Boat and Ferry Travel

Isla ferries are typically two-story passenger cruisers that run between the mainland and the island’s main dock.

Magana Express makes the crossing in just under 20 minutes. A one-way ticket from Puerto Juárez costs MX$78, and daily boats leave every 30 minutes from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm; there’s a late ferry at 11:30 pm for those returning from partying in Cancún. The company also operates a slower open-air ferry from 5 am to 6 pm. It takes about 45 minutes but costs only MX$40 per person.

Between 9:30 and 5:30, Ultramar ferries to Isla’s main dock depart from three locations in Cancún’s Zona Hotelera: El Embarcadero marina complex at Playa Linda, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Caracol. The voyage costs MX$182 one-way and takes about 30 minutes.

Although you don’t need a car on Isla Mujeres, the Naviera Contoy Vehicle Ferry leaves from Punta Sam, a dock north of Puerto Juárez. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and the fare is MX$15 per person and MX$185–MX$275 per vehicle, depending on the size of your car. If you’re staying at Zoëtry Villa Rolandi or Isla Mujeres Palace, transportation on a private yacht is included in your room rate.

Contacts

Magana Express (Puerto Juarez Terminal, Av. Lopez Portillo, Sm 85, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77520. 998/877–0254 or 998/877–0088.)

Naviera Contoy Vehicle Ferry (Punta Sam Ferry Dock, Carretera Punta Sam, Km 5.2, past the Navy Base, Punta Sam, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77520. 998/887–0065.)

Ultramar (Gran Puerto Cancún, Av. Lopez Portillo, Sm 84, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77520. 998/881–5890. www.granpuerto.com.mx.)