You can get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by ferry, private transfer, or car ferry. Cancun and Isla Mujeres are separated by 13 km (8 miles) of turquoise Caribbean waters.
The ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes just 20–45 minutes, depending on your departure port. With multiple terminals and frequent departures, this island escape is a must-do for travelers seeking pristine beaches like Playa Norte, ranked among the world’s best.
Transportation
There are 3 ferry companies connecting Cancun to Isla Mujeres: Ultramar, Ultracarga, and Xailing.
1. Ultramar Ferry (Gran Puerto Terminal)
The most popular choice, Ultramar operates from Gran Puerto Terminal, offering modern, spacious boats with frequent departures.
- Location: End of López Portillo Ave, 50 minutes from Cancun Airport, 20 minutes from downtown ADO bus station.
- Schedule:
- To Isla Mujeres: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM.
- Return to Cancun: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM.
- Travel Time: 20 minutes.
- Perks: Luggage porters, convenience stores, and restrooms at the terminal.
2. Hotel Zone Ferries (Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, Embarcadero)
For convenience, three piers in Cancun’s Hotel Zone offer scenic routes:
- Ultramar (Playa Tortugas & Playa Caracol): Departs hourly (first at 9:00 AM), 35-minute ride.
- Xailing (Embarcadero): Includes a free Scenic Tower ticket when booked online.
- Travel Time: 30–35 minutes.
3. Ultracarga Ferry (Punta Sam Terminal)
Primarily for vehicles.
- Location: Punta Sam, 55 minutes from the airport, 30 minutes from downtown.
- Schedule:
- To Isla Mujeres: Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat at 9:00 AM; Tue/Fri at 8:00 AM & 1:30 PM.
- Return to Cancun: Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat at 4:00 PM; Tue/Fri at 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM.
- Travel Time: ~45 minutes.
- Note: The island’s narrow streets and limited parking make cars unnecessary for most visitors.
4. Private Water Taxis
Luxury hotels often arrange private yacht transfers. For late-night or early-morning trips, dive shops offer private charters (~$250 USD one way).
| Online booking | Yes | No | Yes |
| Official Site | ultramarferry.com | Not provided | Xcaret-Xailing |
| servicioalcliente@ultramarferry.com | contacto@ultracarga.com | reservaciones@xailing.com | |
| Telephone | (998) 881-5890 | (998) 302-9244 | (998) 883-3143 |
- Kids under 5 ride free.
- Ultramar offers the most frequent departures; Jetway is budget-friendly.
- Ultracarga is ideal for vehicles (though not recommended for tourists).
Schedule
Ferries run daily, with departures every 30–60 minutes from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Key schedules:
- Ultramar (Gran Puerto): 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM.
- Hotel Zone Ferries: Hourly from 9:00 AM.
Prices
| Adult (One Way) | $160 MXN ($8 USD) | $150 MXN ($8 USD) | $335 MXN ($19 USD) |
| Child (One Way) | $130 MXN ($7 USD) | $100 MXN ($5 USD) | $335 MXN ($19 USD) |
Coupons available February 2025
Coupon codes tested and working.
| Coupon | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| FERRYWEB | Ferry to Isla Mujeres | Apply coupon → |
Location
Cancun Ferry Terminals:
- Gran Puerto (Ultramar): End of López Portillo Ave, 20 mins from downtown.
- Hotel Zone Piers: Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, and Embarcadero.
Isla Mujeres Terminal: Located downtown, a 5-minute walk to Playa Norte.
Distance
The distance between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is 13 km (8 miles), with ferry rides taking 20–45 minutes.
Crossing to Isla Mujeres by Car
Ultracarga operates car ferries from Punta Sam (prices start at $500 MXN one way), but cars are not recommended due to limited parking.
Tips
- Avoid round-trip tickets unless certain of return times.
- Pre-book Ultramar or Xailing tickets online to skip lines.
- Quintana Roo residents get discounted fares presenting an official ID (INE).
- Private water taxis cost ~$250 USD for late-night/early-morning trips.
