Getting to Isla Mujeres by ferry: fares & options

Isla Mujeres is a magnificent island off the coast of Cancún, in the Yucatán Peninsula. Idyllic beaches, snorkelling spots, a south point with contrasting landscapes: one day there is enough to switch off. Here are all the options for getting there, ferry included.

Why include Isla Mujeres in your trip?

Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico. Playa Norte regularly features in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the world: white sand lined with coconut palms on one side and crystal clear water on the other.

It is also a calm and laid back atmosphere. Renting a golf cart to drive around the island, as far as the south point and its cliffs, is still the best way to discover it.

Going on an organised day tour

To discover Isla Mujeres without worrying about the organisation or the transport, the day tour is the simplest solution. Return transport from your hotel in the Riviera Maya is included.

On arrival at the port, you set off for the best snorkelling spots, where you will come across colourful fish and rays. Then comes free time on Playa Norte and lunch with your feet in the sand. In the afternoon, a tour of the island by golf cart as far as the south point.

See the Isla Mujeres tour

Where to board the ferry?

The ferry leaves from Cancún, right opposite the island. Two companies run the crossing: Ultramar and Xcaret Xailing, spread over four terminals:

• Puerto Juárez (Ultramar);
• Playa Tortugas (Ultramar, hotel zone);
• Playa Caracol (Ultramar, hotel zone);
• Playa Linda (Xcaret Xailing, hotel zone).

If you are not staying in Cancún, the Xcaret Xailing terminal is the easiest one to reach by public transport.

The Xcaret Xailing ferry

The ferries run by this company are recent and comfortable, with an outdoor section to enjoy the scenery and an air conditioned indoor section. Another advantage: the ticket gives free access to the Cancún panoramic tower, around 80 metres high, with a 360° view over the city, the island and the Caribbean Sea.

Fares

Return: 561.71 MXN pesos for an adult and 421.71 MXN pesos for a child aged 5 to 11. One way: 291.71 MXN pesos adult and 221.71 MXN pesos child. Free for children under 4. Booking on the company website, expect a 10 to 15% discount.

Where to catch it

A single terminal, in the hotel zone, close to Playa Linda and the panoramic tower. From the town centre or the ADO bus station, take the R-1 bus: a 15 minute ride, 12 MXN pesos per person, with a service roughly every 5 minutes. The terminal also has a large paid and secure car park.

Timetable

Departures every hour between 9am and 7pm from Cancún, and between 10am and 8pm from Isla Mujeres. With a return ticket, you are not obliged to come back the same day. The crossing takes around thirty minutes.

The Ultramar ferry

The Ultramar ferries are older but remain comfortable, with air conditioned indoor areas and outdoor spaces. The company has three boarding points in Cancún.

Fares

Whichever the terminal: return 562.56 MXN pesos adult and 422.56 MXN pesos child; one way 292.56 MXN pesos adult and 222.56 MXN pesos child. The child fare applies up to 1.20 m. Luggage must not exceed 25 kg or 25 x 70 x 27 cm.

Where to catch it

Two terminals in the hotel zone (Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol) and one at Puerto Juárez, the main terminal, around 4 km from the ADO bus station. Puerto Juárez is not very practical by public transport: expect around 150 MXN pesos by taxi. Paid and secure car park on site.

Timetable from Puerto Juárez

First departure at 5.30am, then every 30 minutes to 1 hour, last departure at 11pm. From Isla Mujeres, first boat at 6am and last at midnight.

Timetable from Playa Tortugas

To Isla Mujeres: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 5pm and 6pm. Return: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.15pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Timetable from Playa Caracol

To Isla Mujeres: 9.15am, 10.15am, 11.15am, 1.45pm, 3.15pm, 5.15pm and 6.15pm. Return: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1pm, 2.15pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Buying your ticket

Prices are almost identical at the two companies, the difference coming down to the 10 to 15% discount and the access to the panoramic tower with Xcaret Xailing.

You can buy your ticket directly at the terminal or online. Booking in advance is not essential, there are almost always seats left. On site, payment is made in cash (pesos or dollars) or by bank card.

From Playa del Carmen

There is no direct link: you have to go through Cancún, then take the Xcaret Xailing ferry in the hotel zone, the terminal that is easiest to reach by public transport.

The colectivo, a mini van that connects the towns of the peninsula, is the cheapest option: 50 MXN pesos per person. You catch it at the junction of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 45 Nte, opposite the Chedraui supermarket.

The ADO bus leaves from the Playa del Carmen bus station, on Quinta Avenida at the junction with Avenida Juárez, roughly every 20 minutes, for a one hour journey.

In Cancún, then take the R-1 bus towards the hotel zone, on Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus station. Allow around fifteen minutes. Do not hesitate to ask the driver for your stop.

Our tips for the crossing

What to bring

Bring biodegradable sun protection, so as not to harm the marine environment, as well as a hat and sunglasses: the sun beats down hard on the water. If you stay inside the boat, a jumper is enough.

Where to park your car

All the terminals have large car parks, paid and secure, for the day as well as for several days. Expect around 20 MXN pesos an hour at the Ultramar terminal.

What time to leave

If you only have one day, leave early: the crowds arrive later on the island, so you will enjoy the beach in peace. For the return, wait for the sunset.

Taking your car on the ferry

It is possible, but we do not recommend it: the roads on the island are narrow and parking spaces are rare.

If you insist, head to the Punta Sam terminal, 10 minutes by car from Puerto Juárez. The “car ferry” operated by the company UltraCarga runs the link, with 4 daily departures on weekdays and 3 at the weekend.

Car ferry timetable and fare

Departures from Punta Sam: 6am, 10am, 2pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday; 6am, 10.30am and 5pm at the weekend. Returns from Isla Mujeres: 8am, 12pm, 4pm and 7.30pm on weekdays; 8am, 2pm and 7pm at the weekend.

One way for a car with driver: around 460 MXN pesos on site, 620 MXN pesos with advance booking, to be made at least 24 hours before departure.

Is the crossing safe?

The Cancún to Isla Mujeres link is one of the busiest in the Riviera Maya. The companies use modern boats and, in the event of unfavourable weather conditions, the Isla Mujeres port authority closes the port.

What to do on Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, lined with coconut palms. Several beach clubs are nearby.

The snorkelling spots

The most original one is the underwater museum, where you can see around 500 submerged sculptures. The island also has a small lighthouse near which you come across rays and fish. Without even getting in the water, you can already see a lot from the wooden pier that extends Playa Norte.

Punta Sur and its cliffs

Rent a golf cart to reach the south point and its impressive cliffs. A park there displays sculptures inspired by the Maya deities.

The interior of the island

Do not miss the colourful cemetery and the Casa Caracol, two of the most emblematic places on the island.

Which other islands can you visit?

Cozumel

Cozumel is renowned for its seabeds. El Cielo, home to hundreds of starfish, is its best known attraction.

Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is the last untouched island in the region, protected by a daily visitor quota. Only a tour gives access to it.

Holbox

Isla Holbox, in the north of the peninsula, has no cars: sand instead of streets, a lagoon as far as the eye can see and, from June to September, whale sharks offshore.