How to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres (and back)
Why visit Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres translates to ‘Island of Women’ in Spanish, but no, it’s not an island full of women! It’s a dreamy little island situated in the turquoise waters just off the coast of Cancun. Isla Mujeres boasts dramatically beautiful and calm beaches on the north side and admirable coral reefs in the south.
The island is a great destination for a day trip, but we’d reFrequently asked questionscommend a longer stay as there’s so much to do. One of the best ways to spend your time is simply exploring Isla Mujeres downtown. Rent a golf cart and ride it around town, already an adventure in itself!
For lunch, you can enjoy some of the island’s delicious dishes such as Tikinxikla fish or an extra-large helping of ceviche. Make sure to visit Garrafon Natural Reef Park for snorkelling, Punta Sur viewpoint for some spectacular sunrises, and Playa Norte for its powdery-soft white-sand beach.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Cancun to Isla Mujeres?
There are 5 ways to travel the 20 kilometre (12 miles) distance from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. You can choose between the minivan + ferry, private transport, ferry, ferry (the way back) and day trip. The journey takes 20 minutes - 10 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 230 MXN ($13.20).
Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Ferry
The public ferry is the most common way to travel from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Ferries sail from early morning to late at night, so you’ll have plenty of options throughout the day.
Tickets start from 230 MXN ($13.20), and the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Ferry departure ports in Cancun
Most ferries to Isla Mujeres leave from Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal. This is the main port in Cancun, about 6 km from downtown.
If you’re staying outside downtown Cancún, it might be easier to use one of the other ferry terminals operated by Ultramar:
- Playa Caracol – The closest option for those staying in the Cancún Hotel Zone.
- Playa Tortugas – Located between downtown Cancún and the beach areas.
- El Embarcadero – Situated between the city centre and the beaches. Xcaret ferries also depart from here.
All four ferry terminals are easy to reach by public bus line R-10, which connects the city centre, the downtown bus station, and the Hotel Zone. You can also take a taxi for a quicker ride.
Ferries from Puerto Juarez are cheaper and more frequent, but if one of the other terminals is closer to your accommodation, you’ll save time and money on transport — meaning you’ll be relaxing on Isla Mujeres even sooner!
Ferry options from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Tickets are available at the Puerto Juárez Terminal, but they can sell out quickly. We recommend booking online in advance through BookAway.
Arrival port in Isla Mujeres
All ferries arrive at Isla Mujeres Ferry Terminal on the northern part of the island, about 3 km away from the city centre.
Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Ferry (the way back)
Going back to Cancun from Isla Mujeres is simple. If you booked a round-trip ticket, just head to the ferry dock at your scheduled time. If not, you can book your ticket online through BookAway or buy it directly at the port.
The same ferry companies operate on this route with the same travel time, and prices also start from 230 MXN ($13.20).
If you’re heading straight to Cancún Airport, you can also take a combined shuttle + ferry service with BD Experience Mexico.
Ferry schedule from Isla Mujeres to Cancun
The port you departed from may not be the most convenient option for your return. Check which terminal is closest to your destination in Cancun. You can take a ferry back from Isla Mujeres to other ports apart from Puerto Juarez.
If you’re heading to Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa Caracol is the closest ferry terminal. But if you want to explore Cancun’s beaches after your trip to Isla Mujeres, you can choose between Playa Tortugas and El Embarcadero, which are close to each other.
No matter which terminal you’re heading to, the ferry ride takes around 20-30m.
Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Minivan + Ferry
Coming from Cancun Airport? You can book a combined minivan + ferry transfer to Isla Mujeres. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes in total.
The minivan takes you to Ultramar Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board a public ferry to the island. The final stop is at Ultramar Pier in Isla Mujeres.
This transfer costs 810 MXN ($46.50) and includes your ferry ticket.
BD Experience Mexico is operating on this route.
Minivan options from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Day Trip
If you’re visiting Isla Mujeres for just a day, deciding where to start can be overwhelming with so many things to do. That’s why joining a tour can be useful. They organise everything for you!
An Isla Mujeres day trip normally includes set stops, activities, transportation, snorkelling equipment and lunch. Some tours even offer alcoholic drinks. It all depends on how much you’re willing to pay.
Catamaran day trip via GetYourGuide and BookAway
A popular choice among tourists is the catamaran day trip that lasts for 8 to 10 hours. You will sail with a group on a catamaran and enjoy the day snorkelling and lounging at Playa Norte.
Catamaran tours cost around 0 MXN ($0), but this price doesn’t include the 0 MXN ($0) port fee. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancún, as well as a lunch buffet, are available at an extra cost.
You can book this catamaran tour online through GetYourGuide.
Ultramar and Xcaret also offer shared day trips from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. They’re reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 0 MXN ($0), excluding the port fee. You can book them through BookAway.
Local day tour with Lancheros
You can get a cheaper day trip with local ‘lancheros’ or motorboat owners from Puerto Juarez. Instead of catamarans, they use speedboats to show you around Isla Mujeres. Rates start at 0 MXN ($0).
These tours offer a more local experience, and many travellers find them enjoyable. But reviews are mixed, and a common complaint is that tours often start later than scheduled. It’s important to choose your lanchero carefully since not all provide good service.
To join a local day tour, go to Puerto Juarez and look for Terminal Maritima de Puerto Juarez Capitan Cook.
Tour rates and schedule
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Cancun to Isla Mujeres by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
The service includes pickup from Cancun Airport and a ticket for the public ferry to Isla Mujeres. After a private transfer to Puerto Juarez, you’ll board the ferry and arrive at Ultramar Pier on the island. The journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Prices for private transfer start at 3,480 MXN ($200) for a 9-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 385 MXN ($22.50) each.
Private Transport options from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Are there direct transportation services from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres?
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
