Isla Mujeres (Mujeres Island)
A Caribbean Island Escape Near Cancún
Isla Mujeres is thirteen kilometers off the coast, and no car goes there. The island is reached by ferry from Puerto Juárez, just north of Cancún, and the crossing takes about twenty minutes.
That makes the drive to the terminal the part worth arranging. A trip from Cancún airport, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum begins with a transfer to Puerto Juárez, and Black Luxury Service provides chauffeured transfers in luxury SUVs and executive vehicles, with a driver waiting when the ferry brings you back. (Ferry tickets and taxis on the island are not included.)
Getting to the Puerto Juárez Ferry
From Cancún International Airport the drive is 25 to 35 minutes. From the Hotel Zone or Costa Mujeres it is shorter still. From Playa del Carmen it is roughly an hour, and from Tulum closer to two, which is why most guests visiting the island go from Cancún.
The ferries are frequent, but the early ones matter if you want Playa Norte before the day-trippers arrive.
What to Do on Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a paradise for relaxation, water sports, and exploration. Visitors can:
- Relax on Playa Norte, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, known for its soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters
- Snorkel or dive at MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), an underwater museum of submerged sculptures covered in coral and marine life
- Visit Punta Sur, the island’s highest point, with ocean views and the ruins of a Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel
- Swim with whale sharks (seasonal) or take a catamaran tour along the coast
Dining and Nightlife
The island’s relaxed charm extends to its dining and nightlife, where visitors find fresh seafood, beachside bars, and rooftop lounges. Local specialties include grilled fish tacos, ceviche, and Mayan-style lobster. At night there is live music and oceanfront cocktails, or a sunset cruise around the island.
It is small enough to see in a day and pleasant enough that a great many guests stay longer.
Isla Mujeres Transportation, Ferry, and Travel Planning FAQs
How do I get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun Airport?
By car to the Puerto Juárez ferry terminal, then a ferry to the island. The drive is 25 to 35 minutes and the crossing about 20. We handle the drive in both directions.
Is there a direct transfer to Isla Mujeres?
No, and nobody offers one. The island has no bridge and no airport. Anyone promising a direct transfer means a drive to the ferry, which is what we provide, with a chauffeur waiting on your return.
How far is Isla Mujeres from Tulum?
The ferry terminal is roughly two hours north of Tulum. Most guests visiting the island go from Cancún, though we drive it from anywhere on the coast.
Do I need to book the Isla Mujeres ferry in advance?
Not usually. The ferries are frequent. What is worth arranging in advance is the drive, particularly the return, when the terminal is busiest.
What is the best way to get to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal?
A private transfer. Taxis are unmetered and the fare is a negotiation, and the return queue in the evening is long. A chauffeur is a fixed price and a car already waiting
Is Isla Mujeres worth visiting as a day trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya?
Yes, and most guests do exactly that. Playa Norte, MUSA, and Punta Sur fit comfortably into a day, and the first ferry gets you there before the crowds.
Do private transfers to Isla Mujeres offer options for families and groups?
Yes. Private transportation services offer SUVs and executive vans that accommodate families and groups. Black Luxury Service by STP Caribe also provides child safety seats upon request, which is helpful for families traveling with younger children.