About the ride from Cancún to Isla Mujeres
Thanks to its location, just 20.5 km (12.7 miles) northeast of the city, getting from Cancún to Isla Mujeres is a breeze. This island paradise offers a laid-back escape from the wild nightlife of Cancún.
This sleepy little island is named after the Mayan Goddess, Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and happiness. Isla Mujeres literally translates to Island of Women and certainly has all of the beauty and grace of a woman.
The trip between the mainland and the island is an easy one, so it is a fantastic option for a day trip from Cancún or the next stop on a tour of México.
Things to do in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is known for its stunning white sand beaches, peaceful, clear, turquoise waters, and friendly locals.
The number one thing to do is visit the beach and escape the chaos of Cancún. Playa Norte is only a 10-minute walk from the Ultramar pier and is the best spot to relax and soak up some sun. The water here is clear, calm, and shallow, perfect for families with kids or people who aren't confident swimmers. This location makes it so everyone can enjoy a day at the beach!
Another option is Punta Sur, a beach located at the island's southern tip. In addition to the stunning coastline, this is where you can visit the site of Ixchel, a pre-Columbian Mayan temple perched above the sea.
Snorkeling is the perfect activity to try because of how clear and calm the waters are around the island. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, barracuda, leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, and even whale sharks. There are also so many colorful coral reef fish that call this area home, so you're bound to see something amazing as you explore the underwater terrain.
The water gets very deep a few miles offshore, which makes Isla Mujeres a great place for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. There are plenty of companies that offer day trips from the island that allow you to explore the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
How to get from Cancún to Isla Mujeres
Because it is an island, you'll have to take a ferry to get to Isla Mujeres. There are a few options to choose from, but the ride typically takes between 20-30 minutes.
Boats leave from four different piers in Cancún, and they are scheduled to depart every 30 minutes, so planning your journey is a snap. Just pick the best location and time that suits your needs.
Pro tip: If you depart from Playa Caracol, you must pay 21 pesos ($1.15) on top of your ticket price to cover the port tax.
If you plan on leaving straight from the Cancún airport, booking a transfer directly to the pier is possible. You can book a transfer van + ferry ticket combo. If you want to make your own way to the pier, you can simply book a ferry ticket. Both options will drop you at Ultramar Pier on Isla Mujeres.
You'll have to find your own way to your hotel from there.
Ferry
Ferries from Cancún to Isla Mujeres are a breeze. There are at least 30 different departure times per day, more during high season (more on that below).
Ferry tickets are flexible and valid for six months. It is perfect for people who prefer flexible travel plans or want to stay a little longer.
Don't forget that you'll have to pay a tax of 21 MXN ($1.15) prior to departure unless you leave from Playa Caracol. In this case, the tax is 50 MXN ($3). You need to pay this in cash, so keep some handy.
Shuttle Bus + Ferry
You should choose the shuttle bus + ferry option if you'd like to travel directly from Cancún International Airport to Isla Mujeres. A bus will pick you up at the arrivals hall at the airport and drive you 40 minutes to Puerto Juarez, one of the ports in Cancún that offers ferry services to the island.
From there, you'll hop on a 20-30 minute ferry ride that will drop you at the Ultramar Pier, the only arrival location on the island.
Once you disembark, you can go to your accommodation or directly to the beach.
Tickets cost $46 per person. However, if you are traveling in a group of up to nine people, you can hire a private shuttle bus from the airport to the ferry. The cost of the van is $200.
Day tours from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
If you don't want to commit to staying on the island, take a day tour on a sailboat and snorkel and party the day away. The tours range from 7.5 to 8.5 hours. Prices start around $80 per person, and snorkeling and lunch are included.
About the journey to Isla Mujeres from Cancún
The ride from Cancún to Isla Mujeres is stunning. You'll be traveling through the Caribbean Sea, so try to grab a seat in the upper part of the ferry. This part of the boat is open, so you can sit back, relax, and take in the absolutely magnificent views along the way.
Even though the trip is only 30 minutes, you'll still have some great amenities on board, no matter which option you choose. Ferries have A/C, toilets, WiFi, and TVs. There is even a bar that sells snacks and drinks. The choice to sit inside and revel in the A/C or outside to take in the views is completely yours.
Best time to visit Isla Mujeres
Thanks to its location in the Caribbean, Mexico can be a year-round destination. Isla Mujeres is known to have the best weather from December through March when days are sunny, the evenings are a little bit cooler, and a pleasant sea breeze blows across the island.
Temperatures average around 28℃ (83℉), which is perfect for soaking up some sun and taking advantage of all of the beautiful beaches on the island.
Isla Mujeres experiences a wet season that overlaps with hurricane season. It's best to avoid traveling from June through November to steer clear of the rain and from August through October to minimize the risk of encountering hurricanes.
Shoulder season is October through December. This is the time when crowds are smaller, but there are still many sunny days and warm temperatures. It occasionally rains during these months, and hurricanes are a possibility. Because of this, prices tend to be cheaper during this time.
Where to go after Isla Mujeres
It is easy to go back to Cancún once you have spent time on the island. However, if you're craving more fun in the sun, why not head to Playa del Carmen? It is only 86 km (53 miles) south of Isla Mujeres and offers gorgeous beaches, fun water sports, and stunning natural surroundings.
The best way to get there is to take a ferry from the island to Cancun and then hop in a van to take you the remaining distance over land.
Isla Contoy is another great option if spending time at the beach is your number one priority. Located only 30 km (18.6 miles) away, this enchanting island is the perfect place to find white-sand beaches, crystal-clear, aquamarine waters, and plenty of plant and animal life.
