Cancún to Isla Mujeres Ferry: Tickets, Times & Departure Points

The Cancún to Isla Mujeres ferry is one of the easiest island crossings in Quintana Roo. Isla Mujeres sits a short distance off the coast, but the practical details still matter: the best departure point depends on where you are staying, ferry schedules and fares change, and a short crossing can become a long travel day if you arrive at the wrong terminal or leave no margin for airport traffic.

For most independent travelers, Puerto Juárez is the default choice. It is the main mainland terminal for the route and usually makes the most sense from downtown Cancún. If you are staying in the Hotel Zone, Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol may reduce the road journey. All three options need to be checked against the operator’s current booking page before you leave because terminals, departure times, fares, ticket conditions, and weather-related operations can change.

The crossing itself is usually around 20–30 minutes, depending on the departure point, vessel, and sea conditions. The ferry is a point-to-point passenger service, not the same thing as a full-day catamaran excursion with snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar. Choosing the right format is the main decision: take the regular ferry when you want control over your day, or compare an organized excursion when you want transport and activities bundled together.

Quick answer: which Cancún ferry should you take?

The official Ultramar Isla Mujeres route page is the place to confirm the live sailing information for the route. Its current terms state that schedules and fares can change without notice, so an older blog timetable is not a reliable substitute for the operator’s booking information.

The three main departure points from Cancún

Cancún is not one compact ferry terminal. The route is served from separate points along the mainland, and each one works best for a different part of the city. Do not simply search for “Cancún ferry” on a map and assume the first result is the right dock. Check the terminal shown for your selected departure and compare it with your hotel or transfer drop-off.

Puerto Juárez: the practical default

Puerto Juárez is the main choice for travelers based in downtown Cancún and the most useful starting point for many independent day trips. The Ultramar terminal is listed at Avenida López Portillo in Puerto Juárez. The area is north of central Cancún and away from the middle of the Hotel Zone, so a taxi or local bus is normally part of the plan unless you are staying nearby.

This terminal is especially convenient when:

• you are staying in downtown Cancún;
• you are arriving from another ADO or regional bus connection and have time to transfer locally;
• you want the main passenger-ferry experience rather than a resort-area departure;
• you are traveling with luggage and prefer a larger terminal with established passenger facilities;
• you want to use the route commonly associated with the Cancún–Isla Mujeres crossing.

Ultramar’s directions identify the AUTOCAR R-1 bus toward Puerto Juárez as a public-transport option. Local transport conditions can change, and bus service may be less comfortable with large bags, children, or a tight connection. A taxi or pre-arranged transfer is simpler when the cost can be shared among several travelers.

Passenger ferry at Punta Juárez in Cancún

Puerto Juárez also makes a sensible overnight transition point. If your flight lands late and you do not want to risk a same-day island connection, staying in Cancún first can make the next morning easier. Check current Cancún rates on Booking.com · Compare Cancún stays on Trip.com

Playa Tortugas: convenient for part of the Hotel Zone

Playa Tortugas is on Boulevard Kukulcán around kilometer 6.5 in the Hotel Zone. It can be a better fit than Puerto Juárez when your hotel is already close to the northern or central section of the Hotel Zone, although the best choice still depends on the sailing available for your date.

The advantages are straightforward:

• less backtracking toward downtown for some resort-area hotels;
• a recognizable Hotel Zone location;
• access by Hotel Zone bus service or taxi;
• the possibility of combining the ferry departure with time around the beach area.

The trade-off is that a Hotel Zone terminal is not automatically faster for every hotel. The Hotel Zone is long, traffic can be slow, and a departure at Playa Tortugas may not line up with the exact timing you want. Measure the road journey from your hotel rather than choosing it because it sounds closer on a map.

If you are carrying only a small day bag, the terminal can be easy to reach. With checked luggage, a stroller, or a group that needs to board together, leave more time for the road and terminal queue. The ferry ride is short; the road trip to the dock is the part most likely to create stress.

Playa Caracol: another Hotel Zone option

Playa Caracol is listed by Ultramar around kilometer 9.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán. It may suit travelers staying in the central Hotel Zone or near the northern end of the strip, depending on traffic and the current service pattern.

Use Playa Caracol when:

• it is the closest live departure to your hotel;
• the sailing time fits your planned island arrival;
• your hotel transfer can take you directly to the terminal;
• you have checked the return arrangement rather than only the outbound leg.

The most important detail is not the name of the beach but the exact departure terminal attached to your ticket. Hotel Zone piers are not interchangeable for a last-minute arrival. A taxi driver may know the area, but show the terminal name and keep the booking confirmation available.

What about El Embarcadero?

Government tourism information for Isla Mujeres also mentions El Embarcadero among the mainland access points. Operator listings can change, and the current Ultramar route page extracted for this guide lists Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Caracol for the Cancún–Isla Mujeres passenger routes. Treat El Embarcadero as a location that needs separate confirmation rather than assuming it operates the same service or ticket.

This distinction matters because Cancún has several marine terminals and excursion piers. Some departures are regular ferry services; others are connected to a particular operator, catamaran package, or park itinerary. Confirm the operator, terminal, arrival point, and return terms before paying.

Ferry times: what you can safely rely on

Travelers often search for a fixed list of ferry times, but static schedules age quickly. The official operator states that schedules and fares may change without notice, and the live booking page is the safer reference for your travel date. Weather, demand, holidays, vessel changes, and terminal assignments can all affect the useful answer.

A few planning principles are stable:

1. The crossing is short, but boarding is not instantaneous. Ultramar advises arriving 30 minutes before departure.
2. Morning sailings are valuable for a day trip. Leaving early gives you more time for Playa Norte, central Isla Mujeres, Punta Sur, snorkeling, lunch, and the return journey.
3. A ferry timetable is not a guarantee during bad weather. Port authorities can restrict navigation, and the operator may alter service.
4. Check the return before boarding the outbound ferry. A day trip is only useful if the return options fit your plan.
5. Do not plan an airport connection around the shortest possible crossing. Immigration, baggage, road traffic, ticketing, and boarding time need their own buffer.

Some marketplace listings display a different approximate duration or different ticket-validity language from the operator’s own terms. That is normal when products are sold through different channels, but it means you should read the conditions for the exact ticket you are buying. A voucher purchased through a marketplace may require exchange at a ticket window, and a dock or environmental fee may be separate. The checkout instructions control.

Tickets, fares, and how to buy

There are three common ways to arrange the crossing:

• buy directly through the ferry operator;
• buy at the terminal on the day;
• buy a ferry product through an activity marketplace.

Buying directly from the operator

Direct booking is the clearest way to see the current route, terminal, sailing, and operator terms. Ultramar’s published information says its tickets are non-refundable and remain valid for six months from the purchase date for any available day and time on the purchased route. Read the live terms at checkout because route and product rules can differ.

Direct booking is useful when you:

• already know your preferred terminal;
• want the operator’s current schedule rather than an old printed table;
• need to understand baggage, child, bicycle, or pet rules;
• are traveling on a date when demand may be high;
• want to avoid confusion between a ferry and a sightseeing cruise.

Buying at the terminal

Buying in person gives you flexibility when your arrival time is uncertain. It can also mean waiting in a queue, and the next suitable sailing may be later than you hoped. During weekends, holidays, school breaks, and the busiest winter travel period, allow time for lines and crowded boarding areas.

Use the official ticket window and confirm:

• departure terminal;
• destination terminal;
• one-way or round trip;
• passenger category;
• baggage conditions;
• whether an environmental or municipal fee is included;
• return-ticket validity;
• what happens if the port closes or the sailing changes.

Do not buy from a street tout simply because they promise a faster or cheaper boat. Ask which operator is actually providing the service and where the boat leaves. A low price is not helpful if it sends you to the wrong dock or describes a catamaran excursion when you only need a ferry.

Booking through GetYourGuide or Viator

Marketplace booking can be convenient if you want a voucher, a combined excursion, or a product that includes transport. The exact terms matter more than the logo. Current listings can change, and the route shown at checkout should be treated as authoritative.

For a self-guided passenger crossing, compare the Cancún–Isla Mujeres round-trip ferry listing on GetYourGuide and see the round-trip ferry option on Viator. Check the selected meeting point, voucher exchange instructions, dock charges, return window, and operator name before booking. Do not assume that a six-month validity statement on one product applies to another marketplace ticket.

If what you really want is snorkeling, lunch, and a hosted island day rather than transport alone, compare a Cancún catamaran excursion on GetYourGuide with a Viator Isla Mujeres catamaran cruise. These are different products from the regular passenger ferry. They may have an assigned meeting point, an all-day duration, and inclusions that are not part of a simple crossing.

Getting to the ferry from Cancún International Airport

Cancún International Airport is not beside the Isla Mujeres ferry terminals. You must travel from the airport to a mainland dock before boarding. For most arrivals, Puerto Juárez is the logical target, but a Hotel Zone terminal may be better if you already have a hotel there or have arranged a transfer along Boulevard Kukulcán.

Airport arrival on the same day

A same-day airport-to-island connection is possible, but it should not be planned as if the ferry were an airport shuttle. Build in time for:

• disembarking and immigration;
• checked baggage collection;
• customs procedures;
• finding your driver or transport;
• road traffic;
• reaching the correct terminal;
• buying or collecting tickets;
• the operator’s recommended arrival buffer;
• weather or port delays.

A private airport transfer is the simplest option for families, groups, and travelers with substantial luggage. Public transport can reduce cost, but it usually requires more coordination and is less forgiving if your flight is late. If your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening, consider staying in Cancún and crossing the following morning instead of paying for a rushed connection.

When booking an airport transfer, specify Puerto Juárez ferry terminal or the exact Hotel Zone pier, not merely “Isla Mujeres.” The vehicle cannot drive to the island, and the driver needs to know which mainland terminal you mean. Compare Cancún transfer and day-trip inventory on GetYourGuide · See Cancún and Isla Mujeres options on Viator

Connecting from a Cancún hotel

From downtown Cancún, Puerto Juárez is usually the natural choice. From the Hotel Zone, calculate the journey to both Puerto Juárez and the nearer Hotel Zone piers. A short-looking route can take longer in heavy traffic, particularly at peak departure times.

Ask your hotel or host about the current taxi procedure and allow enough time to reach the correct kilometer marker. Keep the terminal name in Spanish and English on your phone. If you are using a ride-hailing application, verify that it serves the pickup and drop-off points you need; local taxi availability may be more predictable at some resort areas.

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How long is the crossing?

The passenger crossing normally takes roughly 20–30 minutes, but that is a planning estimate, not a promise. The precise time depends on the departure point, vessel, sea state, and operating conditions. Allow additional time for boarding, disembarking, and walking out of the terminal.

The island arrival terminal is on Avenida Rueda Medina near the central town area. From there, Playa Norte and many downtown restaurants are within a reasonable walk, while southern attractions require another form of transport. If you are staying near the ferry terminal, you may be able to walk with a small bag. If you are heading to Punta Sur or a southern hotel, arrange a taxi or rental vehicle after arrival rather than assuming the whole island is walkable in the midday heat.

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

What to do after arriving

The ferry terminal is close to the busiest northern part of Isla Mujeres, but the island is more varied than the first beach suggests. Choose your onward plan before you disembark.

Stay around the north if you want an easy beach day

Playa Norte, the central town, and the surrounding restaurants are the simplest combination after the ferry. This suits travelers who want to swim, eat, browse, and return without arranging a full island circuit. The west-facing northern shore is also a practical choice when you are working with a short day-trip window.

For a detailed beach plan, use the separate Playa Norte Isla Mujeres guide. Go early if calm water and space matter to you, and do not assume beach conditions will be identical every day. Wind, currents, sargassum, and crowd levels change.

Rent a vehicle only when you need the southern island

Golf carts are popular for seeing more of Isla Mujeres, but they are not necessary for every visitor. A cart makes sense when you want to combine the north with Punta Sur, the east coast, viewpoints, and southern stops in one day. It is less useful if you plan to stay by Playa Norte and drink or swim all afternoon.

If you rent, confirm:

• the rental period and return time;
• the deposit and accepted identification;
• insurance and damage conditions;
• passenger capacity;
• where the cart may be driven;
• what happens if weather interrupts your plans.

Drive slowly and treat the cart as a real road vehicle. Heat, traffic, narrow turns, pedestrians, and unfamiliar roads are more important than the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Scooters are not automatically a better bargain: they require more confidence and provide less protection in a fall. Taxis are often the sensible choice for a couple or family making one southern trip.

Add a snorkel or reef activity carefully

A passenger ferry only moves you between Cancún and Isla Mujeres. It does not include snorkeling, reef access, a beach club, lunch, or a guide. Those are separate arrangements. If you want to snorkel, check the meeting point and departure time before committing to the ferry because many boat activities leave from the island or from Cancún at a fixed time.

Do not book a reef activity with a meeting time that leaves no margin after your ferry arrival. Sea conditions can delay the crossing, and walking from the terminal takes longer with children or luggage. For a bundled excursion, use a verified product and read its inclusions rather than assuming the words “Isla Mujeres tour” describe a regular ferry.

Punta Sur landscape on Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Ferry versus catamaran tour

Both options can be good, but they serve different travelers.

The regular ferry gives you independence. You can arrive, walk to Playa Norte, decide later whether to rent a cart, and spend as much or as little time in town as you like. It is usually the better format for an overnight stay, a family that wants quiet control, or a traveler who dislikes open-bar party excursions.

A catamaran can be more efficient when your priority is a full activity day. The trade-off is less control: meeting points, meal times, snorkeling stops, beach-club rules, and return arrangements follow the product. Some excursions are lively and social, which is a benefit for some groups and a drawback for others.

Do not compare the ferry ticket with the full price of a catamaran as if they were identical services. The tour price may include food, drinks, staff, snorkeling equipment, and transfers. The ferry price may cover only the crossing. Compare the complete day you want, including taxis, meals, vehicle rental, and activities.

Luggage, children, pets, and accessibility

Ultramar’s published baggage policy allows one piece of luggage up to 25 kilograms, with total dimensions no greater than 142 centimetres, calculated from the three dimensions. Confirm the current terms for your ticket, especially if you have multiple bags, sports equipment, a stroller, or oversized luggage.

A few habits make boarding easier:

• keep tickets and identification accessible rather than buried in a suitcase;
• use a small day bag for sunscreen, water, medication, and a change of clothes;
• label larger luggage clearly;
• arrive early if you need help boarding;
• ask the operator about mobility equipment before travel;
• do not leave valuables unattended on an open deck.

Ultramar lists indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor deck seating, charging stations, a snack bar, designated pet areas, and bicycle transport. Those features do not remove the need to check current restrictions for your specific sailing. Families should confirm child categories and boarding requirements; the operator’s published terms state that infants from 0–12 months travel free but require a boarding pass, while child and adult categories are based on age and height rules listed by the operator.

Passengers with limited mobility should contact the ferry company before purchase. Ask about the route-specific gangway, terminal access, boarding assistance, seating, and whether the island-side terminal offers the help you need. A ferry may be short, but the terminal ramps, queues, vehicle transfers, and uneven pavement after arrival are part of the trip.

Weather, sea conditions, and port closures

The Caribbean crossing is short enough to look harmless on a map, but ferry operations depend on the sea. Strong winds, rough water, tropical systems, and winter nortes can delay or suspend navigation. The correct response is not to rely on a timetable copied from a previous season.

Before leaving for the terminal:

1. Check the operator’s current notices or booking status.
2. Check the Mexican Navy’s official port-status portal.
3. Confirm whether the relevant Cancún and Isla Mujeres port authorities are open to the type of navigation involved.
4. Keep your hotel, airport, or onward-transport plan flexible during unsettled weather.
5. Follow crew instructions instead of trying to board a canceled sailing through an unofficial seller.

Port status can change during the day. A blue-sky morning does not guarantee an afternoon return if a weather system develops. If your international flight leaves Cancún the next morning, avoid creating a tight chain of island ferry, road transfer, and airport check-in. Stay on the mainland before an early flight unless you have a very large margin.

A realistic one-day itinerary

A ferry day trip works best when you resist the temptation to schedule every corner of the island.

Option 1: simple beach day

Take an early ferry from Puerto Juárez or the Hotel Zone terminal closest to your hotel. Walk from the island terminal toward Playa Norte, settle in, swim, and have lunch nearby. Spend the afternoon in central Isla Mujeres, then return to the ferry terminal with enough time for the selected sailing.

This is the best plan for:

• families with young children;
• travelers who want minimal transfers;
• first-time visitors with limited time;
• anyone more interested in calm water than island sightseeing.

Option 2: north beach plus south viewpoint

Take an early ferry, leave the terminal area, and arrange a golf cart or taxi. Visit Punta Sur while you have energy, then travel back toward the north for Playa Norte and lunch. Return the vehicle with a comfortable margin and board the ferry before the last practical option of the day.

This gives you geographic variety, but it is more exposed to heat, traffic, and rental delays. It is not the best plan if your ferry arrives late or if you have a non-flexible evening connection.

Option 3: organized activity day

Book a verified catamaran or ferry-and-activity product from Cancún. Follow the meeting-point instructions exactly, confirm whether hotel pickup is included, and read whether the itinerary includes free time on Isla Mujeres or only a beach-club stop. This is easier when you want one booking and a hosted day, but it gives you less freedom to change plans.

Staying overnight on Isla Mujeres

An overnight stay changes the ferry decision. You are no longer trying to see the whole island between two crossings, so the regular passenger ferry becomes especially practical. Travel with a manageable bag, walk or taxi to your accommodation, and explore the north or south at a slower pace.

Staying near the ferry terminal or Playa Norte reduces arrival friction and makes an early return simple. Southern accommodation can be quieter, but you will need onward transport after reaching the island. If you are comparing areas rather than a specific property, check current Isla Mujeres accommodation on Booking.com · Compare Isla Mujeres stays on Trip.com.

Do not name a hotel based only on a search snippet. Property availability, access, construction, minimum stays, and room conditions change. Check the property’s current listing and confirm how you will reach it from the maritime terminal before booking.

When to return to Cancún

For a day trip, choose the return before you settle on the beach. You do not necessarily need to lock yourself into the earliest possible return, but you do need to know the operator’s ticket conditions and the available sailings. Keep more time than you think you need for:

• walking back from a southern stop;
• returning a golf cart;
• finding a taxi;
• buying food or water;
• terminal queues;
• weather-related changes;
• carrying wet swimwear and beach gear.

If you have a flight, bus, wedding, or dinner reservation in Cancún, do not choose a return ferry that leaves only a narrow road-transfer window. A late ferry may still be running while your airport plan has already failed. The island is best enjoyed when the return is a known part of the day rather than a problem to solve at the last minute.

Common mistakes to avoid

Going to the wrong terminal

Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Caracol are different locations. Read the booking confirmation and show the exact name to your driver.

Treating a tour ticket like a public ferry ticket

A catamaran package may have a fixed meeting point, a fixed itinerary, and different cancellation or return rules. Confirm what you bought.

Copying an old fare into your budget

Use current booking information. Fares may change, and environmental or dock charges may be separate.

Arriving just before departure

Ultramar advises arriving 30 minutes early. Add more time on weekends, holidays, with luggage, or when traveling from the airport.

Planning a late airport connection

Road traffic and ferry conditions are outside your control. Stay on the mainland before an important flight.

Assuming the ferry runs in every weather

Check port status and operator notices. A short crossing can still be canceled for safety.

Renting a golf cart automatically

A cart is useful for a full-island circuit but unnecessary for a north-end beach day. Price the time, deposit, driving, and return responsibility honestly.

Carrying only a card

Keep pesos for small purchases, taxis, rentals, and situations where a card machine is unavailable. Avoid carrying all your cash in one place.

FAQ

Is Isla Mujeres a day trip from Cancún?

Yes. The short crossing makes it one of the easiest island day trips from Cancún. Start early, choose a realistic plan, and protect the return window.

How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?

Ultramar advises arriving 30 minutes before departure. Add extra time for traffic, queues, luggage, children, or an airport connection.

Which ferry terminal is closest to the Cancún Hotel Zone?

That depends on your hotel’s location. Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol are both Hotel Zone departure points; compare the live sailing and road journey rather than assuming one is always faster.

Can I take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres?

There is no direct regular passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. Travel by land to a Cancún-area departure point or book an organized excursion that includes the mainland transfer.

Can I bring luggage?

The operator publishes a one-piece baggage allowance with weight and dimension limits. Check the current terms for your ticket if you have more than one bag, oversized luggage, a bicycle, or special equipment.

Is the ferry suitable for children?

The crossing is short, and children commonly use the service. Bring sun protection, water, and any medication you need. Confirm the current child and infant boarding rules before purchase.

Does the ferry run during storms?

Not necessarily. Wind, waves, storms, and port restrictions can delay or suspend service. Check the operator and the SEMAR port-status portal on the day.

Should I book a ferry or a catamaran tour?

Book the regular ferry when you want independence and a simple crossing. Choose a catamaran when you want snorkeling, lunch, drinks, transfers, or a hosted itinerary included. They are different travel products.

The simplest decision

For most travelers, the plan is uncomplicated: check the live operator schedule, choose Puerto Juárez unless your Hotel Zone location makes Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol more convenient, arrive at least 30 minutes early, and keep the return flexible enough for weather and road delays. Take the regular ferry when the island itself is your priority; choose a verified catamaran only when its included activities match the day you actually want. That small amount of planning leaves you free to enjoy Isla Mujeres rather than spending the morning looking for the correct dock.