Arriving in a new country can be confusing, especially if everything is in a different language. Possibly the biggest challenge can just be getting to your accommodation. Every airport in the world is different. However, they are all a bustle of taxis and people in complete sensory overload. So we will try to make it as simple as possible for you to arrive at Isla Mujeres.
There are many ways to get to Isla Mujeres, and it all depends on how much you want to spend, how much time you have and how you wish to get there.
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...
This video was made many years ago before Pocna became Selinas, so the prices and travel times will differ.
Travelling from Cancun Airport to the Ferry
The most common arrival to Mexico is by aeroplane to Cancun airport, and there are several ways to travel from here to arrive at Isla Mujeres.
By private transport
You have various options listed below. The trip will take around 20-30 minutes with a car, minivan or taxi, depending on traffic. During rush hours, it can take nearly twice that.
Pre-booking
You can pre-book transportation to be waiting for you at the airport. The prices vary over time, but a one-way ticket to the Puerto Juarez ferry was $59 USD at the writing of this blog. You can book here, and we are happy to help you. There are many other companies with varying prices, and if you wish to have the comfort of arriving in a foreign country and knowing someone is waiting there with your name on a board, this is the way to go.
Taxis
A costly option, and they are waiting out the front of the airport terminal to pounce on you. It can be overwhelming and costs around $80 USD and up.
Uber
Are available throughout Cancun but at this moment, not from the airport.
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 the day. The first bus is at 8.10 am, and the last bus is at 11.50 pm (too late to be able to make it to the island).
From there, you must take a taxi to the ferry terminal of your choice (usually Ultramar or Jetway), listed below.
When writing this, the tickets cost $105 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.
When you are in Cancun, click on the arrow to show the different possibilities because you must book from the terminal at which 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 a higher price if you take a taxi inside the ADO station. This is because the taxis pay for the right to seek customers there and pass that charge onto 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 these taxis for $70-$120 pesos MX.
We recommend taxiing from inside ADO if you have had a long flight and entered a foreign, hot, and humid country with a lot of luggage. It is worth paying that extra small cost to get to the ferry faster and with less stress.
Crossing from the Mainland to Isla Mujeres
There are many ways to cross to Isla Mujeres via ferry. There are two separate sections from which to leave (Puerto Juarez area and the Hotel Zone area), each with its own sets of terminals. Four 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 be crossing from one of the three ferry terminals near Puerto Juarez. Ultramar operating out of Gran Puerto, is the largest and most popular, followed by the cheaper and more local Jetway in Puerto Juarez and then the Ultracarga in Punta Sam, the only ferry to cross with cars (much slower because of this) and has the cheapest tickets for passenger-only travel.
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, Jetway, and Ultracarga are the ferry companies running between Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam.
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 more popular of all the 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.
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.
Jetway
AS OF EARLY 2024 THIS SERVICE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE
Operating out of the oldest port in Cancun, Jetway is one of the newer ferry companies, taking over from Naveganto only recently. It is cheaper than Ultramar and tends to be used more by the locals.
All prices and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to verify before organising your travels
Crossing time is about 25 minutes.
Click here to find it on the map of Puerto Juarez.
Ultra Carga
Ultra Carga is the only ferry that allows you to cross with your car. 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 for a day trip, you might want to park your car on the Cancun side and hire a golf cart on 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 operate out of the hotel zone,
Ultramar
From Playa Tortugas
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling
From Playa Caracol
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling
Xcaret Xailing
From Embarcadero
Please confirm schedules and prices before travelling.
We hope this helps you choose the best way to arrive in Isla Mujeres. It is well worth the visit and is very beautiful. If you need more help or clarity on any of the options, please get in touch with us at contact@pocnadivecenter.com, and we will be more than willing to assist.
Happy travels