How to Get to Isla Mujeres (and How to Get Around)
Getting to Isla Mujeres is easier than it sounds: it’s an island off the coast of Cancún, and the only way in is by sea, on a ferry that crosses in about 20 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step on how to get there from Cancún airport, which ferry to take, and how to get around the island once you’re here.
Quick facts
- How you get there: passenger ferry from Cancún (there’s no bridge or airport on the island).
- Main port: Puerto Juárez (Gran Puerto), north of Cancún — the most frequent and affordable.
- Crossing time: approx. 15–20 minutes from Puerto Juárez.
- Frequency: departures every 30 minutes at peak times.
- Main ferry company: Ultramar (other companies also operate from different docks).
- Arrival on the island: the Maritime Terminal, downtown, next to Playa Norte.
Step 1: from Cancún airport to the dock
From Cancún International Airport to the Puerto Juárez dock is roughly 30–40 minutes by car. You can get there by taxi, private transfer, or rideshare (DiDi). If you stay with us, our concierge can arrange your transfer so you don’t have to think about a thing when you land.
Tip: Puerto Juárez (also called Gran Puerto) is the best option for price and frequency. There are other docks in the Hotel Zone (Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol), pricier and with fewer departures — only worth it if your hotel is right next door.
Step 2: the ferry to Isla Mujeres
The Ultramar ferry leaves Puerto Juárez roughly every half hour, from very early (around 5:00–5:30 am) until night. No advance booking needed: buy your ticket at the window or online and board. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, with an open-air deck and air conditioning inside.
The ticket is round-trip and the fare runs about $15–20 USD per adult (check the current price, it changes by season). Keep your ticket: the round-trip is valid for several months.
Step 3: getting around the island
Isla Mujeres is only about 7 km (4.5 miles) long, so it’s easy to cover. Your options:
- Golf cart — the classic, most fun way. Ideal for exploring the island at your own pace. Rent by the hour or by the day.
- Taxi — plentiful and cheap for one-off trips.
- Moto / scooter — for couples who want to move quickly.
- On foot / bike — perfect downtown and for Playa Norte.
For groups staying at the villa, the golf cart is the most comfortable: it fits the family and you get from Punta Sur to Playa Norte on a beautiful drive along the coastal road.
How to get to Casa Yáax Juul Kin
Casa Yáax is in Punta Sur, the southern tip of the island. From the Maritime Terminal (where the ferry drops you off) it’s about 15 minutes by taxi or golf cart along the coastal road. We coordinate your check-in and, if you’d like, have the golf cart ready for you on arrival.
Ready to let the only thing you plan be what to do each day? Check availability and leave the logistics to our concierge.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Isla Mujeres? +
Only by sea. You take a passenger ferry from Cancún; the most frequent one leaves from Puerto Juárez and crosses in about 15–20 minutes.
How much is the ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres? +
A round-trip ticket from Puerto Juárez runs about $15–20 USD per adult. The fare varies by season and departure dock; it's worth confirming the day's price.
How often does the ferry run? +
From Puerto Juárez there are departures roughly every 30 minutes at peak times, from early morning until night.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance? +
No. You can buy your ticket at the window the same day. Booking online only saves you the line in high season.
How long is it from Cancún airport to the ferry? +
Between 30 and 40 minutes by car to the Puerto Juárez dock.
How do I get around Isla Mujeres? +
By golf cart (the most popular), taxi, moto, or on foot. The island is only 7 km (4.5 miles) long.