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.

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 235 MXN ($13.20).

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 235 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!

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 235 MXN ($13.20).

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 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 830 MXN ($46.50) and includes your ferry ticket.

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 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.

Cancun

Shared Day Tour

Isla Mujeres

Xcaret Catamaran

From 1,470 MXN ($83)

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• 24/7 customer support

1,470 MXN ($83)

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

2,120 MXN ($120)

Check on BookAway

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 3,580 MXN ($200) for a 9-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 400 MXN ($22.50) each.