Traveler question · Updated October 25, 2026 · Ferry prices and times change. Confirm with Ultramar before you go.
Getting there: the ferry
| From | Price | Crossing | Last boat back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Juárez / Gran Puerto, north of downtown | About 110–120 pesos ($6) | 15–20 min, about every 30 min | Around 11 p.m. |
| Hotel Zone piers (Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, El Embarcadero) | About 170–200 pesos ($9–$10) | 25–30 min, less often | Around 5:30–6:30 p.m. |
Puerto Juárez is the cheapest and most frequent; a taxi from the Hotel Zone takes about 20–30 minutes. A slower, cheaper public ferry also runs from the next dock. Check current fares and times on Ultramar's website.
What to see
- Playa Norte: calm, shallow, turquoise water at the north tip of the island, a short walk from the ferry. Its sheltered position means it rarely gets sargassum.
- Punta Sur: cliffs at the island's southern tip, with a small Maya shrine, a sculpture garden and sweeping sea views. It's the easternmost point of Mexico.
- The town: colorful streets, beach bars and seafood restaurants, all walkable from the ferry.
- The east coast road: a scenic drive by golf cart along the rugged, open-sea side of the island.
- Snorkeling and MUSA: the underwater sculpture museum and nearby reefs are reached on boat tours.
Getting around the island
The island is about 7 km long. Golf carts are the classic way to see it, at about 600–1,200 pesos a day; bring your driver's license and check the cart before you set off. Taxis and mototaxis are cheap for short hops, and bikes are an option if you don't mind the heat.
Ferry on your own, or a catamaran tour?
Doing it yourself is cheap and flexible. A catamaran tour from Cancun usually adds snorkeling, lunch and an open bar, and handles the transport, at a higher price. Families and first-timers often like the tour; independent travelers usually prefer the ferry. Compare Isla Mujeres catamaran tours on Viator →
Tips for the day
- Take an early ferry to have Playa Norte before the tour boats arrive.
- Bring pesos in small bills for the golf cart deposit, snacks and tips.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring water shoes.
- Note the last ferry back to your pier, especially if you left from the Hotel Zone.
- Want to stay longer? Resorts in Costa Mujeres look straight across at the island.
More Cancun questions: Is Cancun safe? · Airport transfers · Where to stay · Seaweed season · Sharks and beach flags · Isla Mujeres day trip
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Sources
Ferry prices, times and golf carts: Mexico Travel and Leisure, April 2026 and Cancun Trip; official schedules: Ultramar. Playa Norte and sargassum: Pixan Travel, October 2026.
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