A beautiful view from within central Isla Mujeres-mobile

How to get from
Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Cancun to Isla Mujeres Trip Overview

Distance27 km (16.9 miles)
Price range$15-$268
Ride Duration Range20m-8h 30m
Earliest Departure10:30
Latest Departure23:30

The best and most affordable way to make the short trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is by ferry. Boats transport passengers all day on the hour past sunset, so you can plan your day accordingly. Isla Mujeres is like paradise; it’s known for its crystal turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and calm and quiet shores. If you enjoy hiking, there are nature walks on the island that allow you to take a break from your beach time. The best time to book a trip to Isla Mujeres is between December and March.

Travel Schedule Options from Cancun to Isla Mujeres



























































































Taking a ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Fastest ferry: 20m

Cheapest ferry: $128

The fastest: 20m

The cheapest: $128

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

TV

Wifi

Food

Wheelchair accessibility

Pets allowed

The fastest: 1h 20m

The cheapest: $268

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

English Speaking Staff

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

A beautiful view from within central Isla Mujeres

About the ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is an island paradise waiting for you to explore it. Whether you’re looking for a snorkeling trip or a beautiful white sand beach, you’ll find it here.

When traveling the 13 kilometer (8 mile) distance between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, you have one option:

  • Hopping on a High Speed Ferry that will take you to the magnificent Isla Mujeres in less than 30 minutes.

The ferries leave from multiple piers around town, so you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. In case you choose a ferry that leaves from Playa Caracol, you’ll need to pay an additional $3 for port tax. The first morning ferry departs at 5 am from Playa Caracol, and the last one departs at 11:30 pm from the same port. During the day, the ferry departs every 30 minutes. 

If you’re visiting Cancun and Isla Mujeres for awesome, sunny weather, the best time to come is between December and April. For those who want to avoid crowds but still have sunny days, a good time to visit is between September and December. However, this time of the year is known as the hurricane season. Even though storms are rare in Cancun and Isla Mujeres, there’s still a possibility of them happening and you should be aware of this before planning your trip.

 

What to see when traveling from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

During your ferry ride between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, you’ll be gliding through the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The upper part of the boat is open, and you can sit back here and enjoy the magnificent views.

Once you arrive at the island, you’ll be surprised right away. Even though Cancun is known as the party destination, Isla Mujeres is the complete opposite of that. This small, sleepy island is where you come to relax and escape the Cancun rhythm.

The island got its name after the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and happiness. Isla Mujeres translates to “Island of Women.” For such a small and laid-back place, the island has a variety of things to offer.

Just a 10-minute walk from the pier lies one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Norte. The water is shallow and calm, making it perfect for families with kids and those who want to relax for a day or two.

On the southern tip of the island, you’ll find Punta Sur. Around here, you can visit the pre-Colombian Mayan Ruins of Ixchel, or take a walk down the coast and admire the rocky landscape. A popular way of exploring the island is by renting a golf cart. It’s very convenient for getting around the island, and hopping from one spot to another in almost no time.

If you’re a fan of snorkeling, you’ll have an awesome time around the island. There are many great snorkeling spots that you can explore for days. Beginners who want to try snorkeling for the first time should start off with El Farito, which is beautiful but also shallow. For those who want to go a step further with exploring the deep waters around the island, there are several scuba diving sites you should check out while staying here.

The water around Isla Mujeres gets very deep just a few miles from the shore. This makes the island a great base for fishing trips. There are many charter fishing operators scattered around the island that will show you all that the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico have to offer.

During your stay on Isla Mujeres, don’t be shy to try all of the tasty local treats. You can start off exploring the food offering at the Mercado Municipal, where you can buy authentic food that’s both delicious and cheap. During your evening walk, visit the Zocalo, the central square, where you’ll find many street food joints with local specials. Don’t forget to order some yummy seafood when you go out for dinner. You won’t regret it.

How to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Taking a ferry 

Hopping on a ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is the only way to make the journey between these two seaside spots. The ferries depart from 4 different piers in Cancun, and there’s a ride scheduled every 30 minutes. You’ll have a variety of departure times and locations to choose from.

Even though it takes less than 30 minutes to arrive in Isla Mujeres, it doesn’t mean you won’t get great amenities. All ferries are equipped with A/C, toilets on board, WiFi, and TVs. If you get hungry, you can purchase some snacks and drink in a ferry bar. There are both indoor and outdoor seats available.

Companies Operating from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

Average time

30m

Average price

$15

(609)

Average time

1h 20m

Average price

$47 - $268

(19)

Average time

8h 30m

Average price

$96 - $128

Average time

20m

Average price

$16

Popular stations and stops in Cancun and Isla Mujeres

Departure stations in Cancun

Cancun Airport (CUN) - Terminal 2

Xcaret Xailing - Embarcadero Isla Mujeres

Ultramar Puerto Juarez Pier

Ultramar Playa Tortugas Pier (Hotels Area)

Ultramar Playa Caracol Pier (Hotels Area)

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Arrival stations in Isla Mujeres

Maritima de Isla Mujeres

Xcaret Xailing Ferry

Ultramar Pier, Isla Mujeres

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