How to get to Isla Mujeres.
- Tracy Gunn
- Feb 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Arriving in a foreign country can be bewildering, particularly when everything is in another language. One of the biggest challenges might be simply getting to your accommodation. Each airport around the globe is unique, yet they all share the hustle and bustle of taxis and people experiencing sensory overload. Thus, we aim to simplify your arrival at Isla Mujeres.
Whether you're arriving at the airport or in the vibrant heart of Cancun, various transport options are available to whisk you away to this paradise. Let us guide you through the best ways to ensure your adventure begins smoothly and effortlessly.
There are numerous ways to reach Isla Mujeres, depending on your budget, time, and preferred mode of travel.
Isla Mujeres is a small island, so the only way to get to Isla is by water transport. The most common is by ferry. So, let's get you to a ferry...
Travelling from Cancun Airport to the Ferry
The primary way to enter Mexico is by flying into Cancun airport, where multiple options exist to reach Isla Mujeres.
By private transport
Below are several options available to you. Depending on traffic, the journey by car, minivan, or taxi will take approximately 20-30 minutes. During rush hour, it might take almost twice as long.
Pre-booking
You can arrange transportation in advance to be ready at the airport. Prices fluctuate over time, but when writing this blog, a one-way ticket to the Puerto Juarez ferry was $59 USD and accommodates up to 8 passengers. You can book here, and we are pleased to assist you. Numerous other companies offer different pricing, and if you prefer the convenience of arriving in a foreign country and knowing someone is waiting there with your name on a board, this option is ideal. Reservations must be made 24 hours before; otherwise, taxis or buses will be your only alternatives.
Taxis
A costly option, they linger outside the airport terminal, poised to approach you. The large number of them can overwhelm a tired and vulnerable tourist, creating an easily exploitable situation. This practice is common globally, not just in Cancun, and can be intimidating. Even after hard bargaining, prices begin at $85 USD, but they will start by trying to charge well over $100 USD. Taxis and airport transfers are the only private transport options, so if you wish to avoid haggling over your fare with numerous eager and assertive drivers, arrange your transport in advance or take a bus.
Uber
They are available throughout Cancun but not from the airport at the moment. Uber can drop you off at the airport, but they are not permitted to pick you up. Taxis have exclusive rights there, and requesting an Uber is prohibited (by them), which could lead to significant problems and possible confrontations. Don't let this ruin your vacation. You can either book an airport transfer in advance or take a bus to avoid negotiating with taxis.
By Public Transport
This is the cheapest way of getting around. If you are not in a rush and wish to save money, the bus might be your preferred option.
ADO Bus
The buses depart every half hour and take about 35 - 60 minutes to arrive at the ADO bus station, depending on which terminal you leave from and what time of day. The first bus leaves at 7.50 a.m., and the last leaves at 3.25 a.m. (too late to make it to the island), although these times seem to vary a lot, so always check.
When writing this, the tickets cost 140 pesos, and you can book online or buy at the red ADO sign at the airport outside each terminal.
Booking online can be a little confusing. Enter the ADO Website to book your ticket.
In origin (desde donde viajas) you need to scroll until you find Quintana Roo.
Locate Cancun.
In Cancun, click the arrow on the right to show the different possibilities. You must book from the terminal where you arrived.
You book your destination (hacia donde viajas) similarly but choose Cancun as your final destination.
When you arrive in downtown Cancun, you must catch a taxi from the ADO bus station to the ferry, which will take around 15-20 minutes travel time. You will pay more if you take a taxi inside the ADO station. Taxi drivers pay for the right to seek customers and pass that charge on to you. You can expect to pay around $150-200 pesos MX, but the great thing is there is no waiting. They are open for a bit of negotiation, but be nice about how you do this, and you will have a much more pleasant journey.
If you leave the ADO bus terminal and look for a taxi from the side of the road, the price is much lower, but your wait may be considerably longer until one stops for you. You can expect to pay $70-120 pesos MX for these taxis.
We recommend taxiing from inside ADO if you have had a long flight and entered a foreign, hot, humid country with a lot of luggage. Getting to the ferry faster and with less stress is worth paying that extra small cost.
Crossing from the Mainland to Isla Mujeres
There are many ways to cross Isla Mujeres by ferry. There are two separate sections from which to leave (the Puerto Juarez area and the Hotel Zone area), each with its own terminals. Two different ferry companies leave from various locations. We will try to simplify this for you as much as we can.
From Puerto Juarez
If you are coming from the airport, you will most likely cross from one of the two ferry terminals near Puerto Juarez. Ultramar, operating out of Gran Puerto, is the largest and most popular. The Ultracarga in Punta Sam is the only ferry to cross with cars (much slower because of this) and has the cheapest tickets for passenger-only travel, but it is much slower and not as frequent.
From Cancun`s Hotel Zone
Ultramar and Xcaret Xailing are the ferry companies crossing from the Hotel Zone (Playa Tortugas, El Embarcadero, and Playa Caracol). The fare is more expensive, and there are fewer crossings per day.
The Ferries:
The majority of ferries are
handicap accessible
pet friendly
Contact the companies for verification and assistance if required.
All ferries have:
air conditioning
bathrooms
snacks and drinks
From Puerto Juarez
Ultramar and Ultracarga are the ferry companies that run from Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam to Isla Mujeres.
Ultramar
The largest company to operate is Ultramar, which runs from Gran Puerto and the Hotel Zone. The ferry running out of Gran Puerto in Puerto Juarez is by far the largest and most popular ferry services. The prices fluctuate frequently, so you will need to verify all costs.
Gran Puerto is found at the end of Avenida Lopez Portillo and is the leading destination for most transport from the airport or the bus station.
The ferry generally runs every half hour but limits the crossings to every hour first thing in the morning and late in the evening.
As the ferry has the monopoly for leaving Puerto Juarez, it often cancels crossings without notice during the day but will always have at least one every hour.
Crossing time is about 15 minutes.
Prices and schedules are always subject to change, so check before organizing your travels.
Click here to find it on the map of Gran Puerto.
Ultra Carga
Ultra Carga is the only ferry that allows you to cross with your transport. It is further along the same road (Avenida Lopez Portillo) as Ultramar and Jetway.
This ferry caters for both commercial and domestic vehicles. It is also a cheap alternative for backpackers wishing to save a dime. Tickets must be bought before boarding, and the lines of the vehicles waiting to board can be very long, so arrive an hour before boarding if crossing with your car. Be aware that Isla is small, and parking is scarce. The streets are very narrow, and much can be walked to. If you are going on a day trip, you might want to park your car on the Cancun side and hire a golf cart in Isla.
Crossing time is about 45 minutes, and allow an hour before boarding.
Prices and times are subject to change, so always check before arranging travel.
Click here to find it on the map of Punta Sam.
From the Hotel Zone
Ultramar and Xcaret Xailing run their services from the hotel zone. Ultramar is based at Playa Tortuga and Playa Caracol, while Xcaret Xailing operates from Embarcadero.
Ultramar
Playa Tortugas to and from Isla Mujeres
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling
Click here to find it on the map of Playa Tortugas.
Playa Caracol to and from Isla Mujeres
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling
Click here to find it on the map of Playa Caracol.
Xcaret Xailing
Travellers frequently miss this stunning ferry. It stands as the premier ferry choice, delivering outstanding service, and your ticket includes a free ride on the scenic tower on the Cancun side, which I strongly suggest doing. The roomy and comfortable ferry offers a far more enjoyable trip than the Ultramar fleets. Reaching any destination in Cancun from this ferry is just a low-cost R1 or R2 bus ride away, with buses passing by very frequently.
Embarcadero to and from Isla Mujeres
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling.
What does it include?
Sea transfer on two routes: Cancun - Isla Mujeres or Isla Mujeres – Cancun, whether single or round-trip ticket.
Free access to the Scenic Tower of Cancun.
WiFi and toilets on board.
Designated seating and spaces for people with disabilities.
Luggage storage.
Travel insurance.
Pet area.
Click here to find it on the map of Embarcadero.
We hope this helps you choose the best way to arrive in Isla Mujeres. It is well worth the visit and is very beautiful. Should you require further details on diving or snorkelling, don't hesitate to contact us at contact@pocnadivecenter.com or click below, and we will be happy to help.
Happy travels
Tracy Gunn is the founder and owner of Pocna Dive Center on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. A former banker turned adventurer, Tracy left a decade-long corporate career to pursue her passion for diving and island life. With over 35 years of diving experience and 24 years of living on Isla Mujeres, she now serves as a PADI Course Director, training the next generation of divers at her dive school. When she’s not underwater, Tracy shares her love for the island and the ocean through engaging blogs about diving, marine life, and Isla Mujeres culture.
Interested in reading more from this author?
Blogs about Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Recreational Scuba Diving: click here
Blogs about Instructor Development Courses and Professional Scuba Diving: click here
A comprehensive guide on reaching Isla Mujeres, making it a must-read for travelers planning their trip. Its clear instructions and detailed tips ensure a hassle-free journey to this picturesque destination. For students juggling studies and travel plans, balancing academics can be challenging. Opting for Marketing Assignment Help Online allows you to focus on exploring while ensuring your assignments are completed professionally and on time. This service is ideal for managing your workload without compromising your travel experiences.