How To Get To Isla Mujeres From Cancun

The small island of Isla Mujeres is located 36.1 kilometers east of Cancun International Airport. It’s a magical island with a romantic and relaxed atmosphere, abundant natural wealth, Mayan ruins, and Caribbean culture.

It is an excellent location for a wide range of water-based activities and sports, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, boat rides, catamarans and kayaks, sea zip lines, and sport fishing. Because of its unique aesthetic, Isla Mujeres has recently emerged as one of Mexico‘s most popular tourist destinations.

Like most of Mexico‘s other fantastic destinations, Isla Mujeres was once a hidden gem. It’s a sleepy little island off the coast of Cancun. It is known for its white-sand beaches, sweeping coastlines, and fewer visitors than Cancun’s crowded hotel zone beaches. However, as words spread quickly, Isla Mujeres, also known as “Isla,” has become a popular day-trip destination for both tourists and locals.
To get there, below are the ways how to go to Isla Mujeres hassle and worry-free.

How To Get To Isla Mujeres From Cancun

Travelling from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Cancun’s closest island is Isla Mujeres, and the beautiful place is well worth a visit. The island is 13 kilometers apart (8 miles) from Cancun. There are several ways to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. But it all depends on whether travelers want to save money or simply get to the island as quickly and conveniently as possible.

From Cancun Airport to Puerto Juarez

Although there is an airport on Isla Mujeres, it doesn’t have any passenger flights to or from the island at the moment, and the closest airport is the Cancun International Airport.

Therefore, passengers departing from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres will continue to make their way to Puerto Juarez, where they will board a ferry that will take them directly to the island. When planning a trip to Puerto Juarez, it is important to keep in mind the following information:

• Shared shuttles – are ideal for budget travelers who don’t mind sharing a ride with other passengers to and from Cancun Airport. Tourists can make a reservation in advance for a shared shuttle from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juarez. There are approximately 36 departures per day, and the price of a ticket can range from 13 US dollars and above.

• Taking the ADO bus and paying around $6 USD for a ticket to the ferry terminal in Puerto Juarez is the most cost-effective option. Travelers can either purchase their tickets in advance or simply head outside after collecting their luggage and looking for the large red ADO sign. The bus ride into town takes about 35 minutes, and there are approximately 70 departures per day.

From Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Ferry

Isla Mujeres is a stunningly beautiful Mexican island located just a 30-minute ferry ride from the Cancun coast. Riding a ferry is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach the island.

Anyone in Cancun can catch a ferry at one of the city’s many terminals. The ferries depart from Puerto Juarez, which is only 10 minutes from downtown Cancun. Both Ultramar and Naveganto are viable options because those high-speed ferries take approximately 30- minute trips. The Ultramar and Naveganto ferries both have air conditioning, bathrooms, a coat check, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

There are a lot of different ferry terminals located along the coast of Cancun, so visitors will have no trouble finding one that is convenient for them. Passengers will pay the same fare regardless of which terminal they use.

The approximate cost is 15 USD for a one-way trip and 21 USD for a round trip. The three ferry terminals in the Cancun Hotel Zone that provide service to the island of Isla Mujeres are the Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal Playa Caracol, the Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal Playa Tortugas, and the Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal El Embarcadero.

Route: Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Type of Transportation: Ferries
Cost: Travelers can buy a one-way ticket for 160 pesos or a round-trip ticket for 300 pesos.
Schedule: 7 AM to 10 PM daily (runs every 30 minutes)
Where to book/buy tickets: purchase tickets directly right at the terminal after arrival

Travelers who wish to bring their own vehicle to the island can do so by taking the car ferry to Isla Mujeres from the Punta Sam ferry terminal. The terminal is only a few kilometers north of Puerto Juarez and is only a 10-minute drive away.

Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the type of vehicle. There are two to four departures per day, but it still depends on whether it is holiday or just a normal day.

Book your trip online here.

From Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Private Boat

Aside from ferries, another option to reach Isla Mujeres is through private boat charters that can be rented in Cancun. But of course, it can be a bit pricey. However, the price of the private boat crossings is often included in the price of hotel rooms, making it a convenient option for tourists.

Before making any kind of reservation, tourists can inquire in advance about the services being offered to be fully aware of what kind of services they can avail themselves of.

It is important that everyone travels safely, so make sure that the boat has all of the necessary safety equipment. When travelers choose a luxury transfer, they will certainly be transported on a yacht, which is the most expensive option. A few private transportation companies, such as AGI, provide door-to-door service from Cancun International Airport to Isla Mujeres hotels.

Day Trips to Isla Mujeres

Some travelers only have a day to spare, so booking a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres may be the most efficient way to visit the island. Given the cost of the taxi and ferry to the island and the cost of transportation and activities, it is possible that doing so will save people money.

One of the travel companies that tourists can rely on to enjoy the Catamaran Tour to the island is the Get Your Guide. They offer an exclusive tour of the breathtaking sea views of Isla Mujeres. A whole day tour can be exhausting and tourists can go hungry but food particularly lunch is offered during the excursion.

The tour also includes pick-up and drop-off services for hotel guests in Cancun. While in Cancun, tourists can avail the Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres combo tour. Isla Contoy is located 30 km north of Isla Mujeres. Discover the Ixlaché Reef which is said to be the beginning of the second largest reef or the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Tourists can enjoy snorkeling in Ixlaché Reef and the be amazed with its useful information where tourists can relax and learn at the same time. The tour is also inclusive of lunch by the sea to enjoy the natural and majestic view of the island. After the tour, tourists can still enjoy the trip by exploring the streets of Isla Mujeres where they can buy souvenirs and take photos before returning to Cancun.

Despite the fact that the island of Isla Mujeres is small, there are still plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained and relaxed for hours or even days. Isla Mujeres has something for everyone, from the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the flora and fauna that live beneath it to the charming town and Mayan ruins.

Book your trip online here.

Travel Tips And Resources

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