Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guide for Isla Mujeres - Isla Mujeres Purple Travel Guide

Isla Mujeres is our personal paradise - it has Mexico's best beach, with soft white sand, turquoise water, snokeling right off the beach, authentic Mexican food and lots more. We provide detailed information and the best things to see and we show lots of photos so you know what you can expect.

Mexico’s Quintana Roo region is a tourist magnet for people looking for white sand beaches, turquoise water, and Mexican food. At its center, Cancun is a busy and noisy metropolis with a population of over 700,000 people.
As soon as you leave Cancun, the hectic goes away. Towns to the south, like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and the island of Cozumel, were once quiet fishing villages, but are nowadays becoming exceedingly popular with vacationers and expats, and thus increasingly touristy.

Isla Mujeres has become quite popular in the last several years, but still has some authenticity, you just need to look for it. And, it has Playa Norte, which was voted Mexico’s best beach many times.

Why you should visit Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres in Mexico has stolen our hearts, and we consider it to be our personal paradise!

It features white sand beaches (Playa Norte is supposedly Mexico's best beach), turquoise water and authentic Mexican food. Playa Norte has good swimming, good snorkeling - even for beginners - and good sunbathing.
The island is a short ferry ride from Cancun, but really a world away. Cancun is busy, somewhat hectic and a tourist trap. Isla Mujeres is relaxed and much more authentic. With Playa Norte, it has Mexico's best beach (that's what they say and I totally believe that is true), it has a touristy downtown area but also plenty of authentic Mexican food that you can buy for very little money.

What is the best time to visit Isla Mujeres

The most pleasant weather on Isla Mujeres is in the dry season from December through March. The temperatures are warm, the ocean temperature is good for swimming and snorkeling, and the water is clear.
During the rainy season from May through mid-September, expect frequent and sometimes intense rain showers, and sometimes hurricanes. The rainy season is by no means a washout. You will often have multiple days in a row with blue skies and without any rain. And even if it rains, the sky often clears up within an hour and you can enjoy beautiful weather. The humidity, however, is higher during the rainy season, and the ocean hazier, which makes snorkeling a little less attractive. During that time, the water temperature is at its highest, and real warm.
The rainy season is also the whale shark season. Whale sharks are the largest living fish species on the planet, with a maximum length of 62 ft (19m). Even though they are sharks, they a slow-moving, and feed by filtering water for plankton, squid, and small fish. From late May until the end of September, when the water is above 70 F (21 C), whale sharks come close to Isla Mujeres, and there are many tour companies that offer swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks. These tours are strictly regulated, and everybody only gets a short amount of time in the water with them. As a matter of fact, by law, tour boats must coordinate so that there are never more than 2 tourists per boat in the water with the whale sharks.
Diving with whale sharks is not permitted.

The climate that you can expect for Isla Mujeres during your visit is shown here:

How to get to Isla Mujeres?

Unless you have a private yacht, or hire a private water taxi (like Isla Fun Tours, Sea Hawk Divers, DC Explorer), you will need to take the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. The airport on Isla Mujeres is not used for commercial flights.

There are two ferry options:

1. The Ultramar ferry leaves from the Puerto Juarez pier in the north of Cancun.

2. The new Xcaret Xailing catamaran leaves from Embarcadero Isla Mujeres, by Xcaret near the northern entrance to the Zona Hotelera (hotel zone).

Both ferries arrive at the same ferry terminal on Isla Mujeres.

You will probably fly to Cancun airport, which is an excellent point to start your Isla Mujeres vacation. If you hold a US or Mexican passport, then you are in luck. You can use the automated immigration gates, where you scan your passport, get a photo taken by the machine and a ticket printed that you need when you depart Mexico – so do not lose it. The entire process is super-fast, and can get you through immigration in 5min. After immigration, you go through customs and then exit the secure area.

Now comes the most important part: Do not talk to any of the salespeople behind the gate, who often pretend to be rental car agents, tour guides, etc.. Most of them are scammers who will tell you that your tour/rental car/hotel was cancelled and they will try to sell their overprized services. Years ago, some of these people were real pushy, but luckily they are less aggressive these days.

Here are your options to get from the airport to the ferry:

• The cheapest way (and also the most time consuming way) to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez or Embarcadero Isla Mujeres is to take an ADO bus from the airport to the downtown ADO terminal. There are ADO bus counters in Terminals 2, 3, and 4. In T2, the counter is near the taxi counters in the hall shortly before you leave the airport building. In T3, exit the building and go right. In T4, exit the building and walk on the sidewalk to the parking area, then turn right and go to the far end of the parking area where you will see ADO buses parked.
  Buses from the airport will go directly to the ADO terminal in downtown Cancun. They typically leave every 30-50 min. and the trip takes about 45 min from Terminal 2. At the time of writing, the cost is 130 Pesos (about US$7) per person.
  You can buy your tickets at the airport ticker counters or online.
  From the ADO terminal in downtown Cancun, you can take a taxi or uber, or a local bus to Puerto Juarez, or Embarcadero Isla Mujeres.
  A taxi or uber to Puerto Juarez will need 5-20 min, depending on traffic and a taxi or uber to Embarcadero Isla Mujeres will take 10-25 min.
  A taxi at the ADO terminal should charge about 200 Pesos (US$11) for the trip to Puerto Juarez. If you walk away from the ADO terminal and hail a taxi on the street, you should pay less.

• The most expensive way to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez, or Embarcadero Isla Mujeres is to take a taxi. There are taxi counters near the exit of each terminal building. You will need to buy your taxi ticket at one of these counters – there is no way that you can just hail a taxi.
  There are two taxi options:
  1) a private taxi, which at the time of writing, will cost US$50 per person. The ride will be about 30-45 min, depending on traffic
  2) a shared taxi, which is significantly cheaper. But there may be a long line (I have once waited for almost 1h in the line, and there is no A/C) of travelers waiting to leave. The shared taxi will then drop people off in different parts of town and Puerto Juarez is likely going to be one of the last stops, while Embarcadero Isla Mujeres may be among the first stops.

• The most convenient way to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez is to book a private transfer. There are several companies offering this service. You give them your flight number and they check your schedule and be at the pre-determined meeting point right outside the airport building when you arrive.
  Some of the highest rated companies are:
  - CARM Tours & Transfers
  - Happy Shuttle Cancun
  - Isla Fun Tours
  - USA Transfers
  - Canada Transfers

Ultramar Ferry

The Ultramar ferry leaves Puerto Juarez every 30 min (with a few exceptions) from 5:30am to 11pm, and the ferry ride through the most radiant and beautiful turquoise waters on the planet takes about 20min. At the time of writing, a single trip costs 270 Pesos (US$15) per adult, children and locals pay less.
You can buy your ticket(s) at the counter by the entrance to the pier. Most of the private transfer companies offer the option to buy the Ultramar ticket(s) from them at the time when you book the transfer.
The Ultramar ferries are clean and safe.

Pro tip: go all the way up to the upper deck on the ferry if it is not raining, but make sure to put on sun lotion as the sun is intense, and you do not want to start your dream vacation with a sunburn. When the sun is shing during the boat ride, you will see some of the most beautiful turquoise waters on the planet.
If you take the ferry at night, then you will see how the lights of the ferry illuminate the water.
Make sure to secure your hat, as it can be quite windy during the boat ride.
The enclosed lower deck is air conditioned.

Please note: Tickets are valid on any day and at any time for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Xcaret Xailing Catamaran

The new and spotlessly clean Xcaret Xailing catamaran leaves Embarcadero Isla Mujeres every 60 min from 9am to 7pm, and the ferry ride through the most radiant and beautiful turquoise waters on the planet takes 30min. At the time of writing, a single trip costs US$29.33 per adult, and you can get discounts for children and when you book online.
You can buy your ticket(s) at the counter by the entrance to the pier. Most of the private transfer companies offer the option to buy the Ultramar ticket(s) from them at the time when you book the transfer.
Please note: tickets are valid on any day and at any time for 6 months from the date of chosen travel date.

How to get around on Isla Mujeres?

The Ultramar ferry and Xcaret Xailing catamaran land in the El Centro area in the northern part of the island, just a few feet away from Playa Centro and a 5-10min walk from Playa Norte.
If you stay in El Centro ,or on Playa Norte, then you can easily walk to your hotel. The northern part of the island is easily walkable and you can walk from one end to the other in about 20min.
Should you need transportation, the main taxi stand of Isla Mujeres is right next to the ferry pier, and there are plenty of taxis. A ride in the El Centro area costs around 100 Pesos at the time of writing, about 150 to the middle of the island and 200 to the southernmost part Punta Sur. You may need to negotiate to get these rates.

If you need transportation on Isla Mujeres, here are your options:

1) Bicycle Rental companies on Isla Mujeres

You can either bring your bicycle to Isla Mujeres, or rent a bike on the island. If you want to take your bike to Isla Mujeres, then you will need to use the UltraCarga ferry which departs from Punta Sam. For more information, please go to the Cars and Rental Cars on Isla Mujeres section in this guide.

There are several bike rentals on Isla Mujeres. The northern El Centro part of Isla Mujeres is perfectly flat. The southern part of the island is flat near the coast, but has some fairly steep hills that lead into the island’s interior. Because of the hot temperatures and humidity, riding a bicycle can be exhausting.
It is important to inspect your bike and reject it if it is not in good working order, or if it has large rusty spots – most rental bikes will have some rusty sports due to the harsh climate. It is not unheard of that bikes just break at their rusty spots during your ride.
The more popular bicycle rental companies that we are aware of, but have never used, are:
- BiCi Express in Colonias (middle of the island), open Mon-Sat 9:30am-8pm
- Rentadora Rasta in El Centro (downtown area), open daily 9am-5pm
At the time of writing, rates were about 250 Pesos (US$14) per 24h.

2) Bus

There are four bus lines on Isla Mujeres. For tourists, only lines 3 and 4 are of interest, as they connect all the main attractions on the island for an exceptionally low fare. Honestly, I like riding the bus, as it is very convenient.

At the time of writing, a single fare costs 20 Pesos (US$1), regardless how far you ride. You can buy a day pass for unlimited rides from 6am until 10 pm for 175 Pesos (US$10).

Please be advised that all buses will be back at the depot by 10 pm, so if you are trying to get on a bus near closing time, the driver may not stop, or may not get back to the final destination and maroon you somewhere.

You pay the driver when you get on the bus. Only cash (Pesos) is accepted, and the driver will typically have change.
There is no air condition on the bus, but the windows and doors are open all the time.

Buses officially come every 20min, but since we are on island time, this can sometimes stretch out to 30min.

There are only two set bus stations: one on Playa Centro and one directly south of the Ultramar ferry. You can depart or board the bus anywhere on the bus route. Just wave your hand at the driver from the roadside to board, or let the driver know that you want to exit.
Almost every bus has a number in the upper right-hand side of the windshield – this is the bus number. The bus line is either on a sign in the lower left-hand side of the windshield or on a moving display in the upper left-hand side of the windshield. If there is no sign on the left, then this is a combination bus that will follow the line 3 route first and then continue on the line 4 route back to Playa Centro.
If you are in doubt, just ask the bus driver if the bus goes to your destination.

Here are the route maps of lines 3 and 4:

1 = Playa Norte / Convention Center (this stop is currently not used)
2 = Playa Centro (official stop)
3 = Ultramar Ferry (official stop)
4 = Mango Cafe
5 = Rainbow Stairs
6 = Ramon Bravo Prieto Monument
7 = Kin Ha Beach Club
8 = Garrafon de Castilla
9 = Punta Sur
10 = Icebar Mexico

Please be advised that the Playa Norte bus stop by the convention center is currently not being used. Buses start and end at Playa Centro.

3) Cars and Rental Cars on Isla Mujeres

There are no rental car companies on Isla Mujeres as far as I know. But you can bring your car or rental car to Isla Mujeres. Just be advised that it can be difficult to find parking in the northern part of the island, especially near Playa Norte after 10am.
The Ultramar ferry does not transport cars, but UltraCarga does. UltraCarga departs from Punta Sam, about 4 miles (6 km) north of Puerto Juarez, and it lands at Terminal Maritima UltraCarga in Isla Mujeres.
At the time of writing, there are 3-4 departures per day and a single ride ticket for a sedan including the driver is 460 Pesos (US$25). Additional adults pay 250 Pesos (US$14) per person. Discounted rates for children are available.

If you bring your bicycle or motorcycle from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, then you pay, at the time of writing, 180 Pesos (US$10) for the motorcycle including the driver, and 140 Pesos (US$8) for the bicycle including the rider.

4) Golf cart rental companies on Isla Mujeres

Golf cars and taxis are the most popular mode of transportation among tourists on Isla Mujeres. Nowadays, there seem to be golf cart rentals around every corner in El Centro.
Some companies have long opening hours and some even deliver to your hotel. All of them rent by hour, by day, or for multiple days.

When you decide on a golf cart rental company, look at the carts they are renting. Do they look old, beaten up, or have worn tires? If so, then you may want to choose another company. It is not unheard of that sometimes golf carts break down, and then you may be on your own, as they may not pick up the phone when you call them.
The two reputable golf cart rental companies that generally have the best reviews are:
- Mega Ciro’s de Caribe Golf Rental
- Indios Golf Carts

Be advised that, when driving a golf cart:

• it is illegal to drink alcohol and drive

• it is illegal to have open alcohol containers while driving

• it is illegal to allow anyone under the age of 16 years to drive

• it is illegal to make calls on your cell phone while driving

• it is illegal to look at your cell phone while driving; that includes taking photos

• it is illegal to drive on sidewalks, walkways, or the Malecon

• it is illegal to drive on a beach

• it is illegal to park at a red curb

• you must use your arms as a turn signal when you are turning

Mega Ciro’s is a popular rental company, and also our favorite. Because of their popularity, lines can be long in the high season, so my advice is to get there early.
Because of their popularity, they typically don’t respond to online booking inquiries and, as far as I know, they only take advanced booking reservations for multi-day rentals.
They are only open from 9am (we are on island time, so it is typically around 9:15am) until 5pm and they don’t deliver to your hotel. But they have newer golf carts and almost exclusively positive reviews. We have never had any problems.
Their office is a small room. Only one group gets into the air-conditioned office at a time, and others line up outside on the sidewalk. At the counter, you will need to give them your driver’s license, which they will keep until you return the cart. They will fill out the rental form, you sign it, and you are good to go.
Mega Ciro’s offer rentals by the hour, from 9am-5pm, for 24h, and for multiple days. If you do the self-guided Isla Mujeres Tour in this guide, then the 9-5 option is perfectly fine, as it can bring you back by 2pm.
Mega Ciro rent:
- small golf cars with a bench for two in the front, and a backward facing bench for 2 in the back (at the time of writing, this cart rents at 1,300 Pesos from 9-5, and you don’t even need to gas it up)
- golf carts with 4 forward facing seats
- golf carts with 6 seats

5) Scooters

You can either bring your motorcycle to Isla Mujeres, or rent a scooter on the island. If you want to bring your motorcycle to Isla Mujeres, then you will need to use the UltraCarga ferry which departs from Punta Sam. For more information, please go to the Cars and Rental Cars on Isla Mujeres section in this guide.

Before golf cars became popular, scooters and taxis were the two most popular means of transportation for tourists. Scooters are very popular with the locals.
There are several scooter rentals on Isla Mujeres.
If you are not an experienced scooter or motorcycle rider, please be advised that there are potholes and that not all speed bumps are well marked. They can be real hazards for motorcycles and scooters.
It is important to inspect your scooter and reject it if it is not in good working order. It is not unheard of that scooter break down during your ride.

The scooter rental company that I have seen being recommended the most (I have never used any scooters on Isla Mujeres) is:
- Moto Rent Angel

6) Taxis

The red taxis are everywhere in Isla Mujeres, especially in the El Centro downtown area. But you can find plenty of taxis near the tourist destinations in the southern part of the island, too. If, for some reason, there is no taxi around, just go to one of the main north-south routes (Av Ruedie Medina, Av Juarez, Carr Sac Bajo, Jesus Martinez Ross, Payo Obispo, Perimetral Ote, Perimetral Pte) and wait a few minutes.
The main taxi stand on Isla Mujeres is right next to the Ultramar ferry pier.
At the time of writing, fares are about 100 Pesos in El Centro, 150 Pesos to the mid-section and 200 Pesos to Punta Sur (south point).

Best Beaches on Isla Mujeres – white sand and turquoise water

The following map shows the locations of the three beaches (Playa Norte, Playa Centro, Playa La Media Luna) in the Northern part of Isla Mujeres:

Please be advised that it is never safe to swim on any beaches on the eastern (Caribbean) side of Isla Mujeres, as there are dangerous undercurrents that will pull you out into the ocean where you will drown.

There are more beaches in the middle and southern part of Isla Mujeres. Some of them require you to pay admission for a beach club which controls access to the beach and offers loungers, sometimes wifi, food and drinks, and sometimes other activities.
The best beach clubs are listed here:
- Kin Ha Beach Club
- Garrafon de Castilla
- Garrafon Reef Park
- IceBar

If you long for the luxury of the 5-star resorts, but don’t want to shell out more than US$1,000 per night, you can buy a day pass for their beach and facilities.
Many resorts on Isla Mujeres offer day passes that are subject to availability. Our suggestion is to contact them at least a day before (better several days before) and ask for availability.
5-star resorts that offer day passes are:
- Hotel Belo Isla Mujeres
- MIA Reef Isla Mujeres
- Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun

Playa Norte – the best beach in Mexico

The star attraction of Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte - it is often called the best beach in Mexico and I believe there is some truth to it. It runs the entire length of the northwestern side of Isla Mujeres. Some locals also consider Playa Centro to be part of Playa Norte.

As you may have guessed, Playa Norte is the busiest beach in Isla Mujeres, so if you are looking for tranquility, then you may want to consider other beaches or go there before 10am. It will be packed in the afternoon, especially the southern side of Playa Norte where all the resorts are.

Tip: Since most visitors don't get to the Playa Norte beach before 10am or even 11am, you can still have some quiet time and a mostly empty beach before 10am. Finding parking near Playa Norte, even for golf carts, will get increasingly difficult after 10am.

Playa Norte consists of compacted seashell powder with a soft white sand layer on top.

Playa Norte has good snorkeling. Please go to the Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Guide for more detailed information, photos, and videos.

Playa Centro

Playa Centro used to be called Playa Sol, after a restaurant with the same name that was located here. After the restaurant went out of business, the beach was renamed to Playa Centro. Some locals still call the entire beachfront from Ultramar to the MIA Reef hotel: Playa Norte. So, don’t be confused if you hear different names.

Playa Centro goes from the southern end of Playa Norte to the Ultramar ferry pier. It has the same compacted seashell powder that is covered with white sane as Playa Norte.

The sandy beach is wider than Playa Norte, but the roped-off swimming area is much smaller. Playa Norte has shallow water, while the water at Playa Centro starts out shallow and then drops off and gets deep just a few feet into the water.

Should you be in town for the New Year’s fireworks, then Playa Centro is a good place to be as you can watch the Isla Mujeres and the Cancun fireworks.

Playa La Media Luna

If you are looking for tranquility, you can go to beautiful Playa La Media Luna, which is only a short walk away from busy Playa Norte. The beach is named after the hotel with the same name that is located here.
The beach can be reached from Playa Norte, and from the Malecon.
As this is a no-swim beach with no services, you will find very few people there. In fact, sometimes we were the only people on the beach during the busy Christmas season.

Please obey the no-swimming directive as dangerous undercurrents make swimming here extremely dangerous.

Garrafon de Castilla

Garrafon de Castilla is the small sister of the nearby all-inclusive Garrafon Reef Park. It is a cash-only beach club which has an admission fee of 150 Pesos per adult, with discounted rates for children.
It can easily be reached by bus (the combined line 3 and 4 bus needs about 35-40min, and the line 4 bus 30-35min) or car.
Lockers can be rented for 100 Pesos plus a 100 Peso refundable deposit.
There are free restrooms and showers.
Food and drinks come at an extra charge – the prices are reasonable.
Snorkeling gear and life vests can be rented for a fee.

The club has a small white sand beach which is accessible through wooden stairs. The beach has free loungers, some come with beach umbrellas, which are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To get into the water, one will need to walk over approx. 5ft of small stones which are not sharp. Afterwards, there is sand, and further in there is seagrass.
When you get into the water, you will likely be greeted by a swarm of fish hoping to be fed.

Garrafon de Castilla itself does not have any reef, but it is very close to the Garrafon Reef. Once you are in the water, swim left (south) and the reef will start just a hundred feet near the shore. You can swim all the way to the pier of nearby Garrafon Reef Park.
The pier is the border to which you are allowed to swim. If you continue on, then a guard will call you back.
The reef has some healthy corals and a fair amount of reef fish.

The park is open from 11am to 5pm, but it has been reported that they do not always open at 11.

Garrafon Reef Park

Garrafon Reef Park is an all-inclusive adventure park. At the time of writing, there are different admission packages from US$69-99 per adult, and discounts for children are available. The admission fee seems high, but it covers food, drinks, loungers, snorkeling gear, restrooms, showers, zip lining, kayaks, and pool and jacuzzi access for the more expensive packages. The basic package only allows one-time use of the zip line; more expensive packages allow unlimited access.

The Garrafon Reef can be easily accessed from the park for snorkeling, but there is no beach in the park.

The park is popular with day trippers from Cancun who come here for a few hours, and you will see the tour boats docked on the pier.

Kin Ha Beach Club

Kin Ha Beach Club is a restaurant and hotel that allows access to its beautiful beach.
Use of their loungers, facilities, kayaks, and paddle boards comes with the expectation of a minimum food and drink consumption.
A lot of people come here for snorkeling. Which is fairly good, even though the Garrafon Reef is too far away to reach.
At the time of writing, there is no admission fee, but a minimum consumption of 500 Pesos is expected to use their loungers, kayaks, and paddle boards.
This is, however, not always enforced.

IceBar Mexico

IceBar Mexico is literally the coolest place on Isla Mujeres. Its main attractions are a cute palm tree lined white sand beach and the Ice Bar, which is a small bar that is cooled to 18 F (-8 C) and in which everything is made of ice. Not just the sculptures and the bar, but also the drinking glasses.
If you are afraid that you may catch a cold: they provide warm winter jackets that help keep you warm, but you should still not go in there when you are totally wet from sweating.

There are different tickets that you can buy:

• IceBar Experience: US$21 per adult. It includes 2 beverages and a shot inside the IceBar

• Day Pass experience: US$45 per adult, and US$38 per minor: It includes the Buffet, Icebar Experience & Open bar of National drinks

• Access to the beach with its sun beds, lounge chairs, and tables is free. You can buy food and drinks from the menu, of buy a Day Pass or the IceBar Experience for a more unique experience. The water is hazy, and there is no snorkeling.

Frequently Asked Questions about Isla Mujeres (FAQ)

In which time zone is Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is in the same time zone as Mexico City, Cancun, and Houston, Texas. The time zone is: UTC/GMT -5 h
You can find the current time here.

Are credit cards accepted in Isla Mujeres?

Cash is king in Isla Mujeres, but credit cards are widely accepted. Most street vendors and some small restaurants where predominantly locals dine may only accept cash.

What currency is accepted in Isla Mujeres? Can I pay with US dollars in Isla Mujeres?

The official currency in Isla Mujeres is the Mexican Peso. US Dollars are widely accepted, even many street vendors accept US dollars.
Just be aware that you will get an unfavorable exchange rate, typically between 1:15 to 1:17, if you decide to pay with US dollars.
You can find the current exchange rate here.

Where can I exchange money in Isla Mujeres?

Many vendors in Isla Mujeres accept US dollars, but for an unfavorable exchange rate.
You typically get the best exchange rate at ATM machines. There are ATM machines at the HSBC bank across from the ferry pier in Isla Mujeres, and at the Chedraui supermarket.
Be aware that tourists in Mexico regularly report skimmers that are inserted by criminals and that scan your card and steal your ATM information. So, always make sure to inspect the ATM.
Many ATM cards can be locked from your banking app before you go on your trip, then unlocked before you use it (make sure you have cell phone data signal), and then locked again after use. This will help prevent ATM card scams.
There is a currency exchange at the Ferry pier at Puerto Juarez in Cancun, and one in the terminal on Isla Mujeres.
We have never used either, but we heard people say that the one in the ferry terminal on Isla Mujeres gives good rates.

How far is Ilsa Mujeres from Cancun?

It is a 20min ferry ride from the Ultramar terminal in Puerto Juarez (north of Cancun) to Isla Mujeres, and a 30min catamaran ride with Xcaret Xailing near the hotel zone in Cancun.

How big is Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is 4.3mi x 2,130ft (7km x 650m). The Northern part of the island, where Playa Norte is located is completely walkable, and every destination can be reached on foot in no more than 20min. To get to the southern part of Isla Mujeres, you will need a taxi, scooter, bicycle, golf cart, or take the bus. Here are your options for transportation in Isla Mujeres.

How is Isla Mujeres pronounced?

The ‘j’ is pronounced ‘h’ in Spanish. So, the pronunciation is Isla Mu-ha-res. The ‘ha’ is pronounced as the ‘he’ in ‘hen’.

How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun airport?

The cheapest way (and also the most time-consuming way) to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez or Embarcadero Isla Mujeres is to take an ADO bus from the airport to the downtown ADO terminal, and then a taxi.
The most expensive way to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez, or Embarcadero Isla Mujeres is to take a taxi – either a private taxi, or a shared taxi.
The most convenient way to get from the airport to Puerto Juarez is to book a private transfer.
The Ultramar ferry leaves Puerto Juarez every 30 min (with a few exceptions) from 5:30am to 11pm, and takes 20min.
The new and spotlessly clean Xcaret Xailing catamaran leaves Embarcadero Isla Mujeres every 60 min from 9am to 7pm, and the ferry ride takes 30min.
Here are more details on the different ways to travel from the Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres.

How much is the Isla Mujeres ferry?

At the time of writing, the cost from Puerto Juarez is 270 Pesos (US$15) per adult for a one-way trip. Discounts for children and locals are available.
Please see the Ultramar website for up-to-date information.

How to get around on Isla Mujeres?

The northern part of Isla Mujeres is perfectly walkable. If you don’t want to walk, or want to reach other parts of the island, you can take a taxi, rent a bicycle, rent a golf cart, rent a scooter, or take the bus.

How safe is Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is a small island with friendly locals. It is very safe and likely the only crime that you may encounter are crimes of opportunity, like pickpocketing. As in any other tourist destination, do not leave your valuables unattended. When it comes to crime, Isla Mujeres is a world away from Cancun.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Isla Mujeres?

All-inclusive is big in Cancun, especially in the large resorts. On Isla Mujeres, everything is smaller, and there are only a few all-inclusive options.
Here are your best options for luxury stays on Isla Mujeres:
- MIA Reef Isla Mujeres (book)
5-star family friendly all-inclusive resort in the extreme north of Isla Mujeres near Playa Norte. Some people love it, some people hate it.

- Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun (book)
5-star luxury all-inclusive resort located mid-island; the resort is adult oriented, but allows kids; it is closed until December 2024 for renovation

- Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets (book)
5-star luxury all-inclusive adult-only resort located near Punta Sur in the south of Isla Mujeres

- Hotel Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres (book)
5-star adult-only hotel at Playa Centro near the intersection of Playa Norte that offers regular and all-inclusive packages

- Hotel Belo Isla Mujeres (book)
5-star hotel located mid-island offering regular and all-inclusive packages

What bilingual doctors are practicing in Isla Mujeres?

The three bilingual doctors that are most often recommended are:
Dr. Xhanat Mora (phone: +52 998 233 1054)
Dr. Antonio E. Salas at Medisla (phone: +52 998 845 2370)
Dr. Greta Shorey (phone: +52 998 888 0084, +52 998 402 6874)

What are the best beaches and beach clubs with good beaches?

The best beaches in Isla Mujeres are:
- Playa Norte
- Playa Centro
- Playa La Media Luna
The best clubs with good beaches in Isla Mujeres are:
- Kin Ha Beach Club
- Garrafon de Castilla
- Garrafon Reef Park
- IceBar

Where is the best on-the beach snorkeling in Isla Mujeres?

The best on-the beach snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is:
- Near Playa Norte
- Garrafon de Castilla
- Garrafon Reef Park
- Kin Ha Beach Club

Where is the best off-the beach snorkeling in Isla Mujeres?

The best off-the beach snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is:
- Whale Shark Tours (from June through September)
- Isla Contoy tours at the Ixlache Reef
- MUSA
- Manchones Reef
- El Farito Reef

What are good tour operators for snorkeling tours?

Some established tour operators for snorkeling tours with good reviews are:
- Sea Hawk Divers
- Isla Fun Tours
- DC Explorer
- Mexico Divers

What are the best island tours?

You can do guided tours, e.g. with Isla Driver Robby or El Camino Tours, or do a self-guided walking tour of El Centro, the northern part of Isla Mujeres, or do a self-guided driving tour of Isla Mujeres.

Are there sunset tours in Isla Mujeres?

The sunset cruises with the best reviews are operated by:
- Isla Spirit Adventures
- Barracuda - Isla Mujeres
- The Joint Sunset Cruise
- Isla Fun Tours

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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