AM until 9:30 PM and then proceed once an hour afterwards (9:30 PM, 10:30PM, 11: 30PM). The initial ferry leaving from Isla Mujeres starts departing back toward Cancun beginning at 5 :30AM with ferries running every thirty minutes up till 9 :30PM followed by trips each individual hour after that (10 :00PM ,11 : 00Pm ,12 : 00Am ).
During busier times (such as Easter weekend), additional boats will be put into service to keep up with the increased demand. Make sure you check out Ultra Mar Ferry’s website for updated schedules and fares
Although exploring Isla Mujeres on foot or by golf cart is much more enjoyable, if you insist on taking a rental car with you to the island, your only option is Punta Sam’s car ferry service. This 10-minute trip north of Puerto Juárez will cost one driver plus extra fees for every passenger aboard – so it’s best to purchase tickets before boarding in order to avoid any potential long lines! To be safe, arrive around an hour prior to departure.
Check their website for pricing and availability, as prices and schedules can fluctuate!
If you’re visiting the Cancun Hotel Zone, a viable option is to take one of the ferries from Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol or El Embarcadero over to Isla Mujeres. Although these vessels are comparable in quality as those mentioned previously, they run at less frequent intervals and cost more for tickets.
Seeking to save money? You could take a taxi or the public bus from Cancun’s Hotel Zone to Puerto Juarez with routes R1 or R2. But, for an even better way of reaching Isla Mujeres from the Hotel Zone, look no further!
Experience an amazing journey with stunning views on board the luxurious UtraMar. Check their timetable
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No, commercial airlines do not fly to Isla Mujeres. The island’s airport is mainly utilized for general aviation and by the Mexican Armed Forces. If you’re looking to visit the island, your best bet would be Cancun International Airport on the mainland; it’s nearest in proximity and ready to accept travelers!
If you’re looking to take a ferry ride, the cost of your trip will depend on where you begin. For example, starting from Puerto Juarez yields an Ultramar fare of 8 USD for one-way trips. Meanwhile, travelers beginning in the Cancun hotel zone can expect to pay 15USD each way or 21USD roundtrip.
For a truly unique experience, you don’t want to miss the opportunity of renting golf carts to roam around Isla Mujeres! With no cars for hire on the island, these vehicles offer an exciting and enjoyable way to explore everything this delightful paradise has to offer.
Embark on a 20-minute voyage aboard the ferry to witness captivating views that make the journey unforgettable.
If you’re looking to travel with your car to Isla Mujeres, the Punta Sam terminal in Cancun is your only option and requires that there be a single driver. However, if you take a ferry from this terminal it’ll provide reliable transportation of both passengers and vehicles alike!
When you’re planning a trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres, your options are plentiful. You can take a tour which usually includes transport, hop on the ADO bus or collectivo toward Cancun then another collectivo towards Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal, or if comfort is top of mind for you- book private transfer directly to the terminal and it will cost you around 50USD/1000MXN.
No matter what option appeals most to you – all roads lead (quite literally) to an unforgettable experience!
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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