How to Get From Cancun to Isla Mujeres

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 $13 (224 MXN), and the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes around 20-30m.

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!

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 $13 (224 MXN).

If you're heading straight to Cancún Airport, you can also take a combined shuttle + ferry service with BD Experience Mexico.

Coming from Cancun Airport? You can book a combined minivan + ferry transfer to Isla Mujeres. The journey takes about 1h 20m 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.

BD Experience Mexico is operating on this route.

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 860 MXN, but this price doesn’t include the 400 MXN port fee. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancún, as well as a lunch buffet, are available at an extra cost.

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 1,400 MXN, 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 600 MXN.

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.

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 1h 20m.

Prices for private transfer start at $200 (3,400 MXN) for a 9-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $23 (380 MXN) each.