Are you planning to visit Isla Mujeres soon? The ferry is the option you absolutely must take to cross from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, but questions like “Where can I catch it?” and “How much does it cost?” are very common when it comes to this type of sea transportation.

To clear up all your doubts, here we explain everything you need to know about the Isla Mujeres ferry.

How to take the Isla Mujeres Ferry

To take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, you need to arrive at its departure terminal. Fortunately, ferries leave frequently, every 30 minutes, so you won’t have to wait too long to reach your destination.

Where is the ferry pier to Isla Mujeres?

To reach the ferry pier, you must first arrive in Cancun, since this is where the direct departure points are located. Here, you will find two main piers: Puerto Juárez and the Hotel Zone.

Puerto Juárez is located just a few minutes from downtown Cancun and is the most popular option because it offers the best value for money. Here you will find the Ultramar ferries, which start running at 5:30 a.m. and continue until 11:00 p.m. This transportation service has departures every 30 minutes, so you won’t need to worry; just make sure to check the schedule in advance.

On the other hand, Cancun’s Hotel Zone also offers maritime transportation services to Isla Mujeres, which can be very convenient if you are staying nearby. In this area, there are three departure points: “El Embarcadero” located at kilometer 4.5, Playa Tortugas pier at kilometer 6.5, and Playa Caracol pier at kilometer 9.5 of Boulevard Kukulkán.

Unlike Puerto Juárez, the Hotel Zone features additional companies such as Xcaret Xailing, which provides direct ferry services. Specifically, this company operates from “El Embarcadero” on Boulevard Kukulkán and offers continuous departures every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

Ultramar, the main ferry company to Isla Mujeres, also operates from Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. However, at Playa Caracol, departures are more limited due to the smaller number of available vessels.

Duration of the Ferry Ride

The Puerto Juárez ferry is the one with the most frequent departures. The travel time on this route is approximately 15–20 minutes, while the routes departing from the Hotel Zone typically take 25–30 minutes.

Isla Mujeres Ferry Prices

The cost of this service will depend largely on the company you choose for your transfer. Ultramar is a more affordable option, with prices of $290 MXN per adult and $220 MXN per child starting from 1 year of age. These prices are valid from any of the departure points; however, in the case of Playa Caracol, an additional fee for pier use must be paid, so keep that in mind.

The ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres operated by Xcaret Xailing ranges around $262 MXN per adult and $225 MXN per child between 6 and 11 years old. The advantage of this service is that it includes access to the Cancun Scenic Tower, located in the Hotel Zone. It also includes Wi-Fi, restrooms, designated seating areas for people with disabilities, a pet-friendly area, travel insurance, and a special section to store your luggage.

One-Day Tours to Isla Mujeres

If staying overnight in Isla Mujeres is not part of your plans and you prefer to enjoy a day visit instead, then taking a tour is the perfect option for you.

One of the companies that offers one-day tours to Isla Mujeres is Xcaret, where you can enjoy the experience on a luxury catamaran tour with all the comfort you could want. Because it is a luxury tour on a catamaran, the prices are higher. However, there are other options if you are looking to save money: one-day tours to Isla Mujeres by boat with “La Cooperativa” in Puerto Juárez. This option is very affordable and ideal for both locals and tourists. Their prices range between 500–600 Mexican pesos, and they offer departures from the pier to Isla Mujeres, snorkeling, free time on the island, and food.

Conclusion

Fortunately, getting to Isla Mujeres is no longer complicated. Its different maritime transportation options give travelers a wide variety of choices depending on their personal preferences. Thanks to the multiple departure points and the different ferry companies available, every visitor can choose the most convenient place to depart from in order to reach this beautiful destination in the Mexican Caribbean.

If you need transportation that takes you comfortably from your hotel to the ferry, or from the Cancun Airport to the Isla Mujeres ferry, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer private transportation services exclusively for you and your companions. The best part is that you will arrive directly, safely, and with excellent service.

Visit this Caribbean Sea gem — Isla Mujeres is waiting for you!