Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancun is very simple. Here is everything you need to know about to get to Isla Mujeres.

Arriving From the Cancun International Airport

Isla Mujeres is an island, so the most common way to get to Isla Mujeres is by ferry boat.

You have to book transportation from the Airport to the ferry pier. You will need to have your driver take you to Gran Puerto where the Ultramar boats departure from or to the Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal, where Naveganto boats leave from.

You can book your transportation online or directly at the exit of the airport. The price is usually around $39 USD one way and $69 USD for a round trip for up to two people. You do have the option for private or shared transport shuttles. You cannot take a regular taxi from the airport. Also, Uber is not an option since they are are not allowed into the airport or in Cancun. You can organize your airport transport with CARM Cancun and Riviera Maya Tours, a highly reliable pick up service that we like to recommend.

The ride is approximately 40-50 minutes from the airport to the pier. However, between 9 to 10 am and 5 to 6 pm, during rush hour traffic, it can take up to an hour and a half to get to the ferry terminal.

The ADO Bus from the Airport

If you are on a tight budget, feeling adventurous or not in a rush you can also take the ADO bus option directly from the airport. The bus costs $94 Pesos ($5 USD in 2020) and departures every 2 hours starting from 10am, and with pick ups from all terminals.

You can book your ticket online at the ADO Website or you can look for the red ADO sign at the airport exit and buy your ticket there.

The bus takes about one hour to get to the ADO Central Bus Station in downtown Cancun. From there you will ned to grab a taxi to either Puerto Juarez or Gran Puerto, about a 15 -20 minute drive. Be aware that taxis charge between $50 – 70 pesos ($3 – 4 USD) for locals and calculate that they may try to charge you up to $150 – 200 pesos ($7 – 10 USD) in some cases. If you don’t look local, grab your tequila and your poncho and at least try to pretend!

Ferry Services That Cross from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

There are three different ferry companies that cross regularly to the Island: Ultramar, Naveganto and UltraCarga which is mostly for vehicles. There are regular departures, almost every 30 minutes.

Once at the pier, you can purchase a ticket. We don’t recommend buying round trip tickets since you will be bound to return on the same boat. It would be a hassle if the boat was full and you would not be able to departure unless you bought another ticket from another ferry company.

There are a few different ports from which the ferries head to Isla Mujeres. The biggest port with the most frequent departures is Gran Puerto, followed by Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam. Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol and Embarcadero on the other hand are located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun.

Out of all the ports, the most common and popular is Gran Puerto from Ultramar, so let’s start with them.

ULTRAMAR – Gran Puerto

Ultramar Gran Puerto is the easiest way to cross over to Isla Mujeres. With spacious and modern boats, Ultramar carries thousands of passenger per year to the island and is the busiest terminal.

Where is Gran Puerto?

Gran Puerto is 50 minutes away from the International Airport of Cancun and 20 minutes away from the ADO Terminal.

Gran Puerto sits towards the end of the Lopez Portillo Avenue. Here is a map:

What Time Do The Ultramar Ferries Go To Isla Mujeres?

How Much Does The Isla Mujeres Ultramar Ferry Cost?

NAVEGANTO – Puerto Juarez

Puerto Juarez is the oldest port of Cancun. Naveganto on the other hand, is the newest competition in the market. With the affordable prices and speed, it is another good option.

Where is Puerto Juarez?

Puerto Juarez is 55 minutes away from the International Airport of Cancun and 30 minutes away from the ADO Terminal. It is located just past the Gran Puerto Ultramar terminal.

Puerto Juarez, at the end of the Lopez Portillo Avenue. Here is a map:

What Time Do The Naveganto Ferries Go To Isla Mujeres?

How Much Does The Isla Mujeres Naveganto Ferry Cost?

ULTRACARGA – Punta Sam

Punta Sam is the ferry terminal for most of the comercial transport to Isla. Ultracarga transports all kinds of vehicles to the island, from small cars to specialized machinery. Tourists however can also ride along on the Ultracarga.

Where is Punta Sam?

Puerto Juarez is 55 minutes away from the International Airport of Cancun and 30 minutes away from the ADO Terminal.

Punta Sam is on the Continental Zone of Isla Mujeres. Here is a map:

What Time Do The Ultracarga Ferries Go To Isla Mujeres?

How Much Does The Isla Mujeres Ultracarga Ferry Cost?

Crossing With Your Car

We don’t recommend coming to the Island with a vehicle. The island is very small and there are not a lot parking spaces! The streets are narrow and everything is walkable. But, if for any reason you would like to take your car, you can do so with the Ultracarga at Punta Sam.

Other Questions Related to the Ferries

How Long Does The Isla Mujeres Ferries Take?

On average the ferry takes 22 minutes to make the crossing from the moment it departures from the pier. But, if you take into consideration buying the ticket, standing in line, boarding the boat and leaving the terminal, the whole process can be about 45 minutes in total.

In the case of the car ferry, the crossing takes 40 minutes and the total trip time is approximately 60 minutes. It is recommended to go early and secure your ticket.

Will I Get Seasick On The Ferry To Isla Mujeres?

The ride to Isla Mujeres is usually very calm. The boats are big, spacious, very stable and it is a very short ride! The probability to get seasick is very low.

Where do you park to take the Isla Mujeres Ferry?

There is a Parking Garage at the Ultramar Gran Puerto Terminal right at the entrance. The cost is $200 pesos per day. If you are planing to spend many days however, it can become quite expensive! In this case, we recommend using one of the other parking lots across the street. Located in front of Puerto Juarez, 2-3 blocks away, but they are around 80 pesos a day. At the Punta Sam dock there is free parking at the terminal lot.

Do the Ferries Have Air-Conditioning?

All of the ferries have air conditioning inside the cabin. If you want to be in the fresh sea breeze, you have the option to ride on the upper decks.

Do the Isla Mujeres Ferries Have Bathrooms or Food?

The Ferries on Ultramar and Ultracarga have a variety of snacks, cafe, waters, sodas and beers available on board. All ferries have bathrooms on board.

Are the Ferries Handicap Accessible?

Yes, the ferries have handicap accesible ramps and bathrooms. Get in contact with one of the operators upon arriving so they can assist you.

Other ways to get to Isla Mujeres

Ports from Ultramar on the Hotel Zone

Ultramar departures from the Hotel Zone on a regular basis from three different spots, Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol and Embarcadero. Here is a list of departures:

What Time Do The Ultramar Ferries Go To Isla Mujeres?

How Much Does The Hotel Zone Ultramar Ferry Cost?

Organized Tours From Cancun or Playa del Carmen

If you are not planing to spend more than a day on Isla, another option is to take one of the Boat Tours or Catamarans that cross over for a day trip. However, this is not a recommended way to visit if you want some freedom to explore the island. These tours are usually packed with people and even though they can include lots of extras, they are very limited in the places you can visit and the things you can do while on Isla Mujeres.

Organized Water Taxi Transport via Hotel or Concierge

Want to skip the hassle and take the most exclusive ride to Isla Mujeres? You can inquire at your hotel about the private water taxi from Mexico Divers for you and your group! You can also book directly here: Water Taxi Service.