THE MAGIC OF ISLA IS...
STUNNING BEACHES
VIBRANT CULTURE
FRIENDLY PEOPLE
AMAZING FOOD
All You Need to Know
Isla Basics
Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is about a 30min drive from the Cancun airport and a short 20 minute ferry ride to the island. Isla is a small island in Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean sea, about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) long and is broken down into different areas of Downtown (Centro) – North Beach (Playa Norte), the Airport Strip, the Colonias, South Point (Punta Sur) and Sac Bajo. Options to get around the island are by renting a golf cart, scooter or taking taxis or the bus. The main downtown area is compact and very walkable. Taxis around the island will take you anywhere for about 3-10usd, but for touring the island, the best option is to rent a golf cart.
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Whether you are looking for information on how to get to or around the island, things to do and see, places to eat, stay or play, you came to the right place. Keep in mind we do not book tours etc, we are just here to help. Please visit our
Isla Top 5 List​ to see our recommendations or you can visit our FB page, with over 150K members to ask for everyone's recommendations.
Isla is ideal for:
Couples, Solo travelers, Friends, Families, Beach goers, Digital nomads, Ocean lovers, Yogis
Activities:
Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Sunset Cruises, Catamaran Trips, Fishing, Swimming with the Whale Sharks (May - Sept), Exploring the Island by Golf Cart, Cooking Classes, Isla Contoy, Culture & Food Tours, Yoga, Shopping and Off Island Tours
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Other Services and Areas of Interest:
Food & Grocery Delivery, Beach Clubs, Photography Sessions, Massages, Spas & Salons, Weddings Planners, North Beach, South Point, Exploring Hidalgo, Cafes, Restaurants & Bars
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Best Time to Visit:
Isla is one of those places that you can visit anytime of year, assuming you like hot and sunny, which it is most of the time. When it does rain it is usually for short bursts *unless there is.a 'Norte' (North wind) or storm rolling through, which can last for a few days. The temperature is generally hot, but comfortable in the winter months with a cool breeze on the Caribbean side and some fresh days here and there. If you’re looking for a warm holiday getaway, this is the perfect time to visit Isla. However, it is also the busiest. Summer is typically super hot and densely humid. Hurricane season is from June to November and hard to predict these days, but overall the wettest months are from September to November, which is a quieter time of year for the island.
From the airport to the ferry, to the island and back again...
Transportation Options
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The Cancun airport is approximately a 30 minute drive to the Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal.
There are several options that will get you to the island. It depends more than anything on your budget,
Budget:
From the Cancun aiport you can catch an ADO bus (similar to a greyhound) and this bus will take you to the downtown Cancun bus terminal (about 30 mins). From there you can catch a public, local bus to the ferry terminal OR you can catch a taxi from the bus station to the ferry terminal.
Moderate:
From the Cancun airport you can catch any number of shuttles, but keep in mind that they are shared and sometimes Isla Mujeres is the last stop, after visiting the hotel zone of Cancun. Although this option is reasonably priced, it will take longer.
Convienient:
From the Cancun airport you can have a private van pick you up and drop you off directly at the ferry terminal. For this option we undoubtably, (from experience), recommend CARM Tours & Transfers. You can also book your ferry tickets online with them when you reserve your transfer.
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Taxis are always available from the Airport, but would be more expensive then a private transfer.
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Super Convenient:
Are you coming to Isla Mujeres and don’t want to wait in long lines for the crowded ferry or you have a very late or early flight and don't want to spend the night in Cancun? Isla Fun Tours can help you arrange private transportation direct from the airport to your hotel. It's also a great option if you are travelling in a group.
Service includes:
Round trip private airport Shuttle
Private Boat ride to and from Isla Mujeres
Complementary Taxis to/from your accommodation
Traveler Insurance
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The Ferry...
takes about 20mins to cross to the island. You can purchase your ticket ahead of time or at the ferry terminal.
**please note that the tickets are NOT time specific. You can use your ticket for up to six months (policies may change).
Please check the Ultramar Website for the ferry schedules and fares.
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Returning Home:
Upon return to the airport, if have not arranged transportation and would like to take a taxi (please note it's always cheaper TO the airport than FROM). For the best taxi fare, exit the ferry terminal, walk across the street and take a left to the OXXO store. Note that the closer you are to the ferry, the more expensive the taxis will be.
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Getting Around Isla
Once you are on the island you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel. Given the usual heat and humidity on the island we suggest that if you are going to walk, that you hire a porter with a cart and bicycle (there are many upon arrival) to help you get your luggage to your hotel, remember that they only work for tips, so tip generously.
Otherwise the public bus and taxis are also a cheap option to get around the island.
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Golf Cart Rentals
Golf Cart Rentals on the island vary from hourly rentals, daily rentals and 24 hour rentals. It is a VERY competitive market and not much room for deals and discounts. If you are looking for a rental for 24 hours or more, we suggest you book ahead of time, especially in high seasons. If you are looking for a rental for the day, you can just show up the morning of. Please contact specific providers for prices.
Keep in mind to ask a few questions, such as: Are all seats front facing or back to back? How many seats? Do they pick you up and deliver? Do they refill the gas for you? Will they take your drivers license as a deposit upon receiving your golf cart? What is their insurance coverage? What forms of payment do they accept etc.
Also please note that due to many alcohol related accidents over the years with tourists and golf carts there is now a 0 tolerance policy for drinking and driving - this includes golf carts. No open containers in the cart either. The police monitor this regularly and fines will be charged. Please have a designated driver or there are always many taxis as well as guided tours around the island as an alternative.