Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Ultramar fares page (October 2026); Ultramar route information; Isla Mujeres municipal fee as charged on ticket sales (September 2026). Hero photo: Suwanosejima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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How to get there
Ultramar runs the public ferries from three piers in Cancun, all at the same fare. Puerto Juárez has the most departures. The Hotel Zone piers are handier if you are staying nearby. Playa Norte is the swim. Do that before you wander off renting a cart.
| Pier | Where | Adult one way / return | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Juárez | North of downtown | 290 / 580 MXN | Most frequent; roughly every 30 minutes |
| Playa Tortugas | Hotel Zone, km 6.5 | 290 / 580 MXN | Fewer sailings |
| Playa Caracol | Hotel Zone, km 9.5 | 290 / 580 MXN | Pier fee paid separately on site |
Child tickets (1 year and up to 1.20 m tall) are 220 MXN one way. Under-ones travel free with a boarding pass. A municipal fee of about 37 MXN per ticket is added. Prices are from Ultramar’s fares page in October 2026 and can change without notice.
From the Hotel Zone, the R-1 bus reaches Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. For Puerto Juárez, take an R-1 signed for Puerto Juárez or a taxi from downtown.
What to do on Isla Mujeres
- Playa Norte: a short walk from the ferry, with shallow, calm, clear water. Many people spend the whole day here.
- Punta Sur: the southern tip, with cliffs, a sculpture garden and the remains of a small Maya shrine. A small entry fee is charged.
- The town: a few walkable streets of restaurants, bars and shops.
- MUSA and reef snorkelling: boats from the island visit the Manchones reef area and the underwater sculptures. See MUSA snorkel tour.
Getting around the island
The island is about 7 km long. Golf carts are the classic way to see it; you need a driving licence. Taxis wait by the ferry dock, and you can walk to Playa Norte.
Catamaran tours
Many visitors go by catamaran tour from the Hotel Zone instead, usually with a snorkelling stop, lunch and drinks included. It’s easier but gives you less time on the island. See Isla Mujeres catamaran.
Staying overnight
Isla Mujeres is quiet after the last day-trippers leave. If you have time, a night or two here is a good contrast to the Hotel Zone. See the Isla Mujeres area guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres?
About 20 minutes from Puerto Juárez.
Is the ferry cheaper from Puerto Juárez?
No. Ultramar charges the same tourist fare at all three piers; Puerto Juárez just has more departures.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
Not usually. You can buy at the pier. Online tickets are open-dated.
Can I use dollars on Isla Mujeres?
Often, but at a poor rate. Bring pesos for taxis, carts and small shops.
